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.
A shipment to Senegal may be classified as a document if its weight is
5 kg, and is anyone of the following:
- Advertising literature
- Airline tickets
- Annual reports
- Blueprints and drawings
- Brochures and pamphlets
- Business cards
- Calendars
- Cash letters, negotiable bonds and drafts
- Catalogues and price lists
- Charts and maps
- Credit cards
- Diplomas and examination papers
- Driver's licence
- Invitations and greeting cards
- Intercompany mail
- Manuscripts and publications
- Mylars
- Negatives
- Proposals and bids
- Seismic data
- Specifications sheets
- Transparencies
The following items may be shipped to Senegal from Canada as a
document shipment if they abide by the restriction shown in the table
below:
| Item | Restriction |
|---|
| Cheques | Only if they are personal or payroll cheques (blank cheques and
travellers cheques are not allowed entry) |
| Forms | Only if blank |
| Manuals | Only if they are of a technical nature |
| Newsletters | Only if they are for intercompany use |
Sources:
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_US
All gift shipments to Senegal from Canada will incur duty and taxes
regardless of the parcel's value.
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
A gift shipment to an individual in Senegal from an individual in
Canada will be liable to duty and taxes. There is no threshold below
which no charges are incurred.
Shipments from Business-to-Business
A gift shipment from a business in Canada to a business in Senegal
will be charged duty and tax fees no matter its value.
Shipments from Business-to-Individual
If a business in Canada ships a gift to an individual in Senegal, the
recipient will have to pay duty and taxes on the gift. It does not
matter what the value of the gift is.
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 |
|---|
Léopold Sedar Senghor
6 rue Léo Frobenius
Corniche Ouest
Dakar
Senegal
Phone: +221 33 823 57 11 | 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
No matter the value of the gifts in a shipment, Senegalese customs
officials will charge duty and taxes on the parcel.
Nevertheless, be sure to wrap and tag each gift separately.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Léopold Sedar Senghor
6 rue Léo Frobenius
Corniche Ouest
Dakar
Senegal
Phone: +221 33 823 57 11 | 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
Personal effects may be shipped to Senegal exempt from duty and taxes
for Canadians allowed to stay in Senegal and for Senegalese citizens
who are returning to the country to live.
The exemption is allowed providing:
- The owner of the goods has used them for at least 6 months
- It can be shown that the effects belong to the shipper
Personal effects include items such as:
- Clothing and footwear
- Personal care goods
- Furniture
- Items required for day-to-day use such as cutlery and kitchen
implements
Moving Temporarily
Students
There is no information at this time regarding students moving
temporarily to Senegal with their personal effects.
Non-students
Non-students who move temporarily to Senegal (up to a maximum period
of 1 year) may ship their personal effects exempt from duty and taxes.
NOTE:
A bond or other security
will be required to cover the amount of duty and taxes owed, and the
goods must leave Senegal within 1 year and in the same condition of
their arrival.
Moving Permanently
Senegalese citizens returning to Senegal to live permanently may ship
their personal effects exempt from payment of duty and taxes.
The exemption is allowed if the claimant can show that:
- The goods belong to the person claiming the exemption
- The items are used and have been owned for at least 6 months
Personal effects could be goods such as:
- Items used for personal care
- Shoes and clothing
- Implements and items used in the kitchen
- Household furniture
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://www.douanes.sn/en/node/217
https://senegalcommerce.sec.gouv.sn/Documents/DGD/Proc%C3%A9dure/A%20l'entr%C3%A9e%20au%20S%C3%A9n%C3%A9gal.PDF
http://www.douanes.sn/sites/default/files/fichiers/Code_Des_Douanes.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Personal Effects
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Léopold Sedar Senghor
6 rue Léo Frobenius
Corniche Ouest
Dakar
Senegal
Phone: +221 33 823 57 11 | 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 |
There is limited information available at this time concerning
foodstuffs allowed entry to Senegal and the rules that prevent or
limit them.
You May Ship
- Chocolate
- Candies
- Tea and coffee
Do Not Ship
- Perishable goods
- 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
Sample Commercial Invoice for Food, Chocolate, Candies
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Léopold Sedar Senghor
6 rue Léo Frobenius
Corniche Ouest
Dakar
Senegal
Phone: +221 33 823 57 11 | 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 |
Commercial samples may be shipped to Senegal using an ATA Carnet;
therefore, they must be returned to Canada when the display period has
ended.
Samples are shipped to promote products and encourage sales. They are
not meant to be sold.
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://www.uscib.org/senegal-ud-1653/
http://www.douanes.sn/
Sample Commercial Invoice for Commercial Sample
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Léopold Sedar Senghor
6 rue Léo Frobenius
Corniche Ouest
Dakar
Senegal
Phone: +221 33 823 57 11 | 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 shipped to Senegal for the purposes of display at
an exhibition or fair may be done using an ATA Carnet.
