🇧🇫 Import Customs & Duties: Burkina Faso
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$50
Packages under $50, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
15%
CIF value + duty. ECOWAS statistical levy of 1% and community solidarity levy of 0.8% also apply.
Clearance Time
5-10 days express, 14-30 postal days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 5-20% | 85 |
| Clothing | 20-35% | 61-62 |
| Footwear | 20-35% | 64 |
| Food & Beverages | 5-35% | 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-5% | 84 |
| Cosmetics | 20% | 33 |
| Books | 0% | 49 |
| Toys & Games | 10-20% | 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Customs Clearance Process
Direction Generale des Douanes manages customs using SYDONIA (ASYCUDA) system. ECOWAS Common External Tariff (CET) applies with 5 bands: 0%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 35%. Customs broker required for commercial imports. Landlocked country, goods transit via ports in Togo, Ghana, or Cote d'Ivoire.
What to Actually Expect
Landlocked, all goods transit through neighboring coastal countries, adding time and cost. Transit through Togo (Lome) or Ghana (Tema) most common. Security situation in northern regions affects logistics. Delays at Ouagadougou customs office are common.
Required Documents
Commercial Invoice
Item description, quantity, value, sender and receiver details
Packing List
Detailed description of contents in each package
Customs Declaration (CN22/CN23)
Required for postal shipments
Air Waybill (AWB)
Generated by the carrier when booking the shipment
Certificate of Origin
May be required for reduced duties (FTA/preferential rates)
Export/Import License
For restricted goods (electronics, medicines, chemicals)
Import License Requirements
Import authorization required for controlled goods. Phytosanitary certificates for agricultural products. Arms, narcotics, and hazardous waste prohibited. Used vehicle imports face restrictions.
Certificate of Origin
ECOWAS certificate of origin for regional trade. Chamber of Commerce of Burkina Faso (CCI-BF) issues certificates. AGOA certificate for US market access.
Learn more →Prohibited & Restricted Items
Prohibited
- xNarcotics and illegal drugs
- xExplosives and flammable materials
- xWeapons and ammunition
- xCounterfeit goods
- xCounterfeit currency and documents
Restricted (permit required)
- !Medicines and pharmaceuticals
- !Food and beverages
- !Plants and seeds
- !Electronics (lithium batteries)
- !Perfumes and cosmetics (volume limits)
Useful Links
Popular routes to Burkina Faso
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Burkina Faso?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Burkina Faso is $50. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Burkina Faso?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Burkina Faso is 15%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. ECOWAS statistical levy of 1% and community solidarity levy of 0.8% also apply.
How long does customs clearance take in Burkina Faso?
Typical customs clearance in Burkina Faso takes 5-10 days express, 14-30 postal days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Burkina Faso?
To import into Burkina Faso, you typically need: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, and customs declaration. Some goods may require a certificate of origin or import license.
What items are prohibited from import into Burkina Faso?
Burkina Faso prohibits the import of narcotics, weapons, counterfeit goods, certain animal products, and hazardous materials. Restrictions may also apply to alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and certain electronics.