🇨🇻 Import Customs & Duties: Cabo Verde
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$50
Packages under $50, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
15%
CIF value + duty. IVA (Imposto sobre o Valor Acrescentado) at 15% on most imports.
Clearance Time
3-7 days express, 14-30 postal days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0-20% | 85 |
| Clothing | 20-50% | 61-62 |
| Footwear | 20-50% | 64 |
| Food & Beverages | 0-30% | 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-10% | 84 |
| Cosmetics | 20-30% | 33 |
| Books | 0% | 49 |
| Toys & Games | 10-30% | 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Customs Clearance Process
Alfandegas de Cabo Verde (Cape Verde Customs) manages customs. ASYCUDA World system for declarations. ECOWAS associate member but applies its own tariff structure. Portuguese documentation required. Praia (Santiago) and Mindelo (Sao Vicente) are main ports.
What to Actually Expect
Island nation with limited port infrastructure. Imports heavily dependent on sea freight. Most goods arrive through Praia or Mindelo. Customs relatively efficient for the region. Portuguese documentation required. Limited express courier coverage on smaller islands.
Required Documents
Commercial Invoice
Item description, quantity, value, sender and receiver details
Packing List
Detailed description of contents in each package
Customs Declaration (CN22/CN23)
Required for postal shipments
Air Waybill (AWB)
Generated by the carrier when booking the shipment
Certificate of Origin
May be required for reduced duties (FTA/preferential rates)
Export/Import License
For restricted goods (electronics, medicines, chemicals)
Import License Requirements
Import license from Ministry of Commerce for controlled goods. Arms, narcotics prohibited. Pharmaceutical imports need ARFA authorization. Island archipelago, shipping to outer islands can be slow.
Certificate of Origin
Camara de Comercio, Industria e Servicos de Sotavento (CCISS) issues certificates. ECOWAS certificate for regional trade. Special trade agreements with Portugal and EU.
Prohibited & Restricted Items
Prohibited
- xNarcotics and illegal drugs
- xExplosives and flammable materials
- xWeapons and ammunition
- xCounterfeit goods
- xCounterfeit currency and documents
Restricted (permit required)
- !Medicines and pharmaceuticals
- !Food and beverages
- !Plants and seeds
- !Electronics (lithium batteries)
- !Perfumes and cosmetics (volume limits)
Useful Links
Popular routes to Cabo Verde
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Cabo Verde?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Cabo Verde is $50. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Cabo Verde?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Cabo Verde is 15%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. IVA (Imposto sobre o Valor Acrescentado) at 15% on most imports.
How long does customs clearance take in Cabo Verde?
Typical customs clearance in Cabo Verde takes 3-7 days express, 14-30 postal days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Cabo Verde?
To import into Cabo Verde, you typically need: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, and customs declaration. Some goods may require a certificate of origin or import license.
What items are prohibited from import into Cabo Verde?
Cabo Verde prohibits the import of narcotics, weapons, counterfeit goods, certain animal products, and hazardous materials. Restrictions may also apply to alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and certain electronics.