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  ANNEX 2 – BURKINA FASO  WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Burkina Faso  
 
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  CONTENTS  
1   ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT  ................................ ................................ ......................  152  
1.1   Main features  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  152 
1.2   Recent economic trends  ................................ ................................ ............................  154 
1.3   Trade performance  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 155 
1.4   Foreign direct investment  ................................ ................................ ..........................  155 
2   TRADE AND INVESTMENT  REGIMES ................................ ................................ .........  158  
2.1   Overview  ................................ ................................ ................................ .................  158 
2.2   Trade policy formulation and objectives  ................................ ................................ ....... 159 
2.3   Trade agreements and arrangements  ................................ ................................ ..........  159 
2.3.1    Relations with the World Trade Organization  ................................ .............................  159 
2.3.2    Regional and preferential agreements  ................................ ................................ ...... 160 
2.4   Investment regime  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 160 
3   TRADE POLICIES AND P RACTICES BY MEASURE  ................................ ......................  163  
3.1   Measures directly affecting imports  ................................ ................................ .............  163 
3.1.1    Customs procedures, valuation and requirements  ................................ ......................  163 
3.1.2    Rules of origin  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 164 
3.1.3    Customs tariffs  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 164 
3.1.3.1    Overview  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  164 
3.1.3.2    Bindings  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  164 
3.1.3.3    Tax concessions  ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 165 
3.1.4    Other taxes affecting imports  ................................ ................................ ..................  165 
3.1.5    Import prohibitions and restrictions, and import l icensing  ................................ ...........  165 
3.1.6    Anti-dumping, countervailing or safeguard measures and other measures  ....................  167 
3.2   Measures directly affecting exports  ................................ ................................ .............  168 
3.2.1    Customs procedures and requirements  ................................ ................................ ..... 168 
3.2.2    Taxes, duties and levies  ................................ ................................ .........................  168 
3.2.3    Export prohibitions and restrictions and export licensing  ................................ .............  168 
3.2.4    Export support and promotion  ................................ ................................ .................  168 
3.3   Measures affecting production and trade  ................................ ................................ ..... 168 
3.3.1    Incentives  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  168 
3.3.2    Standards and other technical regulations  ................................ ................................ . 169 
3.3.3    Sanitary and phytosanitary requirements  ................................ ................................ .. 169 
3.3.4    Competition and price control policy  ................................ ................................ .........  170 
3.3.5    State trading, State -owned enterprises and privatization  ................................ ............  171 
3.3.6    Government procurement  ................................ ................................ .......................  172 
3.3.7    Intellectual property rights  ................................ ................................ ......................  173 
4   TRADE POLICIES BY SE CTOR  ................................ ................................ ...................  174  
4.1   Agriculture  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  174 
4.1.1    Overview  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  174 WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Burkina Faso  
 
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  4.1.2    Agricultural pol icy ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 174 
4.1.3    Policies by subsector  ................................ ................................ ..............................  176 
4.1.3.1    Food crops  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  176 
4.1.3.2    Cotton subsector  ................................ ................................ ................................ . 176 
4.1.3.3    Cattle subsector  ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 178 
4.1.3.4    Sugar subsector  ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 178 
4.1.3.5    Fisheries subsector  ................................ ................................ ..............................  179 
4.1.3.6    Other agricultural products  ................................ ................................ ...................  179 
4.2   Mining  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  179 
4.2.1    Overview  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  179 
4.2.2    Mining products  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 181 
4.2.2.1   Gold ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  181 
4.2.2.2    Phosphate  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  181 
4.2.2.3    Manganese  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  181 
4.2.2.4    Zinc ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  181 
4.2.2.5    Quarried materials  ................................ ................................ ..............................  182 
4.3   Energy and water  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 182 
4.3.1    Overview  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  182 
4.3.2    Hydrocarbons  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........  182 
4.3.3    Electricity  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  182 
4.3.4    Water  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................  183 
4.4   Manufacturing sector  ................................ ................................ ................................  184 
4.5   Services  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  184 
4.5.1    Overview  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  184 
4.5.2    Principal subsectors  ................................ ................................ ...............................  185 
4.5.2.1    Financial services  ................................ ................................ ................................  185 
4.5.2.2    Telecommunications and postal services  ................................ ................................  185 
4.5.2.3    Transport  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  186 
4.5.2.3.1    Land and river transport  ................................ ................................ ...................  186 
4.5.2.3.2    Air transport  ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 187 
4.5.2.4    Tourism  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  188 
5   APPENDIX TABLES  ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 189  
 
CHARTS  
 
Chart 1.1 Structure of merchandise trade, 2009 and 2015  ................................ ....................  156 
Chart 1.2 Direction of merchandise trade, 2009 and 2015  ................................ .....................  157 WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Burkina Faso  
 
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TABLES  
 
Table 1.1 Main macroeconomic indicators, 2009 -2016 ................................ ..........................  152 
Table 1.2 Balance of payments, 2009 -2016 ................................ ................................ .........  154 
Table 2.1 Domestic trade and investment -related laws and regulations  ................................ ... 158 
Table 2.2 Notifications to the WTO, August  2016 ................................ ................................ . 160 
Table 2.3 Main tax concessions under national incentive schemes  ................................ ..........  161 
Table 3.1 Taxes on trade and international transactions, 2010 -2015 ................................ ...... 164 
Table 3.2 Products subject to special import authorization ................................ .....................  166 
Table 3.3 Government procurement by award procedure, 2010, 2015 and 2016  ......................  172 
Table 3.4 Statistics  on applications and granting of titles, 2009 and 2012 -2015 .......................  173 
Table 4.1 Production of main food crops, 2009/2010 -2015/2016  ................................ ...........  174 
Table 4.2 Cotton production, 2009 -2017 ................................ ................................ .............  177 
Table 4.3 Gold production and exports, 2009 -2015 ................................ ..............................  181 
Table 4.4 Electricity production  and imports, 2011 -2015 ................................ .......................  183 
Table 4.5 Tourism, 2009 -2015 ................................ ................................ ...........................  188 
 
APPENDIX TABLES  
 
Table A1. 1 Structure of exports, 2009 -2015 ................................ ................................ ....... 189 
Table A1. 2 Destination of exports, 2009 -2015 ................................ ................................ .... 190 
Table A1. 3 Structure of imports, 2009 -2015 ................................ ................................ ....... 191 
Table A1. 4 Origin of imports, 2009 -2015 ................................ ................................ ...........  192 
 WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Burkina Faso  
 
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  1  ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT  
1.1  Main features  
1.1.  The economy of Burkina Faso is founded mainly on crop -farming , livest ock-raising and gold 
production,  which makes its p erformance heavily dependent on weather vagaries and the 
internat ional prices of gold and cotton,  the latter being its primary cash crop. The Burkina 
economy's vulnerability to external shocks is further exacerbated by its heavy reliance on 
hydrocarbons as  the main energy source. Gross national income (GNI) per capita was about €554 
equivalent in 2015 (Table  1.1). 
Table 1.1 Main macroeconomic indicators , 2009 -2016  
 2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  
GDP at market prices (€  million)a. b 6,024  6,780  7,714  8,691  8,989  9,278  9,907  10,470  
Per capita nominal GDP (€)  398 434 480 524 526 528 547 561 
Population (million)  15.1 15.6 16.1 16.6 17.1 17.6 18.1 18.6 
In rural areas (% of total population)  75.2 74.3 73.5 72.7 71.8 71.0 70.1 69.3 
Inflation (CPI, variation %)  2.6 -0.8 2.8 3.8 0.5 -0.3 1.0 -0.2 
Interest rate on deposits, annual %  5.8 5.9 6.3 4.9 4.9 5.2 5.0 n.a. 
Interest rate on loans, annual %  10.2 9.2 9.3 9.5 8.0 7.9 8.7 n.a. 
GDP by type of expenditure, at constant 1999 prices (% change)b 
GDP 3.0 8.4 6.6 6.5 5.7 4.2 4.0 5.9 
Consumption  1.7 3.0 4.6 7.0 6.2 4.3 3.9 2.8 
Gross fixed capital formation (GFCF)  15.7 23.5 20.5 23.8 9.6 -13.0 6.0 7.2 
   Private  17.6 27.3 50.9 14.8 -4.5 -9.6 8.4 4.3 
   Public  14.1 20.0 -9.7 38.6 28.9 -16.5 3.5 10.4 
Balance  10.8 4.1 20.1 43.1 10.7 -22.6 7.2 -5.1 
   Exports of goods and nonfactor 
services  17.5 52.1 26.0 4.2 18.0 13.4 8.5 14.7 
   Imports of goods and nonfactor 
services  13.2 22.3 22.9 24.3 13.6 -7.5 7.9 5.2 
GDP by type of expenditure, at current prices (% of GDP)b 
Consumption  90.2 83.5 80.2 79.2 82.5 82.9 81.8 80.2 
Gross fixed capital formation (GFCF)  22.9 24.5 26.4 29.3 31.8 25.4 25.3 25.9 
   Private  10.8 11.6 15.8 16.8 15.3 13.5 13.4 13.3 
   Public  12.1 12.9 10.6 12.6 16.5 11.9 11.9 12.6 
Variation in inventories  2.0 2.4 1.6 3.1 0.6 0.5 0.5 0.9 
Balance  -15.0 -10.4 -8.1 -11.6 -15.0 -8.8 -7.6 -7.0 
   Exports of goods and nonfactor 
services  12.7 19.2 25.0 25.5 26.2 26.1 29.0 31.6 
   Imports of goods and nonfactor 
services  27.7 29.6 33.2 37.2 41.1 34.9 36.6 38.6 
Distribution of GDP at current basic prices (% GDP)c 
Agriculture, fishing, livestock and 
hunting, and forestry  35.6 35.6 33.8 35.1 35.6 35.2   
Agriculture  18.9 19.5 18.3 19.3 18.9 18.6 n.a. n.a. 
Livestock  12.7 12.3 11.8 11.8 12.7 12.1 n.a. n.a. 
Forestry, fishing and hunting  4.0 3.8 3.7 3.9 4.1 4.4 n.a. n.a. 
Mining and quarrying  3.3 7.7 11.6 11.4 8.8 9.2 n.a. n.a. 
Manufacturing  9.2 7.9 7.7 7.5 5.9 6.4 n.a. n.a. 
Energy (electricity, gas, water)  1.3 0.8 1.0 0.6 0.8 0.9 n.a. n.a. 
Construction and public works  5.6 6.5 6.9 5.4 5.4 5.3 n.a. n.a. 
Services  46.5 42.5 40.3 41.7 45.0 44.7 n.a. n.a. 
   Transport  1.9 1.6 1.3 1.8 1.8 1.8 n.a. n.a. 
   Post and telecommunications  3.1 2.8 2.5 2.8 3.1 3.0 n.a. n.a. 
   Commerce  12.8 11.6 10.6 10.7 13.1 11.2 n.a. n.a. 
   Banks and insurance  1.8 1.6 1.7 1.7 2.1 2.1 n.a. n.a. 
Public administration and non -profit 
institutions  19.8 17.9 18.0 18.1 18.8 20.5 n.a. n.a. 
   Other services  7.1 7.0 6.1 6.6 6.2 6.1 n.a. n.a. 
Financial intermediation services 
indirectly measured (FISIM)  -1.4 -1.1 -1.3 -1.7 -1.6 -1.7 n.a. n.a. 
Public finance (% GDP)          
Total income and grants  19.5 19.8 20.7 22.4 24.5 21.7 19.8 20.5 
   Total income excluding grants  13.6 15.3 15.7 17.5 19.0 17.5 16.3 17.9 
     Tax revenue, of which  12.5 12.7 13.7 15.6 16.8 15.5 14.4 15.6 
       Taxes on goods and services  n.a. n.a. 7.2 8.2 8.9 8.4 8.2 8.7 
         of which VAT  n.a. n.a. 5.6 6.4 7.2 6.4 6.0 6.4 
      Foreign trade taxes  2.3 2.2 2.2 2.6 2.9 2.4 2.2 2.3 
     Non-tax income  1.1 2.6 1.9 1.9 2.1 2.0 1.8 2.3 
   Grants  5.9 4.5 5.0 4.9 5.5 4.2 3.5 2.6 
Total expenses and net loans, 
of which:  24.3 24.2 23.0 25.5 28.0 23.9 21.1 23.7 
   Current expenses  12.6 11.9 12.4 14.5 13.9 15.3 14.2 16.2 
   Capital expenses  10.9 10.9 9.6 10.9 12.9 8.6 7.0 7.6 WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Burkina Faso  
 
