Country Guides
Central African Republic
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Household Goods
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 / air waybill (AWB)
- Original valued inventory in French, dated and signed by the owner of the goods
- Invoices for all electrical items less than 6 months old
- Resident or work permit, or letter from the employer
- Non-sale certificate (déclaration sur l'honneur) -- a sworn declaration that the owner will not sell personal effects in the Central African Republic
- Bordereau de Suivi de Cargaison (BSC) / Cargo Tracking Note (CTN) -- compulsory for all sea shipments, must be obtained at origin
- Personal identification number (Numéro d'Identification Fiscale / NIF)
Specific Information
Goods NOT exempt from import taxes (even within personal effects shipments):
- Computers: 80% CIF + 19% VAT
- Alcohol: 67.5% CIF + 19% VAT
- Tobacco: 77.5% CIF + 19% VAT
- New electrical appliances: 80% CIF + 19% VAT
- Vehicles: 48% to 78% depending on engine power + 19% VAT
Diplomatic shipments: Duty-free except for computers (80% CIF + 19% VAT) and vehicles (0.5% CIF).
BSC / CTN requirement: The Bordereau de Suivi de Cargaison is a compulsory cargo tracking document for all sea freight entering the Central African Republic. It must be obtained at the port of origin before the shipment departs. Failure to obtain this document will delay or block customs clearance.
All shipments are physically inspected by Customs.
CEMAC framework: The Central African Republic is a member of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC), along with Cameroon, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon. CEMAC countries apply a Common External Tariff (CET) with rates ranging from 0% to 30% (with some higher rates for luxury goods). A Community Integration Tax (TCI) of 1% applies to imports from outside CEMAC. An ECCAS Community Integration Contribution of 0.4% applies to imports from outside the broader ECCAS region. An OHADA levy of 0.05% also applies. As of January 2026, a broader CEEAC-CEMAC common external tariff harmonization process is underway.
Regulatory update (2026): The CEEAC (Economic Community of Central African States) and CEMAC are harmonizing their common external tariffs. Customs duties under the new framework range from 0% to 40% depending on product type. VAT and excise duties remain set at the national level and are not included in the CET framework. Confirm current applicable rates with the destination agent.
VAT rate: The Central African Republic applies a VAT rate of 19% on most imported goods.
Currency: CFA Franc BEAC (XAF). The CFA Franc is pegged to the Euro at a fixed rate of 1 EUR = 655.957 XAF.
Language: French is the official language. All customs documentation, inventories, and declarations must be in French.
Duties & Taxes
Duty-free conditions: Used personal effects and household goods may be imported with reduced duties provided all required documents are submitted to the destination agent prior to the shipment's arrival. Duty-free clearance must be applied for and granted before the goods arrive. All documents must be provided to the agent well in advance.
1% import tax: A flat 1% import tax (based on declared value) is levied on all personal effects shipments to the Central African Republic. This applies even when the shipment qualifies for reduced duties.
RGS tax: All shipments are subject to a 0.5% RGS (Redevance Générale Statistique) tax on declared value.
Prohibited & Restricted Items
Prohibited Items
- Narcotics and illegal drugs
- Pornography and subversive materials
- Explosives
- Counterfeit goods
- Products made from endangered species without proper CITES documentation CITES
- Firearms and ammunition without prior authorization from territorial administration PERMIT REQUIRED
Note on alcohol: Alcohol is not technically prohibited, but it must be handled separately from the main household goods shipment. If included unseparated within a general shipment without proper labeling as "Fond de Cave," it may be confiscated or treated as a commercial import subject to full duties.
Restricted / Dutiable Items
Duty-free allowances for personal imports:
- 1,000 cigarettes
- 250 cigars
- 2 kg tobacco products
- 5 bottles of perfume
- 5 bottles of alcoholic beverages
Items subject to declaration prior to entry:
- Firearms and ammunition (authorization from the territorial administration required)
- Cameras and film
- Currency (must be declared)
Alcohol within household goods shipments: Alcohol must be sent separately from the main shipment and labeled as "Fond de Cave" (wine cellar). A maximum of 20 bottles of Fond de Cave is accepted duty-free within a personal effects shipment. Alcohol exceeding 20 bottles or not labeled as Fond de Cave is subject to 67.5% CIF + 19% VAT.
Dutiable items within household goods:
- Computers: 80% CIF + 19% VAT (also applies to diplomatic shipments)
- New electrical appliances: 80% CIF + 19% VAT
- Tobacco products: 77.5% CIF + 19% VAT
- Alcohol (beyond the 20-bottle Fond de Cave exemption): 67.5% CIF + 19% VAT
- Vehicles: 48% to 78% CIF + 19% VAT (0.5% CIF for diplomatic)
Importing a Used Personal Vehicle
Required Documents
- Original vehicle registration card
- Owner's driver's license
- Original purchase invoice
- Non-sale certificate
- Export declaration (required for new cars)
- Bill of lading must show: chassis number, engine number, cubic capacity, year of manufacture, brand, and model
Specific Information
Duty rates: Import taxes on vehicles range from 48% to 78% of CIF value depending on engine power, plus 19% VAT. Diplomatic vehicles are subject to 0.5% CIF only.
New vehicles: An export declaration from the country of origin is required for all new vehicles.
