Customs regulations for your trip to Benin

Customs regulations

Customs regulations can change at any time with or without notice. This document is provided as a guide and for information only. While IAM has exercised reasonable care in publishing this document, IAM makes no representation, either expressed or implied, as to its accuracy or applicability.

A one-stop-shop for customs clearance, the Societe d’Exploitation du Guichet Unique (SEGUB), has been operational in Benin since 2011. SEGUB issues a receipt/slip (Bordereau de Frais Unique, or BFU) to the clearing agent once the required clearing documents have been submitted. Once issued, the BFU enables agents to remove cargo from the port within twenty-four hours.

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Customs Organisation

Benin is a member of the World Customs Organisation and does comply with the harmonised customs system.

Import Procedures

The documents required to import goods into Benin generally include:

• invoice
• bill of lading (B/L)
• inspection certificate from Bureau Veritas
• the importer’s import license
• attestation of origin of the goods
• single pay slip (BFU)
• electronic cargo tracking note (BESC)
• animal or plant health inspection certificate (if applicable).

Importing Samples

Benin is not part of the Carnet ATA convention. Products allowed for temporary admission are not subject to custom duties. After their use, they must be re-exported or destroyed, with the process being certified by a custom agent.

Dutiable Items

• Firearms and ammunitions (authorization from the territorial administration required)
• Drugs
• Alcohol (only “Fond de Cave”) is acceptable and duty free (maximum 12 bottles)
• Cigarettes (200), cigars (25), cigarillos (100), tobacco (250 g)
• Eau de toilette (500 ml)
• Perfume (250 ml)
• Guns, explosives and ammunition (authorization required)
• Knives and deadly weapons (authorization required)
• Plant and plant products (authorization is required)
• Meat and meat products (authorization is required)

Benin is a member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which has a common external tariff scheme with 5 tariff rates, as follows:

• 0% – essential social commodities;
• 5% – essential commodities, raw materials, capital goods
• 10% – intermediate products
• 20% – consumer goods
• 35% – specific goods for economic development

According to data by the World Bank, the applied average tariff in Benin was 11.57% (2017, latest data available).

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Prohibited Items

• Illegal drugs
• Hazardous materials
• Animals and pets
• Asbestos
• Precious metals and stones
• Ivory
• Furs
• Gambling devices
• Counterfeit money and goods
• Pornographic materials

Miscellaneous (Pets, Motors, and others.)

• Documents Required Veterinarian Health Certificate · Rabies Vaccination Certificate from origin country

Motors:

Documents Required

• Original Registration Card
• Original Bill of Lading / Freight Invoice
• Non-sale Certificate
• Origin Certificate

Specific Information

• Taxes on car will depend on age, power, etc.
• Approximately 50% CIF if no exemption
• 15% if diplomatic
• 85% if temporary admission
• The OBL must show chassis number, engine number, cubic capacity, year of manufacture,
• brand and model.