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   2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  
Overall balance excluding grants  -10.6 -8.9 -7.4 -8.0 -9.1 -6.4 -4.9 -5.8 
Overall balance  -4.8 -4.4 -2.3 -3.1 -3.6 -2.2 -1.3 -3.2 
External public debt (start of period)  23.2 25.1 23.2 22.6 22.0 23.2 24.9 23.6 
External sector          
CFAF/US$ (annual average)  472.2  495.3  471.9  510.5  494.0  494.4  591.4  593.0  
Real effective exchange rate 
(variation %)d 2.3 -8.3 1.7 -0.7 1.8 4.1 -6.4 -5.3 
Nominal effective exchange rate 
(variation %)d 5.1 -3.3 4.2 -0.2 6.1 10.3 -0.7 2.5 
Current account (% GDP)  -4.5 -2.0 -1.5 -1.5 -11.3 -8.1 -8.1 -7.0 
Gross official reserves (US$  million)  1,296  1,068  957 1,025  628 297 260  
   In months of imports of goods and 
services  7.6 4.8 3.2 3.0 1.5 0.7 n.a. n.a. 
FDI inflows (€ million)  72.6 26.6 103.3  256.3  369.2  268.9  150.9  n.a. 
  % of GDP  1.2 0.4 1.3 2.9 4.1 2.9 1.5 n.a. 
Inward FDI stock (€ million)  411.3  267.2  465.4  776.4  1 169.0  1 276.1  1 517.0  n.a. 
  % of GDP  6.8 3.9 6.0 8.9 13.0 13.8 15.3 n.a. 
n.a. Not available.  
a The CFA franc,  which is the common currency of the WAEMU countries,  is pegged to the euro at a 
rate of: €1 = CFAF 655.96 . 
b Estimates for 2013 , 2014, 2015 and 2016.  
c Estimates for 2014.  
d A minus sign ( -) indicates a depreciation.  
Source:  Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) , National Institute of S tatistics and Demography 
(INSD),  IMF. 
1.2.  Burkina Faso has one of the highest population growth rates  in the world , estimated at 3.1% , 
with a fertility rate o f 5.5 births per woman. In 2017,  its population was estimated at over 
19 million (co mpared to 15.2  million in 2009),  of whom about 70% were living in rural areas. The 
rural exodus to Ouagadougou and Bobo Dioulasso continued during the review period.  
1.3.  Classified  as a "least developed country",  Burkina Faso is also one of low -human 
development as measured by it s Human Development Index (HDI),  which , despite rising 
marginally since the last review of its trade policy,  ranks 183rd out of 188 countries. The poverty 
rate has fallen slightly in recent years , from an estimated 46.7% of the total population in 2009 to 
40.1% in 2014.1 Nonetheless , poverty remains widespread and is particularly prevalent in rural 
areas. The literacy rate was 34.5% in 2014 , while the gross primary school enrolment rate 
increased from 78% in 2011 to 86.1% in 2016.  
1.4.  The Burkina economy remains highly vulnerable to external shocks (notably fluctuations in 
commodity prices) and weather c onditions , since agriculture , livestock farming and forestry 
altogether generate about one third of GDP (Table 1.1) and provides employment for 80% of the 
economically active population. The extractive industries grew strongly between 2009 and 2015 , 
contri buting about 10% of GDP , although their share fluctuates with gold prices on world markets. 
Services continue to make a substantial contribution of about 45% to national GDP.  
1.5.  Burkina Faso faces many development constraints , both domestic and external. Priv ate 
sector development is still hampered by many factors such as poor road and transport 
infrastructure , high costs and a scarcity of financing and electricity , all of which is compounded by 
corruption and the threat of terrorism.  
1.6.  Burkina Faso's land -locked condition is also a major constraint on economic development , 
making imports more expensive and undermining export competitiveness. While transport 
accounts for between 10% and 15% of the cost of goods in countries with a coastline in the 
subregion , it represents 25% to 45% or even 60% of the cost pric e in some cases such as 
Burkina  Faso. The bulk of these costs stem from port clearance and land transit2; and they are 
compounded by the time spent in transport (a function of the distances to be covere d), the 
formalities that have to be fulfilled , and the risks associated with the transport process.  
                                                
1 National Institute of Statistics and Demography (2015) , Annuaire statistique 2014 . The poverty 
threshold was set at CFAF 153 ,530 in 2014.  
2 Ministry of Trade , Business Promotion and Crafts (2010) , Stratégie nationale de promotion des 
exportations . WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Burkina Faso  
 
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  1.7.  As a member of both WAEMU (of which it hosts the Commission) and ECOWAS,  Burkina Faso 
has implemented the community provisions of these institutions , includ ing WAEMU's monetary and 
exchange rate policies (with a common currency , the CFA franc) and the ECOWAS common 
customs policy (including the common external tariff (CET)) (common report).  
1.2  Recent economic trends  
1.8.  Burkina Faso's annual real GDP growth averaged  5.3% between 2009 and 2015 , with a peak 
in 2010 reflecting a mining boom. Growth was mainly sustained by gold and cotton production , 
which generated over 80% of the country's export earnings; but it was held back in 2014 and 
2015 by falling commodity pric es. Inflation has generally remained below the community target of 
3%, except in 2012 when it reached 3.8%.  
1.9.  The macroeconomic and structural reforms implemented since 2009 include measures to 
broaden the tax base and raise awareness of fiscal responsibilit y among economic agents , together 
with efforts to modernize the tax and customs administrations. The authorities have also 
succeeded in fostering financial sector development , making it easier to start a business , grant 
construction permits and register pr operty , with positive results on the business climate 
(section  2.4). The authorities have also persevered with efforts to restructure and revive ailing 
public enterprises.  
1.10.   The debt -to-GDP ratio was halved between 1995 and 2012 (Table 1.1) , chiefly thanks t o 
attainment of the completion point of the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative , and 
the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative (MDRI). Nonetheless , Burkina Faso posted an uninterrupted 
succession of budget deficits (including grants) in 2009 -2015; and development assistance 
continues to finance a large proportion of its public investment.  
1.11.   The balance -of-payments current account deficit widened considerably in 2013 to represent 
more than 11% of GDP (Table 1.1). This trend reflects a worsening tra de deficit (goods and 
services) , despite export growth; while current transfers were insufficient to fully bridge the 
current account gap. Burkina Faso's trade balance has been permanently in deficit except in 2011 
and 2012 , when the trade balance turned p ositive thanks to the performance of the gold 
subsector. Total imports grew vigorously between 2009 and 2013 on the back of strong domestic 
demand , particularly for capital goods , petroleum products and food products (Table 1.2).  
Table 1.2 Balance of payments , 2009 -2016  
(€ million)  
 2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  2014  2015a 2016b 
Current account balance  -273 -137 -115 -126 -1 013  -752 -807 -729 
 Goods and services  -640 -504 -501 -456 -1 202  -841 -917 -821 
  Goods (net)  -346 -100 22 165 -501 -196 -218 -95 
   Goods exports (f.o.b.)  648 1,201  1,726  2,232  2,005  2,077  2,131  2,328  
    of which: Cotton  148 173 198 255 328 361 325 302 
              Livestock products  53 57 58 41 43 40 33 30 
              Hides and skins  39 43 51 29 23 19 11 11 
              Shea nuts  27 30 23 14 32 37 41 41 
              Gold 274 781 1,299  1,772  1,257  1,220  1,335  1,556  
              Zinc  n.a. 0 0 0 19 66 50 45 
              Cashew nuts  n.a. 6 16 25 39 32 79 82 
   Goods imports f.o.b.  -994 -1,301  -1,704  -2,067  -2,507  -2,273  -2,348  -2,423  
   Goods imports c.i.f.  -1,260  -1,709  -1,977  -2,781  -3,287  -2,699  -2,777  -2,866  
    of which: food products  -103 -104 -158 -190 -220 -206 -229 -243 
                     Other fast -moving consumer  
 goods  -81 -82 -106 -120 -82 -89 -85 -85 
                   Petroleum products  -274 -336 -500 -608 -713 -688 -493 -432 
                   Intermediate goods  -252 -326 -348 -442 -566 -513 -613 -670 
                   Capital goods  -285 455 -592 -708 -925 -776 -940 -993 
  Services (net)  -294 -404 -523 -621 -700 -645 -699 -726 
   Credit  110 225 299 327 374 341 352 406 
    of which: travel  48 55 54 66 115 102 99 110 
   Debit  -404 -629 -822 -949 -1 074 -986 -1 052  -1 131  
    of which: freight and insurance  -177 -226 -303 -417 -526 -453 -393 -482 WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Burkina Faso  
 
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   2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  2014  2015a 2016b 
  Primary income  -4 -5 -6 -60 -142 -271 -304 -239 
   of which: debt interest  -13 -16 -19 -20 -20 -22 -24 -33 
  Secondary income  370 372 392 389 331 360 414 330 
  Public administration  275 274 291 274 195 174 222 127 
  Other sectors  95 98 100 115 135 186 192 203 
   of which: migrant remittances  61 80 147 151 220 274 322 307 
Capital account  203 151 139 210 363 305 234 386 
Financial account  -400 -115 -50 93 -430 -250 -998 -706 
 Direct investment  -51 -29 -30 -200 -325 -216 -196 -274 
 Portfolio investment  -12 -24 -15 -25 -11 131 -5 130 
 Financial derivatives  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
 Other investment  -338 -62 -6 318 -94 -166 -798 -562 
Errors and omissions (net) 13 2 -7 5 -6 -6 7 0 
Overall balance  343 131 67 -4 -226 -203 432 363 
n.a. Not available.  
a Projection.  
b Projection.  
Source:  Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO).  
1.12.   Burkina Faso also has a large deficit on its commercial services account , mainly reflecting 
merchandise freight and insurance payments. Remittances by Burkina workers abroad grew nearly 
fivefold between 2009 and 2015. Aside from these transfers , trade has grown in importance , with 
the goods and services trade to GDP ratio risin g from 40% in 2009 to over 59% in 2015.  
1.3  Trade performance  
1.13.   Gold and cotton accounted for 75% of Burkina Faso's merchandise expor ts in 2015 
(Table  A1.1 and Chart 1.1). Since 2009 , gold has been the leading export product , while other 
exports include sesame seeds , shea nuts and live cattle.  
1.14.   Burkina Faso's exports are mainly sent to Europe (57% in 2015 , compared to 70% in 2009) , 
particularly Switzerland,  which is the main destination for gold exports (Table A1.2 and Chart  1.2). 
Asia absorbed 26% of exports in 2015 , compared to 13% in 2009 , while the main African markets 
are the ECOWAS countries and South Africa.  
1.15.   Burkina Faso's main imports are fuels , food products (including rice) , materials and 
equipment , vehicles , cement , medicines and fertilizer (Table A1.3). The structure of the import 
basket has remained relatively stable despite fluctuations in international market prices of 
petroleum and food products.  
1.16.   The European Union,  in particular France,  remains the main source of Burkina Faso's 
non-community merchandise imports , followed by China (Table A1.4) , although imports from other 
countries in the region remain substantial; those from other WAEMU member States accounted for 
about 15% of total import value in 2015 (and nea rly 45% in 2014).  
1.4  Foreign direct investment  
1.17.   Although foreign direct investment (FDI) flows to Burkina Faso remain weak in absolute 
terms , they have actually increased sharply since 2012 , with a significant peak in 2013 
(Table  1.2). The mining sector , including gold production , attracts most of this investment. The 
FDI stock stood at around US$1.682  million in 2015 , equivalent to about 15% of GDP.3 The main 
investors are France,  Canada,  Lebanon and the Russian Federation. Burkina Faso's outward FDI 
stock is small at around US$283  million.  
                                                
3 UNCTAD (2016) , World Investment Report . WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Burkina Faso  
 
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  Chart 1.1 Structure of merchandise trade , 2009 and 2015  
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat calculations based on UNSD , Comtrade database (SITC Rev.3).  
2009 2015
(a)    Exports (f.o.b.)
Cotton, not carded 
or combed
13.1%Other 
agricultural 
products
0.6%Agriculture
30.6%
Manufactures
5.0%Mon-monetary 
gold
61.7%
Food products
16.8%
Extractive 
industries 
2.7%
Total:   €572.7 million Total:   €1,963.4 million
(b)    Imports (c.i.f.)
Fuels
23.6%Agriculture  
16.4%Manufactures
59.0%Non-electrical 
machinery
8.1%
Other semi -
finished products
11.1%Other
0.4%
Chemicals 
13.6% Extractive 
industries
24.2%Food products
15.7%
Other 
extractive 
industries
0.6%Other 
agricultural 
products
0.7%Electrical 
machinery
5.7% Transport 
equipment
8.5%
Iron and steel
3.8%Other 
manufactures
8.2%
Manufactures
59.1%
Fuels
25.7%Agriculture  
14.4%Non-electrical 
machinery
9.6%
Other semi -
finished products
9.6%Other
0.2%
Chemicals
15.2%Other consumer 
goods
5.1%
Iron and steel
3.4%Electrical 
machinery
5.1%Transport 
equipment
11.0%
Food 
products
13.9%
Other 
agricultural 
products
0.5% Other 
extractive 
industries
0.6%Extractive 
industries
26.3%
Total:   €1,346.3 million Total:   €2,686.7 millionCotton, not carded 
or combed
31.3%Other 
agricultural 
products
0.2%Agriculture
45.6%Manufactures
6.3%Non-monetary 
gold
47.7%
Food products
14.0%
Extractive 
industries 
0.3%WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Burkina Faso  
 
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  Chart 1.2 Direction of merchandise trade , 2009 and 2015  
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat calculations based on UNSD , Comtrade database (SITC Rev.3).  
 
