Customs Clearance at the Port of Dakar: A 7-Step Guide for Importers (2026)
Quick answer: Clearing goods at the Port of Dakar takes 7 steps: (1) obtain the BSC/BESC before shipment, (2) gather the documents, (3) complete COTECNA inspection if required, (4) file the customs declaration via GAINDE, (5) pay duties and taxes, (6) undergo inspection/release, (7) collect the goods. Standard turnaround is 2–5 business days once complete documents are submitted.
NET LOGISTICS SENEGAL, a Dakar-based freight forwarder since 2009, handles these formalities for importers at the Port of Dakar and Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS).
The 7 steps of customs clearance at the Port of Dakar
- 1
Obtain the BSC/BESC (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note) — must be issued BEFORE the goods are loaded at the origin port. Without a validated BESC, the declaration is blocked.
- 2
Gather the import documents — commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading (BL) or air waybill, certificate of origin.
- 3
COTECNA pre-shipment inspection — mandatory above 3,000,000 FCFA (FOB value, ~$6,000). It issues the Attestation de Vérification required for clearance.
- 4
File the customs declaration via GAINDE — Senegal's electronic customs system. The licensed customs broker enters the declaration, HS tariff code, and customs value.
- 5
Pay duties and taxes — customs duties under the ECOWAS Common External Tariff, 18% VAT, and any commodity-specific taxes.
- 6
Customs inspection and release — depending on the channel (green/orange/red), documentary or physical inspection, then issuance of the release order.
- 7
Collect the goods — pay port/handling fees, then move the container out of the terminal.
What documents are needed to clear customs at the Port of Dakar?
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Ocean bill of lading or air waybill (AWB)
- Certificate of origin
- BSC / BESC (Electronic Cargo Tracking Note)
- COTECNA verification certificate (if applicable)
- Where applicable: special permits (regulated, pharmaceutical, or food products)
How long does customs clearance take?
Port of Dakar (sea): 2–5 business days after complete documents are filed. Blaise Diagne Airport (air, DSS): often 24–48 hours. Delays mostly come from a missing BESC, a disputed customs value, or a red-channel physical inspection.
How much does customs clearance cost in Senegal?
Total cost = customs duties (ECOWAS CET by category) + 18% VAT + COTECNA fees + port and handling charges + forwarder's fees. NET LOGISTICS provides an all-in landed-cost quote before shipment.
FAQ — Customs clearance at the Port of Dakar
Customs clearance at the Port of Dakar follows 7 steps: BESC before shipment, document preparation, COTECNA inspection if required, declaration via GAINDE, payment of duties and VAT, release, then collection. Standard turnaround is 2–5 business days.
GAINDE is the Senegalese customs administration's electronic system through which customs declarations are filed and processed. Every import at the Port of Dakar is declared there by a licensed customs broker.
COTECNA pre-shipment inspection is mandatory for imports whose FOB value exceeds 3,000,000 FCFA. It issues the verification certificate required for customs clearance.
The cost depends on container type, commodity, and origin, plus customs duties (ECOWAS CET), 18% VAT, COTECNA and port fees. NET LOGISTICS provides a detailed all-in quote.
Need to clear goods in Dakar?
Let NET LOGISTICS SENEGAL handle your formalities: customs clearance at the Port of Dakar and Blaise Diagne Airport, air and sea freight, warehousing. Request a free quote — response within 24 hours.
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