The Benin Customs Authority will introduce a new, simplified procedure for the temporary importation of equipment, effective November 1, 2026. This reform, led by the General Directorate of Customs, aims to reduce bureaucratic hurdles for economic operators and facilitate the processing of files on the Customs Webb platform. A single declaration will replace two separate formalities for exceptional temporary admission.
The new procedure, outlined in circular note No. 156/Dgd/Dbp/Dlc/Sa dated October 21, 2026, signed by Raouf Malèhossou Aboudou, Director General of Customs, targets importers, customs commissioners, transporters, and partner companies. Previously, separate declarations were required for the amortized part of equipment and corresponding consumption. The single declaration will streamline the establishment and clearance of declarations, enabling the computer system to determine applicable duties and taxes.
To use the new procedure, declarants must accurately enter two key pieces of information on the Customs Webb platform. In the "Procedure" sub-tab, they will indicate the amortization period, which is the total time needed to fully amortize the equipment. In the "Transport" tab, they will enter the suspension period, which corresponds to the actual time the equipment was used for the works.
The reform also simplifies the process of extending the duration of an exceptional temporary admission. Once authorization is granted by the General Directorate of Customs, the customs office where the declaration is domiciled will update the initial declaration, eliminating the need for a new one. This provision benefits activities with variable schedules, such as construction projects that take longer than expected.
The multiplication of administrative procedures can significantly impact the management of operations, particularly when intervention deadlines are tight. The consolidation of declarations and automated calculation of duties and taxes are expected to streamline file processing. However, the actual benefits will depend on users' mastery of the platform, the quality of provided information, and the speed of authorization processing by competent services.
The implementation of this reform will be closely monitored to assess its effectiveness in reducing customs clearance times and administrative costs for companies. A follow-up on the first operations carried out from November 1 will be necessary to establish a concrete assessment of this development. The customs administration continues to modernize its management tools, with the challenge now being to translate the simplification of formalities into operational gains for users.
The new procedure is part of Benin's efforts to modernize and simplify customs procedures, aiming to improve the business environment and facilitate trade. The General Directorate of Customs is committed to preserving the reliability of declarations and the collection of public revenue while providing a more efficient and streamlined service to economic operators.
Key points
- A single declaration will replace two separate formalities for exceptional temporary admission of equipment in Benin, effective November 1, 2026.
- The new procedure aims to simplify the establishment and clearance of declarations, enabling the computer system to determine applicable duties and taxes.
- The reform also simplifies the process of extending the duration of an exceptional temporary admission, eliminating the need for a new declaration.
