Burkina Faso, a landlocked country in West Africa, relies heavily on imports to meet its domestic needs due to its limited manufacturing base and agriculture-dependent economy. As a member of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Burkina Faso follows a Common External Tariff (CET) system, which applies uniform tariff rates on products imported from outside the union. This CET is designed to protect local industries, promote regional trade, and generate government revenue. The country’s tariff structure varies depending on the type of product, with specific duties in place to encourage local production of agricultural and industrial goods while ensuring affordable access to essential imports.
Custom Tariff Rates by Product Category in Burkina Faso
1. Agricultural Products
Agriculture plays a vital role in Burkina Faso’s economy, employing a large portion of the population. However, due to environmental constraints, the country is dependent on imports for various food products. The government applies moderate tariffs on agricultural imports to protect local farmers while ensuring food security.
1.1 Basic Agricultural Products
- Cereals and Grains: Burkina Faso imports significant quantities of cereals such as rice, wheat, and maize to supplement local production. The tariffs on these imports vary depending on demand and local availability.
- Rice: Typically taxed at 5% to 10% under the WAEMU Common External Tariff.
- Wheat and maize: Generally subject to tariffs of 5% to 10%, with reduced rates during periods of local shortages.
- Fruits and Vegetables: Burkina Faso imports a wide range of fruits and vegetables to meet domestic demand, especially during off-seasons.
- Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons): Typically taxed at 10%.
- Tomatoes and onions: Subject to tariffs of 5% to 15%, depending on the season and local supply levels.
- Sugar and Sweeteners: Burkina Faso imports most of its sugar, and these imports are subject to tariffs aimed at protecting the domestic sugar industry.
- Refined sugar: Typically taxed at 20%.
1.2 Livestock and Dairy Products
- Meat and Poultry: The country imports a portion of its meat and poultry, with moderate tariffs applied to protect local livestock farmers.
- Beef and pork: Typically subject to tariffs of 15% to 20%.
- Poultry (chicken and turkey): Generally taxed at 15%.
- Fish and Seafood: Imports of fish and seafood are subject to tariffs that ensure access to affordable protein sources while supporting local fisheries.
- Frozen fish: Typically taxed at 10% to 15%.
- Dairy Products: Burkina Faso imports a significant amount of dairy products, including milk, butter, and cheese. These products are subject to moderate tariffs to protect local dairy production.
- Milk powder: Generally taxed at 5%.
- Butter and cheese: Typically face tariffs ranging from 10% to 20%.
1.3 Special Import Duties
As a member of ECOWAS and WAEMU, Burkina Faso benefits from duty-free or reduced tariffs on agricultural imports from other member states. Imports from non-WAEMU countries face the Common External Tariff (CET), which applies uniform rates for non-preferential trade partners.
2. Industrial Goods
Burkina Faso’s industrial sector is still developing, and the country imports a wide range of industrial goods, such as machinery and construction materials, to support local industries. Tariffs on industrial goods are structured to encourage local industrial development while ensuring that essential equipment and raw materials remain affordable.
2.1 Machinery and Equipment
- Industrial Machinery: Tariffs on machinery are relatively low to promote industrial growth, particularly in sectors such as construction and manufacturing.
- Construction machinery (excavators, bulldozers): Typically taxed at 0% to 5%.
- Manufacturing equipment: Import duties generally range from 0% to 10%, depending on the type of equipment.
- Electrical Equipment: Electrical machinery and equipment, such as generators and transformers, are essential for Burkina Faso’s growing energy and infrastructure sectors. These imports generally face low tariffs.
- Electrical machinery: Typically taxed at 5% to 10%.
2.2 Motor Vehicles and Transportation
Burkina Faso imports most of its motor vehicles, both for personal and commercial use. Tariffs on these imports vary based on the type of vehicle, engine size, and environmental impact.
- Passenger Vehicles: Import duties on cars vary based on engine size and the type of vehicle.
- Small passenger vehicles (under 1,500cc): Typically taxed at 10% to 15%.
- Luxury cars and SUVs: Subject to higher tariffs, often 20% to 30%.
