Export Info/Licences - Gambia

The Customs Department within the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) is responsible for customs procedures and documentation for exports.

Export prohibitions, restrictions, and licensing

The Eighth Schedule of the Customs and Excise Act contains a broad definition of export prohibitions, i.e. "All goods the exportation of which is prohibited under this Act or any law for the time being in force in The Gambia". In addition, the Act prohibits export by post of all firearms and ammunition of all types, and other articles having the appearance of lethal weapons.

A similarly broad definition of restricted exports is given in the Schedule: "All goods the exportation of which is regulated under this Act or any law being in force in The Gambia". The Act also restricts exports of rough or uncut diamonds, except under licence issued by the Minister; goods officially exported by or on behalf of the Armed Forces or the Government; and warehoused goods, goods under duty drawback, and goods for transhipment shipped in vessels of less than 250 registered tonnes.

Export duties

The Fourth Schedule of the Customs and Excise Act, 2010, contains provision for export duties to be levied on a wide range of goods. However, in practice, the only goods subject to export duties are waste and scrap of precious metals, taxed at 5%.

Major Export Items

Major exports include fish and fishery products,  groundnut, cashewnuts, Edible oil, horticulture, wood/timber and articles of wood.

Export Requirements

An Export readiness assessment must be conducted by the Gambia Investment and Export Promotion Agency (GIEPA)

FSQA arranges for Export, licenses are obtained from GIEPA after meeting the export standards of the Food Safety and Quality Authority (FSQA) and The Gambia Standards Bureau.

1. All food export businesses must register with the FSQA
2. The export inspection request form available online must be completed
3. inspection of premises and production
4. If all standards are met, an export consignment certificate is issued.
5. Food of plant origin is issued a certificate of origin and phytosanitary certificate
6. Food of animal origin is given a catch certificate or veterinary certificate​​​​​​

Once ready to export, Exporters must pick Export Inspection Request Form at the FSQA Head Office at Kotu East or download online at www.fsqa.gm/

The Completed Registration Form shall be returned to the Director of Food Control at FSQA in a minimum period of 24 hours before date of export.

The Food and Safety Quality Authority of The Gambia requires registration of all food exporters as per their guidelines published on the website in accordance to the Food and Safety Quality Act 2011.

Services provided to Exporters

To facilitate export in the Gambia, GIEPA offer services for exporters such as; Online Training on the ITC Trade Academy, Business Advisory Services, Export BDS Training, Export Development Training for Enterprises, HACCP training to be conducted. 

Relevant Websites

Below are useful links for more information about export services in The Gambia;

The Gambia Investment and Export Promotion Agency; www.giepa.gm 

Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment; www.gambiatradeinfo.org 

Food Safety and Quality Assurance Authority; www.fsqa.gm 

The Gambia Standards Bureau; www.tgsb.gm 

Gambia Revenue Authority; www.gra.gm 

The World Trade Organization; www.tbtims.wto.org