Importer of Record in Guinea
Importers must obtain formal import authorization (Demande Descriptive d’Importation – DDI) from the Ministry of Commerce for imports exceeding 12 million GNF (around USD 1,250).
Corruption poses a significant challenge in the customs clearance process. To simplify foreign trade procedures, Guinea introduced the Guichet Unique du Commerce Exterieur, an online one-stop-shop portal, in September 2019. This platform digitizes commercial transaction management, simplifies customs declarations, and facilitates the issuance of certifications and import/export authorizations.
Despite these hurdles, the expanding Guinean economy is driving demand for various technology products and services.
Guinea is part of the Mano River Union, which standardizes customs tariffs among Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia. It is also a member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which includes fifteen countries: Benin, Cape Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, The Gambia, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, Niger, Sierra Leone, and Togo.