Distillers Alcohol regulations in Burkina Faso
How to import or export liquor and spirits to Burkina Faso, how to register products and labels, the import duty and taxes, and how to get a licence to make alcohol there. Researched October 2026.
Research guide, not legal advice. Compiled in October 2026 from the public sources listed at the bottom of this page. Duty rates, fees and rules change often: confirm with the regulator, a customs broker or local counsel before you act. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
- Status
- Legal
- Legal drinking age
- 18
- Legal purchase age
- 18
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Licence to make spirits (distillery and bottling)
- Licences needed
- Industrial Establishment Authorization (Autorisation d'implantation et d'exploitation industrielle), sanitary accreditation, and tax excise registration.
- Authority
- Ministère du Développement Industriel, du Commerce, de l'Artisanat et des PME (MDICAPME) and Direction Générale des Impôts (DGI)
- Documents
- RCCM registration, Unique Tax Identification number (IFU), technical installation dossier, environmental and health impact assessments, manufacturing specifications.
- Fees
- not confirmed
- Time to obtain
- not confirmed
Import licence and registration
- Who can import
- Any registered commercial company holding a valid trade register (RCCM), active IFU tax ID, and registered on the Orbus customs clearance system.
- Licences or registrations
- Prior Import Declaration (Déclaration Préalable d'Importation - DPI) via the Orbus platform, alongside standard customs declaration clearance.
- Authority
- Direction Générale du Commerce (MDICAPME) and Direction Générale des Douanes (DGD)
- Documents
- Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading (B/L or AWB), Certificate of Origin, DPI, Electronic Cargo Tracking Note (BESC), Certificate of Conformity.
- Fees
- not confirmed
- Time to obtain
- not confirmed
Product and label registration
Required: yes Process: Mandatory conformity verification leading to the issuance of a National Certificate of Conformity (Certificat National de Conformité - CNC) by ABNORM upon import documentary check and testing; sanitary…
Import rules
Strict national ban on the importation, production, and sale of spirits and liqueurs packaged in sachets/plastic pouches or bottles/PET containers of less than 30 cL (in effect since September 2019). Mandatory import verification…
Import duty on spirits (HS 2208)
20% customs duty (Droit de Douane - Category 3 consumer goods under Common External Tariff) applied on CIF value; plus 1% Statistical Fee (Redevance Statistique - RS) and regional integration levies (Community Solidarity Levy PCS 1% and community levy 0.5%).
Excise and taxes
Excise tax (Droit d'accises) under the Code Général des Impôts is applied ad valorem at 50% to 70% on spirits and liqueurs depending on alcohol strength and classification (high-strength spirits generally at 70%); standard Value…
Retail and distribution
Sold through private licensed distributors, supermarkets, liquor shops, and on-premise venues (bars, restaurants, 'maquis', and hotels) possessing an authorization to operate a drinking establishment ('débit de boissons').…
Online sale and delivery
Allowed under standard commercial rules, but retailers must ensure delivery is restricted to individuals aged 18 and older.
Labelling
Labels must be in French and indicate product category, brand, nominal net volume (minimum 30 cL for spirits/liqueurs), alcohol content by volume (% ABV), country of origin, producer/bottler details, and lot number. Clear notices…
Advertising
Direct advertising on radio and television of alcoholic beverages containing more than 10% ABV is prohibited (Law No. 025-2001/AN). Outdoor and print promotions are restricted from targeting minors or depicting consumption as…
Legal definitions of spirits
Regulated under ABNORM national standards and Codex Alimentarius / WAEMU norms, establishing minimum alcoholic strengths (generally 37.5%–40% ABV for distilled spirits such as whisky, rum, vodka, and gin) and banning toxic…
Dry or restricted areas
No nationwide dry zones or regional prohibitions; local municipal restrictions or temporary security curfews may limit operational hours in selected provinces.
Recent changes
Implementation of updated national conformity verification rules and product listings under Decree No. 2025-0807/PRES/PM/MICA/MEF for imported goods overseen by ABNORM. Introduction of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)…
Opportunities for exporters
Commercial opportunities exist in premium imported spirits, particularly scotch whisky, cognac, and branded vodkas marketed to urban consumers and hospitality establishments. Exporters must comply with the minimum 30 cL packaging…
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Sign in to read the full guideSources
- IMF How to Note: Designing Alcohol Excise Taxes (Excise Rates and Reform in Burkina Faso)
- Sobetracom - Import duties and taxes in Burkina Faso (WAEMU Tariff, 18% VAT, AES levy)
- Sobetracom - National Certificate of Conformity (ABNORM Decree No. 2025-0807 and COTECNA checks)
- NACADA Research - Factors determining alcohol consumption in Burkina Faso and regulatory measures
- US International Trade Administration - Burkina Faso Country Commercial Guide (Standards, Trade Barriers, Import Procedures)
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