 
2009 2015
(a)    Exports (f.o.b.)
Africa
16.0%
Other Asia
5.2%Other Africa
8.5%
EU-28
6.5%Côte d'Ivoire 3.6% South Africa
3.9%
Asia
25.5%Switzerland
50.6%India 10.3%
Singapore 
10.0%
Other
1.4%
Total:   €572.7 million Total:  €1,963.4 million
(b)    Imports (c.i.f.)
EU-28
32.8%China  9.8%Ghana
2.8%
Other Asia
7.1%
United States
4.9%Asia
24.3%Africa
31.6%Côte d'Ivoire
14.5%
CIS
1.5%
Other
4.3%Other Africa
14.2% Middle East
0.7%
India 4.4%
Japan 3.0%
EU-28
34.1%China  11.1%Ghana
4.0%
Other Asia
8.4%
United States
6.5%Côte d'Ivoire
8.4%
CIS
2.5%
Other
4.9%Other Africa
13.0%
Middle East
1.1%
India 3.3%
Japan 2.8%Africa
25.4%
Asia
25.6%
Total:  €1,346.3 million Total:   €2,686.7 millionAfrica
15.3%
Other Asia 0.8%Other Africa
13.3%
EU-28
14.9%Côte d'Ivoire 2.0%South Africa 
0.03%
Asia
13.0%Switzerland
55.4%
India 0.5%
Singapore 11.8%
Other
1.3%WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Burkina Faso  
 
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  2  TRADE AND INVESTMENT  REGIMES  
2.1  Overview  
2.1.  Under the 1991 Constitution, as last amended in 2015, the President of Burkina Faso is the 
Head of State and is elected by universal suffrage for a once renewable five -year term (Article 37). 
Adopted in November  2015, the latest amendment to the Constitution confirmed and specified that 
the number of presidential terms of office is strictly limited to two, in other words one term 
renewable once only. The President appoints the Prime Minister an d, at the latter's proposal, the 
other members of the Government.  
2.2.  Legislative power is vested in a single chamber, the National Assembly, which has 
127 members elected by direct universal suffrage for five -year terms. Draft laws may be initiated 
by the Gov ernment, the National Assembly or by a group of 15,000 citizens who are entitled to 
vote. After deliberations in the National Assembly, a draft law may be adopted or rejected. If the 
law is adopted, the President must promulgate it within 21 days. Legislat ive texts are published in 
the Official Journal of Burkina Faso.1 Table 2.1 shows the main legal instruments adopted by 
Burkina Faso to regulate trade and investment matters that fall within the realm of national 
powers.  
Table 2.1 Domestic trade and investment -related laws and regulations  
Area  Instrument/text  
Import and export procedures  Law No.  12-2013/AN on the general import and export regime  
Investment  Decree No.  2010-524/PRES/PM/MCPEA/MEF establishing the conditions for 
implementing Law No.  62/95/ADP  
Mediation in civil and commercial 
matters  Law No.  052-2012/AN on mediation in civil and commercial matters  
Standardization, certification, 
accreditation and quality promotion  Law No.  011-2007/AN establishing a national standardization, certification, 
accreditation and quality promotion system  
Sanitary and phytosanitary protection  Law No.  52-1256 on plant protection  
Competition policy  Law No.  33-2001/AN, amending Law No.  015/94/ADP on the organization of 
competition  
Government procurement  Decree No.  2008-173/PRES/PM/MEF  
Intellectual property  Law No.  032-99/AN on the protection of literary and artistic property  
Fisheries and aquaculture policy  Decree No.  2014-790/PRES/PM/MRAH/MEF  
Mining and quarrying  Law No.  036-2015/CNT containing the Mining Code  
Electricity  Law No.  053-2012/AN establishing the general regulations governing the 
electricity subsector  
Civil aviation  Law No.  013-2010 
Telecommunications  Law No.  061-2008/AN establishing the general regulations governing 
communications services networks  
Postal activities  Law No.  028/2010 establishing the general regulations governing postal 
activities  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
2.3.  International agreements and treaties, including those relating to trade and covered by 
Title XIII of the Constitution, are signed by the President of Burkina Faso (or by the competent 
ministers to whom the President has delegated authority); they must be ratified by presidential 
decree, following the passing of a law by the National Assembly authorizing it (Article 148 et seq .). 
Ratified treaties and agreements (for example, the WTO Agreements), once published in the 
Official Journal, take precedence over laws, "subject, in the case of each agreement or treaty, to 
its application by the other party". Such acts are immediately applicable as law in the State of 
Burkina Faso and automatically enforceable.  
2.4.  The Government may request the National Assembly for au thorization to adopt, by ordinance 
and for a period set by an enabling law, measures that normally require legislation. Decrees are 
issued under an existing law. The President may also submit to popular referendum any draft law 
concerning a matter of natio nal interest, except for the number or duration of presidential terms of 
office. The Economic and Social Council advises on the preliminary drafts of laws, ordinances and 
decrees submitted to it and on any problem of an economic or social nature.  
                                                
1 Some texts are also available online at : http://www.legiburkina.bf . WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Burkina Faso  
 
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  2.5.  Judicial power is vested in the courts and tribunals. The Constitution enshrines the principle 
of an independent judiciary. The High Council of the Judiciary is chaired by the President of the 
Court of Cassation. The President of Burkina Faso is the guarantor of th e independence of the 
justice system. The Constitutional Council determines the constitutionality of laws, parliamentary 
regulations, ordinances and international agreements. Organic laws are automatically submitted to 
it before promulgation.  
2.6.  The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Crafts (hereinafter Ministry responsible for trade) is the 
authority mainly responsible for formulating, evaluating and implementing the Government's trade 
and industrial policies; it is also responsible for private -sector promotion.2 The Ministries 
responsible, inter alia,  for the economy, finance, development and agriculture play a significant 
part in trade policy matters through some of their departments and agencies, including the 
Directorate -General of Customs.  
2.7.  Meetings between t he Government and the private sector are organized annually on specific 
topics and are coordinated by the Ministry responsible for trade. Stakeholders agree on a 
programme of priority measures to be implemented during the following year. A Joint Technical 
Committee has been appointed to ensure follow -up of the recommendations resulting from these 
meetings. It comprises representatives of several ministries and the private sector (Chamber of 
Commerce and Industry of Burkina Faso (CCI -BF), Burkina National Em ployers' Council (CNPB), 
among other professional organizations). The CCI -BF represents the interests of industrial 
enterprises located in Burkina Faso. The Industries Trade Group (GPI) is a forum in which 
enterprises can exchange ideas, adopt positions an d find solutions to problems of common 
interest. Besides, thanks to an Internet portal ( www.burkinapmepmi.com ), small and 
medium -sized enterprises and industries in Burkina Faso can make themselves better known.  
2.2  Trade policy formulation and objectives  
2.8.  Published in 2005, the National Prospective Study entitled "Burkina 2025"3 sets out the vision 
for the development of Burkina Faso up to 2025. Drawing on the lessons from the Accelerated 
Growth and Sustainable Development Strategy (SCADD)4 adopted in 2010 but which yielded real 
GDP growth (5.5%) that fell far short of expectatio ns (10%) and mixed results in terms of 
reducing poverty (which is about 40.1%)5, the Government adopted the National Economic and 
Social Development Programme (PNDES), which is the current reference document for global 
policies and strategies as well as se ctoral and local development policies.  
2.9.  The overall objective of Burkina Faso's trade policy is to create an environment conducive to 
the development of exports, imports and investment with a view to achieving sustained economic 
growth and alleviating pover ty. The country's trade policy is strongly influenced by the provisions 
of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) and of the Economic Community of 
West African States (ECOWAS), of which it is a member, and by its WTO commitments. The 
ECOWAS c ommon external tariff is currently Burkina Faso's principal trade policy instrument 
(common report, sections 2 and 3).  
2.10.   The 2011 -2020 Sectoral Policy for Industry, Trade and Crafts (POSICA) determines the 
priority sectors under the National Export Promotion  Strategy (SNE). The SNE has identified 
six buoyant subsectors, all of which are in the agricultural sector and the focus of promotional 
activities.  
2.3  Trade agreements and arrangements  
2.3.1   Relations with the World Trade Organization  
2.11.   Burkina Faso is party to seve ral trade agreements. The country had been a GATT 
contracting party since 1963 and became a founding Member of the WTO on 3  June 1995. It has 
                                                
2 The Ministry has a website (commerce.gov.bf) which is not regularly updated.  
3 National Council for Prospective Studies and Strategic Planning (2005), Étude nationale prospective 
"Burkina 2025".  
4 Ministry of the Economy and Finance (2011), Stratégie de croissance accélérée et de développement 
durable . The SCADD replaced the 2000 Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper, revised in 2003.  
5 CFAF 153,530 per capita per annum, or €166.  WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Burkina Faso  
 
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  not signed any of the WTO plurilateral agreements. It accords at least MFN treatment to all its 
trading partners. Burkina Faso has never been a party or third party to any WTO dispute. WAEMU 
member States have taken common positions on numerous issues in the multilateral negotiations 
under the Doha Agenda (common report). Burkina Faso's main notifications to the WTO a re listed 
in Table 2.2.  
Table 2.2 Notifications to the WTO, August  2016  
Area  Most recent notification  Year 
Market access  Article XXVIII:5 of the GATT 1994 - Schedule XLVI (G/MA/327)  2015 
 Quantitative restrictions (G/MA/NTM/QR/1/Add.12)  2014 
Agriculture  Table DS:1 - Domestic support (G/AG/N/BFA/11)  2014 
 Table ES:1 - Export subsidies (G/AG/N/BFA/12)  2014 
Anti-dumping  Article 16.4 - Semi-annual reports (G/ADP/N/180/Add.1/ Rev.3)  2014 
 Articles 16.4 and 16.5 (G/ADP/N/193/BFA)  2014 
Trade in services  Articles III.4: and IV:2 - Contact and enquiry points 
(S/ENQ/78/Rev.12)  2010 
State -trading enterprises  Article XVII:4(a) of the GATT 1994 and paragraph 1 of the 
Understanding on the Interpretation of Article XVII - New and full 
notification (G/STR/N/15/BFA)  2014 
Import licensing  Article 7.8 - Replies to Questionnaire on Import Licensing 
Procedures (G/LIC/N/3/BFA/6)  2014 
Trade -related investment measures  Article 6.2 – Publications in which TRIMs may be found 
(G/TRIMS/N/2/Rev.19/Add.3)  2014 
Sanitary and phytosanitary measures  G/SPS/N/BFA/2  2015 
Subsidies and countervailing measures  Article 32.6 - Laws and regulations (G/SCM/N/1/BFA/1)  2014 
 Article 25.11 and 25.12 (G/SCM/N/202/BFA)  2014 
 Article XVI:1 of the GATT 1994 and Article 25 - New and full 
notification (G/SCM/N/253/BFA)  2013 
Source:  WTO, Central Registry of Notifications database.  
2.12.   Between January  2010 and September  2016, Burkina Faso participated in 249  trade -related 
technical assistance activities organized by the WTO. This participation took place mostly through 
online cours es and regional seminars.  
2.3.2   Regional and preferential agreements  
2.13.   Burkina Faso is also a founding member of the African Union, ECOWAS and WAEMU 
(common report, section 2). In the ECOWAS framework (plus Mauritania), Burkina Faso took part 
in the negotiations o n an Economic Partnership Agreement with the European Union (common 
report, section 2).  
2.14.   As a least developing country, Burkina Faso enjoys preferential access to more developed 
country markets through non -reciprocal preferences accorded , among others, by t he 
European  Union under the "Everything But Arms" initiative, the United States under the AGOA, and 
under the Generalized System of Preferences of other countries. Burkina Faso's products enjoy 
free access to the markets of the other ECOWAS countries, of w hich, like all WAEMU countries, it is 
also a member (common report, section 2).  
2.4  Investment regime  
2.15.   As at May  2017, investment was regulated by five texts: an Investment Policy Law6, which 
supplements the 2010 Investment Code, in particular by redefining pro ductive investment and 
ruling out portfolio investments, for example. It defines more precisely the concepts of foreign 
direct investment and productive investment; a new policy law defines SMEs/SMIs so as to better 
identify measures to promote them. The 2 013 Law on Growth Poles7and that on Public -Private 
Partnerships (PPP)8, also of 2013, form the legislative framework for investment. Moves were afoot 
in 2017 to consolidate these texts which, according  to the authorities, are coherent and do not 
overlap.  
                                                
6 Law No.  023-2013/AN of 30  May 2013 containing  the Investment Policy  Law in Burkina Faso.  
7 Decree No.  2013-555/PRES/PM/M EF of 5  July 2013 adopting the Policy Document for the promotion of 
growth poles in Burkina Faso.  
8 Law No.  020-2013/AN of 23  May 2013 establishing the legal framework for public -private partnership.  WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Burkina Faso  
 
