Market Overview
Although Guinea is not as busy as a port for importing vehicles as some other countries in Africa, it does handle a number of vehicles through the port every day. Like in other places throughout the continent, Guineans prefer vehicles that require less maintenance, and are more durable.
That’s why Japanese vehicles tend to be favored. They are more affordable than German models, but they are reliable too. The types of vehicles preferred in Guinea are readily available in the United States.
The customs process in Guinea is fairly simple, and that means exporting your vehicle from the United States to the country is easy.
However, you need request the import in advance. If the request is not approved, then you will not be able to ship the vehicle at all. However, as long as you have the proper paperwork and the fees, then your letter of request should be approved.
Pros
- You only need a few documents to export to Guinea.
- The customs process is very quick, taking only one to four days.
- The United States has a trade agreement with Guinea.
- Guinea offers a safe port for a smooth process.
Cons
- You will actually need to take some time in advance to write a letter to the Guinea customs office declaring why you want to take a car into the country. Then, that letter has to be approved before you can actually begin the export process.
Departure Ports
Departure ports in the United States that will ship vehicles to Guinea include:
- Savannah, Georgia
- Portsmouth, Virginia
- Jacksonville, Florida
- Baltimore, Maryland
- Galveston, Texas
- Houston, Texas
Arrival Ports
While there are two seaports in Guinea, all vehicle imports will be handled in Conakry. You can find out more about this port by contacting BP 805 Conakry, Guinea.
Documentation Requirements
Anyone who wishes to import a vehicle into Guinea will need to provide a letter in advance explaining the purpose of the vehicle to the General Customs Manager, who can be reached at 224 60 28 70 82. A temporary admissions form must be issued before the car can be imported. This form is valid for one month after it has been issued, so it can be handled in advance.
The same information will be provided to the Ministry of Transportation, alerting that the car will be coming into the port.
In order to import a car, you must follow these steps:
- Send the letter to customs asking for permission to bring a vehicle in. Include an IM5 declaration as well as receipts for VAT and RTL showing that you have paid for importation.
- Since you will be selling the vehicle in Guinea, you will also need to fill out an IM4, which is a Definitive Import Declaration.
Other Import Procedures
All vehicles that will be brought into Guinea must pass a pre-shipment inspection. Before you import, you must handle the following with the government:
- Present a Fiche de Demande d’Inspection. You will also need to attach the purchase order for the vehicle.
- You will need to provide information about the country from which you are exporting the vehicle as well. This will include the company shipping the vehicle.
- Finally, a CRE inspector will check the vehicle to ensure it meets the proper standards. If it is acceptable, then it will be marked as satisfactory.
- After the inspection is complete, then your vehicle will be given a customs position. And this will affect the final invoice price for passing through the port and customs system.
- All money should be paid to the Guinean Central Bank.
It is possible that your vehicle will need an additional inspection when it has arrived in Guinea. However, this is rare.
It usually takes one to four days for the vehicles, once they have been unloaded, to pass inspections and customs.
Import Duties and Taxes
All vehicle imports into Guinea must pay an 18% for RTL and VAT. This is required for all cars, whether they are temporary, to be sold, or as a part of a humanitarian organization.
The duties will also include a fee based on the value of the vehicle. The rate of depreciation is determined by a 20% margin. The duties you can expect to pay will usually be based on 40% to 50% of the actual sales value of the car.
You will be presented with a value for the car, and once you accept it, then duties will be calculated.
If you have more questions about customs and duties to import a car into Guinea, then you can contact the embassy in Washington DC at:
Embassy of the Republic of Guinea
2112 Leroy Place NW
Washington DC 20008
202-986-4300
There are many reasons to export a car to a place like Guinea, and if you determine that you would like to do this, then one of the easiest things to do would be to work with an online auction service. With an online car auction online, you can bid on vehicles right from the comfort of your own home.
Beyond that, once you win the bid, the right auction house will even help you make arrangements to ship your vehicle. That can be much easier than shipping and handling the legalities on your own.
Read a more comprehensive guide to the Market in Benin, or on Selected Other Countries. Explore our Vehicle Auctions and find info on Buying With Us.
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