Trade Barriers

Cabo Verde has a liberal trade framework.  Foreign investors and companies receive the same treatment as Cabo Verdean nationals regarding taxes, licenses and registration, and access to foreign exchange.  Import and export operations need to be accredited through the issuance of a commercial operator certificate.  There are three import licenses:  imports exempted from license (including those without commercial value), imports subject to automatic licensing, and imports subject to non-automatic licensing.  The general principle is that all goods are subject to automatic licensing.  The exception – non-automatic licensing – applies to goods subject to sanitary, phytosanitary, and safety controls, as well as goods subject to legal restrictions such as medicines, fuel, and weapons.