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  2.16.   The Investment Code as revised in 2010 stipulates the same rights and obligations for 
domestic and foreign enterprises. The 2010 amendment mainly concerns the approval regimes. 
Approval is required only in the event that the investor is requesting privileg es. The revised Code 
contemplates four incentives regimes, of which three are based solely on the level of investment 
and job creation, and one is intended for exporting enterprises (Table 2.3).9 The regimes specify 
an investment and job creation minimum, in keeping with the following thresholds: 
CFAF 100,000,000 and 20 jobs (Regime A); CFAF  500,000,000 and 30 jobs (Regime B); 
CFAF 2,000,000,000 and 40 jobs (Regime C); and CFAF  1,000,000,000 and 30 jobs (Regime D). 
In the case of the Regime D, at least 80% of output must be exported. The revised Code 
nevertheless lowers the investment and job creation thresholds to one quarter for enterprises in 
the crop farming, forestry, livestock raising and aquaculture sectors.  
Table 2.3 Main tax concessions under national incentive schemes  
 Regime A  Regime B  Regime C  Regime D  
Requirements      
Amount of the 
investment  CFAF 100  million to 
500 million  CFAF 500  million 
to 2 billion  At least CFAF 2  billion  At least CFAF 1 billion  
Job creation  At least 20 jobs  At least 30 jobs  At least 40 jobs  At least 30 jobs  
Production for export  n/a n/a n/a At least 80%  
Concessions granted      
VAT Exemption on operating equipment  
Profits tax  Carryover of previous 
taxable profit deficits for 
two additional years  Carryover of previous 
taxable profit deficits to 
for three additional years  Carryover of previous taxable profit deficits for 
four additional years  
Possibility to deduct from taxable profit up to 50% of the investment amount, up to 50% of taxable 
profit  
Business tax  Exemption from the 
proportional charge for 
five years  Exemption from the 
proportional charge for 
six years  Exemption from the proportional charge for 
seven  years  
Employers' and 
apprenticeship tax 
(TPA)  Exemption for five  years  Exemption for six years  Exemption for seven years  
n/a not applicable.  
Source:  UNCTAD (2012).  
2.17.   The approval regime covers all sectors apart from commercial  and trading activities10; 
exploring for and exploiting minerals subject to the Mining Code; banking and financial services; 
and telecommunications activities other than operations of approved telephone companies (the 
latter are therefore eligible). The mining sector has its own incentives under the Mining Code 
(section 4.2.1). The Investment Code guarantees the freedom to transfer capital, income and 
dividends.  
2.18.   The role of the Presidential Investment Council (CPI) is to organize the discussion of issues 
relating to the promotion and development of private, public, domestic and foreign investment and 
the improvement of the business climate and to make recommendations. It has 30 members 
appointed by the President of Burkina Faso for a renewable two -year ter m. An Investment 
Promotion Agency (API -BF) was set up in 2013 as the executive arm of the CPI.11 It is the main 
host and support institution for foreign investors and for investment promotion in Burkina Faso. 
The procedure for the prior authorization of inv estment remains in force (Article 8  of the Code).  
2.19.   All industrial investments require prior site authorization from the Ministry responsible for 
industry. Investors are thus required to file a site authorization application setting out the nature 
of the inv estment project, its physical location, the number of jobs to be created, a list of the 
equipment involved, and the investment and financing plans.  
2.20.   Over recent years Burkina Faso has implemented a number of important reforms designed 
to enhance both its bu siness climate and the conditions for investing in the country. According to 
                                                
9 Law No.  62/95/ADP of 14  December  1995 on the Investmen t Code (revised in 2010), and UNCTAD 
(2012), Guide de l'investissement au Burkina Faso . 
10 The activities of traders are governed by Law No.  013-2013/AN of 7  May 2013.  
11 The API -BF replaces the former National Investment Promotion Agency (ANPI).  WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Burkina Faso  
 
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  the World Bank's Doing Business  report, Burkina Faso ranked 143rd among 189 countries in 2016, 
as against 147th in 2010. Improvements have been observed especially as pertains to "Starting a 
business", where Burkina Faso ranks 78th. However, the poor quality of infrastructure (transport, 
electricity, justice system, health, education) means that its business climate remains problematic. 
Persisting tensions in the subregion and the presence of Islamist terrorist groups exacerbate the 
feeling of insecurity, which negatively impacts investment. Transparency International's Corruption 
Perceptions Index ranked Burkina Faso 76th out of 168 countries in 2015.  
2.21.   In 2009, Burkina Faso introduc ed commercial courts; the two jurisdictions of Ouagadougou 
and Bobo -Dioulasso are operating. In jurisdictions that do not have a commercial court, the High 
Court performs that function.12 A 2015 amendment opened the way for SME/SMI concerns to be 
addressed.  This initiative is part of the move to modernize the commercial justice system so as to 
enable enterprises to settle their disputes rapidly, transparently and efficiently. According to the 
authorities, the average time for the handling of cases has been c ut from two years to 100 days at 
the most. In 2012, Burkina Faso passed a law on mediation in civil and commercial matters.13 This 
law offers an alternative dispute settlement method by facilitating recourse to 
mediation/arbitration for settling contractual  disputes. Between 2013 and 2015, 96 cases were 
handled through mediation.  
2.22.   The Maison de l'entreprise du Burkina Faso  (MEBF), set up in 2002 and managed mainly by 
the private sector, acts as an information and advice centre for entrepreneurs, in particular  those 
starting up SMEs. The MEBF also offers several windows to facilitate administrative formalities, 
namely the Construction Permit Facilitation Centre (CEFAC), the Ouagadougou Business 
Formalities Centre (CEFORE) and the Directorate of single windows f or trade and investment 
(DGU -CI), the latter falling under the Ministry responsible for trade. The single windows are 
connected to the virtual liaison system for import and export transactions (SYLVIE) platform.  
2.23.   Burkina Faso has signed 15 bilateral investm ent treaties, of which six have been ratified and 
are now in force with Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg, Guinea, Malaysia, the Netherlands and 
Switzerland.  
 
 
 
                                                
12 Law No.  022-2009/AN of 12  May 2009.  
13 Law No.  052-2012/N of 17  December  2012.  WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Burkina Faso  
 
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  3  TRADE POLICIES AND P RACTICES BY MEASURE  
3.1  Measures directly affecting imports  
3.1.1   Customs procedures, valuation and requirements  
3.1.  Natural persons wishing to engage in a commercial activity, including foreign trade, must 
obtain a traders' card (CPC) - a requirement that does not apply to legal persons. The permit is 
valid for three years and is renewable. The CPC application file can be lodged with any Business 
Formalities Centre (CEFORE) or with the Regional Directorates of Economic Affairs. Foreign natural 
or legal persons must submit a request for authorization to engage in a commercial  activity to the 
Minister responsible for trade. The authorization is issued by the Directorate of single windows for 
trade and investment (DGU -CI) (section 2.4) and is valid for three years; persons requesting it 
must be resident in Burkina Faso, have pai d the residence tax and be of good standing.  
3.2.  Law No.  012-2013/AN of 7  May 2013 determines Burkina Faso's general regime for imports 
and exports, defining the criteria for the import and export of goods. Pursuant to this Law and as 
part of the Programme to monitor, follow up and verify all import transactions, a prior import 
declaration (DPI) is required for any import transaction of an f.o.b. value of CFAF  500,000 or 
more; this regime was introduced for the purposes of economic control. The DPI is the basic  
document for customs formalities and financial settlements. It enables control of the outflow of 
foreign currency and its offsetting against imported goods, thereby facilitating customs inspection 
and the regulation of financial relations with foreign cou ntries. It constitutes an inspection order 
given to the inspection company (see below). Moreover, it allows statistics on imports to be 
collected and monitored and, according to the authorities, protects the interests of importers and 
consumers inasmuch as  it helps to improve control of the quality of imported goods. According to 
the authorities, the DPI is a trade facilitation tool.  
3.3.  An electronic platform, the virtual liaison system for import and export transactions (SYLVIE), 
has been operating since Febr uary 2016 under a public -private partnership (Burkina Government 
through the customs administration (AD) - Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Burkina Faso 
(CCI-BF)) and with financial support from the Investment Climate Facility for Africa. The company 
responsible for managing the SYLVIE platform (SOGESY) is in charge of its technical management. 
In May  2017, the following structures were connected to SYLVIE: 13 banks; eight insurance 
companies; the DGU -CI (section 2.4); 42 approved brokers; COTECNA; the D irectorate -General of 
Customs (DGD); the BCEAO; 12 government departments; and 26 importers or exporters.  
3.4.  The following documents are required for customs formalities and are issued through the 
SYLVIE platform: a DPI; a foreign exchange authorization; an i mport certificate (for imports 
exceeding CFAF  10 million (€15,000); a foreign exchange commitment; an export declaration from 
the country of origin; and an import insurance certificate (for imports exceeding CFAF  500,000 
(€762)). The other documents to be attached are the commercial invoice, transport documents 
and, where applicable, a national conformity certificate, a certificate of origin, and a phytosanitary 
or sanitary certificate. Consideration is being given to streamlining these documentary 
requirem ents with a view to making the procedure paperless. By May  2017, Burkina Faso had not 
yet ratified the WTO  Agreement on Trade Facilitation, although it has notified its category A 
measures and established the National Trade Facilitation Committee by decree . 
3.5.  Since 2004, the firm COTECNA has implemented an import inspection programme (PVI), 
either pre -shipment or at destination. If the inspection is satisfactory, an inspection certificate is 
issued for attachment to the customs declaration. The PVI provides f or two types of mandatory 
inspection: if the value is at least CFAF  3 million (€4,573), preshipment inspection is mandatory, 
but the customs administration may decide that inspection is also necessary at destination; if the 
value does not exceed CFAF  3 million, inspection at destination is mandatory. Imports from 
WAEMU/ECOWAS are not exempt from the PVI.  
3.6.  COTECNA has had an exclusive contract for inspection since 2004 with the latest contract 
dating from August  2016. Checks verify whether the goods are eligi ble for importation and their 
quality and quantity. COTECNA also determines the basic data required for tax assessment 
purposes (tariff description, customs value and origin), although its opinion only serves as a guide 
and is in no way binding on the DGD.  Apart from imports whose value falls below the minimum WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Burkina Faso  
 
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  threshold, the regulatory framework establishes a long list of goods exempt from preshipment 
inspection because of their nature or consignee. Some goods such as cereals, live animals, 
perishable consu mer goods and medicines are exempt from the PVI. COTECNA's net remuneration, 
payable by the DGD monthly, is calculated as follows: a lump sum of CFAF  360 million each 
month, plus 1% of the total value of the adjustments made as a result of its intervention , with a 
ceiling of CFAF 430  million for the total of the two sums.  
3.7.  The clearance system incorporates a four -channel risk management system: green (good for 
release), blue ( a posteriori control), yellow (inspection of documents) and red (full -scale physica l 
inspection of the goods). According to the authorities, the processing of customs declarations 
takes around 72  hours after registration of the detailed declaration and provided that all the 
necessary documents are in order; the World Bank's Doing Busines s 2017  report estimates the 
time at 102 hours, i.e. over four days.  
3.8.  Burkina Faso declares that it applies the WAEMU customs valuation regulations, based on the 
WTO provisions (common report, section 3.1.2), and has notified its regulatory framework to the 
WTO Customs Valuation Committee.1 Nevertheless, reference values still apply to 39 tariff lines.  
3.1.2   Rules of origin  
3.9.  Burkina Faso's only notification to the WTO on rules of origin dates back to 1998.2 The 
WAEMU rules of origin apply in Burkina Faso (common rep ort, section 3.1.3). The approval 
processes for the two preferential schemes (WAEMU and ECOWAS) are managed by each national 
approval committee; certificates of origin are issued by the Ministry responsible for industry . 
3.1.3   Customs tariffs  
3.1.3.1   Overview  
3.10.   On 1 Janua ry 2015, Burkina Faso exchanged the WAEMU common external tariff (CET) for 
that of ECOWAS. According to the authorities, Burkina Faso applies only the other entry duties and 
taxes allowed by the two communities in addition to the CET. The same applies to t he regimes 
adopted by the two communities with regard to internal taxes (common report, section 3). The 
revenue collected by the customs administration from customs duty on imports showed a 
substantial increase from 2010 to 2013, but then decreased (Table 3.1). 
Table 3.1 Taxes on trade and international transactions, 2010 -2015  
(CFAF  billion)  
 2010  2011  2012  2013  2014  2015  
Customs duty  75.0 87.6 118.0  132.0  114.7  112.2  
VAT (internal and entry)  116.0  153.2  226.9  257.0  220.7  214.7  
Tax on beverages  1.6 2.1 2.5 1.9 1.4 1.4 
Tax on cola  0.4 0.3 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 
Tax on tobacco  0.1 0.7 0.5 0.8 0.7 0.8 
Tax on coffee/tea  0.6 0.6 0.8 1.1 1.0 1.5 
Tax on petroleum products  31.7 35.5 46.3 33.0 51.0 65.3 
Statistical  tax 8.9 10.0 14.6 16.8 13.8 14.5 
Toll 0.5 0.5 0.7 0.9 0.8 0.9 
Total tax revenue  237.8  306.0  430.4  464.4  422.5  430.8  
Source:  Burkina authorities.  
3.1.3.2   Bindings  
3.11.   Burkina Faso's bindings at the WTO concern 40% of its tariff lines (common report, 
section  3.1.4.1). Burkina Faso inherited the tariff bindings made by France when it was a colony. 
Moreover, during the Uruguay Round, it bound the tariffs applicable to all agricultural products 
(with the exception of those already covered by the bindings previously made by France on its 
behalf) and to the products of Chapters 45, 46, 47 and 49 of the Harmonized System at the ceiling 
rate of 100%. The other duties and taxes on imports of these same products were bound at 50%. 
                                                
1 WTO document G/VAL/N/1/BFA/1/Rev.1 of 21  January  2004.  
2 WTO document G/RO/N/19 of 23  January  1998.  WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Burkina Faso  
 
