IOR Africa
IOR Africa

Importing to Gambia

IOR Africa: Your Importer of Record Experts in Gambia

Taxes: 15%

Duties: 10%

Lead Time: 1 Week

Best carrier option: Freight Forwarder

  • Firearms (unless properly licensed)
  • Machines for duplicating keys
  • Handcuffs except under a license issued by the Minister of Interior
  • Tear gas
  • Most live birds (and their eggs)
  • animals from African countries are subject to strict control
  • Ivory
  • articles of ivory wild animal skin
  • snakeskin and articles made from them
  • Camera drones must be cleared by the Ministry of Information and Communication
  • Military gear
  • Plastic bags
  • Live fish other than live fish indigenous to the Gambia except under license-issued by the ministry of fisheries
Documents Required

Documents Requirements for Gambia Customs:

  • Commercial Invoice

  • Packing List

  • Air WayBill

Common Challenges When Importing to Gambia

As Africa’s smallest mainland nation, The Gambia is emerging as a growing tech hub, with investments in data centers, colocation facilities, and cloud computing. However, importing IT and telecom equipment into The Gambia still comes with regulatory, logistical, and compliance challenges that businesses must manage carefully.

1

Licensing and Regulatory Approvals

Imports of telecom, IT, and other regulated equipment often require approvals from Gambian authorities. Missing permits or incomplete applications can lead to clearance delays.

2

Documentation Accuracy

Customs officials demand precise product descriptions and HS code classification. Errors in paperwork can result in fines, penalties, or even the seizure of goods.

3

Infrastructure Limitations

Although Banjul port serves as a key entry point, limited logistics and transport infrastructure can cause delays in distribution to inland destinations.

4

Compliance Risks for Tech Goods

With the rise of data centers and cloud facilities, imported IT and telecom hardware, as well as dual-use goods, face tighter scrutiny. Importers must ensure full adherence to trade compliance requirements under both national and international standards.

How to Overcome These Challenges

By working with IOR Africa, businesses can:

Secure permits and approvals for IT, telecom, and regulated equipment

Provide accurate HS code classification and documentation management

Act as the licensed Importer of Record (IOR) for your shipments to ensure smooth, delay-free clearance.

Handle DDP imports end-to-end, covering duties, VAT, and logistics operations management.

Request Form