Land Border Crossing Overview: 

Located in the northeast of Benin, 732.4 km from Cotonou and within reach after a 12-hours’ drive via the RNIE2, the commune of Malanville extends over an area of 3016 km2. Its natural border is the Niger River and connected to the Republic of Niger by the Sota bridge, rebuilt by the Government of President Patrice TALON following its subsidence. Malanville is subdivided into 5 districts: Garou, Guéné, Madécali, Malanville and Tomboutou. 

Daily Capacity: 

Malanville Border is an important crossing point to Niger Republic. It is one of the main borders in Benin with high flow of all sizes of transit goods trucks using this passage. 

Customs Clearance: 

The ECOWAS vehicle insurance and the laissez-passer are most important document. For humanitarian cargo, all documents should be prepared at the Customs Office in Cotonou. Once these documents are approved, copies of the documents should be detained by the Superintendent and truck drivers to the Malanville customs which will verify the goods and mention ‘seen’ on the documents. Then, there is also a simple need to transmit the documents to the point of exit/entry.  

Other Relevant Information: 

The border is secured by all units of both national Customs authorities (Benin and Niger). There is also a strong Benin subdivision military camp in Malanville. Passing goods and trucks are inspected.  

Benin government Customs contact  

List of the approved customs Commissioners  

Land Border Crossing Overview: 

Chicandou is the border small town of Nikki district in northeastern Benin, located in the department of Borgou, about twenty-three (23) kilometers from Nikki town at the border of Nigeria. 

Daily Capacity: 

Nikki-Chicandou Border is a crossing point to Nigeria Republic. It is also one of the main border used with flow of all sizes of transit goods trucks. It has been noted that Fuel smugglers and other transit of goods activity is still intense between Nigeria and Benin at that point. 

Customs Clearance: 

The ECOWAS vehicle insurance and the laissez-passer are the most important document.  

For humanitarian cargo, all documents should be prepared at the Customs Office in Cotonou. Once these documents are approved, copies of the documents should be detained by the Superintendent and truck drivers to the Nikki-Chicandou customs which will verify the goods and mention ‘seen’ on the documents. Then, there is also a simple need to transmit the documents to the point of exit/entry.  

Other Relevant Information: 

The border of Chicandou is secured by all units of both national Customs authorities (Benin and Nigeria). There is also a sub tactical division of military unit in Nikki covering Chicandou and surroundings. Passing goods and trucks must be inspected by the National Police and custom agents. 

LIST OF OFFICIALS APPOINTED CUSTOMS CLEARING AGENTS 

Land Border Crossing Overview: 

Iloua is one of the Benin-Nigeria new border zone, localised in Northern East of Benin, the crossing point is under the department of Alibori, about thirty-nine (39) kilometers from Malanville town at the border of Niger. There was still a pending issue of border line indication between Nigeria and Benin. 

Daily Capacity: 

Iloua Border is one of the new crossing points established in Benin Rep to Nigeria Republic. It is used with by all sizes of transit goods trucks. Fuel smugglers and other transit of goods activity has been noted between Nigeria and Benin. 

Customs Clearance: 

The ECOWAS vehicle insurance and the laissez-passer are the most important documents.  

For humanitarian cargo, all documents should be prepared at the Customs Office in Cotonou. Once these documents are approved, copies of the documents should be detained by the Superintendent and truck drivers to the Iloua customs which will verify the goods and mention ‘seen’ on the documents. Then, there is also a simple need to transmit the documents to the point of exit/entry.  

Other Relevant Information: 

The border of Iloua is secured by the units of both national Customs authorities (Benin and Nigeria). There is no sub tactical division of military unit in Iloua. Passing goods and trucks must be inspected by the National Police and custom agents. 

LIST OF OFFICIALS APPROVED CUSTOMS CLEARING AGENTS 

Land Border Crossing Overview: 

Ouake is Benin-Nigeria border zone, localised in Northern west of Benin Rep (under the department of Donga). It is the crossing point to Togo Rep. Situated at about thirty-seven kilometers (40 min drive) from Djougou town. 

Daily Capacity: 

Ouake Border is the elder crossing points, established between Benin Rep to Togo Republic. As well as it is used by all sizes of transit goods trucks. As per the information received from Benin Custom and police post Officers, Ouake border is also used by trucks from Lomé port to Niger, Burkina Faso, Nigeria up to Chad. Thus, these trucks are crossing Benin territory to the different destinations mentioned.  

Customs Clearance: 

The ECOWAS vehicle insurance and the laissez-passer are the  most important documents.  

