Alcohol regulations in Gabon

Licences needed

Industrial operating authorization (Autorisation d'exploitation industrielle) and excise/fiscal warehouse agrément

Authority

Ministère du Commerce et de l'Industrie; Direction Générale des Impôts (DGI); Direction Générale des Douanes et Droits Indirects (DGDDI)

Documents

Commercial registration (RCCM), Tax Identification Number (NIF), environmental impact study, technical distillery equipment specifications, site safety and sanitation inspection certificate

Fees

not confirmed

Time to obtain

not confirmed

Who can import

Legally incorporated commercial entities in Gabon with a valid Trade Register registration (RCCM), active Tax Identification Number (NIF), and an importer/trader card

Licences or registrations

Commercial importer registration, Electronic Cargo Tracking Note (BIETC via Conseil Gabonais des Chargeurs), and Certificate of Conformity (CoC) under PROGEC where applicable

Authority

Direction Générale des Douanes et Droits Indirects (DGDDI), Ministère du Commerce, Conseil Gabonais des Chargeurs (CGC), Agence Gabonaise de Normalisation (AGANOR)

Documents

Commercial invoice, bill of lading / airway bill, packing list, BIETC, Certificate of Origin, import declaration, lab analysis report / CoC

Fees

Standard customs clearance processing fees, BIETC issuance fees, and Computer System Usage Fee (RUSID) of ~2% to 4% CIF

Time to obtain

not confirmed

Required

yes

Process

Products must comply with Gabonese technical standards under the Gabonese Conformity Assessment Programme (PROGEC) overseen by AGANOR, verified prior to shipment through accredited international inspection bodies (e.g., Bureau Veritas, Intertek, SGS) to receive a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) for customs entry

Authority

Agence Gabonaise de Normalisation (AGANOR)

Documents and samples

Application for conformity assessment, laboratory test/analysis reports, proforma and commercial invoices, technical product specification sheets, artwork/label samples

Fees

Inspection and certification fees calculated by mandated inspection partners based on FOB shipment value and inspection route (Route A, B, or C)

Renewal

Per-shipment basis (Route A) or annual registration/licensing (Routes B and C)

Time to obtain

not confirmed

All commercial shipments must obtain an Electronic Cargo Tracking Note (BIETC) prior to loading/arrival; clearance must be handled by an accredited customs broker (commissionnaire en douane agréé); requires Certificate of Origin, invoice, packing list, and proof of excise and tax payments; duty-free traveler allowances are restricted to personal quantities ('fond de cave').

30% (CEMAC Common External Tariff Category 4 applied to CIF value for HS 2208)

Excise duty: 30% ad valorem + specific excise tax of XAF 500 per litre for imported alcoholic beverages exceeding 12% ABV; Value-Added Tax (VAT): 18%; Special Solidarity Contribution (CSS): 1%; Community Integration Tax (TCI/CCI): 0.4%; OHADA levy: 0.05%; African Union import levy (CAF): 0.2%.

Private retailers, supermarkets, and licensed specialized wine/liquor stores (débits de boissons à emporter); on-premise sales permitted in licensed bars, hotels, and restaurants holding a Category 3 or 4 licence under Décret n° 0408/PR/MISPID; zoning rules strictly prohibit alcohol outlets within mandated perimeter distances of schools and places of worship.

Allowed under general e-commerce and commercial retail rules, subject to standard vendor licensing and strict age verification prohibiting supply to persons under 18 years of age.

Labels must be in French (or contain clear French text); must declare commercial product name, net volume, alcoholic strength by volume (% ABV), name and address of producer or bottler, importer details, batch/lot number, and country of origin; general consumer protection rules mandate accuracy and prohibit misleading claims.

Regulated by the Haute Autorité de la Communication (HAC) and the National Communication Code; broadcast and outdoor advertising of alcoholic beverages is subject to content and scheduling restrictions, must not target minors or associate alcohol with vehicular operation, and must contain responsible consumption messages.

Conforms to CEMAC common standards and CODEX Alimentarius definitions for spirit categories (whisky, brandy, gin, rum, vodka); minimum ABV thresholds generally reflect international norms (typically 37.5% to 40% ABV for major spirits).

No territorial dry zones nationwide; strict buffer exclusion zones apply around educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and religious buildings where opening or operating alcohol establishments is prohibited.

• Heightened enforcement operations in 2024–2025 by transitional authorities (CTRI, Ministry of Justice, and Ministry of Interior) cracking down on illegal liquor sales to minors under Article 281 of the Penal Code and sealing unauthorized liquor outlets operating near schools.
• Continuation of combined ad valorem (30%) and specific excise duties (XAF 500/litre) on imported spirits exceeding 12% ABV under national budget and tax laws.

Gabon has one of the highest urbanization rates and purchasing powers per capita in Central Africa, sustaining durable demand for premium imported spirits such as Scotch whisky, French cognac, and brand-name vodkas. Exporters benefit most from partnering with well-capitalized Libreville importers capable of managing CEMAC customs clearance and specific excise duties.

• Direction Générale des Douanes et Droits Indirects (DGDDI)
• Direction Générale des Impôts (DGI)
• Agence Gabonaise de Normalisation (AGANOR)
• Haute Autorité de la Communication (HAC)

1. PwC Gabon - Corporate - Other taxes (Excise duties, VAT, Customs surcharges)
2. International Trade Administration (trade.gov) - Gabon Import Tariffs & Customs Regulations
3. Journal Officiel de la République Gabonaise - Décret N° 0408/PR/MISPID fixant les conditions d'ouverture et d'exploitation des débits de boissons
4. Direction Générale des Douanes Gabonaises - Tarif Extérieur Commun CEMAC
5. Infos Gabon - Débits de boissons à proximité des écoles et répression de la vente d'alcool aux mineurs (Loi n°006/2020)