JVK Africa Ltd.
RUE 1542
Cotonou
Bénin
Tel: +229 60 72 34 34
E-mail: Please contact branch through the Contact Us page

HOUSEHOLD GOODS AND PERSONAL EFFECTS

Documents required

Packing list
Copy of passport
Original bill of lading (OBL) – no express release accepted / air waybill (AWB) (2originals)
Bordereau de Suivi de Cargaisons (BSC) / Cargo Tracking Note (CTN)
Original valued inventory in French, dated, and signed by the owner of the goods
Invoice for all electrical items less than 6 months old
Resident / work permit / letter of employment
Certificate for change of residence
Non-sale certificate
Diplomatic exemption certificate (diplomats)

Specific Information

The OBL must clearly indicate the weight in kilograms, the number of items, andmust also state “personal belongings.”
The weight of the vehicle, if applicable, must be shown separately from weight of thepersonal effects.
The BSC must be attached to the OBL.
If BSC is not available, a penalty of 200 Euro will have to be paid in Benin.
Resident / work permit / or letter of employment must explain that owner of the goods is starting a new contract in Benin.
The non-sale certificate must state that the owner of the goods will not sell personaleffects in Benin
Certificate for change of residence must be obtained at the country of origin by the owner of the goods from either the City Hall or the embassy of passport country (if the owner of the goods is not a citizen of the country from which they are moving).
All import shipments are subject to Customs inspection.
Household goods are allowed in Benin duty free if they have been in the owner of the goods’ possession for at least 6 months.
All diplomatic shipments are subject to a 0.15% import tax based on the declared value.
All non-diplomatic shipments are subject to a 3.15% import tax based on the declared value.
A diplomatic exemption certificate must be obtained before arrival of the goods toavoid storage charges.

PROHIBITED AND RESTRICTED GOODS

– Firearms and ammunitions (authorization from the territorial administration required)
– Drugs
– Alcohol (only “Fond de Cave”) is acceptable and duty free (maximum 12 bottles)
– Cigarettes (200), cigars (25), cigarillos (100), tobacco (250 g)
– Eau de toilette (500 ml)
– Perfume (250 ml)
– Guns, explosives and ammunition (authorization required) Knives and deadly weapons(authorization required)
– Plant and plant products (authorization is required)
– Meat and meat products (authorization is required)
– Illegal drugs
– Firearms, ammunitions (unless authorized by territorial administration)
– Hazardous materials
– Animals and pets
– Asbestos
– Precious metals and stones
– Ivory
– Furs
– Gambling devices
– Counterfeit money and goods
– Pornographic material

MOTOR VEHICLES (AUTOS AND MOTORBIKES)

Documents Required

– Original registration card
– Original bill of lading / freight invoice
– Non-sale certificate
– Origin certificate

Specific Information

Taxes on car will depend on age, power, etc. -Approximately 50% CIF if no exemption – 0.85% if diplomatic

ANIMALS AND PETS

Documents Required

– Veterinarian health certificate – Rabies vaccination certificate from origin country

Specific Information

– Documents must be received by agent prior to import.