- Commercial Vehicles: Trucks, buses, and other commercial vehicles are essential for the country’s logistics and transportation infrastructure. Tariffs for these vehicles range from 5% to 20%, depending on the size and purpose of the vehicle.
- Vehicle Parts and Accessories: Vehicle parts, such as engines, tires, and batteries, are generally taxed at 5% to 15%, with lower rates for essential parts used in public transport or industries.
2.3 Special Import Duties for Certain Countries
Industrial goods imported from WAEMU member states benefit from zero tariffs under regional trade agreements. Imports from non-preferential countries, such as China and the United States, are subject to the Common External Tariff (CET) system, which applies standardized tariffs to industrial products imported from outside the WAEMU region.
3. Textiles and Apparel
The textile and apparel industry in Burkina Faso is limited, and the country imports a significant amount of textiles and clothing. Tariffs are designed to encourage local garment production while ensuring affordable access to imported apparel.
3.1 Raw Materials
- Textile Raw Materials: Burkina Faso imports raw materials such as cotton, wool, and synthetic fibers to support local textile production. These imports face relatively low tariffs to encourage industrial development.
- Cotton and wool: Generally taxed at 5% to 10%.
- Synthetic fibers: Tariffs range from 5% to 15%, depending on the material.
3.2 Finished Clothing and Apparel
- Clothing and Apparel: Imported garments face moderate tariffs to protect local apparel producers, particularly in the emerging textile industry.
- Casual wear and uniforms: Typically taxed at 15% to 20%.
- Luxury and branded clothing: Tariffs may reach 30% for high-end apparel.
- Footwear: Imported footwear is generally taxed at 10% to 20%, depending on the material and design.
3.3 Special Import Duties
Burkina Faso benefits from reduced tariffs or zero tariffs on textiles and apparel imported from ECOWAS and WAEMU member states. Imports from non-preferential countries such as China and India are subject to the Common External Tariff (CET).
4. Consumer Goods
Burkina Faso imports a wide variety of consumer goods, including electronics, home appliances, and furniture. Tariffs on these goods vary, with lower tariffs applied to essential products and higher tariffs on luxury items.
4.1 Electronics and Home Appliances
- Household Appliances: Large household appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, and air conditioners are subject to moderate tariffs to balance affordability and local market protection.
- Refrigerators and freezers: Typically taxed at 15% to 20%.
- Washing machines and air conditioners: Subject to tariffs of 15% to 25%.
- Consumer Electronics: Electronics such as televisions, smartphones, and laptops are essential imports, and tariffs are applied to regulate the market.
- Televisions: Typically taxed at 10%.
- Smartphones and laptops: Import duties generally range from 5% to 10%.
4.2 Furniture and Furnishings
- Furniture: Imported furniture, including home and office furnishings, is subject to tariffs ranging from 10% to 20%, depending on the material and design.
- Wooden furniture: Typically taxed at 15% to 20%.
- Plastic and metal furniture: Subject to 10% to 15% tariffs.
- Home Furnishings: Items such as carpets, curtains, and home décor products are generally taxed at 10% to 15%.
4.3 Special Import Duties
Consumer goods imported from WAEMU and ECOWAS countries enjoy reduced tariffs or duty-free status under regional trade agreements. Goods imported from non-preferential countries, including China and the United States, are subject to the standard tariffs applied under the Common External Tariff (CET) system.
5. Energy and Petroleum Products
Burkina Faso imports most of its energy needs, particularly petroleum products, as the country lacks significant domestic production. The government applies tariffs on energy imports to ensure affordability while generating revenue for infrastructure development.
5.1 Petroleum Products
- Crude Oil and Gasoline: Tariffs on petroleum products are relatively low to maintain affordable fuel prices for consumers and businesses. Tariffs generally range from 0% to 5%.
- Diesel and Other Refined Petroleum Products: Diesel, kerosene, and aviation fuel are subject to low tariffs of 5% to 10%, depending on their use and origin.
5.2 Renewable Energy Equipment
- Solar Panels and Wind Turbines: To promote the use of renewable energy, Burkina Faso applies zero tariffs or low tariffs on renewable energy equipment such as solar panels and wind turbines, supporting the country’s shift towards sustainable energy sources.
