São Tomé and Príncipe is a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea, off the west coast of Central Africa. The country consists of two main islands, São Tomé and Príncipe, along with several smaller islands. Despite its small size and limited economic diversification, São Tomé and Príncipe has a structured customs tariff system that plays a vital role in the regulation of imports, generating revenue, and managing its trade relationships. Import duties are central to the country’s efforts to protect its nascent industries and balance the needs of the domestic market with its trade obligations.
As a member of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC), São Tomé and Príncipe adheres to common tariff regulations for regional trade. However, the nation has its own specific tariff structure and trade policies, which are applied to a wide range of products. The country’s reliance on imports—especially for essential goods, machinery, and consumer items—requires a detailed and flexible tariff system.
Customs Tariff Rates by Product Category
1. Agricultural Products
Given its limited agricultural production capacity, São Tomé and Príncipe imports a significant proportion of its food and agricultural products. These products are subject to tariffs designed to regulate the flow of goods into the country and protect local agriculture.
- Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: 10% to 20%
- Cereals and Grains: 5% to 15%
- Processed Foods: 10% to 25%
- Dairy Products: 10% to 20%
- Meat and Poultry: 12% to 25%
- Sugar and Confectionery: 5% to 15%
Special Duties for Agricultural Products:
- Regional Trade (ECCAS): Agricultural products imported from other ECCAS countries may benefit from reduced tariffs or exemptions under regional trade agreements.
- Exemptions for Essential Goods: For staple foods and essential agricultural goods, there may be reduced tariffs or exemptions, particularly for products that are critical for food security.
- CARICOM Trade Preferences: As a member of the African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) group, São Tomé and Príncipe can benefit from trade preferences with Caribbean countries, especially for certain agricultural exports and imports.
2. Textiles and Apparel
The textile industry in São Tomé and Príncipe is relatively underdeveloped, and most textiles and garments are imported. Import duties on textiles are applied to balance domestic demand and protect local industries, as well as to generate revenue for the government.
- Clothing and Garments: 10% to 30%
- Textile Fabrics (woven and knitted): 5% to 20%
Special Duties for Textiles:
- EU Imports: Given São Tomé and Príncipe’s trade agreements with the European Union, textiles and apparel from the EU may benefit from reduced tariffs under the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs).
- CARICOM Preferences: Textile products from CARICOM countries may also be subject to lower duties or exemptions, as part of São Tomé’s broader economic engagement with the Caribbean region.
3. Electronics and Appliances
Electronics and household appliances form a significant portion of imports, driven by consumer demand for modern conveniences. Tariff rates on these products are generally moderate, but there is a preference for energy-efficient and environmentally friendly products.
- Mobile Phones: 5% to 10%
- Home Appliances (e.g., refrigerators, washing machines): 10% to 25%
- Computers and Laptops: 5% to 15%
- Consumer Electronics (e.g., televisions, radios): 10% to 20%
Special Duties for Electronics:
- Energy-Efficient Appliances: There may be lower duties on energy-efficient appliances as part of São Tomé and Príncipe’s environmental policies to promote sustainability.
- Imports from ECCAS: Electronics from ECCAS member states may benefit from preferential tariffs under the ECCAS trade agreement, which is designed to encourage intra-regional trade.
- European Union Trade Preferences: Electronics imported from the EU are typically subject to reduced duties, benefiting from São Tomé’s trade agreements with European countries.
4. Building Materials
Building materials are essential imports for São Tomé and Príncipe, especially for infrastructure projects and the growing demand for residential housing. Tariffs on building materials are generally designed to protect local industries while also supporting the construction sector.
- Cement: 10% to 20%
- Steel and Metal Products: 5% to 15%
- Lumber and Wood Products: 10% to 20%
- Tiles, Paints, and Finishing Materials: 5% to 15%
Special Duties for Building Materials:
- Exemptions for Major Construction Projects: Large-scale infrastructure projects, including those funded by international aid or development banks, may benefit from reduced or zero tariffs on construction materials.
- Imports from ECCAS: As part of the ECCAS customs union, materials imported from member states may be subject to lower tariffs, encouraging trade within the region.
5. Motor Vehicles and Parts
Sanctions or import restrictions are not common for motor vehicles in São Tomé and Príncipe, but tariffs are applied to regulate the importation of vehicles and vehicle parts. Due to the country’s reliance on foreign imports for its vehicle fleet, tariff rates vary based on the type of vehicle and its components.
- Passenger Cars: 20% to 30%
- Motorcycles: 15% to 20%
- Vehicle Parts and Accessories: 10% to 20%
Special Duties for Motor Vehicles:
- Used Vehicles: Used motor vehicles may be subject to higher import duties as São Tomé and Príncipe encourages the importation of newer, more fuel-efficient vehicles.
