Senegal is located in West Africa, bordered by four other African countries and the North Atlantic Ocean. With a population close to 14 million people, Senegal is dense with several ethnic groups and culture. With a tropical climate, this region tends to alternate between rainy and dry seasons. If you are traveling to or from Senegal, there are a few things you should understand about Senegalese customs and regulations.
Important Documentation Before Shipping to Senegal
Before traveling and shipping to Senegal, you must obtain certain documentation for your household goods to receive clearance at customs. These forms of documentation must be expressed mailed 15 days before the expected arrival of your goods. This is essential in order for the shipper’s employer to apply for the possible duty free exemption certificate. These are the documents that must be sent prior to the arrival of your goods:
- Copy of a valid passport
- Certificate of change of residence/moving certificate
- Invoices for the electrical and hi-fi appliances and for all the items bought within the last 6 months require a new contract.
- Non-sale certificate (declaration on the honor that the client will not sell his or her household goods upon arrival in Senegal).
- Insurance certificate
Always keep your paperwork in a secure place and making sure that you have all of the correct documents is an essential part of international shipping to Senegal.
Customs Regulations for International Shipping to Senegal
Once you have mailed your documents, please note that it is important that you follow the appropriate custom regulation protocols in Senegal. While this list is not meant to be comprehensive, it does include some of the major regulations for shipping to Senegal include the following:
- Used household goods are duty free if they have been in the owner’s possession and utilization for at least 6 months. Note that they must look “used” (no new wrapping)
- Customs officials in Senegal will only allow a single fridge, oven, deep freezer, computer, TV, and VCR per shipper (and family). If you need to ship a second appliance, you will be taxed.
- A satellite dish is considered to be a luxury product and is taxed by customs.
- Washing products or detergents are only allowed for one month’s consumption.
Whenever you ship to Senegal, you should know that most shipments are opened and checked by customs. It is also important to note that Senegal strongly prohibits the shipment of any unlawful drugs. Alcohol is acceptable and duty free if you are shipping less than 30 bottles. For all firearms and ammunition, Senegal requires you to submit authorization to the territorial administration for review and possible approval.
Car Shipping to Senegal
If you are interested in shipping a motor vehicle to Senegal, you are required to provide specific documentation. You must also follow custom regulations that include the submission of your original registration card. Some of the required documentation you will need in order to ship a vehicle to Senegal includes the following:
- Non-sale certificate (declaration from the shipper that he will not sell his car during the 2 coming years)
- Certificate of change of residence/transfer letter
- Copy of passport
- Cars invoice
- Insurance certificate
All of the documents and certificates detailed above are essential for vehicle shipping to Senegal. Following proper protocols and presenting the correct documentation will make shipping as easy as possible. Also it helps to work with an experienced and reliable cargo shipping company can make a huge difference. It is especially helpful to choose a shipping company with experience shipping to Senegal and to other destinations worldwide.