Importing Personal Effects into Senegal: Documents & Customs Rules

Source: FIDI Customs Guide · Updated 2023 · Download the Senegal Import Guide (PDF)

Personal Effects and used household goods

• Agents should provide the destination agent with:
• ORIGINAL packing list
• ORIGINAL Bill of lading (x 2) or Telex release or Airway bill/Seaway Bill
• BSC certificate
• DIPLOMATIC SHIPPER:
• Copy of shipper’s passport
• ORIGINAL detailed, dated and signed valued Inventory
• ORIGINAL diplomatic franchise
• ORIGINAL employment assignment letter from new employer of letter of assignment - accredited diplomats / UN staff members
• NON-DIPLOMATIC SHIPPER:
• Copy of shipper’s passport
• ORIGINAL detailed, dated and signed valued Inventory
• ORIGINAL certificate of departure at origin i.e. town hall / police / tax authority / immigration department / embassy
• ORIGINAL Certificate of change of residence from local authority in Dakar
• Utility bill proving residence in Senegal
• SENEGALESE CITIZENS and RETIRED FOREIGN CITIZENS:
• Copy of shipper' passport
• ORIGINAL Removal certificate (Mandatory) from origin Senegal Embassy - for Senegalese citizens and retired foreign citizens only
• ORIGINAL detailed, dated and signed valued Inventory

• For all imports into Senegal, Personal Effects and Used household goods will have to comply with customs regulations to benefit from duty exemption.

Vehicles

• Diplomatic vehicles:
• Copy passport of vehicle owner
• Copy of car Title document
• ORIGINAL of car Temporary Admission
• ORIGINAL certificate of diplomatic assignment letter from diplomatic mission
• ORIGINAL temporary admission for vehicle as provided by the Foreign Affairs Ministry in Senegal (the process is long and sometimes incurs demurrages charges which will be billed as per outlay).
• All other vehicles:
• Copy passport of vehicle owner
• Copy of car Title document
• TAX and Duties of 60% based on CIF Value
• ORIGINAL certificate of departure at origin i.e.. town hall / police / tax authority / immigration department / embassy
• ORIGINAL invoice for new cars

• All vehicles, unless covered under diplomatic status, are subject to customs duties and Tax of +/- 60% of CIF value (CIF value to be confirmed by Senegal Customs).
• Only vehicle less than 8 years old can be imported.
• In all cases VIN, Chassis number and weight of the vehicle must be stated on the OBL

Prohibited Items

• Arms and munitions
• Firearms and munitions
• Any new items
• Non prescriptions drugs
• Alcohol
• Only one type of appliance per shipper
• Vegetable matter of any kind
• Pornographic materials of any kind
• Animals’ skins
• Foodstuffs

Exporting Personal Effects from Senegal: Documents & Customs Rules

Source: FIDI Customs Guide · Updated 2024 · Download the Senegal Export Guide (PDF)

Remark

• Many outbound containers are scanned randomly. If customs identifies a suspicious package, they can request that the container be unloaded.
• There is an additional charge for the transport to the scanner and the scan itself.

• Port manager now oversees certain port formalities. Previously these formalities were the remit of our forwarding agents. As a result:
• Export transit time has increased to from 3 to 8 working days.
• This has resulted in extra costs for container immobilisation.
• The local mover must allow extra time for customs formalities or risk missing the date of departure.
• For additional information on the export formalities for HHG/PE, contact your local agent.

Senegal Moving Guide: Documents, Duties & Shipping Notes

Source: IAM Country Guide · Updated 2026-08-19 · Download the Senegal Country Guide (PDF)

Documents

Specific Information

The destination agent must receive all documents at least 15 days before the shipment's arrival in order to obtain the duty-free exemption certificate. Missing this window will result in delays and storage charges accruing at the port.

Used household goods and personal effects are exempt from customs duty if they meet all of the following conditions: the items have been in the owner's possession and use for at least 6 months (items in original/new packaging do not qualify); the items are not intended for sale; and the non-sale certificate is provided.

One each of the following major appliances may be imported duty-free: refrigerator, stove/cooker, freezer, computer, television, and VCR/media player. Additional units of these items are subject to customs duties.

Satellite dishes are classified as luxury items and are taxed by Customs regardless of personal use status.

All shipments are subject to customs inspection.

BSC/CTN requirement: The Bordereau de Suivi de Cargaison (Cargo Tracking Note) is a mandatory document for all sea freight imports into Senegal. It must be obtained before shipment departs from origin. The destination agent should advise on the current issuing authority and process.

Senegal applies an 18% VAT on most imports. Personal household goods qualifying for duty-free exemption may not attract VAT, but this should be confirmed with the destination agent at the time of booking.

All solid wood packing materials must comply with ISPM 15 phytosanitary treatment standards.

Prohibited & Restricted Items

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

All documentation must be in French or accompanied by certified French translations. The inventory must be in French, dated, valued, and signed by the owner of the goods.

The original bill of lading is mandatory -- express or telex release is not accepted. Ensure the original OBL is couriered to the destination agent and arrives at least 15 days before the vessel to allow time to obtain the duty-free exemption certificate.

The BSC (Bordereau de Suivi de Cargaison / Cargo Tracking Note) is required for all sea freight to Senegal and must be obtained at origin before departure. The destination agent should advise on the current issuing process.

The Port of Dakar (Port Autonome de Dakar) is the main entry point for sea freight. It is a busy port and demurrage charges accrue quickly. Prompt and complete documentation submission is essential to avoid unnecessary storage fees.

Items purchased within 6 months of import require purchase invoices. Items in original/new packaging do not qualify for the duty-free used goods exemption and will be assessed for duty.