São Tomé and Príncipe
ST · STP
As of: 7/1/2026
Inselstaat im Golf von Guinea; Kakao-Exporteur mit stark importabhaengiger Versorgung
Capital: São Tomé
CEEAC (ECCAS) / CPLP / AfCFTASeaAirRoadImport VAT: IVA 15 Prozent (Normalsatz seit 1. Juni 2023)Customs: mittelRisk: mittelPharma/Cold Chain: geringDangerous Goods: gering bis mittelE-Commerce: gering
Overview
São Tomé and Príncipe (ISO code: ST) is an island state in the Gulf of Guinea off the west coast of Central Africa, about 250 km from Gabon, made up of the two main islands of São Tomé and Príncipe and several islets. It is a presidential democracy and a member of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), and a signatory of the AfCFTA. The climate is tropical and humid, with a main rainy season from October to May and a short dry season (gravana) from June to September. The economy rests on agriculture (above all cocoa), fisheries, tourism and services, while fuel, food, machinery and consumer goods are almost entirely imported. Logistically the country relies on the port of Ana Chaves near São Tomé, the port of Santo António on Príncipe and São Tomé International Airport (TMS). Because of shallow depth at Ana Chaves, larger vessels anchor offshore and cargo is lightered or fed via regional hubs; a deep-water port at Fernão Dias is planned. Since 1 June 2023 imports carry 15 percent VAT (IVA) plus tiered customs duties, cleared electronically through ASYCUDA World. The currency is the dobra (STN), pegged to the euro since 2010 at 1 EUR = 24.5 STN. Having graduated from least developed country status in December 2024, the country keeps duty-free EU access under Everything But Arms during a transition until 2029.
Mentioned countries
Area1,001 km²
Population235,536
CurrencySão Tomé and Príncipe dobra (STN)
Economic areaCEEAC (ECCAS) / CPLP / AfCFTA
ContinentAfrica
ReligionsChristentum
ISO codeST / STP
Customs & Import/Export
Customs authority
Direcção das Alfândegas (Zolldirektion im Finanzministerium)Import system
Elektronische Abfertigung über ASYCUDA World (Version 4.4 seit 1. Mai 2025) bei der Direcção das Alfândegas; Hafenbetrieb durch ENAPORT. Einfuhrzoll nach gestaffeltem Tarif (rund 5, 10 und 20 Prozent).
Export system
Ausfuhranmeldung ebenfalls über ASYCUDA World bei der Direcção das Alfândegas. Wichtigstes Ausfuhrgut ist Kakao; als bisheriges LDC besteht zollfreier EU-Zugang über Everything But Arms.
Import VAT
- IVA 15 Prozent (Normalsatz seit 1. Juni 2023)
- Grundnahrungsmittel um 50 Prozent reduziert (effektiv 7,5 Prozent). Erhoben auf den Zollwert bei der Einfuhr.
Customs complexitymittel
Import documents
- Handelsrechnung
- Frachtbrief (B/L oder AWB)
- Packliste
- ASYCUDA-Einfuhranmeldung
- Ursprungszeugnis
- ggf. Gesundheits-/Pflanzenzeugnis
Export documents
- Handelsrechnung
- Frachtbrief
- Packliste
- ASYCUDA-Ausfuhranmeldung
- Ursprungserklärung (EBA/REX)
- Phytosanitärzeugnis (Kakao/Agrar)
Origin proofs / FTA
Als bisheriges LDC zoll- und kontingentfreier EU-Marktzugang über Everything But Arms (Übergangsfrist bis 1.1.2029 nach dem LDC-Austritt am 13.12.2024). CEEAC- und AfCFTA-Präferenzen; kein Abkommen mit der Schweiz/EFTA.
Restricted & prohibited goods
Genehmigungs- und Verbotspflichten u.a. für Waffen und Munition, Suchtmittel, geschützte Arten (CITES) sowie bestimmte Lebensmittel, Tiere und Pflanzen (Biosicherheit).
