Includes information on average tariff rates and types that U.S. firms should be aware of when exporting to the market.
Last Published: 3/1/2019
Benin is a member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) which includes Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea (Conakry), Ghana, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo.  As of January 2015 ECOWAS started the implementation of the “Tarif Exterieur Commun” (a Common External Tariff - CET).  The standardized tariff applied to imported goods for ECOWAS member states comprising duties and taxes ranging from 0 to 35% depending on the nature and the origin of the imported goods.  CET is designed to protect industries in ECOWAS member states from dumping and unfair competition.  Valued Added Tax (VAT) is levied in Benin on all lucrative activities except salaries and agriculture-related activities, and customs duties are due on imported goods at the importation point of entry.  VAT is refundable to sellers and importers that claim it at the end of the fiscal year.

Further information on customs procedures in Benin may be obtained on the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and Benin Customs websites at www.finances.bj and www.douanes-benin.net.
 

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.