- Electric Vehicles: São Tomé and Príncipe may offer lower tariffs or exemptions for electric vehicles (EVs) to encourage environmentally sustainable transportation.
- ECCAS Trade Preferences: Motor vehicles and parts imported from other ECCAS countries may benefit from reduced tariffs under regional agreements.
6. Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals
Pharmaceuticals and chemicals are vital to both public health and industrial sectors in São Tomé and Príncipe. The country relies heavily on imports of medical supplies, agricultural chemicals, and industrial chemicals. The customs duties applied to these products are generally low to facilitate access to essential goods.
- Pharmaceutical Products: 5% to 10%
- Industrial Chemicals: 5% to 15%
- Agricultural Chemicals: 5% to 10%
Special Duties for Pharmaceuticals:
- Essential Medicines: Lifesaving medicines and vaccines may be exempt from customs duties or subject to reduced rates to ensure access to essential healthcare.
- EU Imports: Pharmaceuticals from the EU generally benefit from lower tariffs under trade agreements with São Tomé and Príncipe, as part of the ACP-EU Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs).
7. Food and Beverages
Food and beverages make up a significant portion of São Tomé and Príncipe’s imports, with many staple foods and processed goods coming from other countries. The import duties on food products depend on the type of product and its origin.
- Alcoholic Beverages: 15% to 25%
- Non-Alcoholic Beverages: 5% to 15%
- Processed Foods: 10% to 20%
- Meat and Poultry: 12% to 25%
Special Duties for Food and Beverages:
- Regional Trade: Food products imported from other ECCAS countries may benefit from reduced tariffs under the ECCAS Trade Agreement.
- EU Trade Preferences: As part of its trade agreements with the EU, São Tomé and Príncipe may apply lower duties to certain food and beverage products imported from European countries, especially those covered by the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs).
8. Luxury Goods
Luxury goods such as high-end jewelry, watches, and designer clothing are subject to relatively high import duties. These goods are typically considered non-essential and may carry higher duties to protect domestic markets and increase government revenue.
- Jewelry and Watches: 20% to 40%
- Perfumes and Cosmetics: 10% to 20%
Special Duties for Luxury Goods:
- Tourism-Related Exemptions: Luxury goods that are intended for duty-free retail shops, particularly those in tourist areas, may be exempt from duties or subject to reduced tariffs.
- Diplomatic Exemptions: Diplomatic and international organizations operating in São Tomé and Príncipe may receive exemptions or reduced duties on luxury goods for personal use.
Special Import Duties for Products from Special Countries
São Tomé and Príncipe applies different import duties for goods coming from certain countries based on trade agreements and international partnerships.
- ECCAS Member States: Goods imported from other member countries of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) are typically subject to reduced tariffs, encouraging intra-regional trade. This applies to agricultural products, raw materials, and industrial goods.
- European Union (EU): As part of the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) between the EU and ACP countries, São Tomé and Príncipe offers preferential tariffs for products imported from the EU. This includes a wide range of goods, including agricultural products, machinery, and manufactured items.
- CARICOM Countries: Products from CARICOM countries, especially from the Caribbean, may enjoy preferential treatment or reduced tariffs due to agreements between São Tomé and Príncipe and other ACP countries.
Country Facts
- Formal Name: Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe
- Capital City: São Tomé
- Largest Cities: São Tomé, Neves, Santo Amaro
- Per Capita Income: Approximately USD 2,000 (2023 estimate)
- Population: Approximately 230,000 (2024 estimate)
- Official Language: Portuguese
- Currency: São Tomé and Príncipe dobra (STN)
- Location: São Tomé and Príncipe is located in the Gulf of Guinea, off the coast of Central Africa, about 300 kilometers (186 miles) off the coast of Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.
Geography
São Tomé and Príncipe is a small island nation located in the Gulf of Guinea, near the equator. The country consists of two main islands, São Tomé and Príncipe, and several smaller islands. São Tomé is the larger of the two islands, while Príncipe is smaller but equally lush and mountainous. The islands are volcanic in origin and have a tropical climate, characterized by abundant rainfall and fertile soils, which support agriculture. The country’s highest point is Pico de São Tomé, reaching 2,024 meters (6,640 feet).
Economy
São Tomé and Príncipe has a small, open economy that is heavily dependent on agriculture, particularly the cultivation of cocoa and coffee. The country also relies on imports for a significant portion of its goods, including food, machinery, and consumer products. While the economy is based on agriculture, tourism and services have been growing sectors, and there is increasing interest in sustainable energy development.
Major Industries
- Agriculture: Cocoa, coffee, and palm oil are the country’s primary agricultural exports. Cocoa is particularly important and remains the largest foreign exchange earner.
- Tourism: With its pristine beaches, tropical forests, and colonial architecture, tourism is a growing industry in São Tomé and Príncipe.
- Fishing: The country’s fishing industry is also important, particularly for tuna and other fish species.
