Country profile
Guinea-Bissau
GW · GNBAs of: 6/23/2026Cashew exporter / Atlantic port country in West Africa
Guinea-Bissau is a small West African Atlantic country and a member of ECOWAS and UEMOA, using the euro-pegged CFA franc (XOF). Foreign trade runs almost entirely through the Port of Bissau and Osvaldo Vieira Airport (OXB). A value added tax (IVA) of 19 percent (reduced 10 percent) has applied since January 2025, and customs clearance has run on the DGA's ASYCUDAWorld system since January 2026. Cashew nuts and fish dominate exports, while fuel and food are imported. Weak infrastructure, political instability and long import lead times shape its logistics.
Overview
Guinea-Bissau (ISO code: GW) lies in West Africa on the Atlantic Ocean, bordering Senegal and Guinea. It is a presidential republic with fragile institutions and recurring governance and security challenges. The climate is tropical, with humid coastal zones, inland savannah and pronounced rainy and dry seasons. Agriculture is central to the economy, especially cashew nuts, fisheries and subsistence farming, while industry and services remain limited. Foreign trade is heavily focused on cashew nut and fish exports, while the country depends strongly on imports of food, fuel and manufactured goods. The Port of Bissau anchors the country's transit and logistics function despite infrastructure constraints. The currency is the West African CFA franc (XOF), pegged to the euro. Guinea-Bissau is a member of ECOWAS and UEMOA, and as a least developed country enjoys duty-free access to the EU market.
Mentioned countries
Glossary terms
Customs & Import/Export
Customs authority
Direção-Geral das Alfândegas (DGA), Ministry of Economy and FinanceImport system
ASYCUDAWorld of the DGA, nationwide in operation since 26.1.2026 (replacing ASYCUDA++); connected, among others, to the port of Bissau, OXB airport and São Domingos, Gabú and Bafatá.
Export system
Export processing is also handled via the DGA's ASYCUDAWorld; in practice, a licensed customs agent (despachante) is required.
Import VAT
- VAT since 1.1.2025: standard rate 19 percent, reduced rate 10 percent (including basic foodstuffs and medicines)
- exports are tax-exempt. Import VAT is levied at import (DGCI/DGA).
Import documents
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Waybill/Bill of lading (B/L)
- Import customs declaration (ASYCUDAWorld)
- Certificate of origin
Export documents
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading (B/L)
- Export customs declaration
- ECOWAS/REX proof of origin
- Phytosanitary certificate (cashew/fish)
Origin proofs / FTA
In regional trade, ECOWAS/UEMOA certificate of origin; for the EU market, as a least developed country, duty-free and quota-free access (Everything But Arms) with REX proof of origin.
Restricted & prohibited goods
Restricted/prohibited, among others: weapons, ammunition, narcotics, protected tropical wood (rosewood/Pterocarpus) and CITES species; export of unprocessed cashew is partly regulated.
Export controls & sanctions
No active EU person listings remain (all entries struck off up to 22.9.2025, Regulation 377/2012 not repealed); UN travel bans on individual persons (Res. 2048/2012).
Without warranty — always verify with freight forwarder/customs agent and official authorities.
Customs / Import / Export (Africa) — General process
Quick operational overview for international shipments to Africa. Documentation, pre-clearance and local clearance steps can vary a lot by destination.
Documents (typical)
- Commercial invoice (description, value, Incoterms)
- Packing list (weights, dimensions, packages)
- HS code / tariff classification
- Proof of origin / preference docs (where relevant)
- Depending on destination/goods: additional permits, inspection or compliance documents
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
Cargo airports
- Aeroporto Internacional Osvaldo Vieira (OXB), Bissau
Seaports / access ports
- Porto de Bissau (Pidjiguiti)
- Cacheu
- Buba (project, bauxite export)
Road corridors & border crossings
- Bissau–São Domingos–Ziguinchor (Senegal)
- Bissau–Gabú–Conakry (Guinea)
- Bissau–Bafatá–eastern Senegal border
Top trade lanes
- Bissau–Lisbon/Europe
- Bissau–Dakar (Senegal)
- Cashew: Bissau–India/Vietnam
Risk & Operational Notes
Risk notes
Political instability, weak customs and port infrastructure, historically long import lead times (~25 days), tide dependence and limited draft at the port of Bissau.
Seasonal & weather risks
Tropical rainy season June to October with heavy rain and difficult road transport; dry season November to May. The cashew harvest from about April to June shapes export peaks.
Current logistics notes
Customs modernization: ASYCUDAWorld in operation nationwide since January 2026. Airport OXB is being expanded (new cargo terminal of around 1'000 tonnes per year). Port of Bissau with draft limit.
As of: 2026-06-23
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
- alfandegas.mef.gw
- dgci.mef.gw
- asycuda.org
- data.worldbank.org
Source references without warranty. For legal/tax decisions consult official authorities.
FAQ
What import tax applies in Guinea-Bissau?
Since 1 January 2025 a value added tax (IVA) applies, with a standard rate of 19 percent and a reduced rate of 10 percent (including basic foods and medicines). It is levied on imports too; exports are exempt.
Which system handles customs clearance?
The Directorate-General of Customs (DGA) has processed imports and exports via ASYCUDAWorld since 26 January 2026 (replacing ASYCUDA++), connected to the Port of Bissau and OXB airport among others.
Which ports and airports are relevant?
The main seaport is Porto de Bissau (Pidjiguiti) on the Geba River, with limited draught. International air cargo runs through Osvaldo Vieira Airport (OXB) near Bissau.
Which currency is used?
Guinea-Bissau uses the West African CFA franc (XOF) issued by the BCEAO, fixed to the euro (1 euro = 655.957 XOF). The country is a member of UEMOA.
Are there sanctions against Guinea-Bissau?
There are no active EU listings of persons anymore; the last entries were removed by 22 September 2025, though the legal framework (Reg. 377/2012) remains. The UN maintains travel bans on certain individuals (Resolution 2048/2012).
What does Guinea-Bissau mainly export?
The main export goods are cashew nuts (by far the largest item), fish and seafood, plus timber and groundnuts. Imports are mainly fuel, food and manufactured goods.
What free-trade advantages does the country offer?
Regional trade follows ECOWAS and UEMOA rules of origin. As a least developed country, Guinea-Bissau has duty-free, quota-free access to the EU market under the Everything But Arms scheme with REX proof of origin.
Which trade partners are important for Guinea-Bissau?
Which logistics terms are especially relevant for Guinea-Bissau?
For international shipments, these terms are a good quick start:
Next steps
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