International Shipping from / to St. Tome and Principe

Customs in St. Tome and Principe

The Customs department in the Republic of St. Tome and Principe is there to help regulate what comes into the country, as well as what goes out.  They have the right to inspect every parcel that comes into the country, but they tend to check them at random, based on what the paperwork declares the value and contents are in the shipment.  And depending on what the contents of your shipment are, you may be assessed a duty (fee) on the goods.  This duty, if applicable, will need to be paid in order for the parcel to be sent out for final delivery.  Technically it is your responsibility as the sender to pay the duty but the Customs department there will allow your recipient to pay it if they are willing. 

Tracking your shipping to St. Tome and Principe

You should spring for the extra small fee to get a tracking number attached to your shipment when sending something to the Republic of St. Tome and Principe.  The fee is fairly nominal and will help you to know when your shipment arrives in the country and at its final destination.  It can also alert you if there is a hold up during the Customs process or something of that nature that needs to be addressed.

Required documents when shipping to St. Tome and Principe

When shipping to the Republic of St. Tome and Principe, you will want to have a Bill of Lading and a Certificate of Origin filled out and attached to your shipment.  You will need to declare a monetary value for your goods on the Bill of Lading which they will use to assess whether or not a duty will be required.  You should fill out all forms in either English or Portuguese and it may even be worth your time to have all forms filled out in both languages.  Additional paperwork, such as the original commercial invoice, may also need to be with your package.  It is best to ask your shipping company for details on the appropriate paperwork for your particular shipment.