Sandwiched between Togo and Nigeria on the western coast of Africa, Benin is a small nation with a population less than New York City. The country is largely dependent on its farming industry-- most of the population lives near the coast where the soil is rich and fertile.
Whatever your reasons for relocating to Benin, whether it's for employment, family or a change of scenery, you'll need to be properly prepared when entering the country through customs. Here's what you need to know when preparing to travel to Benin from the United States:
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY
When you're traveling overseas for a move, the first thing you should pack is your passports, visas and other travel-related documents that you'll need to get through customs at your destination. You should keep these documents with you at all times during the move-- either on you or in a carry-on bag. Losing any of these documents will make your move a lot more difficult and possibly delay you from reaching your destination.
The documents you'll need to enter Benin are:
- Passport
- Visa
- Detailed valued inventory in French, signed and dated by the shipper
- Letter of transfer from the shipper's employer
- Attestation reservation de cale
SHIPPING AND CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
You most likely won't be alone when you move to Benin – you'll have an entire shipment of belongings coming with you. Whether you have your belongings shipped ahead of time or you bring them with you through customs, you'll need to acquaint yourself with the shipping regulations that exist in your destination country In Benin.
To import your goods duty-free:
- You must prove ownership of the shipment
- The goods must have been in your possession at least six months
- All documents must arrive to the Destination Agent three weeks prior to arrival of shipment to allow for application to grant duty-free clearance
All shipments (diplomat or non-diplomat) are subject to a 3.65% import tax based on declared value
PROHIBITED ITEMS
Different countries have different laws regarding what you're allowed to bring into the country through customs. You should do your research beforehand to avoid trouble. Here are the items that are prohibited from being imported to Benin:
- Knives and deadly weapons
- Explosives
- Drugs
- Hazardous materials
- Asbestos
- Precious metals and stones
- Ivory
- Furs
- Gambling devices
- Counterfeit money and goods
- Pornographic material
RESTRICTED ITEMS
While the items on this list may not be prohibited, there are some restrictions placed on certain items that limit the quantity or require special permission to be brought into the country through customs. Other items may be dutiable, meaning a tax will be placed on them upon arriving at customs. Familiarize yourself with the items that have been restricted before beginning your move:
- Home computers are not accepted as personal effects and will be subject to customs duties and import taxes
- New electrical items are subject to payment of customs duties and taxes
- All electrical items and furniture must be more than six months old (invoices required)
- A special Hunting Permit will be required for all weapons and ammunition being imported into the country.
- Plant and meat products being imported into the country will require permission from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, & Fisheries
- Alcohol and other spirits (duties and limit restrictions)
MOTOR VEHICLE REGULATIONS
Thinking of bringing your car along with you when you move overseas? Not so fast. Some countries have strict regulations regarding how cars can be transported into the country and which cars are eligible for import. Here are the motor vehicle regulations for Benin:
- New autos are dutiable (amount to be paid depends on value, model, year, cubic centimeters and accessories)
- Vehicle must have its own Original Bill of Lading (separate from the household goods OBL) stating the weight of the vehicle (in kilograms), the engine and chassis serial numbers, the engine CC, and the make, model and year of manufacture
- Only one vehicle is permitted
Documents required:
- Original Certificate of Title and Registration
- Original Commercial/Purchase Invoice
- Freight Invoice or rated OBL
- Non Sale Certificate (client declaration to not sell vehicle)
PETS AND ANIMAL REGULATIONS
Bringing your pets with you on your overseas move is a necessity for many; after all they are a part of the family. So before you move, check out the regulations regarding shipping your pet overseas to your destination country and what you need to obtain in order to safely allow your pet into your new country:
- Health certificate from a licensed veterinarian
- Vaccination certificate (including rabies) dated between 30 days and twelve months prior to arrival
INTERNATIONAL MOVES
International moves are unique in the amount of preparation and planning that is required to relocate from one country to another. In addition to securing the services of an international moving company, packing your belongings and planning your moving budget, you must also consider the customs regulations in your destination country. These regulations often vary from country to country and are subject to change.
To help you prepare for your move, we've provided you with a few helpful links to help you learn more about the complicated international moving process: