Documents required for most goods shipped into Côte d’Ivoire include:

Commercial Invoice

Two French-language copies of the freight invoices are required.  No specific form is required, but all invoices must contain the names of the exporter and consignee, number and types of packages, marks and numbers on the packages, net and gross weights, CIF value, terms of sale, and a thorough description of the merchandise.  Note that the importer will usually need a signed duplicate invoice to speed the release of the imported goods from customs.  This should be sent via air courier and arrive in Côte d’Ivoire prior to the merchandise.

Certificate of Origin 

Two certified copies are required.

Packing List  

A packing list is not legally required, but such lists are usually considered essential in accelerating the time required for customs clearance.

Bill of Lading (or air waybill) 

There are no regulations specifying content of a bill of lading.  Importers should include clear marks of identification and the name and address of the consignee of the goods.  Shipping marks on the goods must correspond exactly to numbers on bills of lading/invoices.

Pro-forma Invoice 

Persons wishing to import goods are required to attach six copies of this invoice to the application for an import license and/or the intent to import.  A pro-forma invoice may also be required when presenting an application to Ivoirian authorities to ship bonded goods through the country.