In order to enter Sao Tome and Principe, certain goods are subject to specific controls and, regardless of their value and quantity, they require the consent of Sao Tome and Principe government, preferably, license must be obtained prior to passage through the customs, preventing the goods from being retained. On this page, you will see what kinds of items are prohibited from entering the Sao Tome and Principe, and which items need special documentation before exporting to Sao Tome and Principe.
Import regulations
Senders should determine import restrictions from Säo Tomé and Principe before posting:
- Drugs: prescription and non-prescription
- Fabric and fabric samples
- Grain samples
- Liquids, non-hazardous
- Textile articles
EDN’s and export permits are required for:
- Kangaroo skins
- Crocodile skins
- Emu oil
- Fish oil
- Bunker oil
- Coal
- Petroleum bases products
- Tobacco and tobacco products
- Any other alcohol including beer and spirits all volumes.
Special documentation requirements
Säo Tomé and Principe has no current requirements for special documentation.
The sender and receiver details must be addressed with a valid street address in English. A Post Office Box address is not acceptable.
The sender is responsible for finding if the destination country may impose duties, taxes, brokerage fees or any other fees that may be applied on the item that is being sent. Please contact the consulate office of the country you are sending to or contact the ECI customer contact centre on 1800 007 678.
Prohibitions
In addition to items prohibited by Dangerous and Prohibited Goods & Packaging Post Guide and ECI International Courier Regulations, Säo Tomé and Principe prohibits:
- Animals
- Airline tickets, blank stock
- Antiques
- Asbestos
- Bullion and currency
- Cosmetics
- Dangerous goods, haz or comb materials
- Deeds
- Foodstuffs
- Furs
- Gambling devices
- Ivory
- Personal effects
- Pornography
- Precious metals, jewellery and stones