SHIPPING TO BENIN

• 📅 Weekly Sailings from major U.S. ports

• 🛡️ Fully Licensed, Bonded & Insured

• 🧾 Full Customs Documentation Assistance

• 📍 Real-Time Tracking for Your Shipment

• 🚚 Door-to-Port Pickup Available Across the USA

• 💰Affordable Rates: Competitive pricing with no hidden fees.

• Whether it’s your first time or you’re a frequent exporter, our team guides you every step of the way.

Royal Shipping Lines is:

• ✅ FMC Licensed & Bonded

• ✅ A U.S.-based company

• ✅ Experienced with Copart, IAAI & Adesa vehicle auctions

• ✅ Compliant with Argentine Customs regulations

Let our team guide you through each step—from pickup to port clearance.

• Cotonou

• 🛳️ 30-35 days depending on departure port and shipping method

🚗 RoRO (Roll-On/Roll-Off)

Your car is driven onto the ship and secured in a protected cargo deck. Ideal for operable vehicles.

📦 Container Shipping

Perfect for non-running, high-value, or multiple vehicles. Available in 20ft or 40ft containers. Shared container options available to reduce cost.

Royal Shipping Lines helps you gather and complete all necessary documentation:

• ✅ Original vehicle title (clear of liens)

• ✅ Bill of sale or invoice

• ✅ Valid passport or ID

• ✅ Foreign TAX ID (IFU/ TIN) for consignee

Prohibited & Restricted Imports – Benin (Updated January 2023)

If you are shipping goods to or from Benin, understanding the latest customs restrictions is essential to avoid delays, fines, or cargo seizure. The following list is based on the official guidelines from Benin Customs and the Port Autonome de Cotonou.

❌ Prohibited Imports

These items cannot be imported into Benin under any circumstances:

• 🔫 Guns, Ammunition & Explosives – Including firearms, bullets, grenades, and other military-grade weapons.

• 💊 Illegal Drugs & Narcotics – Except those legally approved for medical use under prescription.

• ☣️ Hazardous & Toxic Materials – Any substance dangerous to people, animals, or the environment.

• 🌱 Plants & Plant Products – Includes seeds, cuttings, and agricultural products that may carry pests or diseases.

• 🥩 Meat & Meat Products – Restricted due to sanitary and health concerns.

• 🐕🐈 Pets & Live Animals – Importation prohibited without special authorization.

• 🪨 Asbestos – All forms banned due to health risks.

• 💎 Precious Metals & Stones – Such as unlicensed gold, diamonds, or other valuable minerals.

• 🐘 Ivory & Wildlife Products – Including elephant tusks, rhino horn, and protected animal derivatives.

• 🦊 Furs – Prohibited to protect endangered wildlife.

• 🎰 Gambling Devices – Includes slot machines, roulette tables, and other betting equipment.

• 💵 Counterfeit Currency & Goods – Includes fake money, branded knock-offs, and forged documents.

• 📛 Pornographic Material – Prohibited under morality and decency laws.

Benin Vehicle Import Restrictions (2025 Updates)

Age Limits 🚗

Benin enforces maximum age limits for imported vehicles as part of its effort to modernize vehicle stocks and reduce environmental impact:

• Passenger Cars: Maximum age of 10 years

• Commercial Vehicles: Maximum age of 15 years

• Motorcycles: Maximum age of 5 years

🛠 Special Regulations on Scrap Shipments – Port of Cotonou (Benin)

The Port Autonome de Cotonou applies strict regulations for all scrap cargo imports and exports to ensure safety and compliance with Benin’s customs laws. These rules are designed to prevent the entry or exit of hazardous materials and protect the environment.

📅 Effective Date

Regulation has been in force since 6 August 2008.

📜 Inspection Requirement

All scrap shipments—whether entering or leaving Benin—must be inspected for radioactive materials before loading or unloading at the Port of Cotonou.

🏷 Mandatory Certification

A Certificate of Control of Risk (Certificat de Contrôle de Risque) is required for clearance. This certificate confirms that the shipment is free from hazardous or radioactive contamination.

💰 Cost Responsibility

The cargo owner is fully responsible for all expenses related to:

• Destruction of non-compliant or “infected” cargo

• Transport and handling

• Port storage charges

• Fines or penalties imposed by authorities

⚠️ Restricted Imports – Benin

The following goods are restricted and require special permits or approvals before importation:

• 🔫 Weapons & Ammunition – Require a special hunting permit for legal import.

• 🌱🥩 Plant & Meat Products – Require authorization from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock & Fisheries.

• 🐕🐈 Pets (Cats & Dogs) – Require a veterinary health certificate and a rabies vaccination certificate issued by the country of origin.