Gabon
B/L Print Requirements
Mandatory text on Ocean B/L
- • 7-digit numeric BIETC Number, 6-digit HS Code, and consignee 7-digit NIF mandatory in the Cargo Description field on Ocean B/L and manifest.
- • Ocean freight must be prepaid.
The 7-digit numeric BIETC number must appear in the Cargo Description field of both Master B/L and House B/L. Consignee NIF must appear on transport documents.
Inspection & Certificates
Pre-loading inspection & filing
- • BIETC must be validated via CGC portal prior to vessel departure.
- • Mandatory PROGEC Certificate of Conformity issued by AGANOR-accredited inspection bodies prior to loading for regulated industrial and consumer goods (FOB >= 3,000 EUR).
- • Prior Import Declaration domiciled with an authorized commercial bank before shipment.
Cargo & Standards
Labeling, vehicles & packaging
- • Passenger vehicles: maximum 5 years from manufacture
- • Commercial vehicles (trucks, buses): maximum 10 years from manufacture
- • Right-hand-drive vehicles are strictly prohibited.
- • French product labeling mandatory on all consumer goods.
- • Official Veterinary Health Certificate mandatory for all imported meat and poultry products via AGASA.
- • Used passenger motor vehicles exceeding 5 years of age are strictly prohibited; commercial trucks and buses permitted up to 10 years.
- • ISPM 15 wood packaging compliance strictly enforced at Port of Owendo and Port-Gentil.
- • ISPM 15 heat-treated stamp required on all wooden packaging.
Shipper & Consignee
Where this destination differs from standard practice
- • Foreign consignees are not accepted — a locally-registered entity must be named.
Consignee must be a registered Gabonese legal entity with an active 7-digit NIF. "To Order" B/Ls are permitted provided the Notify Party is the registered local buyer or licensed transit forwarder with full physical address in Libreville, Owendo, or Port-Gentil, active phone, and NIF stated on the B/L. PO Box only is rejected.
Non-Compliance Risk at Destination
Missing BIETC triggers a double-fee fine and customs clearance suspension at Owendo/Port-Gentil. Regulated goods arriving without a pre-shipment PROGEC CoC incur a mandatory 20% CIF penalty plus destructive destination sampling holds.
Compliance Timeline for Gabon
Follow this 3-step sequence from container stuffing through to port clearance.
Before Container Loading
- ✓ Complete pre-shipment inspection (PVoC / CoC) via AGANOR PROGEC Accredited Bodies (SGS, Intertek, Bureau Veritas, TÜV Rheinland) before cargo is stuffed.
- ✓ Verify vehicle age against the applicable statutory limit (5 yrs passenger / 10 yrs commercial).
- ✓ Confirm vehicle is NOT right-hand drive before booking.
- ✓ Confirm consignee is a locally-registered entity — foreign consignees are not accepted at this destination.
- ✓ Verify ISPM 15 heat-treated stamp on all wooden crates, dunnage, and pallets.
Prior to Sailing
- ✓ Inscribe validated BIETC certificate number onto the Ocean B/L text and carrier manifest. (CGC (Conseil Gabonais des Chargeurs))
- ✓ Ensure exact consignee Tax ID / Registration Code and 6-digit HS Code are printed on B/L.
- ✓ Submit SOLAS Verified Gross Mass (VGM) to loading terminal before yard cutoff.
Port Clearance at Destination
- ✓ Submit validated BIETC electronic tracking note to destination customs authority.
- ✓ Present original Certificate of Conformity (CoC) to destination standards inspectors.
- ✓ Collect Delivery Order (DO) upon completing Release verification.
Download Compliance Guide for Gabon (PDF)
Generate a practical, print-ready compliance document complete with statutory B/L clauses, ECTN certificate agencies, vehicle age ceilings, and station phone contacts.