Shipping from China to Burkina Faso – FCL, LCL, Air & Express 2026

Full Container Load

Best for: Cargo > 15 CBM

• Security: Higher — sealed container
• Speed: Faster — direct loading/unloading at port
• Cost per unit: Lower for large volumes
• Flexibility: Fixed container sizes (20GP / 40GP / 40HQ / 40RF reefer)
• Recommended: For cargo over 15 CBM, fragile goods, high‑value items, or temperature‑sensitive cargo (reefer)
• Landlocked advantage: FCL is strongly recommended to minimise handling and reduce risk of loss/damage during the multi‑step journey

Less than Container Load

Best for: Cargo 2–15 CBM

• Security: Lower — cargo is handled multiple times
• Speed: Slower — requires consolidation/deconsolidation at port and again at inland depot
• Cost per unit: Higher per CBM, but lower total cost for small shipments
• Flexibility: Pay only for the space you use
• Recommended: For shipments under 15 CBM where cost is the primary concern
• Landlocked note: Reefer LCL is not available for landlocked destinations

Full Container Load (Dry) via Abidjan

We offer full container shipping from major Chinese ports (Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, Qingdao, Xiamen) to Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire) – the preferred gateway for Burkina Faso. Vessels sail via the Suez Canal route: China → South China Sea → Malacca Strait → Indian Ocean → Suez Canal → Mediterranean → West African coast → Abidjan. Major carriers include Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM, COSCO, and Hapag‑Lloyd.

Inland transport from Abidjan to Burkina Faso:

• Road transport: 1,200 km via the Abidjan–Ouagadougou corridor, approximately 3‑5 days trucking
• Rail transport: Sitarail railway line, approximately 2‑3 days (more cost‑effective for large volumes)
• We arrange: Customs clearance at Abidjan, transit documents (TIR/ECOWAS), and secure delivery to your final address

FCL Pricing (Dry Containers) – Sea + Inland

• 20GP (Shanghai/Ningbo → Abidjan): $2,000 – $2,800
• 40GP (Shanghai/Ningbo → Abidjan): $2,800 – $4,100
• 40HQ: Similar to 40GP (+$100‑$200)
• Inland trucking (Abidjan → Ouagadougou): $1,500 – $2,500 per container
• Rates vary by port of origin, shipping line, and seasonal demand.

Less than Container Load

For shipments below a full container, we offer LCL consolidation from major Chinese ports to Abidjan, with onward trucking to Burkina Faso. Cargo is consolidated at our China warehouses, shipped to Abidjan, deconsolidated, and then forwarded overland to your final address.

• Pricing: Per CBM or per ton (whichever higher)
• Service end: Abidjan warehouse → trucked to Ouagadougou (or other Burkinabè cities)
• Transit time: 45‑60 days (including consolidation, sea voyage, deconsolidation, and inland trucking)
• Note: Reefer LCL is not available for landlocked destinations

LCL Shipping Notes

LCL shipments to Burkina Faso require careful coordination. We work with trusted partners in Abidjan to ensure smooth deconsolidation and onward trucking.

Air Freight to Ouagadougou (OUA)

Time‑sensitive cargo moves via air freight to Thomas Sankara International Airport (OUA) in Ouagadougou. No direct flights from China; cargo typically transits through Paris (CDG), Istanbul (IST), or Addis Ababa (ADD).

• Transit time: 5‑9 business days (economy), 4‑7 days (priority)
• Service end: OUA Airport – consignee clears customs or we can arrange local delivery
• Acceptable cargo: Electronics, medical supplies, spare parts, luxury goods, documents, humanitarian aid

International Express (DHL / FedEx / UPS / EMS)

For small parcels, documents, samples, or personal effects, we offer express courier with true door‑to‑door delivery to any address in Burkina Faso – including Ouagadougou, Bobo‑Dioulasso, Koudougou, Banfora, and other cities.

• Carriers: DHL Express, FedEx Priority, UPS Worldwide, EMS
• Transit time: 5‑10 days, with full online tracking
• Features: All‑inclusive rates, optional DDP, simplified customs
• Best for: Documents, samples, e‑commerce parcels, urgent small shipments, personal effects

Key Customs Regulations

• Import Duties (TEC): 0‑20% (average ~10‑12%), with essential goods (food, medicines, agricultural inputs) at reduced rates
• VAT (TVA): 18% standard rate (some goods exempt or zero‑rated)
• Statistical tax: 1% of CIF value (applied on most imports)
• Community Solidarity Levy (PCS): 0.5‑1% of CIF (for UEMOA)
• Excise duties: Apply to alcohol, tobacco, and certain luxury goods
• De minimis: Shipments valued under $100 USD generally exempt from duties (VAT may still apply)
• Customs broker: Licensed agent is mandatory for all commercial imports
• Import permits: Required for pharmaceuticals, chemicals, food products, live animals, and agricultural goods
• Transit documents: For sea freight via Abidjan, TIR or ECOWAS transit documents are required

Required Documents

• Commercial Invoice – Detailed description, HS code, CIF value, and country of origin (French translation recommended)
• Bill of Lading (sea) or Air Waybill (air)
• Packing List – Weight, dimensions, and package contents (French translation recommended)
• Certificate of Origin – For tariff preferences (ECOWAS, UEMOA, or other trade agreements)
• Import Declaration (Déclaration d'Importation) – Filed with DGD via the SYDAM system
• Business Registration / NIF – Importer's tax identification number
• Transit Document – TIR Carnet or ECOWAS transit document for sea freight via Abidjan
• Phytosanitary Certificate – For agricultural products and food shipments
• Health Certificate – For food and animal products
• Certificate of Conformity – For certain regulated products (electronics, vehicles, etc.)