Chad

Specific Information

These are assessed on the declared value of the shipment. This is a critical point for cost estimates and customer expectations.

Diplomatic shipments: A certificate of free entry may be granted by Customs for diplomatic imports if all documentation requirements are met. Documents must be provided to the destination agent prior to the shipment's arrival to obtain duty-free clearance.

Non-sale certificate: Must explicitly state that the owner of the goods will not sell his or her personal effects in Chad.

Move certificate (Certificat de Déménagement): This is a requirement specific to Chad. The certificate must be obtained from the City Hall (Mairie) or Police Station at the point of origin. This document is not always familiar to origin agents in Western countries; confirm the requirement and format with the destination agent.

BSC / CTN requirement: The Bordereau de Suivi de Cargaison is compulsory for all sea shipments entering Chad. It must be obtained at the port of origin before the shipment departs.

All shipments are physically inspected by Customs.

CEMAC framework: Chad is a member of CEMAC (Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa), along with Cameroon, Central African Republic, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon. CEMAC countries apply a Common External Tariff (CET) on imports from third countries. A Community Integration Tax (TCI) of 1% applies to imports from outside CEMAC. An ECCAS Community Integration Contribution of 0.4% and an OHADA levy of 0.05% also apply. As of January 2026, the broader CEEAC-CEMAC common external tariff harmonization (rates 0% to 40%) is being implemented across member states.

VAT rate: Chad applies a VAT rate of 18% on most imported goods.

Currency: CFA Franc BEAC (XAF), pegged to the Euro at a fixed rate of 1 EUR = 655.957 XAF. Currency may be freely imported if declared on arrival. Local currency export is limited to XAF 10,000.

Language: French and Arabic are the official languages. All customs documentation, inventories, and declarations must be in French.

Duties & Taxes

Non-diplomatic shipments are NOT duty-free. Unlike many countries, Chad does not provide full duty-free entry for non-diplomatic household goods shipments. Non-diplomatic shipments are subject to:

• 2% "Taxe statistique" (statistical tax)
• 20% "Droits de douane" (customs duties)

Prohibited & Restricted Items

Importing a Used Personal Vehicle

Required Documents

• Original vehicle registration card
• Insurance certificate
• Original bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB)
• Original purchase invoice
• Non-sale certificate

Specific Information

Duty rates: Import taxes on motor vehicles are approximately 61% of CIF value (cost, insurance, freight). Exact rates depend on the age, engine power, and type of vehicle.

Age restriction: vehicles older than 3 years cannot be imported. This is a strict requirement. Vehicles manufactured more than 3 years before the date of import will be refused entry. This applies to personal vehicles in household goods shipments as well as standalone vehicle imports. Confirm the exact cutoff date calculation with the destination agent.

OBL requirements: The original bill of lading must include chassis number, engine number, cubic capacity, year of manufacture, brand, and model. Incomplete vehicle documentation will delay or block clearance.

Road conditions: Chad has very limited paved road infrastructure. Most roads outside N'Djamena are unpaved and frequently impassable during the rainy season (June to October). Four-wheel-drive vehicles are essential for travel outside the capital.

Driving: Driving is on the right-hand side of the road.

Pets

• Certificate of vaccination (must include rabies)
• Health certificate issued by a veterinarian in the country of departure, dated no more than 14 days prior to arrival

Health certificate timing: The health certificate must show current vaccinations administered by a veterinarian in the country of departure and must be dated no more than 14 days prior to arrival in Chad. Government endorsement of the health certificate by the veterinary authority in the country of origin is strongly recommended.

Rabies vaccination: Mandatory for all dogs and cats. The vaccination must be current at the time of entry. The rabies vaccine should be administered after microchip implantation.

Microchip: While not explicitly required under Chadian regulations, ISO-compliant microchipping (ISO 11784/11785) is strongly recommended for identification purposes and is required by most airlines and for re-entry to many countries.

CDC high-rabies-risk classification: Chad is classified as a high-risk country for dog rabies by the U.S. CDC and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). This has significant implications for pets returning to the United States or other countries with strict rabies import controls. Owners relocating to Chad with dogs should obtain the CDC's Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination form from a USDA-accredited veterinarian before departing the United States. USDA export health certificates issued after July 31, 2025, are no longer accepted for re-entry to the U.S. Plan for return travel requirements before departure.

No import permit required for accompanied pets entering with their owners, based on available information. Commercial and unaccompanied pet imports may require additional permits. Confirm with the destination agent.

Limited veterinary services: Veterinary care in Chad is extremely limited, particularly outside N'Djamena. Pet owners should ensure all vaccinations, treatments, and health checks are completed before travel. Bring sufficient supplies of any pet medications.