Export new cars to Gabon from Dubai

Importing a brand-new vehicle into Gabon involves navigating Central Africa's Common External Tariff system and Gabon's value-added tax regime. Per Trade.gov, Gabon follows the CEMAC tariff structure: Category Four products (which includes most motor vehicles) face a 30 percent common external tariff. On top of this duty, a Value Added Tax of 18 percent applies to the CIF value plus tariff. Additionally, a processing fee called RUSID (Redevance d'utilisation du systeme informatique) can range from 2 to 80 percent of the cost of insurance and freight, though the upper end is discretionary and varies by shipment. Buyers should be aware that diplomatic missions and companies within Gabon's Special Economic Zone may qualify for customs exemptions, but standard commercial importers do not.

Documentation and Formalities

You will need to provide standard commercial documents at the port of entry: a bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, and chassis or VIN certificate. Gabon's customs authority may also request additional documentation to verify vehicle specifications and origin. Processing through Gabon's customs system requires accurate CIF valuation, as both the RUSID fee and VAT are calculated against this baseline.

Market Context

Gabon is a signatory to the AfCFTA (African Continental Free Trade Area), though the agreement's full implementation remains pending ratification of all protocols. For now, the standard CEMAC tariff regime applies to all non-member suppliers. Verify with the destination's customs authority before shipping — duty rates vary by engine size, fuel type, and buyer category.