OBL requirements: The bill of lading must include full vehicle identification details (chassis number, engine number, cubic capacity, year of manufacture, brand, and model). Incomplete vehicle information on the OBL will cause clearance delays.
Road conditions: The Central African Republic has extremely limited paved road infrastructure. Most roads outside Bangui are unpaved and may be impassable during the rainy season (May to October). Four-wheel-drive vehicles are strongly recommended.
Driving: Driving is on the right-hand side of the road.
Pets
- Veterinary health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian in the country of origin within 10 days of entry, endorsed by a government veterinarian
- Rabies vaccination certificate (vaccination must be administered between 14 days and 6 months prior to entry)
- Proof of microchip (ISO 11784/11785 standard recommended)
Rabies vaccination: All dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies between 14 days and 6 months prior to entering the Central African Republic. The administering veterinarian should record vaccination information, sign, and stamp the documentation.
Microchip: All cats and dogs should be identified by microchip. The microchip should be implanted before the rabies vaccination is administered.
Rabies titer test: A rabies titer test is not required for entry into the Central African Republic from any country. However, the CAR is classified as a high-risk country for dog rabies by both the CDC and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). Pets returning to the United States or other countries from the CAR may require a rabies titer test for re-entry. Plan accordingly.
Additional vaccinations recommended (not legally required for entry):
- Dogs: distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus
- Cats: feline viral rhinotracheitis, panleukopenia, feline leukemia
Import permit: Pet dogs and cats entering the Central African Republic with their owners do not need an import permit. Commercial and unaccompanied pet imports will require an import permit.
Parasite treatment: Internal and external parasite treatments should be administered prior to entry as a preventive measure.
Common mistakes:
- Failing to have the health certificate endorsed by a government veterinarian in the country of origin
- Rabies vaccination administered too early (more than 6 months before entry) or too late (fewer than 14 days before entry)
- Not planning for re-entry requirements to the home country, given the CAR's high-rabies-risk classification
Consignment Instructions
Recommended: Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea / road shipments.
Pre-arrival documentation: All documents must be provided to the destination agent prior to the shipment's arrival. Duty-free clearance must be applied for and granted before the goods reach the Central African Republic. Late or incomplete documentation will result in the shipment being assessed at full commercial duty rates.
French-language inventory required: The valued inventory must be in French, dated, and signed by the owner. This is a strict requirement. Inventories in other languages will not be accepted.
BSC / CTN at origin: The Bordereau de Suivi de Cargaison must be obtained at the port of origin for all sea shipments. This cannot be obtained retroactively.
Routing: The Central African Republic is landlocked. Sea freight typically transits through the port of Douala (Cameroon) and is transported overland to Bangui. Alternative routing through Pointe-Noire (Republic of Congo) via river transport on the Oubangui River is possible but seasonal and less reliable. Air freight arrives at Bangui M'Poko International Airport (BGF).
Transit times and security: Overland transit from Douala to Bangui can take 2 to 4 weeks depending on road conditions, security situation, and customs processing at the Cameroon-CAR border. The security environment in many parts of the country remains volatile. Armed escort may be required for overland transit in certain areas. Consult with the destination agent on current conditions.
Unpredictable expenses: Delays at the Cameroon-CAR border, road conditions, and additional security costs can significantly increase the final cost of a shipment. Budget for contingencies.
ISPM 15 (wood packaging): All wood packaging materials must comply with ISPM 15 standards (heat treated or fumigated, with the IPPC stamp). Non-compliant wood packaging may be refused entry or require fumigation at the owner's expense.
Storage: Warehouse and storage facilities in Bangui are limited. Prolonged storage may expose goods to damage or loss. Arrange for prompt customs clearance and delivery.
Cultural & Other Information
- OpenFactBook (replaces CIA World Factbook): https://www.openfactbook.org/countries/central-african-republic/
- Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_African_Republic
- CEMAC Commission: https://cemac.int/
- U.S. State Department Travel Advisory: https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/central-african-republic.html
- Foreign Embassies in CAR: http://www.embassy.org/embassies/cf.html
- CDC High-Risk Countries for Dog Rabies: https://www.cdc.gov/importation/dogs/high-risk-countries.html
- PetTravel.com -- CAR pet import requirements: https://www.pettravel.com/information/pet-passports/central-african-republic-pet-import-requirements/
Key country facts: The Central African Republic is a landlocked country in Central Africa, bordered by Chad to the north, Sudan and South Sudan to the east, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of the Congo to the south, and Cameroon to the west. The capital and largest city is Bangui, located on the banks of the Oubangui River. The official languages are French and Sango. The country has experienced prolonged internal conflict and instability. The UN peacekeeping mission MINUSCA has been present since 2014. Large areas of the country remain outside effective government control.
Security advisory: The U.S. State Department has a Level 4 (Do Not Travel) advisory for the Central African Republic due to crime, civil unrest, and kidnapping. Many other governments issue similar warnings. Movers and relocating individuals should consult current security advisories before planning any shipment.
Infrastructure: Infrastructure throughout the country is extremely limited. Bangui has basic port and airport facilities, but warehouse capacity, reliable electricity, and road networks are all severely constrained. This directly affects the logistics, timing, and cost of any relocation shipment.
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