Import and export of products to Burkina Faso is free unless the good is subject to an import title or authorization (as defined by the ministry of Commerce, Enterprise Promotion, and Handicrafts). Importers have to obtain authorization in advance (it’s valid for six months for imports and can be renewed). Specific authorization is necessary for importation of: arms, pharmaceuticals, uniforms, ammunition, and toxic products.
The pre-shipment inspection of importation over CFAF 1,500,000 (approximately, USD 2,900) by the Societe Generale de Surveillance (SGS), an international verification and control service, is still required.
There are no tariff or non-tariff barriers against U.S. goods. Once WAEMU has adopted the external common tariff (Tarif Exterieur Commun), each member state is be able to adapt tariffs in response to specific market conditions within limits authorized by the World Trade Organization (WTO). U.S. exports to Burkina Faso are subject to the very same controls as goods of WAEMU and ECOWAS member-countries.
Prohibited and Restricted Items: Burkina Faso authorities removed the majority of its import and export restrictions and streamlined taxes and other administrative formalities. Except petroleum goods, which maintain a 150 % tariff, quantitative restrictions on importation have been raised, and tariffs decreased from 200 % to a maximum of 66 %. There are certain restrictions for import of drugs, asbestos and other potentially harmful goods.
Import Documentation: bill of lading (1 copy), packing list (1 copy), commercial invoice (original or 1 scanned copy), Cargo insurance certificate (1 copy), Cargo tracking note (1 copy), Commercial register number in Burkina Faso.
Import Tariffs
Burkina Faso is a part of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU), which imposed an External Common Tariff with 4 rates: 0 %, 5 %, 10 %, and 20 % since the beginning of 2000. There are other import barriers in the form of additional taxes, targeted import prohibitions, licenses etc.
A certificate of conformity requiring the payment of a fee is necessary for the import of certain goods (including rice and batteries). Since the fee is grounded on the quantity of imported goods, it makes this requirement comparable to a protective measure.
Labeling/Marking Requirements
Except pharmaceutical products, which have to be labeled in French, Burkina Faso has no speciffic regulations for product labeling and marking. Only goods imported from WAEMU and ECOWAS regions and registered for Common Preferential Tax, are subject to marking. | 
