Country profile
Niger
NE · NERAs of: 6/26/2026Sahel landlocked country; uranium and raw materials exporter; transit via West African ports
Niger is a landlocked Sahel country in West Africa with no seaport of its own; overseas trade runs through corridors to the ports of Cotonou (Benin), Lomé (Togo), Tema (Ghana) and Abidjan. Road transport dominates and there is no commercial rail service. Key exports are uranium, gold and, since 2024, crude oil via the Agadem-Sèmè pipeline to Benin. Imports are subject to 19 per cent VAT and the UEMOA/ECOWAS common external tariff (0 to 35 per cent); since the ECOWAS exit (AES) a 0.5 per cent confederal levy also applies to imports from outside the bloc. Customs are processed via SYDONIA World and the single window GUCE. Political instability and the Benin border closed since 2023 shape the situation.
Overview
Niger (ISO code NE) is a landlocked state in the West African Sahel, bordering Algeria, Libya, Chad, Nigeria, Benin, Burkina Faso and Mali. The capital is Niamey, the official language French and the currency the CFA franc BCEAO (XOF), pegged to the euro. The economy relies on uranium, gold, livestock and agriculture; since 2024 Niger has also exported crude oil through the roughly 1,950-kilometre pipeline from the Agadem basin to the Sèmè-Kpodji terminal in Benin. As a landlocked country without its own seaport, Niger depends on transit corridors to the ports of Cotonou (Benin), Lomé (Togo), Tema (Ghana) and Abidjan; road transport dominates and there is no commercial rail service. Imports are subject to 19 per cent VAT and the UEMOA/ECOWAS common external tariff with rates from 0 to 35 per cent. On 29 January 2025 Niger, together with Mali and Burkina Faso, left ECOWAS and formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES); since 28 March 2025 the AES states levy a 0.5 per cent confederal charge on imports from third countries. Customs are cleared electronically via SYDONIA World and the single window GUCE. Political instability after the 2023 coup, the tense security situation in the Sahel and the Benin border closed since 2023 shape logistics; a reopening of the border is under negotiation in 2026.
Mentioned countries
Glossary terms
Customs & Import/Export
Customs authority
Direction Générale des Douanes (DGD), Ministry of FinanceImport system
Electronic clearance via SYDONIA World (ASYCUDA/UNCTAD) and the Guichet Unique du Commerce Extérieur (GUCE); customs value based on transaction value (CIF).
Export system
Export and re-export also via SYDONIA World and GUCE; declaration to the DGD with electronic origin and accompanying documents.
Import VAT
- Standard VAT rate of 19 percent on imports (customs value plus duty)
- exempt items include medicines, rice, and sorghum and maize flour.
Import documents
- Commercial invoice
- Consignment note (CMR / air waybill)
- Packing list
- Certificate of origin
- Import declaration (SYDONIA World)
- Pre-shipment inspection or BESC, if required
Export documents
- Commercial invoice
- Export declaration (SYDONIA World)
- Certificate of origin (Certificat d'origine)
- Freight documents
- Special permit for uranium/nuclear material, if applicable
Origin proofs / FTA
Proof of origin in the UEMOA/AES area (Certificate of origin); for EU market access as an LDC (Everything But Arms), origin declaration or Form A.
Restricted & prohibited goods
Restrictions apply to, among others, weapons, uranium and nuclear material, certain chemicals and cultural property; import controls for food and medicines.
Export controls & sanctions
No comprehensive UN/EU embargo against Niger. Uranium is nuclear material subject to safeguards (IAEA); ongoing SOMAIR dispute with ICSID order 9/2025.
Without warranty — always verify with freight forwarder/customs agent and official authorities.
Customs / Import / Export (Africa) — General process
Quick operational overview for international shipments to Africa. Documentation, pre-clearance and local clearance steps can vary a lot by destination.
Documents (typical)
- Commercial invoice (description, value, Incoterms)
- Packing list (weights, dimensions, packages)
- HS code / tariff classification
- Proof of origin / preference docs (where relevant)
- Depending on destination/goods: additional permits, inspection or compliance documents
Process (simplified)
- Prepare export (docs, HS code, origin)
- Import clearance in destination country (declaration, possible checks)
- Release and delivery; duties/taxes according to classification and value
Important: Requirements depend on goods, origin, Incoterms, value, and consignee. When in doubt, confirm with your broker/forwarder and official sources.
