# Côte d'Ivoire (CI)

**Capital:** Yamoussoukro  
**Currency:** CFA Franc (BCEAO) (XOF) (XOF)  
**Population:** 31,900,000 — Older stored figure; source year not documented.  
**Area:** 322,463 km²

> Côte d'Ivoire is the leading logistics hub of West Africa. In 2024 the Port of Abidjan handled over 40 million tonnes and around 1.65 million TEU, covering about three quarters of foreign trade, while San Pedro is the world's leading cocoa export port. The country belongs to UEMOA and ECOWAS and applies the Common External Tariff (CET) with five bands. Imports run through the GUCE single window with a mandatory RFCV; import VAT is 18 percent on the CIF value plus duties. Road and rail corridors (Sitarail) connect the landlocked states of Mali and Burkina Faso to the Atlantic via Abidjan. Main exports are cocoa, cashew, rubber and gold.

Côte d’Ivoire (ISO-Code: CI) is located in West Africa on the Gulf of Guinea and borders Ghana, Burkina Faso, Mali, Guinea, and Liberia. Politically, the country is a presidential republic with stable institutions and growing democratic practices. The climate is tropical, with humid coastal regions, drier savannas in the north, and distinct wet and dry seasons. Economically, Côte d’Ivoire plays a central role in West African agriculture, particularly in cocoa, coffee, and palm oil, while industry and services are growing. Foreign trade is crucial, with exports focusing on agricultural products, while the country is heavily dependent on imports for energy, machinery, and consumer goods. Strategically located ports like Abidjan provide an important transit and logistics function for regional supply chains and international trade. The national currency is the CFA Franc BCEAO (XOF), which is pegged to the Euro and supports stable trading relationships. Côte d’Ivoire benefits from its geographical position as a logistical hub in West Africa and as a link between landlocked countries and international markets. The combination of raw material production, growing infrastructure, and a stable currency enhances the country's role in regional and global trade.

**Top Import Partners:** CN, NG, FR, BE, US

**Top Export Partners:** NL, US, FR, BE, DE

**Top Import Goods:** Petroleum products, Machinery, Vehicles, Food, Chemicals

**Top Export Goods:** Cocoa, Crude oil, Gold, Cashew nuts, Rubber

**Key Airports:**
- [Bouaké Airport (BYK)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/bouake-airport-byk)
- [Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport (ABJ)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/felix-houphouet-boigny-international-airport-abj)
- [Korhogo Airport (HGO)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/korhogo-airport-hgo)
- [Yamoussoukro Airport (ASK)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/yamoussoukro-airport-ask)
- [Abengourou Airport (OGO)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/abengourou-airport-ogo)
- [Aboisso Airport (ABO)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/aboisso-airport-abo)
- [Assouindé Airport](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/assouinde-airport-1836)
- [Bocanda Airport](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/bocanda-airport-dibc)
- [Bouna Airport (BQO)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/bouna-airport-bqo)
- [Boundiali Airport (BXI)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/boundiali-airport-bxi)

## Customs & Import

**Import VAT:** 18 percent (TVA) on CIF value plus duties  
**Customs complexity:** medium to high  
**Customs system:** Imports are processed through the GUCE single window. Before customs clearance, an RFCV (Classification and Value Report) is required. Customs duty follows the UEMOA/ECOWAS common external tariff (CET) with five bands.  
**Customs authority:** [Direction Générale des Douanes (DGD)](https://www.douanes.ci)

## Logistics & Risk

**Logistics role:** West African port and transit hub  
**Economic area:** UEMOA (WAEMU); ECOWAS; AfCFTA; WTO member  
**Logistics risk:** medium  
**Dangerous goods relevance:** medium  
**Pharma/cold chain:** medium

## FAQ

### Which authority is responsible for customs in Côte d'Ivoire and how is clearance handled?

The responsible authority is the Direction Générale des Douanes (DGD). Clearance is handled through the national single window GUCE (Guichet Unique du Commerce Extérieur). Before customs clearance, importers must obtain an RFCV (Classification and Value Report).

### What is the import tax (VAT) rate in Côte d'Ivoire?

Value added tax (TVA) is 18 percent and is charged on the CIF value plus duties. Smaller charges are added, such as the statistics fee and ECOWAS and UEMOA community levies.

### Which external tariff applies to imports?

Côte d'Ivoire applies the common external tariff (CET) of ECOWAS and UEMOA with five bands: 0, 5, 10, 20 and 35 percent. Basic goods such as medicines are often duty-free, consumer goods are at 20 percent, and luxury and sensitive goods are at 35 percent.

### What is the RFCV and when is it required?

The RFCV (Final Classification and Value Report) is a mandatory classification and value report submitted via GUCE. It is required for imports with an FOB value of 1 million XOF (about 1600 USD) or more and is usually issued within five working days.

### Which ports and airports are the most important?

The most important port is Abidjan (Port Autonome d'Abidjan), with over 40 million tonnes and around 1,65 million TEU in 2024; San Pedro is the world's leading cocoa export port. The most important cargo airport is Abidjan Félix-Houphouët-Boigny (ABJ).

### Which documents do I need for importing into Côte d'Ivoire?

The usual documents are a commercial invoice (two French copies), a certificate of origin (two certified copies), the RFCV, a transport document (B/L, AWB or CMR), and a packing list (recommended, as it speeds up clearance).

### Are there sanctions against Côte d'Ivoire?

No. There are currently no international sanctions. The earlier UN embargo was lifted in 2016 with Resolution 2283. The country implements UN sanctions.

### How is Côte d'Ivoire relevant as a transit country for landlocked states?

Through road and rail corridors (Sitarail to Ouagadougou), Côte d'Ivoire supplies the landlocked states of Mali and Burkina Faso. The port of Abidjan is a central transshipment point for their foreign trade.

## Sources & Last Verified

- [https://www.douanes.ci](https://www.douanes.ci)
- [https://www.gucecotedivoire.ci](https://www.gucecotedivoire.ci)
- [https://www.douanes.ci/](https://www.douanes.ci/)
- [https://www.gucecotedivoire.ci/pwic/en/imports/rfcv/](https://www.gucecotedivoire.ci/pwic/en/imports/rfcv/)
- [https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/cote-divoire-customs-regulations](https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/cote-divoire-customs-regulations)
- [https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/cote-divoire-import-tariffs](https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/cote-divoire-import-tariffs)
- [https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/cote-divoire-import-requirements-and-documentation](https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/cote-divoire-import-requirements-and-documentation)
- [https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/cote-divoire-prohibited-and-restricted-imports](https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/cote-divoire-prohibited-and-restricted-imports)

*Last verified: 2026-06-22*

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*Freight Academy — Country Profile: [https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/land/ci](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/land/ci)*

*Markdown mirror: [https://www.freight-academy.com/api/md/country/en/ci](https://www.freight-academy.com/api/md/country/en/ci)*