Ouagadougou: The deputies of the Transitional Legislative Assembly (ALT) in Burkina Faso unanimously adopted a new Customs Code on Monday, March 24, 2025, with all 71 voters in attendance supporting the measure.
According to Burkina Information Agency, this legislative decision aligns Burkinabe customs laws with international standards, impacting trade and customs practices globally. The newly adopted Customs Code strengthens customs services’ capabilities in protecting intellectual property rights and combating counterfeiting, while also enhancing foreign trade control.
The Code introduces key innovations, such as combating money laundering and terrorism financing, and controlling the spread of weapons of mass destruction. It includes advance traveler information, electronic monitoring of goods transit, non-intrusive transport controls, and electronic payment of duties and taxes. Additionally, it aims to facilitate trade and streamline customs operations through partnerships with other public administrati
ons and the private sector, and by granting authorized economic operator status. The diversification of customs guarantees is also made more flexible.
The Code also establishes new economic regimes and a free zone to encourage local industrial unit creation and boost export sales capacity, offering products at competitive prices. Furthermore, it regulates the creation and management of container terminals and dry ports, and addresses postal traffic, enhancing e-commerce operation monitoring.
In terms of dispute resolution, the Code provides for administrative appeals and reduces certain penalty quantum, ensuring compliance with international standards.