Official links
Note: regional/general sources. Country-specific authority links will be added iteratively.
Trade
Freight Infrastructure & Transport Network
Transport relevance
Cargo airports
- Niamey-Diori Hamani (NIM)
- Zinder (ZND)
- Agadez-Mano Dayak (AJY)
Road corridors & border crossings
- Cotonou-Malanville/Gaya-Niamey
- Lomé-Ouagadougou-Niamey
- Tema/Accra-Ouagadougou-Niamey
- Niamey-Dosso-Maradi-Zinder-Diffa (RN1)
Rail corridors
- No commercial rail service; Niamey-Dosso section (Cotonou railway) not in regular operation
Top trade lanes
- Niger-Benin (port of Cotonou), disrupted since 2023
- Niger-Togo (port of Lomé)
- Niger-EU (uranium, mainly France)
- Niger-China (Agadem-Sèmè crude oil pipeline)
- Niger-Nigeria (regional trade)
Risk & Operational Notes
Risk notes
Political instability after the 2023 coup; security situation (Sahel terrorism) in border areas; Niger-Benin border closed since 2023, reopening under negotiation for 2026.
Seasonal & weather risks
Rainy season June to September makes tracks in the south difficult; Harmattan dust and heat in the northern Sahara affect road and air transport.
Current logistics notes
Status 2026-06: ECOWAS withdrawal (AES) since 29.1.2025; AES confederal levy of 0,5 percent on third-country imports since 28.3.2025. Transit mainly via Lomé and Cotonou; Benin border still closed.
As of: 2026-06-26
Operational notes – no claim to completeness. Verify with your freight forwarder and official sources.
Airports in this country
Latest News
No news for this country yet.
View all news →Sources & Data Confidence
Official sources
- finances.gouv.ne
- service-public.ne
- guce.gouv.ne
Source references without warranty. For legal/tax decisions consult official authorities.
FAQ
Which import tax applies in Niger?
VAT on imports is charged at the standard rate of 19 percent, calculated on customs value plus duty. Exempt items include medicines, rice, and sorghum and maize flour.
What are the import duty rates?
Niger applies the common external tariff of UEMOA and CEDEAO with five bands: 0, 5, 10, 20 and 35 percent depending on the product category. In addition, since 28 March 2025, the AES confederal levy of 0,5 percent applies to imports from third countries.
Does Niger have its own seaport?
No. Niger is a landlocked country. Overseas trade runs via transit corridors to the ports of Cotonou (Benin), Lomé (Togo), Tema (Ghana) and Abidjan. Lomé has gained importance as an alternative since the border with Benin was closed.
How is customs clearance carried out in Niger?
The Direction Générale des Douanes processes imports and exports electronically via SYDONIA World (ASYCUDA) and the Guichet Unique du Commerce Extérieur. The customs value is determined based on the transaction value (CIF).
What does ECOWAS withdrawal mean for trade with Niger?
Niger left ECOWAS on 29. January 2025, together with Mali and Burkina Faso, and forms the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). However, Niger remains a member of UEMOA and keeps the XOF. Goods from AES states are exempt from the confederal levy.
Is the border between Niger and Benin open?
The land border has been closed since 2023 for security reasons; trade flows are restricted. In 2026 both countries are negotiating a gradual reopening. The Cotonou corridor and the oil pipeline remain strategically important.
Which currency applies in Niger?
Niger uses the CFA franc BCEAO (XOF), which is pegged to the euro (1 euro = 655,957 XOF). The currency is issued by the Central Bank of the West African States (BCEAO).
What special rules apply to uranium exports?
Uranium is safeguarded nuclear material and requires special permits. Since 2024/2025 there have been disputes over the SOMAIR mine between Niger and Orano, including an ICSID order from September 2025.
Which trade partners are important for Niger?
Which logistics terms are especially relevant for Niger?
For international shipments, these terms are a good quick start:
Next steps
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