Each cargo with final destination Libreville or Port Gentil should be covered by a BIETC (Bordereau d’Identification de Traçabilité des Cargaisons) issued through the official representatives of the Conseil Gabonais des Chargeurs - CGG.
Pelship Offshore SAL is the official authorized agent for issuing the BIETC waiver for the Middle East and the Gulf.
Documents required:
- Bill of Lading (OBL for validation)
- Commercial invoice / Freight invoice
- Packing list
- Export Customs Declaration
- Gray card / pink slip for vehicles
- A special import authorization for “dangerous goods” delivered by the Gabonese Authorities - CGC

Regulations
- The shipper / forwarder / trader must issue his preliminary BIETC (prior agreement validation) through the official representatives of the Conseil Gabonais des Chargeurs (CGC) before cargo boarding at port of loading.
- Final BIETC should be validated (accord définitif) and granted to the shipper as a final visa as per the below time-frame
- Zone Afrique: within 5 days from sailing date of the vessel
- Zone Europe: within 10 days from sailing date of the vessel
- Zone Asie: within 15 days from sailing date of the vessel
- Zone Amérique: within 15 days from sailing date of the vessel
- ***Due to the covid-19 crisis worldwide, the 5 extra days per zone are still valid for the time being.
- Failing to comply with this procedure, BIETC will have to be regularized at destination and subjected to penalties.
- Relaxation measure related to the age of used vehicles imported into the Gabonese Republic 10 years maximum, from date of first entry into service, as of January, 26th 2024.
- Insertion of BIETC numbers on BL / Seaway Bill is not required as of April, 22nd, 2024. However, shipowners as well as shippers must ensure that each shipment is covered by a valid BIETC issued by the authorized agent.
Important update on Gabon’s BIETC (August 2024):
-
Before vessel departure, ALL BIETC certificates must be pre-validated. PRIOR AGREEMENT must be secured BEFORE departure using a simple B/L draft and commercial invoice.
Key Points:
- Issuance cannot occur after vessel departure.
- PRIOR AGREEMENT: Confirm at least one day before departure.
- VALIDATION: Finalize within fifteen (15) calendar days post-departure.
- AMENDMENTS: Validated BIETC cannot be amended.