Importing FMCG products into Angola: practical guide
Angola imports a large share of its fast-moving consumer goods, mainly through the port of Luanda and, to a lesser extent, through Lobito. This guide accompanies an Angolan importer through the purchase of a container from Whitworth, with a focus on documents and payment, two sensitive points in this market.
Before you order
Before ordering, check with your despachante that your company holds the registrations needed to import and that your products do not fall under a special regime. Then send us your list of references and quantities. Whitworth draws up a proforma invoice with prices in euros, the palletisation plan, the container fill rate and the Incoterm. Your Angolan bank uses this document to process the foreign currency request, a step that often determines the actual loading date in Antwerp.
Required documents
Customs clearance is the responsibility of the Administração Geral Tributária (AGT). Accurate documents are decisive.
Commercial invoice
In euros, consistent with your importer licence or registration and with your bank payment order.
Packing list
Weights, volumes and quantities per reference for inspection at the port of Luanda.
Bill of lading (B/L)
Released according to the payment method, it allows collection of the container.
Certificate of origin
It establishes the European origin of the goods.
Health certificates
Required for many foodstuffs, depending on the nature of the products.
Incoterms offered
You can buy FOB Antwerp, leaving freight to your forwarder, or CIF Luanda (or Lobito depending on sailings), with sea transport and insurance included. CIF is often preferred because the Angolan bank then has a complete value delivered to the port.
Sea transit from Antwerp
The sea leg from Antwerp to Luanda generally takes three to five weeks, sometimes with a transhipment. Add consolidation in Antwerp and the time needed to leave the terminal in Luanda.
Customs clearance and delivery
On arrival in Luanda, your licensed despachante files the declaration with the AGT based on our documents. The container may be inspected before being released. After payment of duties and taxes, it is delivered to your warehouses in the Luanda region or transported inland. For the centre and south of the country, arriving at Lobito can shorten the road leg. Have your despachante validate the required document list before each first import of a new product.
Tariff zone and duties
Angola is a member of SADC, but its participation in the community's free trade area remains partial. For European products, the Angolan customs tariff applies in any case, together with national taxes. Amounts are to be confirmed with your freight forwarder or customs (AGT).
Currency and payment methods
The local currency is the kwanza (AOA). Access to foreign currency goes through commercial banks and can take time. Our invoices in euros are settled by bank transfer or by letter of credit; start the foreign currency request as soon as you receive the proforma.
Points to watch
Portuguese labelling
Mandatory information must be written in Portuguese.
Dates
Plan for long shelf life, as payment and clearance can take time.
Cold chain
Reefer container and fast collection at the Luanda terminal.
Bank lead time
Build the time needed to obtain foreign currency into your planning.
Frequently asked questions
Do you deliver to Lobito?
Yes, depending on available services, especially for the centre and south of the country.
Can you supply Portuguese labels?
Some brands have Portuguese-language packaging; we specify this reference by reference.
How does payment work?
By transfer or letter of credit in euros, via your Angolan bank.
What customs duties should I expect?
They depend on the products: to be confirmed with your freight forwarder or customs.
Is importer registration required?
As a rule, yes; your forwarder will tell you the current steps.
Send your product list for Luanda: we send you a proforma suited to your foreign currency request.