🇹🇩 Import Customs & Duties: Chad
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$50
Packages under $50, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
15%
CIF value + duty. TVA at 18% on most imports.
Clearance Time
7-21 days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 5-20% (CEMAC CET) | 85 |
| Clothing | 20-30% (CEMAC CET) | 61-62 |
| Footwear | 20-30% | 64 |
| Food & Beverages | 5-30% (CEMAC CET) | 01-24 |
| Machinery | 5-10% | 84 |
| Cosmetics | 20-30% | 33 |
| Books | 0% | 49 |
| Toys & Games | 10-20% | 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Customs Clearance Process
Direction Generale des Douanes et Droits Indirects manages customs. CEMAC (Central African Economic and Monetary Community) CET applies with 4 bands: 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%. TVA (VAT) at 18% on imports. Landlocked, goods transit through Cameroon (Douala port) or Nigeria. N'Djamena is the main customs clearance point. CFA franc (XAF) currency, pegged to euro. SYDONIA (ASYCUDA) system.
What to Actually Expect
Landlocked Central African country. All imports transit through Cameroon (Douala port, 1,700 km) or occasionally Nigeria, transit adds 2-4 weeks and significant cost. CEMAC CET with 4 bands plus 18% TVA. N'Djamena is the main hub. DHL operates limited service. Postal mail 4-8 weeks. Roads poor, especially in rainy season. Oil exports fund the economy but most consumer goods imported. CFA franc provides currency stability. Security concerns in Lake Chad region (Boko Haram). One of the world's least developed countries. Corruption at checkpoints is common on transit routes.
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
Required for firearms, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. French documentation required. Pre-shipment inspection for some categories. Strict controls on certain goods due to security situation (Boko Haram in Lake Chad region).
Certificate of Origin
CEMAC certificate for regional trade. Issued by Chambre de Commerce, d'Industrie, d'Agriculture, des Mines et d'Artisanat du Tchad (CCIAMA). EU-Central Africa EPA (interim) provides some preferential access.
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 Chad
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Chad?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Chad is $50. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Chad?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Chad is 15%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. TVA at 18% on most imports.
How long does customs clearance take in Chad?
Typical customs clearance in Chad takes 7-21 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Chad?
To import into Chad, 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 Chad?
Chad 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.