Senegal
B/L Print Requirements
Mandatory text on Ocean B/L
- • BESC / BSC Number, 6-digit HS Code, and consignee NINEA mandatory on B/L and manifest.
- • Ocean freight must be prepaid.
BESC number and consignee NINEA must be printed on the final Bill of Lading and manifest. For transit cargo to Mali, the transit clause ("In transit to Mali via Port of Dakar") must appear in the goods description.
Inspection & Certificates
Pre-loading inspection & filing
- • BESC must be validated via COSEC platform prior to vessel departure.
- • Prior Import Declaration (DPI) domiciled via the ORBUS single window for shipments with FOB value >= FCFA 1,000,000.
Cargo & Standards
Labeling, vehicles & packaging
- • Passenger vehicles: maximum 8 years from manufacture
- • Commercial vehicles (trucks, buses): maximum 10 years from manufacture
- • Right-hand-drive vehicles are strictly prohibited.
- • French product labeling mandatory on all consumer commodities.
- • Official Veterinary Health Certificate and prior DGSV import permit mandatory for all meat products.
- • Passenger vehicles (up to 3.5 tonnes) cannot exceed 8 years; commercial trucks and buses permitted up to 10 years.
- • ISPM 15 wood packaging compliance strictly enforced at Port of Dakar.
- • 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 Senegalese legal entity or resident holding an active NINEA. NVOCCs and licensed forwarders can be named as consignee on Master B/Ls. "To Order" B/Ls are permitted provided the Notify Party is the registered local buyer with complete physical street address in Dakar, active phone, email, and NINEA printed on the B/L. PO Box only is rejected.
Non-Compliance Risk at Destination
Cargo arriving at Port of Dakar without a validated BESC incurs a 100% fine on the BESC fee plus container demurrage and clearance holds. Motor vehicles exceeding 8 years face customs seizure and mandatory re-export.
Compliance Timeline for Senegal
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 / 10 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. (COSEC (Conseil Sénégalais des Chargeurs))
- ✓ 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 Senegal (PDF)
Generate a practical, print-ready compliance document complete with statutory B/L clauses, ECTN certificate agencies, vehicle age ceilings, and station phone contacts.