Guide to Sending Parcels to Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso, though beset with many challenges - landlocked and prone to droughts and floods, has a long history of cultural achievements. Today, they have a very active artistic community and its people regularly host several major cultural events:

  • The International Art and Craft Fair
  • The PanAfrican Festival of Film and Television
  • The International Festival of Masks and Arts

While e-commerce is still in its infancy in Burkina Faso - hampered by infrastructure and legal issues, as of 2021, 20% of the population use the internet, a growth of 19% from 2020. So, in spite of challenges and limitations, e-commerce experienced a 12% annual growth rate in 2021, which shows that the Burkinabé are eager to trade and grow their economy.

Information for this page was taken from Burkina Faso Customs and the General Tax Code of Burkina Faso.

Shipping Rates

Easily compare the best and cheapest shipping options to Burkina Faso through a variety of carriers using Secureship

Secureship provides safe and affordable shipping from Canada to Burkina Faso. In case you are an everyday shopper or a business, you can easily save up to 50% on your international shipping costs by way of accessing our group buying power.

Find the cheapest way to ship to Burkina Faso from Canada
Get an estimate

Easy Tracking Information

Shipments through Secureship come with full, easy to read tracking information to Burkina Faso


Disclaimer

While we have made every effort to ensure that the information on this page is accurate, Customs laws and procedures change regularly so it is important to consult a licensed broker in Burkina Faso before shipping any goods.

Full tracking information for parcels to Burkina Faso is available with Secureship
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
May 8, 2025
8:49 am
Banfora, BA, BF
Delivered
May 7, 2025
7:18 am
Koudougou, KU, BF
In transit
May 6, 2025
9:03 pm
Bobo-Dioulasso, BD, BF
International Clearance
May 6, 2025
8:14 am
Ouagadougou, OU, BF
In transit
May 6, 2025
12:17 am
Toronto, ON, CA
In transit
May 5, 2025
4:30 pm
Ottawa, ON, CA
Pickup Scan

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.

Shipping Documents Only to Burkina Faso

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 to Burkina Faso

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/belongings to Burkina Faso

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
Shipping Food, Chocolate, Candies to Burkina Faso

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
Shipping Promotional Material to Burkina Faso

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
Sending Promotional material to Burkina Faso

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
Have your goods warranty repaired in Burkina Faso

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 / Exports for shipments to Burkina Faso

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 Goods / Sold To an individual or business within Burkina Faso

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

Required Documents

Shipping packages internationally requires a lot of documentation. This process alone can be confusing and time-consuming. So we’ve narrowed down what documents you might need and ranked them based on likeliness of being needed.

Document Type When? Details
Shipping Label / Bill of Lading Always required This is a label provided by the carrier (UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.). Always required because the carrier needs to know the parcel's destination.
Commercial Invoice Required for all non-document shipments
 For all non-document shipments, you will require 3 copies of the commercial invoice (to be included with your shipping labels). These are for customs purposes and need to be included inside a document pouch outside of the box.

When creating a shipment through the Secureship website, the system will help you create this document automatically.

B13a Required if value exceeds $2,000 per shipment or is a controlled good
 A B13a is required if your shipment exceeds $2000 CAD or is a controlled good
and is destined to a country other than the US, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands

Learn more about the B13a form here.
Certificate of Origin (COO) Infrequently required

Allows a reduced or zero-rated import duty.		 Canada has a preferential trade agreement with Burkina Faso. A COO proves that an item has been produced, manufactured or processed in Canada.

When an item with a COO is imported into Burkina Faso, it will incur a reduced or zero-rated import duty.
Certificate of Insurance (COI) Infrequently required

Shows that the shipment has been insured.		 Banks may request a certificate of insurance when providing letters of credit for the goods. Otherwise, it is generally your choice whether to purchase insurance for the shipment.
ATA Carnet Infrequently required

Used to avoid duties and taxes on shipments of temporary nature.		 If you ship goods of temporary nature to and from a country, you can obtain an ATA Carnet to expedite the customs clearance process and ensure that anything of temporary nature is not charged duties and taxes.

See Temporary import section
Packing list Infrequently required

No specific form required, but generally includes information regarding:

  • The exporter, importer and transport company
  • Date of issue
  • Number of freight invoice
  • Type and number of packages
  • Contents of each package
  • Marks and numbers
  • Net weight, gross weight and measurements of each package

Prohibited & Restricted Imports

Goods deemed prohibited may not enter Burkina Faso whereas those declared restricted may enter but will either require authorisation to enter the country or have quantity limits.

Prohibited Items

  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Psychotropic drugs
  • Medicines (including samples)
  • Fireworks and sparklers
  • Firearms and ammunition

Restricted Items

  • Foodstuffs
  • Medications for use by veterinarians
  • Instruments and machines used to measure and weigh
  • Perfumes, soaps, and cosmetics
  • Milk and dairy products
  • Toothpaste
  • Matches

Sources:
https://docs.wto.org/dol2fe/Pages/SS/directdoc.aspx?filename=q:/WT/TPR/S362R1-03.pdf&Open=True
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_US
https://www.upu.int/UPU/media/upu/files/postalSolutions/programmesAndServices/postalSupplyChain/customs/prohibitedArticles/ListOfProhibitedArticles.pdf

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.

CIF Value = Customs Value + Insurance Amount + Freight Costs

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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