Guinea Moving Guide: Documents, Duties & Shipping Notes

Source: IAM Country Guide · Updated 2026-09-05 · Download the Guinea Country Guide (PDF)

Documents

Documents required for importing used household goods, personal effects, and related shipments.

• Copy of passport
• Packing list
• Original bill of lading (OBL) -- no express release permitted -- or air waybill (AWB)
• Original valued inventory in French, dated and signed by the owner of the goods
• Resident permit, work permit, or letter of employment
• Moving certificate or change of residence document
• International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) for all full container load (FCL) shipments
• Customs export declaration from the country of origin
• Tax ID document (Code NIF)

Specific Information

Document timing (critical): All documents must be provided to the destination agent at least 2 weeks before the shipment arrives to obtain duty-free clearance. For diplomatic shipments, documents must be supplied at least 3 weeks prior to arrival, as the diplomatic organization must apply for privileges which may take several weeks for customs approval.

Language requirements: The valued inventory must be in French, dated, and signed by the owner.

International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN): Required for all FCL shipments entering Guinea. This must be obtained before the shipment arrives. The destination agent can advise on the process.

Guichet Unique (one-stop shop): Guinea launched an online trade facilitation portal in 2019 (Guichet Unique du Commerce Exterieur de Guinee) to digitize customs declarations, certifications, and authorizations. Duties can be paid via wire to the Central Bank or through commercial banks via the portal.

Customs clearance challenges: Corruption remains a factor in clearing goods through Guinean customs. Working with an experienced local agent is strongly recommended.

Confiscation risk: Customs authorities have the right to confiscate cargo that is not released within 90 days of arrival.

ISPM 15: Wood packaging materials must comply with ISPM 15 standards.

Duties & Taxes

RTL Tax: Guinea customs levies an RTL (Redevance de Traitement et de Liquidation) tax of 2% of CIF value on all shipments, with a minimum of approximately 300,000 GNF (roughly EUR 30). This applies even to duty-free shipments.

Taxes on new goods: If the consignee does not have a tax exemption, taxes on new goods within a shipment can be as high as 38-45% of CIF value depending on the nature of the goods.

Prohibited & Restricted Items

• Firearms, explosives, and ammunition (PROHIBITED)
• Illegal drugs and narcotic substances (PROHIBITED)
• Animals without prior permission (PERMIT REQUIRED)
• Plants and plant products (RESTRICTED)
• Religious literature (PROHIBITED per VisaHQ -- confirm with destination agent, as enforcement and scope may vary)
• Knives and deadly weapons (PROHIBITED)
• Counterfeit money and goods (PROHIBITED)
• Pornographic material (PROHIBITED)

Tobacco products:

• 1,000 cigarettes, OR
• 250 cigars, OR
• 1,000 g of tobacco

Alcoholic beverages:

• 1 opened bottle only (no additional alcohol permitted duty-free)

Perfume:

• A reasonable amount for personal use

Computers, printers, and scanners: Not considered personal effects. Subject to duties and taxes at approximately 32.01% of CIF value.

Motor vehicles: Duties of approximately 53% of CIF value (see Section 2).

New goods within shipments: Subject to duties of 38-45% of CIF value if the consignee does not have a tax exemption.

Local currency: Up to GNF 100,000 may be exported. Approximately EUR 5,000 (or equivalent) in foreign currency may also be exported.

Import: Residents and non-residents may import up to GNF 100,000, provided they have an export declaration for the equivalent amount. Unlimited foreign currency may be imported but must be declared upon entry. A portion of foreign currency brought in may need to be exchanged into local currency at the discretion of immigration authorities.

Special Categories

• Whether an import permit is formally required for personal pets (vs. just documentation)
• Current specific DFI duty rate applicable to used household goods
• Whether the Guichet Unique portal is operational and accessible for household goods clearance
• Exact current vehicle age limit (IAM guide does not mention one; Maersk states 13 years)
• Scope and enforcement of the religious literature prohibition
• Guinea customs authority website (douanes.gov.gn) operational status (re-checked June 2026 -- still unreachable; DNS resolves but connection times out consistently)

Consignment Instructions

Recommended: Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air and sea shipments.

Document lead time: Provide all documents to the destination agent at least 2 weeks before shipment arrival (3 weeks for diplomatic shipments). Late documentation will delay clearance and incur storage charges.

Valued inventory in French: The inventory must be in French, valued, dated, and signed by the owner. This is a non-negotiable requirement for clearance.

ICTN requirement: An International Cargo Tracking Note is required for all FCL shipments and must be arranged before arrival.

Port of entry: The primary port is Conakry. Air shipments clear through Conakry International Airport (Ahmed Sekou Toure International Airport).

Confiscation: Cargo not released within 90 days of arrival may be confiscated by customs. Ensure all documentation is complete and delivered to the agent well in advance.

Unpredictable expenses: Demurrage, storage fees, and customs processing delays are common. Corruption can also add unpredictable costs. Budget accordingly and work with an experienced local agent.