🇧🇮 Import Customs & Duties: Burundi
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$50
Packages under $50, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
15%
CIF value + duty. Additional transaction tax and community levies may apply.
Clearance Time
5-14 days express, 21-45 postal days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0-25% | 85 |
| Clothing | 25% | 61-62 |
| Footwear | 25% | 64 |
| Food & Beverages | 0-25% | 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-10% | 84 |
| Cosmetics | 25% | 33 |
| Books | 0% | 49 |
| Toys & Games | 10-25% | 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Customs Clearance Process
Office Burundais des Recettes (OBR) manages customs. EAC Common External Tariff applies with 3 bands: 0% (raw materials), 10% (intermediate goods), 25% (finished goods). ASYCUDA World system used for declarations. Landlocked, goods transit via Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) or Mombasa (Kenya).
What to Actually Expect
Landlocked with long transit routes from coast. Political instability has affected customs operations. Transit through Tanzania (Dar es Salaam) adds 7-14 days. Infrastructure limited. Express courier services available but expensive.
Required Documents
Commercial Invoice
Item description, quantity, value, sender and receiver details
Packing List
Detailed description of contents in each package
Customs Declaration (CN22/CN23)
Required for postal shipments
Air Waybill (AWB)
Generated by the carrier when booking the shipment
Certificate of Origin
May be required for reduced duties (FTA/preferential rates)
Export/Import License
For restricted goods (electronics, medicines, chemicals)
Import License Requirements
Import license required from Ministry of Commerce. Pre-shipment inspection may apply. Controlled goods include arms, chemicals, pharmaceuticals. Used clothing imports restricted.
Certificate of Origin
EAC certificate of origin for East African Community trade. COMESA certificate for regional preferential trade. Federal Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Burundi issues certificates.
Learn more →Prohibited & Restricted Items
Prohibited
- xNarcotics and illegal drugs
- xExplosives and flammable materials
- xWeapons and ammunition
- xCounterfeit goods
- xCounterfeit currency and documents
Restricted (permit required)
- !Medicines and pharmaceuticals
- !Food and beverages
- !Plants and seeds
- !Electronics (lithium batteries)
- !Perfumes and cosmetics (volume limits)
Useful Links
Popular routes to Burundi
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Burundi?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Burundi is $50. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Burundi?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Burundi is 15%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. Additional transaction tax and community levies may apply.
How long does customs clearance take in Burundi?
Typical customs clearance in Burundi takes 5-14 days express, 21-45 postal days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Burundi?
To import into Burundi, you typically need: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, and customs declaration. Some goods may require a certificate of origin or import license.
What items are prohibited from import into Burundi?
Burundi prohibits the import of narcotics, weapons, counterfeit goods, certain animal products, and hazardous materials. Restrictions may also apply to alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and certain electronics.