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
The following items may be shipped to Burkina Faso as document
shipments:
Document shipments include:
- Airline tickets
- Annual reports and intercompany mail
- Bids and proposals
- Blueprints and drawings
- Books
- Brochures
- Business cards
- Cash letters and cheques
- Catalogues and price lists
- Computer print-outs
- Credit cards
- Driver's licence
- Examination papers
- Invitations and greeting cards
- Magazines, newspapers, and periodicals
- Manuscripts and publications
- Maps
- Negatives
- Negotiable bonds and drafts
- Specifications sheets
- Visa applications
The following items are allowed entry to Burkina Faso as duty-free
documents if they comply with the condition listed:
| Document Type | Restriction |
|---|
| Forms | Must be blank |
| Manuals | Only if they are of a technical nature |
| Newsletters | Only company publications allowed |
| Passports | Only if the passport is shipped from one company to another;
cannot be from one individual to another |
| Photographs | Will be inspected by customs officials before entry |
| Traveller's cheques | Only if they are personalised |
Sources:
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_US
Shipping Gifts
All gifts entering Burkina Faso will incur duty and VAT regardless of
the value of the shipment.
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
A gift shipment from an individual in Canada to an individual in
Burkina Faso will be liable to duty and VAT charges. There is no
threshold value below which no duty or taxes are incurred.
Shipments from Business-to-Business
Shipments of gifts from a business in Canada to a business in Burkina
Faso will have duty and VAT charges applied to them no matter the
value of the gift.
Shipments from Business-to-Individual
A gift shipment from a business in Canada to an individual in Burkina
Faso will incur VAT and duty fees even if the gift's value is
negligible.
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 |
|---|
Yvonne Yennenga
Av. de la Résistance du 17 mai
Ouagadougou
Burkina Faso
Phone: +226 77 40 9768 | 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
Gift shipments to Burkina Faso will be charged duty charges and VAT
when they enter the country no matter the value of the parcel.
Also, in the case of multiple gifts in a shipment, you should wrap and
tag the gifts separately.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Yvonne Yennenga
Av. de la Résistance du 17 mai
Ouagadougou
Burkina Faso
Phone: +226 77 40 9768 | 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.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_US
Shipping Personal Effects
Burkina Faso citizens who are returning to the country with their
personal effects may ship them exempt from duty and taxes provided
they have been outside of the country no longer than 1 year.
Moving Temporarily
Students
There is no information at this time regarding students moving to
Burkina Faso with their personal effects in order to study.
Non-students
Non-students who are moving temporarily to Burkina Faso may ship their
personal effects exempt from duty and taxes though a deposit to cover
those fees will be imposed.
Other conditions that must abided by are:
- Items may stay in Burkina Faso for a maximum of 1 year
- The shipment cannot include prohibited goods
Moving Permanently
Burkinese citizens may return to Burkina Faso with their exported
personal effects exempt from duties and taxes if they have been
outside of the country for 12 months or less.
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:
http://www.vertic.org/media/National%20Legislation/Burkina%20Faso/BF_Code_Douanes.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Personal Effects
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Yvonne Yennenga
Av. de la Résistance du 17 mai
Ouagadougou
Burkina Faso
Phone: +226 77 40 9768 | 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
Foodstuffs allowed into Burkina Faso must abide by importation
restrictions. Please check here for details.
You May Ship
- Sugar
- Baked goods
- Candy
- Sugared, carbonated drinks
- Coffee and tea
- Canned meat and fish
Do Not Ship
- Perishables such as fresh produce
- Meat and dairy products
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://docs.wto.org/dol2fe/Pages/SS/directdoc.aspx?filename=q:/WT/TPR/S362R1-03.pdf&Open=True
https://www.upu.int/UPU/media/upu/files/postalSolutions/programmesAndServices/postalSupplyChain/customs/prohibitedArticles/ListOfProhibitedArticles.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Food, Chocolate, Candies
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Yvonne Yennenga
Av. de la Résistance du 17 mai
Ouagadougou
Burkina Faso
Phone: +226 77 40 9768 | 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 Burkina Faso exempt from duty provided
they have no commercial value, i.e. they are not for sale.
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://app.croneri.co.uk/countries/burkina-faso?product=142
Sample Commercial Invoice for Commercial Sample
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Yvonne Yennenga
Av. de la Résistance du 17 mai
Ouagadougou
Burkina Faso
Phone: +226 77 40 9768 | 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 may enter Burkina Faso exempt from duty if they
are to be displayed at a trade fair or similar exhibition.