Temporary admission of advertising is allowed duty and tax free entry
to the country provided it is returned to Canada before the specified
deadline.
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://www.uscib.org/senegal-ud-1653/
http://www.douanes.sn/sites/default/files/fichiers/Code_Des_Douanes.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Léopold Sedar Senghor
6 rue Léo Frobenius
Corniche Ouest
Dakar
Senegal
Phone: +221 33 823 57 11 | 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 |
Goods shipped to Senegal for repair may enter the country exempt from
duty and taxes providing they are returned to Canada when the work is
complete.
Product Under Warranty
Equipment shipped to Canada for repair under warranty will be exempt
from duties and taxes when it returns to Senegal. This is due to
Senegal's inward processing rules.
Product No Longer Under Warranty
Items no longer under warranty repaired in Senegal will incur GST on
the value of the repair and on parts used during the repair process.
Sending Product for Repair to Senegal
Items shipped to Senegal for repair may enter the country without
incurring duty and taxes. This is conditional on the repaired goods
leaving Senegal when the work is done.
Returning Repaired Product to Senegal
Equipment repaired in Canada may return to Senegal exempt either
partially or totally from duty and taxes.
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 Senegal or exported to Canada (depending on
which case applies)
- A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Sources:
http://www.douanes.sn/sites/default/files/fichiers/Code_Des_Douanes.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Warranty Repair
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Léopold Sedar Senghor
6 rue Léo Frobenius
Corniche Ouest
Dakar
Senegal
Phone: +221 33 823 57 11 | 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 |
Goods temporarily imported into Senegal may be exempt partially or
totally from duties and taxes provided the items are used as intended
and leave the country within 1 year of entry. (This may be extended by
application to the Director General of Customs.)
Goods admitted as temporary imports may include items that will
undergo further processing.
ATA Carnets
Qualifying for Duty & Tax Free Temporary Import
In order to import your goods duty and tax free into Senegal, you can
pick from Option 1 or 2 of the Temporary Import Methods listed below.
Each option has its pros and cons. Regardless, each of the following
methods requires you to complete a commercial invoice. More details
below.
| Option # | Temporary Import Method | Risk of paying |
|---|
| 1 | Commercial Invoice Only (no other documentation is provided) | High - if broker cannot clear goods temporarily |
| 2 | Commercial Invoice + ATA Carnet | Very Low |
| 1. Complete a Commercial Invoice (CI) only
This is the simplest and quickest option.
See example.
NOTE: You should be aware that shipping using this
method doesn't guarantee that your items will be imported duty/tax
free. Not all brokers will clear goods as temporary imports (i.e. UPS,
Fedex, DHL) nor is it a guarantee that customs won't charge any duties
and taxes. 2. Commercial Invoice (CI) + an ATA Carnet
Completing an ATA Carnet is great option for items that frequently travel
in and out of the country. It's also great because once you have an ATA
Carnet, it is accepted by 176 countries worldwide making the application
process a one-time thing.
In addition to declaring your commercial invoice as a temporary
import, you can get an ATA Carnet for the items that are of temporary
nature. ATA Carnets are beyond the scope of the article however, you can find
more information here: http://www.chamber.ca/carnet/ NOTE: It is highly recommended to get an ATA Carnet
for items that frequently travel in and out of the country and
especially so when it is valued over $2,500 USD |
In addition to the 2 options above, the following conditions must also be met in order to qualify for a duty and VAT free exemption:
- 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 12 months in Senegal
NOTE:
- If the above conditions are not followed, duties and taxes will be
charged as though the goods have been imported permanently
- Your Customs broker can clear goods of a temporary nature (FedEx,
UPS, DHL, etc. typically CANNOT clear goods of temporary nature)
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://www.uscib.org/senegal-ud-1653/
http://www.douanes.sn/sites/default/files/fichiers/Code_Des_Douanes.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Temporary Imports
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Léopold Sedar Senghor
6 rue Léo Frobenius
Corniche Ouest
Dakar
Senegal
Phone: +221 33 823 57 11 | 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 |
Shipments of sold goods valued at 100,000 XOF or less (about $225 CAD)
do not require a customs declaration; however, all shipments
regardless of value will incur duty and VAT.
Occasional Shipper
Even if you only ship sold goods occasionally to Senegal from Canada,
your shipment will incur duty and VAT. However, if its value is
100,000 XOF or less (about $225 CAD), then you are not required to
complete a commercial invoice.
Regular shipper
If you regularly ship sold goods to Senegal, we recommend you use the
services of a Senegalese customs broker.
Sources:
http://www.douanes.sn/sites/default/files/fichiers/Code_Des_Douanes.pdf
https://www.indiapost.gov.in/MBE/DOP_PDFFiles/Client_Guide_en.pdf Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Léopold Sedar Senghor
6 rue Léo Frobenius
Corniche Ouest
Dakar
Senegal
Phone: +221 33 823 57 11 | 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 |