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  In May  2017, applied rates high er than the bound rates covered 620 bound tariff lines (common 
report, Table 3.9). Burkina Faso has reserved the right to amend its schedule of concessions 
during the three -year period commencing on 1  January  2015.3 
3.1.3.3   Tax concessions  
3.12.   Burkina Faso grants exem ptions from customs duties and taxes to enterprises approved 
under the Investment Code (section 2.4), and the Mining Code (section 4.2.1). The measures on 
unilateral suspension of customs duty on the import of certain food products, in effect from 2008 
to 2011, have been lifted. In 2016, a limited number of new goods transport vehicles were 
temporarily exempted from customs duty.  
3.1.4   Other taxes affecting imports  
3.13.   The Burkina authorities state that they have never had recourse to the special import tax 
(TCI) and  do not currently apply the supplementary protection tax (TCP). Since January  2016, 
however, Burkina Faso has applied an import adjustment tax (TAI) (common report, section 
3.1.5.3) at a rate of 15% on certain insecticides for use in agriculture. According  to the authorities, 
this tax is intended to protect SAPHYTO, which produces such goods.  
3.14.   There is also a levy on imports in the form of the contribution to the PVI amounting to 1% 
of the f.o.b. value (section 3.1.1). Goods being carried by road to Burkina Faso or in transit must 
pay a contribution (at the rate of 0.25% of the declared value) to the guarantee fund managed by 
the CCI -BF. A tax of CFAF 200 is levied for each seal affixed to the packages, with the exception of 
postal parcels and vehicles.  
3.15.   Introduced in Burkina Faso in 1993, VAT is applied at a single rate of 18%. The VAT 
imposed at the customs cordon is calculated on the basis of the c.i.f. value plus entry duty and, 
where applicable, other internal taxes. Burkina's VAT regime is more or less co nsistent with 
WAEMU's harmonized regime (common report, section 3.1.6.1 and Table 3.10); for example, the 
products and services exempt from VAT include medicines and pharmaceuticals, school supplies, 
live animals, staple food products, machinery for crop -farming and livestock -raising, and 
international air transport.  
3.16.   Burkina Faso also shows a degree of flexibility as regards the application of the harmonized 
excise duty regime (common report, section 3.1.6.2). In practice, excise duty is in fact levied only  
on imports. The rates applied in May  2017 were 10% on coffee, tea, cola, non -alcoholic beverages, 
as well as cosmetic and perfumery products; alcoholic beverages, tobacco, cigars and cigarettes 
were taxed at 30%. In addition, there was a 40% tax on "luxur y products".  
3.17.   Burkina Faso still has taxes on petroleum products (TPP), diesel fuel (CFAF  50/litre) and 
premium -grade petrol (CFAF  125/litre)4; the community provisions prescribed elimination of the 
disparities between products in the TPP as of 31 December  2007.  
3.18.   Burkina Faso's advance on profits tax (AIB) regime complies with the maximum rates 
determined by the WAEMU regulations (section 3.1.6), but is not in conformity with its principle of 
neutrality: the rate of the advance is 5% for imports c leared for home use, but within the country 
the purchase of goods by persons established in Burkina Faso is subject to an AIB of only 2%, or 
even 1% for cement, sugar, wheat flour and cola nuts, and 0.2% for the sale of hydrocarbons. The 
AIB may be deducte d from corporation tax or carried over to the following financial years if there 
is a loss.  
3.1.5   Import prohibitions and restrictions, and import licensing  
3.19.   The import prohibitions and restrictions imposed by WAEMU member States must in 
principle be consistent w ith WAEMU rules (common report, section 3.1.8). Burkina Faso has 
                                                
3 WTO document G/MA/327 of 8  January  2015.  
4 In 2013, the Burkina Government temporar ily lowered these rates because of the difficult situation 
faced by the Burkina National Hydrocarbons Company (SONABHY) in order to  allow it to restore its financial 
balance.  WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Burkina Faso  
 
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  notified the WTO that it does not maintain quantitative restrictions5, and it has replied to the 
questionnaire on import licensing procedures.6 The special import authorization (ASI) scheme, 
however, is similar to a non -automatic import licensing scheme for some products and also applies 
to imports from other member States (Table  3.2). 
Table 3.2 Products subject to special import authorization  
Category/List of 
products  
Special 
authorization / 
Technical 
notice  
Need for 
approval  
Legal basis,  
Remarks  
1. All goods    - Law No.  12-2013/AN of 7  May 2013 on the general 
import and export regime  
2. Regulated 
substances listed in 
Annexes A, B, C, D 
and F to the Montreal 
Protocol  
3. Products or 
appliances containing 
or functioning with 
regulated substances 
listed in Annexes A, 
B, C, D and F to the 
Montreal Protocol  ASI issued by the Ministry 
responsible for trade 
following an opinion from the 
Ozone Office  No - Montreal Protocol  
- Notice to traders No.  97/-005/MCIA/SG/DGC of 
11 March  1997 
 Products concerned: air conditioning appliances for 
motor cars and trucks; refrigeration appliances and air 
conditioners/heat pumps, for example: refrigerators, 
freezers, dehumidifiers, water coolers, ice makers, air 
conditioning devices and heat pumps, compressors; 
aerosols other than those used for medical purposes; 
portable fire extinguishers; insulation panels and 
coating for pipes ; prepolymers.  
4. Chemical products 
listed in Annex  3 to 
the Rotterdam 
Convention, products 
listed in the annexes 
to the Stockholm 
Convention  Favourable opinion on 
import authorization from 
the Directorate -General of 
Environmental Conservation  No - Rotterdam Convention  
- Stockholm Convention  
5. Arms, civilian 
ammunition, military 
effects  ASI from the Ministry 
responsible for trade  No n.a. 
6. Explosives and 
by-products, cyanide  "ASI" from the Ministry 
responsible for trade, import 
authorization from the 
Ministry responsible for 
mining and licence to 
operate the mine for mining 
companies. Opinion of the 
Ministry responsible for the 
environment required only 
for cyanide.  No - Rotterdam Convention  
- Stockholm Convention  
7. Seed cotton  ASI signed by the Minister 
responsible for trade  No - Order No. 2012-0262/MICA/SG/DGCE/  
DGCI/IGAE/SP -SFCL of  21 December  2012 on 
procedures for importing seed cotton  
- Communiqué 
No. 012-016/MICA/SG/DGCE/DGCI/IGAE/SP -SFCL of 
31 December  2012 
8. Other products  
One-day-old chicks, 
eggs, broiler or 
frozen chickens, 
meat, turkey rumps, 
fish, milk and dairy 
produce of animal 
origin, etc.  
Veterinary  medicines  
Sugar  "ASI" or endorsement of the 
invoice  No - Zatou AN VII -16 FP -PRES of 22  November  1989 
containing the Animal Health Code  
- Decree No.  98-132/PRES/PM/MRA of 6 April 1998 
containing the Regulations for veterinary pharmacy  
- Kiti No.  AN VII -0113/FP/AGRI -EL of 
22 November  1989 containing the Regulations for the 
animal health police  
                                                
5 WTO document G/MA/NTM/QR/1/Add.12 of 3  May 2011.  
6 WTO document G/LIC/N/3/BFA/6  of 28 July 2014.  WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Burkina Faso  
 
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  Category/List of 
products  
Special 
authorization / 
Technical 
notice  
Need for 
approval  
Legal basis,  
Remarks  
9. Biomedical 
equipment, reagents 
and medical 
consumables, 
pharmaceuticals, 
dietary supplements, 
cosmetic products  "ASI", endorsement of the 
invoice or simply an 
attestation  No - Regulation No.  06/2010/CM/UEMOA of 
1 October  2010 on procedures for approving 
pharmaceutical products for human use in WAEMU 
member States  
- Decree No.  2003-382/PRES/PM/MS/MFB/MCPEA 
containing the national nomenclature for proprietary 
drugs and generic medicines authorized in Burkina 
Faso 
- Decree No.  2008-524/PRES/PM/MS/MEF/ of 
9 September  2008 containing the Regulations on the 
import, possession and distribution of medicines 
obtained through donations and medical samples  
- Order No.  2013-537/MS/CAB of 31  May 2013 
containing the Regulations on in vitro medical 
diagnostic devices an d medical consumables  
10. Digital terrestrial 
television sets and 
decoders  Endorsement of the import 
invoice by the Burkina 
Broadcasting company  No - Law No.  022-2013/AN of 28  May 2013 containing the 
Regulations on terrestrial sound and television 
broadcasting  
- Decree defining the minimum technical specifications 
for receivers to be used for digital terrestrial television 
(DTT)  
11. Pesticides  Prior authorization o f the 
order (APC) for each order  Yes - Law No.  041/96/ADP of 8  November  1996 establishing 
pesticide control in Burkina Faso  
- Law No.  006/2013/AN of 2  April 2013 containing the 
Environment Code  
12. Plastic bags and 
wrapping  Approval certificate issued 
by the Ministry responsible 
for the environment  
Results of the conformity 
analysis provided by the 
Burkina Standardization and 
Metrology Agency (ABNORM)  No - Law No.  017-2014/AN of 20  May 2014 prohibiting the 
production, import, marketing and distribution of 
non-biodegradable plastic bags and wrapping  
13. Plant seeds  Technical import notice  Yes - Law No.  010-2006/AN of 31  March  2006 containing 
the Regulations on plant seeds  
14. Lubricants  Results of the ABNORM 
analysis  Yes - Decree No.  2002-146/PRES/PM/MEF/ MCPEA/MCE 
containing the Regulations on the distribution of 
petroleum products and by -products  
n.a Not available.  
Note:  The ASI in inverted commas are technical notices.  
Source:  Ministry of Trade, Industry and Crafts, Directorate of single windows for tra de and investment, 
Single window for trade, 3  May 2017. 
3.20.   Furthermore, explosives, arms, civilian ammunition, military effects, appliances using freon, 
sugar and animal products can be imported only with an ASI. Approved products originating in 
WAEMU and ECO WAS are not subject to this requirement, with the exception of arms.7 The ASI for 
sugar is signed by the Minister responsible for trade and is granted pro rata to applications by 
operators, taking into account estimated domestic production, in combination with a system for 
administering the latter. According to the authorities, the purpose of the ASI regime is to control 
imports of "highly sensitive" goods and/or observance of the Government's international 
commitments.  
3.1.6   Anti-dumping, countervailing or safeg uard measures and other measures  
3.21.   Burkina Faso has no domestic legislation on anti -dumping, countervailing or safeguard 
measures.8 There are provisions at the community level (common report, section 3.1.9). Burkina 
Faso has also notified the WTO that it has  no trade -related investment measures.9 
                                                
7 Decree No.  2009-301/PRES/PM/SECU/MATD/MED/DEF/MECV/MJ/MCPEA of 8  May 2009 on the arms 
and civilian ammunition regime in Burkina Faso.  
8 WTO document G/SCM/N/1/BFA/1 of 16  September  2011.  
9 WTO document G/TRIMS/N/2/Rev.19/Add.3 of  21 June 2010.  WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Burkina Faso  
 
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  3.22.   The National Security Stock Management Company (SONAGESS) maintains buffer stocks, 
which are distributed through pilot outlets located throughout Burkina Faso; maize, millet, 
sorghum and rice are sold at fixed subsid ized prices (CFAF  6,000/50 kg, except for rice at 
CFAF 7,500/50  kg). The agreed level of the stock is set at 25,000 tonnes for all categories. Buffer 
stocks may also be kept by the Burkina National Hydrocarbons Company (SONABHY), although 
this did not occu r during the period 2009 -2016. The two buffer stocks are supplied through open 
invitations to tender.  
3.2  Measures directly affecting exports  
3.2.1   Customs procedures and requirements  
3.23.   The registration formalities applicable to imports of goods f or commercial purposes 
(section  3.1) also apply to exports. All exports are subject to a detailed declaration to customs. 
The export document needed for customs formalities is issued through the SYLVIE platform.  
3.2.2   Taxes, duties and levies  
3.24.   Exports are usually free of all d uties and taxes and are not subject to VAT. The exceptions 
include trade in certain live animals and raw hides and skins, which is subject to a "livestock 
subsector contribution", in practice only levied upon export in the following amounts: bovine 
animals  CFAF 3,000 (€4.6) per animal; sheep and goats CFAF  250 per animal; poultry CFAF  50 
per head; raw hides and skins CFAF  100 per kg.  Burkina Faso als o imposes a tax of CFAF  500 
per export certificate for works of art, which goes to the National Cultural Prom otion Fund.  
3.2.3    Export prohibitions and restrictions and export licensing  
3.25.   The export of young animals (donors and females) is prohibited. In August  2016, the 
Government adopted a decree banning the export of donkeys, horses, camels and their products. 
The exp ort of charcoal has been suspended since 2004. Ivory and gold require a special export 
authorization (ASE); the Ministry of Tourism has to authorize the export of articles belonging to 
the cultural heritage. Live wild animal species, together with all hunt ing trophies, and wildlife 
products, also require certificates for any form of export and, where applicable, a CITES permit.  
3.2.4    Export support and promotion  
3.26.   Burkina Faso has notified that it does not grant any subsidies that directly or indirectly 
affect exp orts or imports.10 It has also notified that it did not grant any export subsidy for 
agricultural products during the years 2010 to 2013.11 
3.27.   Nevertheless, under the Investment Code, tax concessions are given to enterprises 
approved under the exporting enterprise regime (enterprises exporting at least 80% of their total 
output) (section 2.4). The Export Promotion Agency of Burkina Faso (APEX -Burkina) was set up in 
201112 with the task of promoting exports of Burkina products and services. The services mos t 
commonly supplied are training, support and assistance at trade fairs and events and business 
contacts. APEX focuses on sectors with potential identified in the National Export Promotion 
Strategy (SNE) (section 2.2). Support for the export of cotton and gold is not among APEX's tasks.  
3.3  Measures affecting production and trade  
3.3.1   Incentives  
3.28.   Burkina Faso grants certain tax concessions under the Investment Code (section 2.4) and 
the Mining Code (section 4.2). Various support measures are also available to agricul tural 
producers under the rural development and food security policy (section 4.1.2). Burkina Faso does 
not grant any subsidies for research and development or regional subsidies, although the 
                                                
10 WTO document G/SCM/N/253/BFA of 15  March  2013.  
11 WTO documents G/AG/N/BFA/8 of 13  September  2011, G/AG/N/BFA/10 of 18  March  2013, and 
G/AG/N/BFA/12 of 5  August  2014.  
12 APEX replaced the former Natio nal Foreign Trade Office.  WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Burkina Faso  
 
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  Government subsidizes the price of butane gas and fuel used by the Burkina National Electricity 
Company (SONABEL) to generate electricity (section 4.3.3).  
3.3.2   Standards and other technical regulations  
3.29.   Law No.  011-2007/AN of 24  May 2007 governs standardization, certification, accreditation 
and quality promotion in Burkina Faso; it defines the categories of standards, together with 
procedures for their drafting, approval and implementation. Recent developments include the 
revision of the 2012 "National Quality Policy" in 2016 in order to reduce overlapping among bodies 
controlling the quality of imports. The Burkina Standardization and Metrology Agency (ABNORM) 
was set up in July  2012 following the amalgamation of the Directorate -General of Quality and 
Metrology and the Standardization and Quality Promotion Directorate (FASON ORM), but the 
change in national enquiry point has not yet been notified to the WTO.13 ABNORM is responsible 
for implementing national policy on standardization, certification, quality control and promotion, 
metrology and accreditation.  
3.30.   ABNORM is tasked wit h drawing up national standards from the identification of needs right 
through to approval. The general interest is protected by establishing technical committees 
composed of various stakeholders and by holding public consultations. Approved draft standard s 
become the subject of an approval order, which specifies whether the standard is to be mandatory 
(technical regulation). In May  2017, 313 Burkina national standards were in effect, 311  of which 
were mandatory. The standards in force are revised every fiv e years.  
3.31.   As far as certification is concerned, the implementing texts lay down the criteria for issuing 
the national mark showing conformity with standards and the procedures for intervention by 
certifying bodies in Burkina Faso, including their approval a nd monitoring of their activities. A 
decree determining the criteria for using the national conformity mark was enacted in 201614, 
while the product certification procedure was being put in place. For accreditation, the countries 
concerned have set up the W est African Accreditation System (SOAC) (common report, 
section  3.3.2).  
3.32.   ABNORM also plays a role in implementing the national metrology and quality promotion 
policy. In addition to keeping the national reference standards, it is ensuring compliance with 
technical regulations on quality and metrology; controlling measuring instruments; and organizing 
training of economic operators in quality and metrology matters. As part of the WAEMU/ECOWAS 
"quality" programme (common report, section 4.3), Burkina Faso host s the regional reference 
standards laboratory for temperature.  
3.33.   At the import stage, ABNORM checks that non -food products comply with national and 
international standards by means of visual, documentary or analytical inspection, in conformity 
with the WTO A greements according to the authorities. It issues a national conformity certificate 
(CNC), which is required for customs clearance. It is also responsible for monitoring product 
quality on domestic markets. It may take up to three samples of any imported p roduct within its 
competence. In some cases, it carries out a preliminary analysis of samples of products requiring a 
CNC before issuing an import authorization; a similar document is issued by the Directorate of 
Plant Protection and Market Preparation (DP VC) for seed and seedlings. When the consignment 
arrives at the customs cordon, ABNORM takes a fresh sample with a view to issuing a CNC.  
3.3.3   Sanitary and phytosanitary requirements  
3.34.   Burkina Faso has four structures responsible for sanitary and phytosanitary co ntrol. The 
DPVC in the Ministry responsible for agriculture is in charge of phytosanitary inspection, controlling 
the preparation and quality of agricultural products and products of agricultural origin, whose 
conformity with the prevailing standards has t o be certified by three documents: a phytosanitary 
certificate; a certificate of origin and an inspection note (BV) containing the results of the analysis 
undertaken by the exporting country. The authority may ask for additional analyses. After the 
procedu res have been completed, a phytosanitary inspection report is issued. The authorities are 
currently considering possibilities for streamlining the procedures. Genetically modified organisms 
                                                
13 Decree No.  2012-821/PRES/PM/MEF/MICA of 8  October  2012.  
14 Decree No.  2016-1248/PRES/PM/MCIA/MINEFID of 30  December  2016 determining the criteria for 
using the national mark showing conformity of products, processes and services with the standards.  WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Burkina Faso  
 
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  and by -products must be labelled and bear the indication "Products  based on genetically modified 
organisms" or "Contains genetically modified organisms" (section 4.1).  
3.35.   The National Public Health Laboratory (LNSP) of the Ministry of Health carries out sanitary 
controls, confirmed by a sanitary quality certificate. Animal health controls are the responsibility of 
the Directorate -General of Veterinary Services (DGSV) of the Ministry of Animal Resources. Where 
live animals are concerned, an import authorization must be issued by the DGSV before any 
importation takes place. If  an inspection gives rise to doubt, the measures provided in the Animal 
Health Code apply: placement under observation (seizure); quarantine; and partial or total 
destruction.  
3.36.   The DPVC operates a network of 21 phytosanitary control posts on the land border s and at 
Ouagadougou Airport. It is also the national enquiry point for the SPS Agreement and the focal 
point for the Codex Alimentarius and the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC). 
Phytosanitary risks are managed by a multidisciplinary team s et up in 2006.15 In carrying out its 
activities, the team may seek advice from any natural or legal person whose professional, 
technical or scientific expertise is deemed necessary.  
3.37.   The draft law on plant protection, already notified to the WTO and in the p rocess of being 
adopted in May  2017, regulates the sanitary protection of plants and plant products.16 Based on 
the IPPC, the implementing decree for this law establishes the procedures for phytosanitary control 
upon importation and exportation, during tran sit and within national territory.17 It also defines the 
scope of the law in terms of products subject to phytosanitary control. Kiti No.  AN VII 113 
FP-AGRI-EL of 22  November  1989 still governs all matters relating to animal health in 
Burkina  Faso.  
3.38.   Whenever  products falling within its competence are imported, ABNORM may take up to 
three samples. Moreover, in some cases, it carries out a preliminary analysis of samples of 
products requiring a CNC before issuing an import authorization; a similar document is a lso issued 
by the DPVC for seed and seedlings. The results of the analysis (if found to be in conformity) must 
be attached to the prior import declaration when it is forwarded to the inspection company 
(COTECNA).  
3.39.   Special marking and labelling provisions r egulate clearance for home use of certain products 
such as electric batteries, rice, fertilizer, boxes of matches and packets of cigarettes. A number of 
legal instruments determine the criteria for selling tobacco.18 For example, importers must apply 
to the  Ministry responsible for trade for approval and, after receiving it, submit a price 
determination application, deposit a sample and submit a certificate of analysis for the brand to be 
imported issued by the LNSP. Seed packets must provide detailed inform ation that enables the 
seed to be traced. The name, address and trade name of the distributor must be indicated legibly.  
3.3.4   Competition and price control policy  
3.40.   A new competition law was adopted in May  2017 to replace the previous legislation.19 The 
Law's prov isions on the organization of competition in Burkina Faso apply to all production, 
distribution or services activities, including those conducted by legal persons under public law. The 
aim of the revision was, inter alia , to adapt Burkina's legislation to the relevant community 
regulations (common report, section  3.3.5).  
3.41.   Free pricing is the principle in Burkina Faso. Nonetheless, the Government may regulate the 
prices of some products in order to deal with situations where free competition is unlikely to 
determine prices. The prices of products subject to control can be fixed according to four regimes: 
                                                
15 Order No.  2006/014/MAHRH/MESSRS/MECV on the creation, responsibilities , composition and 
functioning of the phytosanitary risks analysis team.  
16 WTO document G/SPS/N/BFA/1 of 7  August  2015.  
17 WTO document G/SPS/N/BFA/2 of 7  August  2015.  
18 Decree No.  2011-1051/PRES/PM/MS/MEF of 30  December  2011, Joint Order No.  2015-366 of 
7 April 2015, and Kiti (Decree) No.  AN IV -392/CNR/CAPRO.  
19 Law No.  33-2001/AN of 4  December  2001, amending Law No.  15/94/AD P of 5  May 1994.  WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Burkina Faso  
 
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  monitored free pricing (observation without any particular constraints); controlled pricing (ceiling 
prices); fixed prices; and frozen prices or margins.20 
3.42.   In May  2017, the list of products subject to fixed prices comprised 21 groups of products or 
services, two services having been added in 2014 (transport and parking services).21 The 
Directorate -General of Economic Control and Suppression of Fraud (DGCRF) in the Ministry 
responsible for trade is in charge of monitoring effective implementation of pricing policy. In 
addition to the DGCRF at central level, the regional directorates of trade, industry and crafts are 
also responsible for effective implementation. The other products concerned are sugar, wheat 
flour, bread, milk and dairy produce, soap, cement, reinforcing bars, metal sheets, hydrocarbons, 
essential generic medicines, public tariffs (water, electricity), school supplies, and tobacco.  
3.43.   Up to April  2016, the fixed price regime affected five groups of products: hydrocarbons, 
adjusted each month according to global price trends (section 4.3.2); school textbooks; essential 
generic medicines and medical consumables; public water and electricity tariffs (sect ion 4.3.3); 
and tobacco products. In April  2016, broken rice, soap and sugar were added to this list.22 The 
controlled pricing regime applies to the following products and services: domestic cereals, edible 
oil, wheat flour, bread, cement, reinforcing rods,  metal sheets, transport services and parking 
services. It is the DGCRF's responsibility to ensure the effective implementation of pricing policy.  
3.44.   Until 2023, three companies in the cotton subsector have a monopoly on the purchase of 
seed cotton in the are as allocated to them (section 4.1.3.2). In the telecommunication market, 
competition is monitored by the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications and Postal 
Services (ARCEP) (section 4.5.2.2). Competition in the financial services subsector is th e 
responsibility of WAEMU's Banking Commission (common report, section 4.4.4). Consumers' 
interests are represented by the Burkina Consumers' Organization (OCB).  
3.3.5   State trading, State -owned enterprises and privatization  
3.45.   Burkina Faso has notified that it doe s not have any trading enterprises that fall under the 
WTO provisions on state trading (Article  XVII of the GATT).23 SONABHY has a monopoly on the 
import of hydrocarbons but is not considered a State -trading enterprise. The State also has a legal 
monopoly o n the import of tobacco products, granted to 27 approved importers in May  2017 under 
an authorization procedure. According to the authorities, competition is free, without any 
restrictions as to the volume imported. Operators must apply to the Ministry res ponsible for trade 
for approval, submit a price determination application (sections 3.3.3 and 3.3.4), a certificate of 
analysis of the brand to be imported issued by the LNSP.  
3.46.   In 2010, the Privatization Commission, which was the technical structure entrust ed with 
implementing the policy on State withdrawal, was replaced by a permanent secretariat in the 
Prime Minister's Office responsible for privatization. No State -owned enterprise has been privatized 
since Burkina Faso's previous review in 2010. On the co ntrary, some State -owned enterprises 
intended for privatization since 2001 have remained under Government control because of their 
role deemed to be sensitive or strategic. This is the case for electricity companies, SONABEL, 
water and sanitation companies  and the National Water and Sanitation Board (ONEA) . In the event 
that privatization of SONABHY were to be envisaged, the government authorities announced that it 
would only be partial and that the State would retain a majority holding. Privatization of th e 
Bobo-Dioulasso and Ouagadougou airports has also been deferred. The State still owns the 
National Postal Services Company (SONAPOST) and SONAGESS (food stocks), the National Lottery 
and the Burkina Broadcasting company. In addition, a company breeding on e-day-old chicks was 
set up by the Government in December  2014. The State also owns 49% of the capital of 
Air Burkina, 23% of that of ONATEL (the former telecommunication services monopoly) and, 
through the Mine Holdings Company of Burkina  Faso (SOPAMIB) c reated in 2013, 10% of the 
Perkoa mine.  
                                                
20 Decree No.  2003-615/PRES/PM/MCPEA/MFB.  
21 Order No.  2014-0020/MICA/SG/DGCRF of 4  February  2014 lists the goods and services currently 
subject to controlled prices.  
22 Le Pays , 28 April 2016, "Produits de grande consommation  : De nouveaux p rix fix és". Viewed at: 
http://lepays.bf/produits -de-grande -consommation -de-nouveaux -prix-fixes. 
23 WTO documents G/STR/N/1 -15/BFA of 9  September  2014.  WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Burkina Faso  
 
