Importing to Sao Tome and Principe

IOR Africa: Your Importer of Record Experts in Sao Tome and Principe

Taxes: 15%

Duties: 10%

Lead Time: 1 Week

Best carrier option: Freight Forwarder

There are no general prohibitions or restrictions on imports
certain products require authorization from relevant authorities. For example
importing a chainsaw necessitates approval from the Directorate of Forestry
while pork imports must be authorized by the Directorate of Poultry

Documents Requirements for Sao Tome and Principe Customs:

Commercial Invoice
Packing List
Air WayBill

Common Challenges When Importing to Sao Tome and Principe

São Tomé and Príncipe is a small island economy with a growing demand for IT and telecom equipment. While ICT Goods were reported at 6,616.152 USD in December 2022, Businesses face unique challenges when importing into the country due to its size, limited infrastructure, and regulatory requirements.

Complex Customs and Documentation

Imports require precise invoices, certificates of origin, and accurate tariff classification. Any errors can lead to costly delays.

High Import Duties and Taxes

ICT goods may attract significant duties and VAT. Without correct valuation and compliance, total landed costs can escalate quickly.

Permit and Licensing Requirements

Certain IT and telecom products require permits or regulatory approvals, adding extra steps to the import process.

Small Market Scale vs. Compliance Burden

Despite its size, São Tomé and Príncipe enforces strict trade rules, making IOR expertise essential to avoid administrative complications.

How to Overcome These Challenges

By working with IOR Africa, businesses can:

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

Manage customs documentation and HS code classification with precision

Overcome infrastructure limitations with optimized shipping and delivery planning

Handle duties, VAT, and landed cost calculations under DDP terms