Import Licences - Benin

IMPORT TO BENIN: FORMALITIES AND PROCEDURES

In Benin, importing requires formalities and procedures.

FORMALITIES FOR OBTAINING IMPORTER STATUS
They include 2 steps:

STEP 1. REGISTRATION IN THE COMMERCIAL REGISTER
The necessary documents :
- two copies of the registered Articles of Association;
- a copy of the journal of legal notices;
- the receipt for payment of registration fees to the Registry;
- a copy of the journal of legal notices;
- the receipt of the license paid for taxes;

- an extract from the criminal record dating from less than three months (for natural persons);
- the license receipt;
- a civil status document.

To pay
- 20 US dollars for national companies
- 15 US dollars for foreign companies
- 10 US dollars for nationals
- 15 US dollars for foreigners

STEP 2: ESTABLISHMENT OF THE IMPORTER CARD
Documents to provide :
- a copy of the company's articles of association;
- a copy of the extract from the commercial register;
- an extract from the criminal record of the country of origin of the manager or director of the Company;
- a photocopy of the residence permit for foreigners;
- the receipt for payment of the deposit for tax on the BIC for the current year;
- the payment receipt for the importer's license for the current year (Tax Department);
- receipt of payment of dues to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Benin (CCIB) for the current year;
- the receipt or certificate from the National Social Security Fund;
- revenue stamp of two US dollars;
- fixed fee: 60 US dollars

IMPORT PROCEDURES
1. ESTABLISHMENT OF IMPORT INTENTION (DPI)
Issued on request, without restriction, it is valid for 6 months and renewable once for three months.
2. QUALITY CONTROL
Are required:
- import intention;
- two copies of invoice;
- domiciliation of the transaction with an authorized bank in accordance with exchange regulations.
3. DOMICILIATION
Merchandise imported from countries other than those in the franc zone and with an FOB value greater than or equal to ten thousand US dollars (10,000 US dollars) must be subject to domiciliation with an approved intermediary bank and its payment is subject to the visa of an import certificate.