Country profile
French Guiana
GF · GUFAs of: 6/22/2026Overseas department of France; space and supply logistics (sea, air, road)
French Guiana is a French overseas department on the northeast coast of South America and part of the EU as an outermost region. Supplies arrive almost entirely by sea from Europe via the main port of Dégrad des Cannes near Cayenne, while Cayenne–Félix Eboué airport handles air cargo. A special feature is the Kourou space centre operating Ariane 6 and Vega-C. The EU Customs Code applies, but there is no VAT; instead, the octroi de mer is levied on imports. The currency is the euro.
Overview
French Guiana (ISO code: GF) lies on the northeast coast of South America, bordering Brazil and Suriname. Politically it is a French overseas department and region, administered directly as part of France, and it belongs to the EU as an outermost region. The climate is tropical and humid, with high temperatures and a pronounced rainy season. Economically, public administration, space activities and services play the central roles, while agriculture and fishing make supplementary contributions. Foreign trade is dominated by imports of food, fuel, machinery and consumer goods, as the region is highly import-dependent. The main seaport of Dégrad des Cannes and the Cayenne–Félix Eboué international airport secure supply and logistics. The currency is the euro (EUR). French Guiana is strategically significant as the home of Europe's spaceport in Kourou.
Mentioned countries
Glossary terms
Customs & Import/Export
Import system
EU Customs Code; electronic import declaration via the French DELTA system. Guyane belongs to the EU customs territory but is a third territory for VAT.
Export system
Electronic export declaration via the EU AES or DELTA. Towards mainland France and the EU, Guyane is treated as an export territory (Art. 294 CGI).
Import VAT
- No VAT (Art. 294-1 CGI). Instead, Octroi de mer applies: external average of 15 percent plus regional 2,5 percent, set by the Collectivité de Guyane.
Import documents
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading (B/L) or air waybill (AWB)
- Customs declaration (DELTA)
- Octroi de mer declaration
- EORI number
Export documents
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Export declaration (AES / DELTA)
- Waybill
- if applicable, proof of origin (EUR.1/REX)
- EORI number
Origin proofs / FTA
EU preferential origin via EUR.1, origin declaration and registered exporters (REX). Trade with France is national but subject to Octroi de mer.
Restricted & prohibited goods
EU and French bans/restrictions: weapons, narcotics, CITES species, cultural property. Gold and mercury (mining) are strictly regulated.
Export controls & sanctions
EU Dual-Use Regulation 2021/821 and EU sanctions apply in full; competent authorities are SBDU and the French customs administration.
Without warranty — always verify with freight forwarder/customs agent and official authorities.
Customs / Import / Export (Americas) — General process
Quick operational overview for international shipments to the Americas. Depending on the destination, additional security filings, product requirements, or broker processes may apply.
Documents (typical)
- Commercial invoice (description, value, Incoterms)
- Packing list (weights, dimensions, packages)
- HS code / tariff classification
- Proof of origin / preference docs (where relevant)
- Transport documents (AWB / Bill of Lading) depending on mode
Process (simplified)
- Prepare export (docs, HS code, origin)
- Import clearance in destination country (declaration, possible checks)
- Release and delivery; duties/taxes according to classification and value
Common pitfalls
- Vague description or missing HS codes → delays and clarifications
- Incoterms unclear: who clears customs/pays charges?
- Incomplete origin data → preferential treatment may not apply
- Inconsistent documents (invoice vs packing list vs shipment data)
Important: Requirements depend on goods, origin, Incoterms, value, and consignee. When in doubt, confirm with your broker/forwarder and official sources.
Official links
Note: regional/general sources. Country-specific authority links will be added iteratively.
Trade
Freight Infrastructure & Transport Network
Transport relevance
Cargo airports
- Cayenne–Félix Eboué (CAY)
Seaports / access ports
- Dégrad des Cannes (Cayenne)
- Pariacabo (Kourou)
Road corridors & border crossings
- RN1 Cayenne–Kourou–Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni
- RN2 Cayenne–Régina–Saint-Georges (Brazilian border)
Top trade lanes
- FR-GF
- GF-BR
- GF-SR
- GF-US
- Antilles-GF
Risk & Operational Notes
Risk notes
High dependence on imports and long sea routes from Europe; the only main port, Dégrad des Cannes, handles almost all trade. Octroi de mer makes imports more expensive.
Seasonal & weather risks
Tropical humid climate with a pronounced rainy season (December to July); heavy rain can delay road transport and handling.
Current logistics notes
Space operations at the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou (Ariane 6, Vega-C) generate specialised cargo; supply runs almost entirely via Dégrad des Cannes.
As of: 2026-06-22
Operational notes – no claim to completeness. Verify with your freight forwarder and official sources.
Airports in this country
Latest News
No news for this country yet.
View all news →Sources & Data Confidence
Official sources
- douane.gouv.fr
- ctguyane.fr
- insee.fr
- cnes.fr
Source references without warranty. For legal/tax decisions consult official authorities.
FAQ
Is value added tax (VAT) applied in French Guiana?
No. Under Art. 294-1 of the French General Tax Code (CGI), VAT is provisionally not applicable in Guyane. Instead, Octroi de mer is levied on imports.
What is the Octroi de mer?
A specific levy on goods entering the territory. The external Octroi de mer averages 15 percent, the regional share about 2,5 percent; the rates are set by the Collectivité Territoriale de Guyane.
Which customs law applies in French Guiana?
As an EU outermost region, the EU Customs Code applies. Imports are declared electronically via the French DELTA system; the competent authority is the French customs administration (DGDDI).
Which port handles cargo traffic?
Almost all sea cargo traffic runs through the main port, Dégrad des Cannes near Cayenne. The port of Pariacabo in Kourou serves mainly space logistics.
Which airport handles air cargo?
The international airport Cayenne–Félix Eboué (CAY) is the main cargo airport and can also handle larger cargo aircraft.
Which currency is used?
French Guiana uses the euro (EUR), as it is a French overseas department and part of the EU.
What role does the space sector play for logistics?
The Guiana Space Centre in Kourou operates Ariane 6 and Vega-C. It regularly generates special and heavy-lift transports, for example via the port of Pariacabo and by sea freight from Europe.
Which trade partners are important for French Guiana?
Which logistics terms are especially relevant for French Guiana?
For international shipments, these terms are a good quick start:
Next steps
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