For all cargoes, the documents should be prepared at the Customs Office in Cotonou. Once these documents are approved, copies of the documents should be detained by the Superintendent and truck drivers to the Ouake customs which will verify the goods and mention ‘seen’ on the documents. Then, there is also a simple need to transmit the documents to the point of exit/entry.  

Other Relevant Information: 

Djougou -Ouake border is secured by the units of both national Customs authorities (Benin and Togo). There is no sub tactical division of military unit in Ouake. Passing goods and trucks must be inspected by the National Police and custom agents. 

  LIST OF OFFICIALS APPOINTED CUSTOMS CLEARING AGENTS 

Land Border Crossing Overview: 

The Border Seme-Krake is between Benin and Nigeria, about 37 Km from Cotonou on the principal coastal road between Cotonou and Lagos (Nigeria). Seme is a part of Ouéme Department in Benin Republic. 

At least by three times, in the 2005-2009 period, violence has broken out in the border town, with fatal consequences. It is reportedly a regular occurrence for both Benin and Nigerian officials, were harassing travellers for money at the border and checkpoints along the road leading from the border. Seme -Krake is a major crossing point for immigrants entering or leaving illegally in both countries and for several smugglers of cars, drogues (marijuana) and other illegal goods due to its porosity. Thus, it has been mentioned an important influx of substandard products. 

On 23rd October 2018, the Juxtaposed zone has been inaugurated by the Presidents of both countries (Talon and Buhari). The 17-hectare site, funded European and multilateral contributions with Union 18.3 million euros, is equipped with state-of-the-art scanners to detect illicit goods. Customs and immigration officers have got their real offices, whereas they huddled up in makeshift huts or converted containers.  

However, it has been admitted that Seme-Krake joint border is one of the busiest boundary lines not only in West Africa but the whole continent, daily recording the huge movement of persons, goods and services. 

Daily Capacity: 

Seme- Krake Border is one of the major opened (24 hours, 7/7 days) crossing points established between Benin Rep and Nigeria Federal Republic. As well as it’s used by all sizes of transit goods and trucks. It is one of the economical lungs of Benin Customs system. As per the information received from Benin Custom and police post Officers, Seme-Krake border is also used by trucks which are crossing Benin territory to Nigeria.  

Customs Clearance: 

The ECOWAS vehicle insurance and the laissez-passer are the most important documents.  

For all cargoes, the documents should be prepared at the Customs Office in Cotonou. Once these documents are approved, copies of the documents should be detained by the Superintendent and truck drivers to the Seme-Krake customs which will verify the goods and mention ‘seen’ on the documents. Then, there is also a simple need to transmit the documents to the point of exit/entry.  

Other Relevant Information: 

Seme-Krake border (Juxtaposed Zone) is secured by all units of both national Custom and Police authorities (Benin and Nigeria). There is no sub tactical division of military unit in passing goods and trucks must be inspected by the National Police and custom agents. 

LIST OF OFFICIALS APPROVED CUSTOMS CLEARING AGENTS 

Land Border Crossing Overview: 

Situated at 116 Km from Kandi, Segbana -Wara border is in the Alibori which is a department in Northern East of Benin. Recently, after long discussions between Benin and Nigeria authorities, Segbana-Wara border line has been established for consideration to come one of the majors opened border for the traffic flows.  

Daily Capacity: 

The border is informally closed for traffic between Benin and Nigeria. Private cars, persons and interested trucks with Goods loaded from Kandi, Segbana and other towns in Benin are the most important elements using this border.  

Customs Clearance: 

The ECOWAS vehicle insurance and the laissez-passer are the  most important document.  

However, to obtain a customs clearance, all the documents should be prepared and approved by the Customs authority in Cotonou, then transmitted to the department customs office respectively. A copy should be made available at the border post by the requester/transporter. The waybill and commercial invoice are the main documents requested by the customs at the border. There are no fees per truck, but trucks should have a laissez-passer and insurance card. 

Other Relevant Information: 

The government of Benin and its partners have deployed important funds for its road rehabilitation works from Kandi to Segbana-Wara border. But unfortunately, Nigeria side did not match their priority to the objective of that plan. No major traffic is implemented. The Benin customs office is under construction is visible as well as the work of bridge on river Wara did not start. Further details about customs process here. 

LIST OF OFFICIALS APPROVED CUSTOMS CLEARING AGENTS 

Land Border Crossing Overview: 

Porga is a town situated at 104 Km of Natitingou, Big town in extreme Northwest of Benin Rep. The road is asphalted since long time ago. During the rainy season, some part can be deteriorated greatly. However, there is actually a rehabilitation project ongoing between Tanguieta - Porga.  

