Types of Shipments
Not all types of shipments are created equal. Shipping a television will
require different paperwork, duties, and taxes than shipping an accounting
statement, for example.
Here is a list of the most common types of shipments:
You can also skip ahead to the table containing the list of
Commonly Required Documents.
Documents Only
Customs authorities of Benin allow the following items into the
country as a document shipment:
- Airline tickets
- Annual reports
- Bids and proposals
- Books, manuscripts, and publications
- Cash letters, negotiable bonds, and drafts
- Charts and maps
- Cheques
- Computer print-outs
- Drawings
- Driver's licence
- Graphs
- Intercompany mail
- Magazines and newspapers
- Mylars
- Price lists
- Seismic data
- Specifications sheets
- Transparencies
- Visa applications
The following items will be allowed into Benin as a document shipment
if they comply with the restriction shown below:
| Document Type | Restriction |
|---|
| Blueprints | Provided they are copies |
| Brochures | Maximum shipment weight of 1 kg |
| Business cards | Maximum parcel weight of 2 kg |
| Calendars | Parcel can weigh no more than 1 kg |
| Catalogues | Maximum parcel weight of 1 kg |
| Credit cards | No more than 2 cards per shipment; and the parcel must be
shipped to an individual person |
| Event tickets (stage performances, concerts, football matches,
etc.) | Shipments cannot be sent to the event organiser or ticket sales
office from the printing company |
| Examination papers | Parcel can weigh no more than 15 kg |
| Forms | Provided they are blank |
| Invitations and greeting cards | Only if shipment weighs no more than 2 kg |
| Manuals | Material is of a technical nature and the shipment must weigh
no more than 1 kg |
| Newsletters | Must be for intercompany use |
| Traveller's cheques | Only if personalised |
Sources:
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_US
Shipping Gifts
A gift shipment entering Benin will be duty-free if its value is $25
USD or less (about $30 CAD).
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
Gift shipments of $25 USD or less (about $30 CAD) from an individual
in Canada to an individual in Benin will be exempt from duty.
Shipments from Business-to-Business
A gift shipment from a business in Canada to a business in Benin
should be limited to $25 USD (about $30 CAD) to avoid duty
liabilities.
Shipments from Business-to-Individual
If a business in Canada ships a gift to an individual in Benin, duties
should be exempt if the gift's value is less than $25 USD (about $30
CAD).
Gift Checklist
- A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
- The words 'Gift Shipment' or 'Unsolicited Gift' are included on the
commercial invoice, even if the shipment is sent at Christmas time (see sample)
- List the items in the parcel and write the value of each
- Sending more than one gift in the parcel? Wrap and tag each one
individually.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Gnonnas Pedro
Boulevard Saint Michel
Cotonou
Benin
Phone: +229 21 30 3528 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal Shipment / Gift Shipment
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Each | Gift Shipment: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
| CA | $79.99 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Gifts
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $79.99
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Multiple Gifts in One Shipment
If your parcel has 2 or more gifts, be sure to tag and wrap each one
separately.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Gnonnas Pedro
Boulevard Saint Michel
Cotonou
Benin
Phone: +229 21 30 3528 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Unsolicited Gift: Consolidated Gift Package
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Each | Gift - Roger: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
| CA | $39.99 |
| 1 Each | Gift - Erica: Handwoven French Canadian Catalogne Blanket
| CA | $49.99 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Gifts
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $89.98
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Sources:
https://www.fedex.com/en-us/ancillary-clearance-service.html
Shipping Personal Effects
A person moving to Benin may import their personal effects exempt from
duties and taxes if:
- The shipment is for the use of the individual or his or her family;
and
- The shipment has no commercial character, i.e. the goods are not for
sale or trade
Moving Temporarily
Students
There is no information at this time concerning students moving
temporarily to Benin with their personal effects for the purposes of
studying.
Non-students
Non-students who move temporarily to Benin from Canada may do so with
their personal effects exempt from duties and taxes. An exemption is
dependent upon:
- The goods are returned to Canada within 1 year of their entry into
Benin
- A security deposit is provided on the duties and taxes owed
Moving Permanently
A person or family moving permanently to Benin may enter with their
personal effects duty and tax free provided:
- They are in a quantity that is clearly only for personal use (not
for commercial purposes)
- The items are the property of the claimant or his or her family
Personal Effects Checklist
- A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
- Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Personal Effects' (see sample)
- A detailed description of each item is provided
Sources:
https://douanes.gouv.bj/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Code-douanier-modifie020-der-1.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Personal Effects
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Gnonnas Pedro
Boulevard Saint Michel
Cotonou
Benin
Phone: +229 21 30 3528 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal effects being delivered to my new address.
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 5 Pairs | Personal Effects: 5 pairs of various types of shoes
| IN | $40.00 |
| 1 Each | Personal Effects: Arc'terix Winter Jacket
| CA | $478.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Personal Effects
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $678.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Food, Chocolate, Candies
Food shipments to Benin require a commercial invoice. Provided the
value of the shipment is less than $5,000 USD (about $6,300 CAD), no
pre-shipment examination of the goods will be required.
