The U.S. Trade Representative’s Annual “National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers for 2021” highlights many of the issues covered in this Country Commercial Guide.

Import Quotas:  

Angolan Presidential Decree 34/15 and implementing decree 22/15 of January 2015 established import quotas on 14 food and beverage products where domestic production is deemed to meet 60 percent of market demand.  While the law remains on the books, its implementation has been deferred indefinitely due to stiff pressure from importers and the diplomatic community, and as part of an effort to conform to international trade commitments.  The decree also required importers of a range of food and building materials products to register through a new process that includes presentation of company details, projected import volume, and a demonstration of warehousing/refrigeration capacity.  Delays in obtaining import licenses remains the top barrier for importers in the retail network.

On January 14, 2019, Presidential Decree No. 23/19 entered into effect giving priority to goods produced in Angola by requiring that importers demonstrate that they either cannot find a product domestically or already have a contract to purchase products domestically.  The decree aims to decrease reliance on imports by increasing local production in 54 product categories.  

On March 17, 2021, Executive Decree 63/21 of established new rules on the importation of pre-packaged products starting June 15, 2021.  The decree established that imports of a series of identified products must be packaged in bulk for shipping, in “big bags” of at least one ton.  The decree then mandates that the packaging process be held in the country.  According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, this measure will make it possible to generate jobs and revenue for the country since the products will be imported at lower prices and create opportunity for the emergence of small and medium-sized packaging and logistics industries. However,  the measure may constitute a non-tariff barrier to trade.

Testing Requirements: 

Imports of foods and pharmaceutical products are subject to quality testing during customs clearance.  Once imported into Angola, these products are subject to additional oversight by the Ministries of Industry and Trade, Agriculture, and Health.