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  3.3.6   Government procurement  
3.47.   There has been a marked drop in the total amount of government procurement (Table  3.3). 
As a percentage of GDP, the value of government procurement fell from 6.9% in 2009 to 2% in 
2016.  
Table 3.3 Government procurement by award procedure, 2010, 2015 and 2016  
 2010  2015  2016  
 Number  Amount  
(€ million)  Number  Amount  
(€ million)  Number  Amount  
(€ million)  
Total, of which:  1,051  396 501 296 336 209 
 Open invitation to tender  487 338 243 181 164 162 
  Restricted invitation to 
tender  55 24 21 10 5 1 
  Request for prices  387 3 51 1 48 20 
  Request for proposals  73 13 89 23 66 25 
  Direct agreement  49 18 97 82 53 20 
Source:  Directorate -General of Government Procurement.  
3.48.   In 2017, a new law replaced the 2008 Decree on the general regulations for government 
procurement.24 This new framework modifies the procedures for awarding government 
procurement contracts and the thresholds depending on the nature of the service and the type of 
authority, in conformity with the relevant WAEMU rules (common report, section 3.3.6).  
3.49.   Discrimination based on the nationality of bidders and distortion of free competition 
between public and private bidders are specifically prohibited. Pursuant to community 
requirements, regulatory and control roles are fulfilled by two separate structures: the Regulatory 
Authority for Government Procurement (ARCOP) is the national body responsible for regulation, 
settlement of disputes and t he evaluation of the system for awarding government procurement 
contracts and public service concessions; and the Directorate -General for the Control of 
Government Procurement and Financial Commitments (DG -CMEF) is in charge of a priori control of 
procedur es for awarding government procurement contracts and public service concessions and 
their performance. The DG -CMEF also has an online database on the award of Burkina government 
procurement contracts.25 
3.50.   The procedures for awarding government procurement con tracts depend on the threshold 
(amount), the nature of the service and the type of contracting authority. An invitation to tender is 
mandatory in the following cases: (a) supplies, equipment and day -to-day services, if the amount 
exceeds CFAF  50 million, e xcept for State -owned companies (CFAF  75 million); and (b) works 
(CFAF  75 million), except for State -owned companies (CFAF  100 million). A price request 
procedure may be followed for supplies, equipment, day -to-day services and works amounting to 
between C FAF 10 million and CFAF  75 million (up to CFAF  100 million for State -owned companies). 
A request for quotation is made for Government procurement not exceeding CFAF  10 million, a 
streamlined procedure that is not published.  
3.51.   Invitations to tender and price requests are published in the government procurement 
journal and in at least one national newspaper. An invitation may be open (with or without 
prequalification). In special cases, the contracting authority may turn to restricted competition or 
direct nego tiation (private agreement).  
3.52.   Depending on the nature and term of the contract, the contractor may be required to 
provide a performance guarantee, which may not exceed 5% of the basic contract price. Contracts 
for intellectual services exceeding CFAF  30 million are subject to a procedure calling for an 
expression of interest while below this threshold there is a simplified procedure.  
3.53.   The regulatory framework provides for the appointment of someone to take charge of the 
contract, with responsibility for imple menting the award procedures and monitoring performance. 
                                                
24 Law No.  039-2016/AN of 2  December  2016 establishing the general regulations on government 
procurement.  
25 Online information viewed at : http://www.dgmp.gov.bf/index.php/revue -des-marches/acces -public . WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Burkina Faso  
 
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  In accordance with WAEMU provisions, bids submitted by community companies may be given a 
preference margin of 15%.  
3.3.7   Intellectual property rights  
3.54.    Burkina Faso has been a member of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) 
since 1975 and has signed several WIPO -administered treaties, including the Berne Convention 
(copyright), the Paris Convention (industrial property) and the Rome Convent ion (protection of 
performers). It is also a member of the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI) (common 
report, section 3.3.4). The regulatory framework for intellectual property in Burkina Faso has 
remained unchanged since the previous review . It includes Law No.  032-99/AN of 
22 December  1999 on the protection of literary and artistic property, which remains the key 
legislation in this regard. Article  13 of the Investment Code, revised in 2010, guarantees equal 
protection of intellectual prope rty for Burkina and foreign companies.  
3.55.   Burkina Faso has two authorities with competence for intellectual property rights: the 
National Industrial Property Centre (CNPI) in the Ministry responsible for industry is the leading 
industrial property structure a nd also acts as the national liaison with OAPI.26 The protection of 
copyright and related rights is entrusted to the Burkina Copyright Bureau (BBDA) in the Ministry 
responsible for culture. Table 3.4 provides statistics on applications and the granting of t itles since 
the previous review.  
Table 3.4 Statistics on applications and granting of titles, 2009 and 2012 -2015  
Title 2009  2012  2013  2014  2015  
Patents  4 1 1 5 7 
Trademarks  28 50 46 45 58 
Trade names  29 59 135 156 n.a. 
Renewal of industrial designs  n.a. 4 5 1 5 
n.a. Not available.  
Source:  Burkina authorities.  
3.56.   The BBDA manages the income raised from imposition of various taxes, notably at the 
customs cordon, as well as the copyright royalties earned. A 10%  levy on the c.i.f. value is 
charged on imports of virgin recording media27 and a 0.25% levy on the c.i.f. value applies to 
imports of equipment for copying literary and artistic works.28 These two levies are intended to pay 
the authors of the works to be copied. An import permit is also required for these media.29 
3.57.   In addition to collecting income (including from abroad) and distributing it among right 
holders, the BBDA is charged with comb ating piracy and raising awareness among artists and the 
public. In 2011, it published several practical handbooks for publishers, the police, court officers, 
and users of protected works. As part of its collaboration with the customs services, the BBDA 
issues the permits required to import phonograms and videograms.  
3.58.   There has been a marked increase in the number of works declared to the BBDA in recent 
years, from 2,791 in 2009 to 11,450 in 2013. The sums distributed by the BBDA rose from 
CFAF 311 million t o CFAF  468 million (€0.7  million) over the same period. The National Committee 
to Combat Piracy of Literary and Artistic Works, in operation since October  2013, informs the 
public and heightens awareness regarding compliance with the legislation on literar y and artistic 
property. It also carries out checks and institutes legal proceedings against infringements of the 
Law on the protection of literary and artistic property.  
                                                
26 Order No.  01-117/MCPEA/SG/DNPI of 24  December  2001.  
27 Decree No.  2000-575/PRES/PM/MAC/MEF of 20  December  2000.  
28 Decree No.  2000-577/PRES/PM/MAC/MEF of 20  December  2000.  
29 Order No.  2003-77/MAC/MEF on procedures for issuing import permits for literary and artistic works 
and virgin media.  WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Burkina Faso  
 
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  4  TRADE POLICIES BY SE CTOR  
4.1  Agriculture  
4.1.1   Overview  
4.1.  The agricultural sector employs more than 80% of the economically active population, 
accounts for about 25% of GDP and is the main source of food and income. An essentially 
agricultural country of the Sahel, Burkina Faso continues to face the challenge of ensuring the 
sustainable food and nutritional security of its people. Burkina agriculture is characterized by poor 
productivity due to a difficult climate, insecurity of tenure, problems with access to inputs, 
worn-out farming equipment and lack of financing. Only 44% of f armers have access to 
mechanization services; between 2011 and 2015, the proportion of farmers with access to 
improved seed rose from 15% to 19% and mineral fertilizer consumption per hectare from 40 kg 
to 50 kg.  Moreover, agricultural production is regula rly exposed to natural disasters, in particular, 
locust invasions, floods and droughts. The sector is composed of around 900,000 small family 
farms of less than 5  hectares in size with generally poor yields. Except for cotton and rice, the 
farmers consume most of what they produce.  
4.2.  Agricultural production is dominated by cereals (sorghum, millet, maize and rice), these 
being the main food crops, by cotton, the main cash crop, and by livestock breeding. Cereals are 
grown on more than 77% of the area farmed a nd account for more than 70% of total production 
(Table  4.1). The arable area is estimated at around 9,000,000 hectares (one third of the national 
territory). Agriculture's share of the total area rose from 8% in 1984 to more than 17% in 2011.1 
Although th e total irrigated area is still small, it has increased, from 58,000 hectares in 2008 
to 134,000  hectares in 2015.  
Table 4.1 Production of main food crops, 2009/2010 -2015/2016  
(Tonnes)  
 2009/2010 2010/2011 2011/2012  2012/2013  2013/2014  2014/2015  2015/2016  
Millet  970,927  1,147,894  828,741  1,078,374  1,078,374  972,539  946,184  
Sorghum  1,521,468  1,990,227  1,505,543  1,923,805  1,880,465  1,707,613  1,435,640  
Maize  894,558  1,133,452  1,076,754  1,556,316  1,585,418  1,433,085  1,469,612  
Rice 213,584  270,658  240,865  319,390  305,382  347,501  325,138  
Fonio  26,101  18,315  14,502  20,659  19,887  8,562  13,091  
Total cereals  3,626,637  4,560,547  3,666,405  4,898,544  4,869,723  4,469,300  4,189,665  
Note:  The period extends from April to March.  
Source:  National Institute of Statistics and Demography (2015), Annuaire statistique 2014 . 
4.3.  The vagaries of the weather result in fluctuations in the growth of crop and livestock 
production and hence in that of the economy as a whole: in volume terms, agricultural production 
grew strongly in the years with good rainfall but fell back sharply in 2011/2012 and 2014/2015. 
The forecasts for the 2016/2017 harvest were 4.7  million tonnes for cereals and 1.6  million tonnes 
for cash crops.  
4.4.  Althoug h Burkina Faso's agricultural imports have increased significantly since its last review 
in 2010, they have decreased as a proportion of total imports (Chart  1.1), suggesting an increase 
in the level of food self -sufficiency; they are dominated by rice, to bacco, wheat and sugar. 
Agricultural exports are dominated by cotton, which accounted for 31% of exports in 2009, but 
only 13% in 2015 (Table  A1.1). Conversely, exports of nuts have increased their share of 
the total. 
4.1.2   Agricultural policy  
4.5.  The Ministry respo nsible for agriculture and water resources is tasked with formulating and 
applying government agricultural policy. It provides the producers with support and advice. The 
Accelerated Growth and Sustainable Development Strategy (SCADD, section  2.2) identifie s the 
agricultural sector as being strategic for economic development and poverty reduction.2 It stresses 
                                                
1 FAO (2013), Review of Food and Agricultural Policies in Burkina Faso . 
2 Ministry of the Economy and Finance (2011), Stratégie de croissance accélérée et de développement 
durable . WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Burkina Faso  
 
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  the need to strengthen and improve the conditions of the private sector where agriculture is 
concerned in order to enable agriculture to play its part  as an engine of sustainable economic 
growth and job creation.  
4.6.  The National Programme for the Rural Sector (PNSR I covered the period 2011 -2015)3 forms 
the political frame of reference for all interventions on behalf of the rural community. Its aim is to 
make a sustainable contribution to food and nutritional security, strong economic growth and 
poverty reduction. The PNSR is made up of 13 sub -programmes divided into five groups concerned 
with improvements in food security and sovereignty, higher rural inco mes, the sustainable 
development of natural resources, improvements in access to drinking water and living conditions, 
and the development of a partnership between the actors in the rural sector. In May  2017, a PNSR 
II covering the period 2016 -2020 was in process of being drawn up.4 
4.7.  The National Food and Nutritional Security Policy5 (PNSAN) serves as a frame of reference for 
all the measures taken to promote food and nutritional security. Food security measures are 
overseen by the National Food Security Cou ncil (CNSA), which is chaired by the Prime Minister. 
The specific objectives pursued are as follows: (a) sustainably increasing the level of domestic food 
production and its value added; (b) building market capacity to give people access to food 
products; (c) sustainably improving the economic and nutritional conditions of the poor and 
vulnerable segments of the population; (d) strengthening the system for the prevention and 
management of economic crises in a manner consistent with the constructions of stru ctural food 
security; and (e) building up the capacity of the actors and promoting the good governance of food 
security. Production subsidies under the PNSAN cost CFAF 9  billion (€13.7  million) in 2014 -2015 
and CFAF 5.8  billion (€8.8  million) in 2015 -2016,  for the purchase of fertilizer.  
4.8.  Burkina Faso has notified the WTO that it did not grant any subsidies for agricultural exports 
between 2010 and 20166 and that it did not apply any domestic support measures between  2009 
and 2013.7 Production eligible for S tate aid is determined at ministerial level. Numerous technical  
cooperation activities in the agricultural sector are financed by donors.  
4.9.  The national policy on security of tenure in rural areas, adopted in 2007, aims to ensure that 
all rural actors have a ccess to land and that their investment is guaranteed. This policy was 
reinforced by Law No.  034-2009/AN containing the rural land regime. Under this Law, foreigners 
can obtain access to rural land in the same way as Burkina nationals.  
4.10.   The National Export Promotion Strategy (SNE) has identified six promising agricultural 
subsectors on which promotion activities are being focused. These are: sesame, shea, mangoes, 
onions, cattle, and hides and skins.  
4.11.   The National Security Stock Management Company (SONAGESS) maintains food stocks. 
These buffer stocks, nominally amounting to 50,000 tonnes for the national security stock 
(actually 15,000 tonnes in May  2017) and 25,000 tonnes for the intervention stock (12,300 tonnes 
in May  2017), are composed of cereals (millet,  maize, sorghum, and rice). In addition to these 
physical stocks, there is also a financial reserve established by the Government's partners and 
with a value equivalent to around 25,000 tonnes of cereals, which can be mobilized if cereals 
production falls at least 7% short of domestic needs. Between 2010 and 2017 these stocks were 
totally mobilized only once, in 2012.  
4.12.   The Ministry responsible for agriculture is also tasked with the development of small village 
irrigation schemes. There are 1,121 holding pon ds. The Ministry provides small farmers with 
subsidized irrigation equipment and helps them to impound water, which often enables them to 
harvest two crops per year despite there being only one rainy season.  
                                                
3 Burkina Faso (2011), Progra mme national du secteur rural (PNSR), 2011 -2015. 
4 Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources, Sanitation and Food Security (2016), Feuille de route 
2016 - Sur la formulation du PNSR II . 
5 Burkina Faso  (2013), Politique nationale de sécurité alimentaire et n utritionnelle . 
6 The latest notification made in this connection is contained in WTO document G/AG/N/BFA/12 of 
5 August  2014.  
7 WTO document G/AG/N/BFA/11 of 5  August  2014.  WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Burkina Faso  
 
