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.
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.
Shipments through Secureship come with full, easy to read tracking information to Burkina Faso
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
Jun 2, 2023
8:49 am
Banfora, BA, BF
Delivered
Jun 1, 2023
7:18 am
Koudougou, KU, BF
In transit
May 31, 2023
9:03 pm
Bobo-Dioulasso, BD, BF
International Clearance
May 31, 2023
8:14 am
Ouagadougou, OU, BF
In transit
May 31, 2023
12:17 am
Toronto, ON, CA
In transit
May 30, 2023
4:30 pm
Ottawa, ON, CA
Pickup Scan
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.
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:
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: 30 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: 30 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
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)
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: 30 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
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: 30 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
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: 30 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.
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: 30 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
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.
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
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:
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.
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.
