Customs

To declare or not to declare: Learn the differences and find the right path.

Whenever you enter or leave a country carrying goods – including cash, merchandise, electronic equipment, and more – you should be aware of whether a customs declaration is required. To help you choose the right lane, this page provides information about your rights and responsibilities.

When returning from an international trip with goods purchased abroad, it is essential to check the baggage clearance procedures and the items eligible for customs exemption. For more details, visit the Customs Directorate website: www.dnre.gov.cv.

 

• Baggage Clearance

• The following scheme outlines the steps for clearing baggage for passengers arriving by air:
  • Baggage – Refers to all personal belongings that may or may not accompany passengers. These items are always exempt from customs duties, provided they meet quantity and nature requirements. According to this scheme, all non-commercial items valued at no more than 15,000 CVE (fifteen thousand escudos) qualify for duty-free entry.
  • Duty-Free Allowance – The right to bring in goods without paying customs duties or other charges.

 

• Selection for Green and Red Channels
  • Green Channel – Imports selected for the green channel are automatically cleared without verification. No document review, goods inspection, or submission of clearance documents is required.
  • Red Channel – If selected for the red channel, the shipment undergoes document verification and physical inspection. The goods will only be cleared after a document review, a preliminary customs valuation check, and a physical inspection.
  • Baggage Separator – Goods with a commercial nature may be subject to applicable customs duties.

 

For items that do not meet duty-free requirements, they will follow either the Simplified Regime or the General Regime. For more information, visit the Customs Directorate website.