Required for shipping food products to Benin:
- Air waybill
- Commercial invoice
- Reliable contact information (name, phone, email) for both shipper
and consignee.
- FDA Prior Notice must be filed by the shipper.
- A pre-shipment inspection (SGS formalities) is required for all
shipments with a declared value over $5000 USD.
- Duties and taxes can only be billed to the consignee.
- Bill shipper is not available for duties and taxes.
- If duties and taxes are assessed, they must be paid by the
recipient.
Source: FedEx Regulatory You May Ship
Do Not Ship
- Perishables, i.e. fruits and vegetables, dairy, and meat
Food, Chocolate, Candies Checklist
- Clearly indicate 'Food' on the commercial invoice in the General Description
or Remarks section (see sample)
- Ensure that your food, chocolate, or candies may be imported into the
country
- You are not shipping commercial quantities (for any duty & tax exemption)
- Check with your carrier that they will accept food shipments
Sources:
https://www.fedex.com/en-us/ancillary-clearance-service.html
Sample Commercial Invoice for Food, Chocolate, Candies
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Gnonnas Pedro
Boulevard Saint Michel
Cotonou
Benin
Phone: +229 21 30 3528 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Food Shipment - Assorted chocolate bars in their original manufacturer's packaging
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Box | Nestle Chocolate Bars in original packaging expiring May 2021 (shelf life of 6 months or longer)
| CA | $20.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Permanent / Sold
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Samples
Commercial samples may enter Benin exempt from taxes and duties if:
- They are marked as 'Samples'
- They are of little value
Samples eligible for duty and tax exemption include those to be
presented at events such as:
- Trade fairs
- Meetings and symposia
- Exhibitions
Commercial Sample Checklist
- A Commercial Invoice must be included with your shipment
- Clearly indicate 'Commercial Samples' on the commercial invoice in the
General Description & Detailed Description of Goods (see sample)
- The item shipped has tearing, perforation, slashing, defacing, or has
permanent marking clearing indicating the item as commercial sample
Sources:
https://douanes.gouv.bj/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Code-douanier-modifie020-der-1.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Commercial Sample
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Gnonnas Pedro
Boulevard Saint Michel
Cotonou
Benin
Phone: +229 21 30 3528 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Commercial Sample - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Box | Commercial Sample - Advanced reading copy of Dan Brown's novel.
| CA | $20.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Commercial Sample
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Advertising Material
Advertising material destined for presentation at exhibitions, fairs,
or meetings may be shipped to Benin exempt from duties and taxes.
Advertising Material Checklist
- Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Promotional Material - Not for
Resale' (see sample)
- A detailed description of each item is provided
Sources:
https://douanes.gouv.bj/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Code-douanier-modifie020-der-1.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Gnonnas Pedro
Boulevard Saint Michel
Cotonou
Benin
Phone: +229 21 30 3528 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Promotional Material - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Each | Promotional Material: Not for Resale. Product pamphlets to hand out at trade show.
| CA | $163.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Promotional Material
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Repairs
Equipment and machinery shipped to Canada from Benin for warranty
repairs will be allowed re-entry into Benin without being liable to
duty and tax charges.
Items Under Warranty
Items under warranty that are repaired in Canada may be returned to
Benin without incurring duties or taxes.
Items No Longer Under Warranty
Items repaired in Canada that are no longer under warranty will have
duties and taxes applied to them upon re-entry into Benin. Repaired
goods will also incur GST from Canadian customs.
Sending Product for Repair to Benin
Equipment from Canada repaired in Benin will incur GST on the parts
and labour charges resulting from the repair.
Returning Repaired Product to Benin
Products such as machinery and equipment repaired in Canada under a
warranty will be allowed a duty- and tax-free re-entry into Benin.
Repair Checklist
- Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'REPAIR & RETURN' under the General
Description or Remarks, and include the estimated time of return(see sample)
- Include repair contract with shipment
- Serial or product number and the cost of repairs should be indicated under
the Detailed Description of Goods section
- Include the original shipping documents or tracking number from when the
item was first exported to Benin or exported to Canada (depending on
which case applies)
- A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Sources:
https://douanes.gouv.bj/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Code-douanier-modifie020-der-1.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Warranty Repair
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Gnonnas Pedro
Boulevard Saint Michel
Cotonou
Benin
Phone: +229 21 30 3528 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Repair and Return - Watch being sent for repair
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Each | Fossil Watch being sent for repair - Model E5, serial # 789456FG7E2 - Repair Cost $76.00
| US | $163.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Warranty Repair
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Temporary Imports
Goods imported for a temporary purpose may enter Benin without payment
of duties and taxes if they leave the country within 1 year. (If
accepted by customs authorities, an extension to this time period may
be granted.)
Goods of a temporary nature include items such as:
- Equipment and machinery for repairs
- Items to be used in tests or experiments
- Goods for display at trade fairs, meetings, or other similar events
ATA Carnets
The state of Benin does not recognise the use of ATA Carnets for
temporary imports into the country.
