Benin Customs Management Rules and Regulations

[Customs Management of Unclaimed Goods]

According to the Benin Customs Law, goods exported to Benin ports will be auctioned if no one clears customs and picks up the goods within 120 days.

[Customs Declaration Procedures]

All imports and exports in Benin must fill out the official printed customs declaration form, attach a copy of the bill of lading, invoice and packing list, and report to the General Administration of Customs for approval before they can go through customs declaration procedures at the port or airport customs. The bill of lading that enjoys tax exemption must first be reported to the General Administration of Customs and the Ministry of Finance for approval before it can go through customs declaration procedures at the port or airport customs.

Non-diplomatic exempted personnel arriving at Cotonou Airport must accept customs inspection of their luggage. Starting from April 1, 2017, all Benin imported goods worth 500,000 West African francs must be inspected by Bénin Control for import documents, customs classification and determination of the value of the goods, involving sea, air and land transportation. All procedures use electronic processes and do not require on-site processing at the company.