Export controls & sanctions
Kein eigenes Sanktionsregime; als UN-Mitglied Umsetzung der Sanktionen des UN-Sicherheitsrats. Keine umfassenden internationalen Sanktionen gegen das Land.
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)
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
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
Sea
highAir
highRoad
mediumRail
n/aInland Waterway
n/aCargo airports
- São Tomé International Airport (TMS)
- Príncipe Airport (PCP)
Seaports / access ports
- Porto de Ana Chaves (São Tomé, ENAPORT)
- Santo António (Príncipe)
- geplant: Tiefwasserhafen Fernão Dias
Road corridors & border crossings
- São Tomé - Flughafen - Trindade
- São Tomé - Neves (Nordwestküste)
- Küstenstrasse São Tomé - Santana
Top trade lanes
- Portugal - São Tomé
- Angola - São Tomé
- Gabun - São Tomé
- EU - São Tomé (Kakao-Export)
Risk & Operational Notes
Logistics riskmittel
Customs delay riskmittel
Port congestion riskgering bis mittel
Risk notes
Kleine, stark importabhängige Inselwirtschaft; geringe Hafentiefe in Ana Chaves erzwingt Umschlag über Regional-Hubs (Lomé, Libreville, Lissabon). Wenige Schiffsanläufe und hohe Frachtkosten.
Seasonal & weather risks
Tropisch-feuchtes Äquatorialklima; Hauptregenzeit Oktober bis Mai mit Starkregen, die Strassen und Umschlag beeinträchtigen können. Kurze Trockenzeit (Gravana) Juni bis September.
Current logistics notes
2022 erhielt das Konsortium SAFEBOND eine 30-jährige Hafenkonzession und soll den Tiefwasserhafen Fernão Dias (rund 16 m Tiefgang) bauen. ASYCUDA World 4.4 ist seit Mai 2025 in Betrieb.
As of: 2026-07-01
Operational notes – no claim to completeness. Verify with your freight forwarder and official sources.
Airports in this country
Latest News
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Sources & Data Confidence
hochVerified: 2026-07-01
Official sources
- financas.gov.st
- enaport.st
- asycuda.org
- ine.st
Source references without warranty. For legal/tax decisions consult official authorities.
FAQ
What is the import tax in São Tomé and Príncipe?
Since 1 June 2023 a value added tax (IVA) applies at a standard rate of 15 percent. Basic foodstuffs are reduced by 50 percent (effectively 7.5 percent). Tiered import duties of around 5, 10 and 20 percent apply on top, depending on the product category.
Which customs system does the country use?
Clearance is handled electronically through ASYCUDA World; version 4.4 has been live since 1 May 2025. The competent authority is the Direcção das Alfândegas within the finance ministry, while the state company ENAPORT operates the ports.
Which port is most important and what are the constraints?
The main port is Ana Chaves near São Tomé. Because of shallow depth (about 3 metres at the quay), larger vessels anchor offshore and cargo is lightered or fed via regional hubs. A deep-water port at Fernão Dias is planned.
Do exports to the EU benefit from tariff preferences?
Yes. Despite graduating from least developed country status on 13 December 2024, São Tomé and Príncipe keeps duty-free, quota-free EU market access under Everything But Arms during a transition until 1 January 2029. The main beneficiary export is cocoa.
Which currency is used in São Tomé and Príncipe?
The national currency is the dobra (STN), pegged to the euro since 1 January 2010 under an agreement with Portugal (1 EUR = 24.5 STN). On 1 January 2018 the currency was redenominated at a rate of 1000 to 1.
What air freight connections exist?
Air freight runs through São Tomé International Airport (TMS); the island of Príncipe has a smaller airport (PCP) for domestic traffic. Connections serve mainly Lisbon, Luanda and Libreville.
Which goods are mainly traded?
The leading export is cocoa, alongside coffee, palm oil and fish. Imports are dominated by fuels, food, machinery, vehicles and consumer goods. Key trading partners are Portugal, Angola and Gabon.
Which trade partners are important for São Tomé and Príncipe?
Which logistics terms are especially relevant for São Tomé and Príncipe?
For international shipments, these terms are a good quick start:
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