Temporary Imports Checklist
- Commercial Invoice clearly stating 'Temporary Import'. This must be written
in the General Description section and the Detailed Description of Goods. (see sample)
- The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no
repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
- Stay no longer than the period listed above
- Include your ATA Carnet with your shipment (if applicable)
- Include the expected return date or the date that it was originally received
within the country (whichever applies)
- Any above listed items not listed in this checklist
Sources:
https://douanes.gouv.bj/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Code-douanier-modifie020-der-1.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Temporary Imports
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Gnonnas Pedro
Boulevard Saint Michel
Cotonou
Benin
Phone: +229 21 30 3528 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment returning Jan 2020
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 box | Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment
| CA | $1032.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Temporary Imports
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $1032.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Permanent/Sold Goods
There are no thresholds or de minimis values on sold goods entering
Benin. This means that all imports will incur duty and taxes
regardless of their value.
Occasional Shipper
Though you may only be an occasional shipper of sold goods, be advised
that all shipments with a commercial transaction will be liable to
duty and taxes. This will even apply to shipments with a small
monetary value.
Regular shipper
Regular shippers of sold goods are recommended to utilise the services
of a licenced Beninese customs broker. This will ensure that all local
customs rules are followed and required paperwork is completed.
Sources:
https://douanes.gouv.bj/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Code-douanier-modifie020-der-1.pdf
https://docs.wto.org/dol2fe/Pages/SS/directdoc.aspx?filename=q:/WT/TPR/S362R1-02.pdf&Open=True
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Gnonnas Pedro
Boulevard Saint Michel
Cotonou
Benin
Phone: +229 21 30 3528 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Permanent/Sold: Parts and accessories for Canon B78n camera
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 15 Each | Camera Lenses: Canon EF 50mm, Canon EF 85mm & wide-angle lenses.
| CA | $132.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Permanent/Sold
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $1980.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Duty &
Taxes
The amount of duty and taxes incurred by a shipment entering Benin is
calculated by using the CIF value of the parcel. The CIF value is the
sum of the customs value plus insurance costs plus freight fees.
By calculating the CIF value of your shipment, you will have an estimate
of the duties and taxes owed by the recipient of the parcel.
Thresholds
There are no thresholds or de minimis values on goods entering Benin;
therefore, all imports, regardless of value, will incur duties and
taxes.
However, shipments of an occasional nature valued at no more than $100
USD (about $125 CAD) may be allowed entry into Benin without duties or
taxes being applied.
| Currency | West African Franc CFA |
| Duty Exemption (De minimis Value) | N/A |
| Duty Calculation Method | CIF |
| TAX (VAT) | 18% |
Tax Exemption
(De minimis Value) | N/A |
| Tax Calculation Method | CIF |
| |
Duties on Imports
Excise Taxes
Excise taxes are applied to certain imports as follows:
- Tobacco (40%)
- Alcoholic beverages (20% - 45%)
- Non-alcoholic drinks (7% - 10%)
- Perfumes and cosmetics (7%)
- Coffee and tea (5%)
- Plastic bags (5%)
- Candy35%
- Chocolate35%
- Spirits and winesVariable*
- TobaccoVariable*
- Books0%
- Documents0%
- Video games & consoles20%
- Computers & laptops5%
- Tablets5%
- Mobiles10%
- Cameras20%
- Accessories for Electronics5%
- Coats20%
- Beauty products & cosmetics20%
- Jewellery20%
- Shirts & pants20%
- Home appliances5% - 20%
- Toys20%
- Sports equipment20%
Sources:
https://finances.bj/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/code_des_impots-2018-version-finale.pdf
https://benindoingbusiness.bj/media/Benin%20-%20Code_des_douanes.pdf
https://www.macmap.org/
https://finances.bj/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/code_des_impots-2018-version-finale.pdf
Benin Shipping Insurance
You can purchase insurance
through Secureship, and it is provided by the carrier that will be transporting
your shipment.
Each carrier will charge a different amount per $100 of declared
insurance. If you indicate that you need insurance for your shipment, our
system will automatically include the insurance costs for your shipment.
Insurance is great to have in case your package is accidentally lost or
damaged by the carrier. But be careful, not everything you ship is
insurable. Worse - even if your package contains items that are insurable,
if it doesn't meet the ISTA 3A packaging standard, the insurance purchased
through the carrier would not be available to you.
Here are some items that cannot be insured by the carrier:
- Personal belongings
- Antiques
- Artwork
- Liquids (including alcohol)
- Televisions
- Jewellery in excess of $500
- Perishable goods
- Glass or Ceramic
- And many more items
For more information, please see the carrier's terms and conditions.
Questions
about Shipping to Benin
Can I ship to Benin?
Shipping to Benin from Canada can take between 3-5 business days through
the fastest carriers available on the Secureship platform. More
economical services, such as Canada Post, can take up to 1-2
months to complete the delivery.
Find out
how fast the Secureship trusted carriers can get your shipment
delivered to Benin by getting a quote now.
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Prohibited &
Restricted Imports