Daily Capacity: 

The border is open at any time to the intense traffic between Benin and Burkina Faso. Private cars, persons and trucks with Goods loaded from Cotonou port are the most important elements using this border.  

Customs Clearance: 

The ECOWAS vehicle insurance and the laissez-passer are the most important documents.  

However, to obtain a customs clearance, all the documents should be prepared and approved by the Customs authority in Cotonou, then transmitted to the department customs office respectively. A copy should be made available at the border post by the requester/transporter. The waybill and commercial invoice are the main documents requested by the customs at the border. There are no fees per truck, but trucks should have a laissez-passer and insurance card 

Other Relevant Information: 

An inspection is done on each truck. Only the Benin national Police officers are controlling the goods and the persons travelling. 

LIST OF OFFICIALS APPROVED CUSTOMS CLEARING AGENTS 

Land Border Crossing Overview: 

The Ilara border is the most complicated point between Benin and Nigeria. Location is belonged to both Kétou District (Plateau Department) of Benin and the Imeko, Nigeria. This border is 16 Km from Kétou center of Benin. 

Daily Capacity: 

The border is opened to any kind of the traffic between Benin and Nigeria. Private cars, persons, trucks with Goods are crossing in both directions. 

Customs Clearance: 

Nothing to recommend for llara border as well as no customs post has been established in place.  

LIST OF OFFICIALS APPROVED CUSTOMS CLEARING AGENTS 

Land Border Crossing Overview: 

The Hilaconji border is opened most to any kind of the traffic between Benin and Togo. Location is belonged to Grand Popo District (Mono Department) in Benin Rep and the Aného, Togo Rep. The border is located at 97 Km from Cotonou city center (Southwest). Road is practicable with a toll. The border itself is around 21 km from Grand Popo town.  

Daily Capacity: 

The border is opened to any kind of the traffic between Benin and Togo. Private cars, persons, trucks with Goods are crossing in both directions. 

Customs Clearance: 

The speed of customs clearance and removal of goods requires transparency in the execution of these formalities. 

This transparency requires the establishment of a customs clearance procedure which will eliminate the bottlenecks which destroy the efforts made to modernize the Customs Administration and improve performance. 

This procedure manual is part of this vision. Import and export customs clearance operations can be summarized in three sentences: 

• Driving through customs 

• Customs clearance 

• Customs clearance itself. 

Land Border Crossing Overview: 

The Aplahoué border is also opened to any kind of traffic between Benin and Togo. Location is belonged to Aplahoué District (Couffo Department) in Benin Rep and Togo Rep. This border allows access to Togo by Tohoun.  

Daily Capacity: 

The border is opened to any kind of traffic between Benin and Togo. Private cars, persons, trucks with Goods are crossing in both directions. 

Customs Clearance: 

Aplahoué is required documents remained the ECOWAS travels and custom clearance papers.  The waiting time for crossing might vary depending on the traffic. Goods are subject to some inspections by the different agencies operating at the post. Foreign cargo vehicles entering Benin must obtain Customs issues this document (laissez passer) at the border, which is valid for 30 days. If it expires, drivers must return with the vehicle to the same border entry to renew it. The maximum renewal period that may be granted is 90 days. Customs will require drivers to produce the following documents to process as follows: The international driver’s licence and the ECOWAS Brown Card. 

LIST OF OFFICIALS APPROVED CUSTOMS CLEARING AGENTS 

Land Border Crossing Overview: 

The Athième border is also opened to any kind of traffic between Benin and Togo. Location is belonging to Athiéme District (Mono Department) in Benin Rep and Togo Rep. This border allows to access to Togo by Agomè Glozoun at 1 Km distance from the border. 

Daily Capacity: 

The border is opened to any kind of traffic between Benin and Togo.  Private cars, persons, trucks with Goods are crossing in both directions. 

Customs Clearance: 

Athiéme Border requires documents as the ECOWAS travels and custom clearance papers. The waiting time for crossing might vary depending on the traffic. Goods are subject to some inspections by the different agencies operating at the post. Foreign cargo vehicles entering Benin must obtain Customs issues this document (laissez passer) at the border, which is valid for 30 days. If it expires, drivers must return with the vehicle to the same border entry to renew it. The maximum renewal period that may be granted is 90 days. Customs will require drivers to produce the following documents to process as follows: The international driver’s licence and the ECOWAS Brown Card. 

LIST OF OFFICIALS APPROVED CUSTOMS CLEARING AGENTS