6. Pharmaceuticals and Medical Equipment
Ensuring access to affordable healthcare is a priority for Burkina Faso, and as such, tariffs on essential medicines and medical equipment are kept low to ensure affordability and availability for the population.
6.1 Pharmaceuticals
- Medicines: Essential medicines are typically subject to zero tariffs or low tariffs (5% to 10%) to ensure affordability and accessibility. Non-essential pharmaceutical products may face tariffs of 10% to 15%.
6.2 Medical Devices
- Medical Equipment: Medical devices, including diagnostic tools, surgical instruments, and hospital beds, are generally taxed at 0% to 5%, with exemptions for critical items.
7. Special Import Duties and Exemptions
7.1 Special Duties for Non-WAEMU Countries
Imports from non-WAEMU countries are subject to Burkina Faso’s Common External Tariff (CET), which applies standardized tariffs across all WAEMU member states for goods from outside the union. These tariffs vary based on product type and are designed to protect regional industries.
7.2 Bilateral and Multilateral Agreements
- ECOWAS: As a member of ECOWAS, Burkina Faso benefits from duty-free or reduced tariff imports from other ECOWAS member states, including Nigeria, Ghana, and Ivory Coast.
- WAEMU: Burkina Faso also benefits from duty-free status on many goods imported from other WAEMU member countries, such as Senegal, Mali, and Togo.
- Preferential Trade Agreements: Under agreements with countries such as Morocco and China, Burkina Faso may benefit from reduced tariffs on specific products, particularly industrial goods and consumer products.
Country Facts
- Official Name: Burkina Faso
- Capital City: Ouagadougou
- Largest Cities:
- Ouagadougou (Capital and largest city)
- Bobo-Dioulasso
- Koudougou
- Per Capita Income: Approx. $850 USD (2023 estimate)
- Population: Approx. 22 million (2023 estimate)
- Official Language: French
- Currency: West African CFA Franc (XOF)
- Location: Burkina Faso is located in West Africa, bordered by Mali to the north and west, Niger to the northeast, Benin to the southeast, and Ivory Coast, Ghana, and Togo to the south.
Geography of Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso covers an area of 274,200 square kilometers, making it a relatively large West African country. It is landlocked, with no direct access to the sea, and its terrain consists mostly of flat plains, with some hilly regions in the southwest.
- Climate: Burkina Faso has a tropical climate, with a rainy season from May to September and a dry season dominated by the Harmattan winds from November to March.
- Rivers: Major rivers include the Mouhoun (Black Volta), Nakanbé (White Volta), and Comoé rivers, which provide essential water resources for agriculture and drinking water.
- Landscape: The country is primarily composed of savannahs, with forests in the south and desert-like conditions in the north.
Economy of Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso has an agriculture-dependent economy, with cotton and livestock farming playing central roles. The country is also rich in natural resources, particularly gold, which has become one of its most important export commodities.
1. Agriculture
Agriculture remains the backbone of Burkina Faso’s economy, employing about 80% of the population. Major crops include cotton, millet, sorghum, maize, and peanuts. The government has been focusing on improving agricultural productivity through irrigation projects and the introduction of modern farming techniques.
2. Mining
Mining, particularly gold, is a key contributor to Burkina Faso’s GDP and foreign exchange earnings. The country is one of Africa’s top gold producers, and other important minerals include zinc, manganese, and phosphates.
3. Livestock Farming
Livestock farming, especially cattle, sheep, and goats, is an important part of Burkina Faso’s economy. The country exports livestock and meat to neighboring countries, making it a significant player in the regional livestock trade.
4. Textiles and Handicrafts
Burkina Faso has a growing textile industry, primarily focused on cotton production. Handicrafts, including traditional woven fabrics, jewelry, and leather goods, are also significant contributors to the economy, particularly in rural areas.
5. Infrastructure Development
The government is investing heavily in infrastructure development, including roads, energy projects, and telecommunications, to support economic growth and improve trade connections with neighboring countries.
