Country Guide: Ivory Coast

Due to the current coronavirus/COVID-19 situation and restrictions in various countries, the below information may not be accurate. This pandemic is a fluid situation. Check with authorities for local laws and restrictions concerning movements.

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Updated: August 22, 2016

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Used Household Goods and Personal Effects

Documents Required 

  • Copy of passport entry stamp in Ivory Coast
  • Packing list in French
  • Original detailed and valued inventory in French, dated, and signed by the owner of the goods
  • Original bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB).
  • Bordereau de suivi de cargaison / cargo tracking  note
  • Diplomatic card issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ivory Coast
  • Diplomatic franchise (exemption certificate)
  • Original move certificate delivered at origin by city or consulate in the country of departure
  • Copy of residency card / work permit
  • Letter of employment in Ivory Coast (in French) certifying starting date and position
  • Certificate of filiation / etat de filiation (document from the owner of the goods giving details on: parents, name, date of birth, and address)

 

Specific Information

  • Import taxes apply on HHG items at 1% CIF value + EUR 30 per shipment for non-diplomats.
  • If telex/express release expect additional release fees (+/- USD 100)
  • Diplomats still pay minimum tax EUR 30 per shipment (double if HHG & POV)
  • Diplomatic franchise must be applied for by the diplomatic organization employing the owner of the goods.
    • Process usually takes 2-3 weeks.
    • OBL and diplomatic card are necessary for this process.
    • The franchise is issued by the MFA and needs to be endorsed by Customs head office before being handed over.
  • Owner of the goods must register with Internal Revenue Services, which takes approximately 3 days to provide with a tax identification number used only for importation of HHG. 
  • Tax payer identification numbers are not required for diplomats as long as their embassy/organization has a permanent one.
  • Non-diplomatic sea shipments are subject to Customs scanner and inspection.
    • Additional fees than expected (approx USD 500/TEU).  
  • Electrical items will be considered new if invoices are not provided.
  • Import duties and taxes apply to new items at approximately 44% CIF value.
  • Sea shipments take within 7-15 business days to arrive providing all requested documents have been submitted prior to shipment arrival.
  • Air shipments take within 5-10 business days to arrive providing all requested documents have been submitted prior to shipment arrival.

Motor Vehicles

Documents Required

  • Original registration card
  • OBL (showing net weight of car and 17 characters chassis number)
  • Purchase invoice (if new)

 

Specific Information

  • Vehicles older than 7 years cannot be imported without additional taxes and penalties.
  • Vehicles for non-diplomats should not be sent in the same container as the household goods and personal effects (expect then 4-6 weeks clearance delays and additional charges)
  • Customs duties & taxes at approx. 44% CIF value
  • Other expected extra charges: “CIL & Vignette” fees (EUR 200-500 per vehicle).

Pets

Documents Required 

  • Vaccination record
  • Veterinary health certificate
  • Import permit

 

Specific Information

  • Documents must be issued from country of origin prior to entry and wait for import permit to be made available.

Restricted/Dutiable Items

  • Firearms and ammunition (authorization from the territorial administration is required)
  • The following items may qualify for free import within the limits indicated:
    • Cigarettes (200), cigars (25), cigarillos (100)
    • Tobacco (250 g)
    • Wine and spirits (1 bottle)
    • Perfume (250 ml)

 

IAM Note: It is advisable to avoid food / new items in air shipments, and large quantities of food / new items in non-diplomatic sea shipments. 


Prohibited Items

  • Illegal drugs
  • Pornographic materials
  • Plants and plant materials
  • Soil
  • Fertilizers
  • Counterfeit items
  • Subversive materials

Consignment Instructions

Recommended: Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea shipments.

 


Cultural and Other Information

CIA World Factbook

Wikipedia Entry for Ivory Coast





IAM Note: Customs regulations can change at any time with or without notice. This document is provided as a guide and for information only. While IAM has exercised reasonable care in publishing this document, IAM makes no representation, either expressed or implied, as to its accuracy or applicability.