Basic information
Outline of the system
In Burkina Faso, import formalities are limited to the issuance of a prior import declaration (DPI), which is an import document required for all imports of goods of an f.o.b. value of CFAF 500,000 or more.
This DPI is issued immediately and free of charge by the Directorate of the Single Trade and Investment Window Centre (DCGU/CI) of the Ministry of Trade on the basis of a pro forma invoice.
For certain products, a DPI can only be issued against an import licence. Products requiring import licences include explosives, arms, ammunition and military articles.
Product coverage
Explosives, arms, ammunition and military articles
Nature of licensing
Automatic
If Automatic, administrative purpose
Non-Automatic
If Non-Automatic, description of the notified Non-Automatic Licensing regime
This licence was introduced to enable the authorities to control imports of civil arms in view of their extreme sensitivity.
Products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
Questions for products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
The system applies to products originating from which country?
Expected duration of licensing procedure
Legal requirements
Is the licensing statutorily required?
Does the legislation leave designation of products to be subject to licensing to administrative discretion?
Is it possible for the government to abolish the system without legislative approval?
Eligibility of applicants
Is there a system of registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in importation?
What persons or firms are eligible to apply for a licence?
Is there a registration fee?
Is there a published list of authorized importers?
Contact point for information on eligibility
Ministry/Authority
The focal points for communication of information on eligibility are the Ministry of Trade, the Ministry of Security and the Ministry of Mining.
Address
Telephone
Fax
E-mail address
Website
Contact officer
Submission of an application
Administrative body(ies) for submission of an application
Director of the Single Trade and Investment Window Centre
Documentation requirements
What information is required in applications?
Applications containing all of the required authorizations
What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?
Window of submission of an application
How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?
Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence can be made? If so, explain
The need to control arms imports requires that the application of this procedure should be of unlimited duration.
Issuing the license
Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
Applications containing all of the required authorizations go to the Director of the Single Trade and Investment Window Centre, who issues the licence within a maximum of 24 hours.
Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence
Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?
Non-automatic licence issued in the form of a Special Import Authorization (ASI) subject to authorization by the Ministry of Security for Arms, Ammunition and Military Articles, and the Ministry of Mining for Explosives.