Niger
B/L Print Requirements
Mandatory text on Ocean B/L
- • BESC Number, 6-digit HS Code, and consignee 8-digit NIF mandatory on B/L.
- • Coastal discharge port must be stated with mandatory transit notation: "Cargo in transit to Niger via [Discharge Port] at consignee's risk and expense".
- • Ocean freight must be prepaid.
BESC number and importer 8-digit NIF must appear on the final B/L and manifest. The transit clause ("In transit to Niger via [Port of Discharge]") must appear in the goods description field.
Inspection & Certificates
Pre-loading inspection & filing
- • BESC must be validated via CNUT portal prior to vessel departure or within 5 days of sailing from origin.
- • Prior Import Declaration (DPI) domiciled via commercial bank before shipment.
- • Inter-State Transit bond generated at coastal gateway port.
Cargo & Standards
Labeling, vehicles & packaging
- • Passenger vehicles: maximum 8 years from manufacture
- • Commercial vehicles (trucks, buses): maximum 15 years from manufacture
- • Right-hand-drive vehicles are strictly prohibited.
- • French product labeling mandatory.
- • Official Veterinary Health Certificate mandatory for all imported meat and poultry products.
- • Light passenger vehicles (under 10 seats) cannot exceed 8 years; minibuses and light trucks capped at 10 years; heavy trucks and large buses permitted up to 15 years.
- • ISPM 15 wood packaging compliance enforced.
- • ISPM 15 heat-treated stamp required on all wooden packaging.
Shipper & Consignee
Where this destination differs from standard practice
- • Foreign consignees are not accepted — a locally-registered entity must be named.
Consignee must be a registered Nigerien legal entity with an active 8-digit NIF. "To Order" B/Ls are permitted provided the Notify Party is the registered local buyer or licensed transit forwarder with full physical address in Niamey or Maradi, local phone number, and NIF stated on the B/L. PO Box only is rejected.
Non-Compliance Risk at Destination
Failure to include the explicit transit clause or missing CNUT BESC halts cross-border transit bond issuance at Cotonou or Lomé, triggering coastal duty assessments and border holds.
Compliance Timeline for Niger
Follow this 3-step sequence from container stuffing through to port clearance.
Before Container Loading
- ✓ Confirm commercial invoice and packing list accuracy with consignee.
- ✓ Verify vehicle age against the applicable statutory limit (8 yrs passenger / 15 yrs commercial).
- ✓ Confirm vehicle is NOT right-hand drive before booking.
- ✓ Confirm consignee is a locally-registered entity — foreign consignees are not accepted at this destination.
- ✓ Verify ISPM 15 heat-treated stamp on all wooden crates, dunnage, and pallets.
Prior to Sailing
- ✓ Inscribe validated BESC certificate number onto the Ocean B/L text and carrier manifest. (CNUT / CNCBN (Conseil National des Utilisateurs de Transport du Niger))
- ✓ Ensure exact consignee Tax ID / Registration Code and 6-digit HS Code are printed on B/L.
- ✓ Submit SOLAS Verified Gross Mass (VGM) to loading terminal before yard cutoff.
Port Clearance at Destination
- ✓ Submit validated BESC electronic tracking note to destination customs authority.
- ✓ Collect Delivery Order (DO) upon completing Release verification.
Download Compliance Guide for Niger (PDF)
Generate a practical, print-ready compliance document complete with statutory B/L clauses, ECTN certificate agencies, vehicle age ceilings, and station phone contacts.