BESC Benin (Waiver) – Procedure and Regulations

📌 Official nomenclature

BESC (Bordereau Électronique de Suivi des Cargaisons – Bénin)

📄 Type of document

This is a mandatory certificate for all cargo destined for Benin.

👉 The BESC is obtained by validating the Waiver, therefore:

  • Validated Waiver = BESC issued (number BESC)

📌 Unlike other countries:

  • ✅ The BESC number MUST appear on the Bill of Lading (B/L)

👤 Who should process it?

  • The exporter (shipper) or his agent/freight forward

  • With information about the exporter and importer in Benin

👉 Responsibility:

  • Falls on the shipper

  • It is recommended to process it at origin

📑 Required documentation

🔹 To manage the Waiver:

  1. Copy of BL (Bill of Lading)

  2. Copy of the Commercial Invoice

  3. Copy of the DUA (Customs Export Document) or lift

  4. Packing List

  5. Freight invoice (if not included in the commercial invoice)

  6. Certificate of origin (if applicable)

  7. Importer data in Benin (as required)

🔹 For Waiver validation:

  • Can be validated with BL DRAFT (draft)

👉 This is a key difference from to Angola:

  • ❗ Final BL is not required to validate

🕒 Deadlines

  • Must be managed before the ship leaves

  • Recommended:

    • ✅ Validate at least 5 days before arrival at destination

⚠️ Risks due to non-compliance:

  • Fines

  • Port surcharges

  • Operational delays

⚠️ Regulations and operational rules

  • ✔️ It is mandatory to include the BESC number in the BL

  • ✔️ The number is provided when the Waiver is requested

  • ✔️ Can be validated with draft BL (DRAFT)

  • ✔️ Also mandatory for loads in transit to:

    • Interior countries (e.g. Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali)

  • ✔️ It is recommended to cast at origin

  • ✔️ Responsibility: shipper

❗ Consequences of not processing the BESC

  • Holding or blocking cargo at the port of Cotonou

  • Fines and penalties

  • Delays in dispatch and delivery

  • Possible rejection or return of merchandise

✅ Key operational summary

  • Waiver validated = BESC issued

  • Responsible: Shipper

  • Process at origin (recommended)

📌 Key documentation:

  • BL

  • Commercial invoice

  • DUA / Levante

  • Packing List

📌 Important particularities:

  • ✔️ BESC number mandatory in BL

  • ✔️ Can be validated with BL DRAFT

  • ✔️ Also applies to inland transits

📌 Deadline reviewer:

  • ≥ 5 days before ship arrival