Ivory Coast - Apply for Import License for Wood

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Procedure

How to Apply

• Prior Import Authorization (API) Permit is a document that gives importers authorization to import any merchandise to Ivory Coast legally.
• The API Permit is issued by the relevant ministry in charge, Importers are required to register with the GUCE first then fill out the Import Declaration Form (FDI), which is mandatory if the value of the goods is greater than Five hundred thousand (500,000) FCFA and for obtaining the API permit.
  
  

Register with the GUCE

1. Login to the GUCE CI website Link , if you have an account, if you don’t, you will be required to register by Downloading the GUCE registration application form for importer/exporters via the GUCE website or click this link to download Link (Registration form for GUCE account)
2. Fill out the request form and have it signed by the legal representative of the requesting company
3. Scan and submit this request form along with the supporting documents below, electronically to [email protected] or physically deposit it with Webb Fontaine CI Customer Service.

   • A copy of the legal representative's identity document.
   • A copy of the identity document of the person requesting access to GUCE.
   • A copy of the Import Code Sheet.

4. For physical deposits, the person submitting the request must bring his/her identity document.
5. Upon lodging the request the GUCE will process your request and send you the Username and Password to the email account you had registered with, log into your account to access the portal.

File the Prior Import Authorization (API) Permit for wood

1. Upon login into the GUCE website, fill out the Import declaration request form (FDI) and submit it.
2. The system will then automatically generate a request for Prior Import Authorization (API) which will be sent to the Ministry of Water and Forests office.
3. Print out the proforma invoice, request for Prior Import Authorization (API) and Copy of the authorization to exercise the profession of importer for wood (if available) from the site
4. Visit the the Ministry of Water and Forests, Directorate General of Water and Forests office and submit the following files and information to the licensing desk.

   • FDI number or the completed FDI request form
   • copy of the invoice
   • request for Prior Import Authorization (API)
   • Copy of the authorization to practice the profession).

5. Pay the required processing fee at the cash counter, upon which you will be issued with receipt.
6. If the authorized official is satisfied that all the conditions for filing the application are met you the will be notified of the outcome via phone, SMS, email or in person and issued with the Prior Import Authorization (API) permit.

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Required Documents

Register with the GUCE

• A copy of the legal representative's identity document.
• A copy of the identity document of the person requesting access to GUCE.
• A copy of the Import Code Sheet.

Import Authorization (API) Permit for wood

• The proforma invoice.
• A copy of the Import Authorization signed by MINEF
• request for Prior Import Authorization (API)
• Valid identification document
• Valid company registration certificate.
• Any other documents that may be requested by the ministry.

Office Locations & Contacts

Ministry of Water and Forests (MINEF)

Abidjan – Plateau, Ivory Coast

address: Cité Administrative, Tower D 19th floor

Directorate General of Water and Forests

Directorate of Production and Forest Industries

Abidjan - Plateau

address: Cité Administrative, Tower C 8th floor

Tel: + (225) 20 21 94 06
 

Fax: + (225) 20 21 05 12

Website: Link

Eligibility

• Importers (individuals and companies/businesses) with a valid registration certificate for import of wood.

Fees

• Processing fees is indicated on the proforma invoice

Validity

Explain the time until which the certificate/document is valid.
e.g. Birth Certificate Valid Forever

Documents to Use

Link (registration for GUCE account)

Sample Documents

Link (Prior Import Authorization (API) request form)
Link (The Import Declaration Form (FDI)

Processing Time

Please explain processing time taken in obtaining the document/certificate.

Related Videos

Videos explaining the procedure or to fill the applications. 
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Instructions

Import by sea
For all imports by sea, the exporter, the forwarder abroad and the importer must be registered in the BSC via the site of the Office Ivoirien des Chargeurs (OIC) .
Required document for registration

• The Final Invoice or the valued Inventory for personal effects.
• The Bill of Lading (Bill of Lading or B / L).
• The packing list.
• The Customs Export Declaration of the country of shipment of the goods.
• The Local Insurance Certificate in Côte d'Ivoire.
• The Import Declaration Form (FDI) or its number.

In addition, for imports from countries outside the European Union, the following are required:

• The Freight Invoice.
• The Certificate of Origin.

Required Information

Importer details

• Name of the importer/importing company
• Contact details
• Identification document details
• Company registration certificate detail
• Origin of the import
• Value of the goods
• Mode of transport
• Name of the importer's bank (in Côte d'Ivoire) (for the Bank domiciliation and obtaining the Exchange Authorization).
• The HS codes of the products to be imported
• Declaration by the applicant

Need for the Document

• Import Authorization (API) Permit for woods gives importer the authorization to import this product to Ivory Coast legally.
• Import and exports of wood, represent an important and significant contribution to the Ivory Coast economy but they can also bring with them the risks arising from additives, contaminants, toxins or disease causing organisms.Imports are therefore subject to strict controls at the Ivory Coast border under the national rules to avoid this.

Information which might help

Other certificates required for the importation of wood

• Phytosanitary Import Control Certificate

This document verifies the conformity of the product with the regulations in force in Côte d'Ivoire and is issued by the Phytosanitary Inspection Services at the Port (located at the Port One-Stop Shop, Boulevard du Port, Abidjan), at the Airport and at the Land Borders.

• Removal Authorization (AE) permit

This Authorization allows Importers to take their products out of the port / airport for Home Inspection. It is issued by the Phytosanitary Inspection Services of the Port or the Abidjan Airport. It concerns all Plant Products and Plant Origin.

• Certificate of Value.

As soon as the goods are loaded and all the transport documents for the goods are available (Definitive Commercial Invoice, Sea Bill of Lading or Air Waybill, Packing List, Freight Invoice, copy of the FDI and all other certificates available), the freight forwarder must initiate a request for a Certificate of Value, from the Department of Risk Analysis, Intelligence and Value (DARRV) of Customs via the electronic platform of GUCE

Other uses of the Document/Certificate

Please explain what are other uses of obtaining this document/certificate.
e.g. Birth Certificate can be used as proof of identity.

External Links

Link (Ministry of Water and Forests (MINEF)
Link (Le Guichet Unique du Commerce Extérieur (GUCE)
Link

Others

More information which might help people.