Import Duty & VAT — China to Senegal
Direction Générale des Douanes du Sénégal (DGD) charges 18% VAT on imports from China to Senegal, plus an HS-code-specific duty typically in the 5–20% band. Both apply to the CIF value.
Below: authority, CIF calculation basis, indicative rates, the official portal for the exact HS-code rate, the customs-clearance process at Port de Dakar (one of the busiest in West Africa), categories with special treatment, and common mistakes to avoid on a commercial import from China.
What is the import duty from China to Senegal?
How the duty regime works in Senegal
Tariff schedule. For a Chinese-origin import, duty follows the WAEMU/ECOWAS Common External Tariff administered in the francophone system, applied at one of West Africa's busiest single ports near the continent's western tip.
Charges on top of duty and VAT. On top of duty and VAT the francophone fee stack applies — a maritime-council/shippers'-council charge, a statistical levy and a community solidarity levy — all on the customs value, so model these in before you commit to a price.
CIF value: the basis of every calculation
CIF = Cost + Insurance + Freight. It's the value on which Direction Générale des Douanes du Sénégal (DGD) calculates VAT and duty.
Cost (C): supplier price on the Chinese commercial invoice.
Insurance (I): international cargo insurance (typically 0.5–2% of value).
Freight (F): international freight to Port de Dakar (one of the busiest in West Africa) (see our shipping page).
Worked example: Supplier invoice US$10,000 + insurance US$100 + freight US$800 = CIF US$10,900. On this basis, duty + VAT + additional fees are calculated.
If you buy on EXW (factory) or FOB (Chinese port) terms, customs rebuilds the CIF value by adding freight + insurance — you cannot avoid this base.
Step-by-step: clearing customs in Senegal
- 1
Prepare documents
Bill of lading (B/L), commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, sanitary certificate if needed (food, cosmetics), HS code for each product line.
- 2
Engage a local customs broker
A broker familiar with Direction Générale des Douanes du Sénégal (DGD) and Port de Dakar (one of the busiest in West Africa) simplifies everything. Ask for an all-in quote (clearance + handling + transport to warehouse).
- 3
Submit the customs declaration
Via the official portal https://www.douanes.sn. The declarant (you or your broker) enters the HS code, CIF value, and attaches documents.
- 4
Pre-assessment and inspection
Customs assigns a risk channel (green, yellow, red); physical inspection adds days and may cost in storage.
- 5
Pay duty + VAT + taxes
Payment via approved banks or the customs treasury, against an official receipt.
- 6
Release and delivery to your warehouse
Cargo released after payment and inspection; allow for inland transport.
Official Direction Générale des Douanes du Sénégal (DGD) portal
The exact rate depends on your product's HS code. Check the official portal directly for the full tariff schedule, preferential regimes and exemptions applicable in Senegal.
Note: WAEMU/ECOWAS CET. COSEC and statistical levies apply.
Categories with special treatment in Senegal
A destination inspection and an electronic tracking note are commonly mandated before clearance, and the country's far-western position makes it a natural first-call port — useful if you can split a shipment for onward regional distribution.
Check the up-to-date list of prohibited or licensable products published by Direction Générale des Douanes du Sénégal (DGD) before ordering.
Tax registration prerequisites for importing in Senegal
Plan for the destination inspection and tracking note before sailing, and add the maritime-council, statistical and community-solidarity charges on the customs value to your estimate — they apply on top of duty and VAT every time.
To clear a commercial import in Senegal, you typically need a business tax identification number (equivalent of the local Tax ID), an importer's license if required, and a business bank account to pay duty through a bank accredited by Direction Générale des Douanes du Sénégal (DGD).
For individuals importing small volumes (samples, personal purchases), the regime may differ — often a simplified clearance with a value cap (typically US$500–2,000). Above that cap, the commercial regime applies and tax registration is required.
Renew your tax certificate and any required permits before expiry: an import file rejected for expired KYC can hold your container in the port zone with daily stockage fees accumulating.