Burkina Faso import and export guide

• Regional rules: Burkina Faso is a WAEMU member and applies the WAEMU Common External Tariff.
• Tariff bands: 0% for social goods, 5% for raw materials and capital goods, 10% for intermediate goods and 20% for final consumer goods.
• Language: all documents should be prepared in French to avoid delays.
• Responsibility: the importer is responsible for the customs declaration.
• Restricted goods: many goods need a Special Import or Export Authorisation from the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Handicrafts.

Documents

Prepare all documents in French. The importer is responsible for the customs declaration.

The WAEMU Common External Tariff sorts goods into four categories: 0% for social goods, 5% for raw materials and capital goods, 10% for intermediate goods and 20% for final consumer goods. The US Commercial Service notes that the system is predictable but that tariffs can still be a significant cost.

The sources I used do not give the VAT rate or other levies. Check them with Burkina Faso's customs administration.

Some exports need a Special Import or Export Authorisation (see below), including oilseeds such as sesame, raw cashew nuts and shea nuts, gold, scrap metal and cottonseed. The sources I used do not describe the rest of the export procedure.

Prohibited imports (2025 list): adulterated alcohol, alcoholic energy drinks, mercury-based cosmetics, certain medicines, specific herbicides and non-biodegradable plastics.

Restricted goods needing a Special Import or Export Authorisation from the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Handicrafts:

• weapons and ammunition
• gold and precious materials
• oilseeds (sesame, raw cashew nuts, shea nuts)
• scrap metal and cottonseed
• plant seeds
• pharmaceuticals and veterinary products, medical equipment, reagents and consumables
• staple foods (sugar, flour, oils, potatoes, onions)
• tyres for two-wheeled vehicles

Import quotas and suspensions apply to solar panels, wheat and sugar. Verify with the Ministry of Commerce or Investburkina.

1. Prepare every document in French.
2. Check whether your goods are on the prohibited or restricted lists.
3. Get the Special Import or Export Authorisation before shipping, if needed.
4. Confirm the routing. Burkina Faso is landlocked, so goods usually arrive through a neighbouring port.
5. Agree who pays duties, storage and demurrage.

• Documents in the wrong language. Documents not in French cause delays.
• Restricted goods without authorisation. Staple foods, seeds and medicines are held without the authorisation.
• Quotas and suspensions. Solar panels, wheat and sugar are subject to quotas or suspensions, with no effective dates in my source.
• Fake documents. Forged certificates, bills of lading and invoices are common in West African trade. Verify a certificate with the issuing body, and check the company before you pay.