Commercial Guide

VI - Trade Regulations And Standards

Burkina Faso has removed most import/export restrictions and streamlined taxation and other administrative procedures. Quantitative restrictions on imports have been lifted, and tariffs reduced from a maximum of 200% to a maximum of 66%, except for petroleum products which maintain a 150% tariff.

Burkina Faso is still negotiating with the WTO to consolidate its rates; it appears that they will be within the WTO range. The only preferences practiced are being enforced by West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) laws and regulations in favor of UEMOA products. There are no tariff and non-tariff barriers access against U.S. products. Once the UEMOA has adopted the External Common Tariff (Tarif Exterieur Commun), each member state will be able to negotiate the adjustment of this tariff to its specific market conditions within the limits authorized by the WTO.

The importation of several products (pharmaceuticals, arms, ammunition, uniforms, and products classified as toxic) still requires a special authorization. A certificate of conformity, requiring fee payment, is also required for the import of some products (rice and batteries). The pre-shipment inspection of imports over CFAF 1.5 million (about USD 2,900) by the Société Générale de Surveillance (SGS), an international verification and control service, is still required. The export of ivory remains strictly forbidden.