Senegal
SN · SEN
Westafrikanisches Gateway / Transitland für Mali
Capital: Dakar
Overview
Senegal (ISO code: SN) lies on the Atlantic coast of West Africa and borders Mauritania, Mali, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau and Gambia, which partly cuts into the country. It is a stable presidential republic that saw a democratic transfer of power in 2024. The climate is mainly tropical, with a rainy season from June to October and a dry Harmattan period from November to May. The economy rests on agriculture, fishing, mining, services and a growing industrial sector, complemented since 2024 by offshore oil (Sangomar) and gas (GTA). Senegal exports gold, phosphates, fish, groundnuts and petroleum products while relying on imports of machinery, vehicles, fuels and foodstuffs. Logistically, the Port of Dakar acts as a regional hub and the main gateway for landlocked Mali, supported by Blaise Diagne International Airport and road and rail corridors. The currency is the West African CFA franc (XOF), pegged to the euro at 655.957.
Mentioned countries
Glossary terms
Customs & Import/Export
Customs authority
Direction Générale des Douanes (DGD)Import system
Elektronische Abfertigung über GAINDE; Single Window ORBUS (seit 2004) bündelt Vorabgenehmigungen und Handelsdokumente. Zuständig ist die DGD.
Export system
Ausfuhr ebenfalls über GAINDE/ORBUS; Seefracht meldet beim COSEC. EU-Marktzugang als LDC zollfrei über Everything But Arms (EBA).
Import VAT
- TVA 18 Prozent auf den CAF-Wert (Standardsatz
- Grundbedarf teils befreit). Zusatzabgaben: UEMOA 0,8, ECOWAS 0,5, Statistikgebühr 1 sowie COSEC 0,4 Prozent (Seefracht).
Import documents
- Handelsrechnung
- Frachtbrief (B/L oder AWB)
- Packliste
- ORBUS-Vorabanmeldung
- Ursprungszeugnis
- ggf. Konformitäts- oder Gesundheitszeugnis
Export documents
- Handelsrechnung
- Frachtbrief
- Packliste
- Ausfuhranmeldung (GAINDE)
- UEMOA-/ECOWAS-Ursprungszeugnis
- COSEC-Anmeldung (Seefracht)
Origin proofs / FTA
Regionaler Freiverkehr über UEMOA-/ECOWAS-Ursprungszeugnis (Aussenzoll TEC 0/5/10/20/35 Prozent). EU als LDC zoll- und kontingentfrei via EBA; Westafrika-EPA unterzeichnet, aber noch nicht in Kraft.
Restricted & prohibited goods
Verbot dünner Plastiktüten unter 30 Mikron (Gesetz 2015-09); Waffen und Munition genehmigungspflichtig; Betäubungsmittel und gefälschte Waren verboten.
Export controls & sanctions
Senegal unterhält kein eigenes Sanktionsregime und setzt UN-Sanktionen um. Politisch stabil, demokratischer Machtwechsel 2024. Keine OFAC-/EU-Sanktionen gegen das Land.
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)
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
- Aéroport International Blaise Diagne (DSS), Diass/Dakar
Seaports / access ports
- Port Autonome de Dakar (PAD)
- Port de Ndayane (im Bau, DP World)
Road corridors & border crossings
- Dakar–Bamako (Mali)
- Dakar–Tambacounda–Kidira
- Trans-Gambia / Dakar–Ziguinchor
Rail corridors
- TER Dakar–Diamniadio
- Dakar–Bamako (Dakar–Niger-Linie, in Sanierung)
Top trade lanes
- Senegal–EU (Frankreich, Spanien, Belgien)
- Senegal–China
- Senegal–Mali (Transit)
- Senegal–Indien
Risk & Operational Notes
Risk notes
Hauptrisiken: Abfertigungsverzögerungen und Auslastung im Hafen Dakar, informelle Zusatzkosten sowie lange Inlandskorridore nach Mali. Politisch und rechtlich vergleichsweise stabil.
Seasonal & weather risks
Regenzeit Juni bis Oktober mit Überschwemmungsrisiko und Strassensperren im Hinterland; Harmattan-Staub November bis Mai kann Sicht und Luftfracht beeinträchtigen.
Current logistics notes
Neuer Tiefwasserhafen Ndayane (DP World) Phase 1 bis Ende 2027; AIBD-Frachtterminal im Ausbau; Sangomar-Öl seit 2024 und GTA-LNG seit 2025 verändern die Exportstruktur.
As of: 2026-06-29
Operational notes – no claim to completeness. Verify with your freight forwarder and official sources.
Airports in this country
Latest News
Sources & Data Confidence
Official sources
- douanes.sn
- finances.gouv.sn
- ansd.sn
- portdakar.sn
Source references without warranty. For legal/tax decisions consult official authorities.
FAQ
What is the import tax in Senegal?
The standard VAT rate is 18 percent on the CIF value. Community levies (UEMOA 0.8, ECOWAS 0.5 percent), a 1 percent statistical fee and, for sea freight, the COSEC charge of 0.4 percent apply on top.
Which customs system does Senegal use?
Clearance is handled electronically through GAINDE; the ORBUS single window has bundled pre-approvals and trade documents since 2004. The Direction Générale des Douanes is the competent authority.
Which port is most important for Senegal?
The Port of Dakar is the main hub, handling about 881,000 containers in 2024. According to the World Bank CPPI it was sub-Saharan Africa's best-performing container port in 2024. The new deepwater Port of Ndayane (DP World) is to add capacity from late 2027.
Do exports from Senegal benefit from EU tariff preferences?
Yes. As a least developed country (LDC), Senegal enjoys duty-free and quota-free access to the EU market under the Everything But Arms scheme. The regional West Africa EPA is signed but not yet in force.
What role does Senegal play for Mali?
Dakar is the main seaport access for landlocked Mali. The Dakar–Bamako corridor by road and via the rail line currently being rehabilitated is a central transit axis in West Africa.
Which goods are prohibited or restricted on import?
Thin plastic bags under 30 microns are banned (Act 2015-09). Weapons and ammunition require authorisation; narcotics and counterfeit goods are prohibited.
Which currency is used in Senegal?
The West African CFA franc (XOF) issued by the BCEAO, pegged to the euro at a fixed parity of 655.957. Senegal is a member of UEMOA and ECOWAS.
Is there air cargo capacity?
Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS) near Diass is the main cargo airport; an expanded freight terminal for up to 80,000 tonnes per year is under development.
Which trade partners are important for Senegal?
Which logistics terms are especially relevant for Senegal?
For international shipments, these terms are a good quick start:
Next steps
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