Goods may stay no longer than 1 month in the country.
Advertising Material Checklist
- Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Promotional Material - Not for
Resale' (see sample)
- A detailed description of each item is provided
Sources:
http://www.wcoomd.org/-/media/wco/public/global/pdf/topics/wto-atf/dev/survey-temporary.pdf?la=en%E2%80%8B
Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Yvonne Yennenga
Av. de la Résistance du 17 mai
Ouagadougou
Burkina Faso
Phone: +226 77 40 9768 | 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 for repair may enter Burkina Faso as a temporary import.
Goods may stay in the country for a maximum of 1 year though an
extension may be granted by customs authorities.
Items Under Warranty
Equipment and items under warranty that are repaired in Burkina Faso
and returned to Canada will be exempt from GST.
Items No Longer Under Warranty
An item no longer under warranty that is shipped to Burkina Faso for
repair will incur GST on the value of the repair and on any parts
required for the repair.
Sending Product for Repair to Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso allows entry to goods for repair under temporary import
rules. Equipment must be re-exported within 1 year of its entry to the
country. (This can be extended by customs under unique circumstances.)
Returning Repaired Product to Burkina Faso
Products repaired in Canada that are no longer under warranty will be
charged GST on the value of any parts used to effect the repair and on
the cost of the repair itself.
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 Burkina Faso or exported to Canada (depending on
which case applies)
- A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Sources:
http://www.vertic.org/media/National Legislation/Burkina
Faso/BF_Code_Douanes.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Warranty Repair
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Yvonne Yennenga
Av. de la Résistance du 17 mai
Ouagadougou
Burkina Faso
Phone: +226 77 40 9768 | 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 temporarily into Burkina Faso may do so exempt from
duty and taxes provided they stay in the country no longer than 1
year.
Items that typically qualify as a temporary import include:
- Goods to be tested or experimented upon
- Equipment required for research purposes or mining activities
- Those used for charitable causes or emergency situations
ATA Carnets
Burkina Faso does not recognise ATA Carnets for temporary imports.
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:
http://www.vertic.org/media/National Legislation/Burkina
Faso/BF_Code_Douanes.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Temporary Imports
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Yvonne Yennenga
Av. de la Résistance du 17 mai
Ouagadougou
Burkina Faso
Phone: +226 77 40 9768 | 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
Burkina Faso imposes duty and taxes on all imports of sold goods
regardless of their value. This includes those who are occasional
shippers.
Occasional Shipper
Even if you only ship sold goods occasionally to Burkina Faso, be
aware that all shipments will incur duty and taxes (there is no
threshold on these types of imports).
Regular shipper
If you regularly ship sold goods to Burkina Faso, you may require a
trader's card (CPC), so we recommend that you consult a licenced
Burkinese customs broker to assist you with the required paperwork.
Sources:
https://docs.wto.org/dol2fe/Pages/SS/directdoc.aspx?filename=q:/WT/TPR/S362R1-03.pdf&Open=True
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Yvonne Yennenga
Av. de la Résistance du 17 mai
Ouagadougou
Burkina Faso
Phone: +226 77 40 9768 | 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
Duty and taxes on imports into Burkina Faso are calculated using the CIF
method, i.e. the sum of the customs value plus insurance costs plus
freight expenses.
By calculating the CIF value of your shipment, you will be able to
predict the duty and taxes owed by the recipient.
Thresholds
There is no threshold on imports entering Burkina Faso. Also known as
a de minimis value, this means that all imports, regardless of value,
will incur duty and taxes.
| Currency | West African CFA Franc |
| 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
The government of Burkina Faso imposes excise taxes on the following
products:
- Alcoholic beverages: 35%
- Beer: 30%
- Tobacco products: 45%
- Coffee and tea: 10%
- Candy35%
- Chocolate35%
- Spirits and wines35%
- Tobacco45
- 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://docs.wto.org/dol2fe/Pages/SS/directdoc.aspx?filename=q:/WT/TPR/S362R1-03.pdf&Open=True
https://www.impots.gov.bf/fileadmin/user_upload/storage/fichiers/Loi-058-portant-CODE-GENERAL-DES-IMPOTS-final.pdf
https://www.macmap.org/
Burkina Faso 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 Burkina Faso
Can I ship to Burkina Faso?
Shipping to Burkina Faso 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 Burkina Faso by getting a quote now.
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