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  4.13.   Burkina Faso authorized the growing and sale of genetically modified cotton in 2003, but the 
subsector gave up growing it in 2015 in favour of ordinary cotton; research is in progress in 
connection with the cultivation of genetically modified cowpea.  
4.14.   Where imports are concerned, the principal trade meas ure remains the ECOWAS customs 
duties (common report, section 3.1.4). Between 2008 and 2011, the Government suspended 
customs duties on certain food products, the prices of which had steeply increased or which are 
consumed by vulnerable groups, notably ric e, oil, salt, milk -based products and food preparations 
for children. There have not been any other such measures since then. The sale and import of 
staple food products are exempt from VAT. Some agricultural products may be subject to price 
controls, name ly, fixed prices or price ceilings (section 3.3.4). The export of young animals 
(donors and females), donkeys, horses and camels is prohibited.  
4.15.   Among the other trade policy measures in force in these subsectors, Law No.  050-2012/AN 
regulates the interprofe ssional organizations of the agricultural, forestry, pastoral, fisheries and 
wildlife subsectors in Burkina Faso. It provides for the introduction of marketing strategies 
accompanied by action plans and plans for the organization of fairs and promotion day s. 
4.1.3   Policies by subsector  
4.1.3.1   Food crops  
4.16.   Around 4.2  million hectares, that is to say, three quarters of the cultivated area, are 
devoted to cereals production. The data for the main cereals crops are reproduced in Table 4.1; 
production has tended to increase, w hile remaining unstable from one year to the next. In the 
2016/2017 season, Burkina Faso is aiming to produce 4.7  million tonnes of cereals. In periods of 
normal rainfall, cereal, groundnut and pea production covers all the country's needs.  
4.17.   Maize growing i s developing rapidly, in particular in the cotton areas where the maize is 
integrated into the cotton production systems and able to benefit from the inputs intended for the 
latter. Rice is foremost among Burkina Faso's cereal imports, as domestic producti on covers only 
about one third of consumption. Rice imports amounted to around 377,000  tonnes in 2015. 
Domestic rice production faces strong competition from imported rice, despite the common 
external tariff of 10%.  
4.18.   Burkina Faso is a major producer of cowp eas, which can be grown in arid and degraded 
soils. Cowpeas are mainly found on small farms,  where they are generally grown as a secondary 
crop in association with traditional cereals. Traditionally a food crop grown for own consumption or 
for local market s, cowpeas are gradually acquiring the status of a cash crop. P roduction has 
increased markedly in recent years, with 168,000 tonnes in 2014/2015 as compared with 
114,000  tonnes in 2009/2010.  
4.19.   Fruit and vegetable production is steadily on the rise. Accordin g to the last agricultural 
census, more than 747,000 tonnes of vegetables (tomatoes, aubergines, onions, potatoes) were 
harvested in 2008 as against 166,000  tonnes in 2005. Moreover, annual domestic fruit production 
is estimated at 389,000  tonnes, 62% of w hich corresponds to mangoes and 22% to cashew nuts. 
Large quantities of groundnuts are also produced, mainly for the domestic market.  
4.20.   There is no direct State intervention in food production. However, since 2008, the State has 
subsidized 45% to 60% of the selling price of fertilizer, depending on its market price. For 
example, in 2014, it made available 22,346 tonnes of fertilizer subsidized at a cost of 
CFAF 9.09 billion (€13.9  million), as well as seeds of improved varieties, agricultural equipment 
and dr aught animals, likewise subsidized. By  2016 the fertilizer subsidy had fallen to 
CFAF 2.7 billion (€4.12  million).  
4.1.3.2   Cotton subsector  
4.21.   Burkina Faso is one of the biggest cotton producers in Africa. Cotton ranks first in terms of 
agricultural production and se cond as an export resource, after gold. It is estimated that there are 
350,000 cotton farms directly providing a living for nearly four  million people. Thus, cotton 
growing is one of the main sources of cash income for the rural population, and a strategic  product WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Burkina Faso  
 
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  for reducing poverty. Cotton is grown all over the country, except in the Sahel zone in the north. 
Although tending to increase, production volumes and values have been unstable from one year to 
the next (Table  4.2). Yields vary with the size of t he farm, the equipment used, rainfall, and 
pressure from parasites. A minority of producers farm relatively large areas, but most work small 
farms of three  to five hectares.  
Table 4.2 Cotton production, 2009 -2017  
 2009 - 
2010  2010 - 
2011  2011 - 
2012  2014 - 
2015  2015 - 
2016  2016 - 
2017  
Producer price of cotton (CFAF/kg)  160 172 245 225 235 235 
Seed cotton production (1,000 tonnes)  484 530 441 895 587 693 
Cotton lint production:        
- 1,000 tonnes  169.4  140.8  173.6  295.5  246.3  291 
- CFAF billion  131,810  190,805  165,422  219,051  198,573  n.a. 
Area cultivated (1,000 hectares)  406 463 395 651 n.a. n.a. 
Yield (tonne/hectare)  1.2 0.898  0.972  1.070  0.885  0.936  
n.a. Not available.  
Source:  Information provided by the  Burkina authorities.  
4.22.   Seed cotton is produced by around 350,000 individual producers, grouped together in about 
9,500 "simplified cooperative societies". These societies have federated to form cotton producers' 
unions, at department and provincial levels and then at national level within the umbrella body, 
the National Union of Cotton Producers' Cooperatives (UNPCB), which shares the financing of the 
groups' inputs (fertilizer, pesticides, etc.) with the cotton companies that process the seed cotton 
into lint, with the aid of the State.  
4.23.   The Inputs Fund, set up with an initial endowment of CFAF 10  billion (€15.2  million), 
operates as a guarantee fund, enabling the cotton companies to raise, through the banking 
system, the resources needed to finance the supp lies required by the producers on the basis of 
competitive bidding by several suppliers, with the certainty of being able to pay those suppliers by 
irrevocable letter of credit. The latter was chosen as the only mode of payment of the suppliers 
with a view  to reducing the costs of purchasing the inputs and ensuring the security of the 
transactions, while obtaining preferential treatment for fertilizer orders on the international 
market.  
4.24.   Three private cotton companies (SOFITEX, FASO COTON and SOCOMA) do the ginning and 
exploit the lint and associated products (seed, lint waste). Up until 2023 these companies will have 
a monopoly on the purchase of seed cotton in their areas, assigned to them under a Protocol of 
Agreement on Specifications.8 In particular, thi s Protocol requires the companies: (a) to supply the 
producer groups with quality inputs on credit; (b) to discharge the input loans upon delivery of the 
seed cotton; and (c) to collect all the seed cotton produced in their respective areas and pay for it 
at a price no lower than the floor price negotiated by the stakeholders at the beginning of the 
season. The three cotton companies are grouped in the Cotton Companies Trade Association 
(APROCOB) which, with the UNCPB, belongs to the Burkina Joint -Trade Cot ton Association (AICB), 
which manages the subsector. A price -smoothing fund, jointly managed by APROCOB and UNCPB, 
was established in 2006 for the purpose of guaranteeing the payment of the floor price to the 
producers.  
4.25.   The Smoothing Fund is fed by means o f a so -called top -up system. This contribution is 
made when the reference selling price for the previous season is higher than the ceiling for that 
season, thus producing a surplus. This surplus generated on the sales of the cotton companies is 
used to top  up the Fund or to pay the producers a rebate or a supplementary price. In 2015 and 
2016, the Fund was almost in deficit, but in 2017 the situation is expected to improve.  
4.26.   The purchase prices of seed cotton and its products are derived from a cotton price -setting 
mechanism adopted in 2006 with the support of the State and the French Development Agency 
(AFD). The seed cotton price calculations take into account the trend price of the lint over the last 
consecutive three seasons; the floor price for the lint,  which corresponds to 95% of its trend price; 
                                                
8 Protocol of agreement on the specifications applicable to cotton subsector operat ors in Burkina  Faso 
(period 2013 -2023).  WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Burkina Faso  
 
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  and the share of the value of the lint and oilseed production returned to the producers, which 
amounts to 58 -62% depending on the level of production and prices. The floor price for seed 
cotton and, where appro priate, the rebate and the supplementary price are calculated in the 
month of March, when the production level can be accurately estimated.  
4.27.   The value of the seed is enhanced by processing by the oil refineries and cattle feed 
manufacturers. As far as the l int is concerned, 95% is exported unprocessed; the rest is processed 
on the spot by Filature du Sahel (FILSAH), for export and to meet the needs of the craft industry. 
FILSAH's capacity has been expanded to enable it to satisfy the increased domestic deman d for 
thread.  
4.28.   Burkina Faso is a member of the "Cotton -4" group of large West African cotton -producing 
countries. According to the authorities, as a result of the downward pressure it exerts on world 
prices, the support which some countries provide for thei r cotton producers is one of the direct 
causes of the problems encountered by Burkina's cotton planters. For this reason, Burkina Faso, 
with other countries of the subregion, is actively campaigning for the elimination of these subsidies 
(common report, se ction 4).  
4.1.3.3   Cattle subsector  
4.29.   Livestock -raising accounts for around 7.3% of Burkina Faso's GDP. It is mainly of the 
pastoral type, either transhumant or sedentary and extensive. On the other hand, few intensive 
livestock farms have been developed. The sector' s productivity remains low. The cattle herd 
consists chiefly of bovine animals (around 9.1  million), sheep (9.3  million) and goats 
(13.9  million), but also of other animals such as pigs (2.3  million), asses, horses and camels.9 The 
poultry flock, estimated  at 35.8  million birds, is also large and an important source of protein for 
the population. Moreover, there are 175  milk processing units spread across the country.  
4.30.   The Ministry of Animal and Fisheries Resources is responsible for the subsector. The 
Natio nal Livestock Sustainable Development Policy10 (PNDEL) was adopted by the Government in 
2010 and covers the period up to 2025. Its aim is to promote competitive and environmentally 
friendly livestock -raising, around which genuine value chains supported by m arket-oriented trade 
associations can be organized.  
4.31.   Imports of meat and cattle are subject to sanitary measures (section  3.3.3). Moreover, 
most animal products can only be imported by means of a special import authorization 
(section  3.1.5).  
4.32.  Livestock remai ns an important export item for Burkina Faso. Most exports consist of live 
animals destined for neighbouring countries, in particular Benin and Côte d'Ivoire. In 2014, bovine 
animal exports amounted to US$10.1  million.11 Meat exports remain at a low level d espite several 
programmes designed to support the subsector. On the other hand, exports of hides and skins are 
significant, as is the informal trade in these products with neighbouring countries. In 2014, exports 
were of the order of US$2.5  million. Restri ctions were recently imposed on exports of ass and 
horse skins . 
4.1.3.4   Sugar subsector  
4.33.   The Nouvelle société sucrière de la Comoé  (SN-SOSUCO), 28% of which is State -owned, is 
the only company that produces and processes sugar cane in Burkina Faso. It has an area o f 
4,000  hectares under cultivation and one processing plant. Since 2008, sales on the domestic 
market had been channelled through the Sugar Distribution Company (SODI Sucre), which closed 
down (in 2012). In May  2017, SN -SOSUCO's production was being market ed by private 
distributors and depots belonging to the company, at prices fixed by the latter.  
4.34.   The National Sugar Observatory, established in 2008, has the task of balancing the needs of 
the market, SN -SOSUCO production and imports and preventing import fr aud. It is composed of 
                                                
9 The last national cattle survey was in 2003. The next one is planned for 2017.  
10 Ministry of Animal Resources (2010),  Politique nationale de développement durable de l'élevage . 
11 There is a great deal of informal t rade, especially exports of live animals; it is extremely difficult to 
quantify.  WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Burkina Faso  
 
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  the Ministries responsible for trade and finance, the SN -SOSUCO and several other bodies such as 
the customs administration, the anti -fraud committee, the Directorate -General of Tax ation and 
COTECNA.  
4.35.   A special import authorization (A SI) is needed to import sugar (section 3.1.5), in order to 
ensure that domestic production can be marketed at a price that enables the industry to survive. 
Since April  2016, sugar has also been subject to a ceiling price determined by the Government and 
currently fixed at CFAF 17,500 per 25 -kg box (€1.6/kg).  
4.36.   Estimated at 33,000 tonnes in 2014/2015, the SN -SOSUCO's production is believed to cover 
less than 30% of domestic needs. Sugar imports amounted to US$35  million in  2014 
(98,000  tonnes), as compared wit h US$14  million in 2009 (24,500 tonnes).  
4.1.3.5   Fisheries subsector  
4.37.   Fish production in Burkina Faso ranges between 18,000 and 23,000 tonnes per year, as 
against 12,000 tonnes in 2008. Almost all this production is consumed inside the country. There is 
also some s mall-scale production of shrimps. However, domestic production is far from sufficient 
to cover the country's needs, with around 67,000 tonnes of fish, worth US$11.5  million, having to 
be imported in 2014.  
4.38.   In 2014, the Government adopted a Fishing and Aquac ulture Policy12, with the aim of 
increasing and diversifying production, by improving the productivity of existing fisheries, 
introducing new fisheries based on recently built and planned reservoirs, and promoting 
aquaculture. The Government invested more t han CFAF 10  billion (€15  million) in the development 
of the subsector within the context of a fish subsector action plan (2011 -2014). In May  2017 the 
action plan had not been renewed.  
4.1.3.6   Other agricultural products  
4.39.   Shea is one of the main agricultural export products. Annual production amounts to around 
75,000 tonnes. Traditionally, women play the main role in this subsector. In 2014, shea nut 
exports had a value of US$49  million, while the corresponding figure for shea butter was 
US$14.5  million.  
4.40.   There has be en a sharp expansion in sesame production in Burkina Faso because it is easy 
to grow and the production costs are low. Some 322,000 tonnes were produced in 2014/2015, as 
compared with 93,000 tonnes in 2009/2010. The great majority of this production is exp orted. 
Sesame seed exports amounted to US$170  million in 2015, three times their value in 2009.  
4.2  Mining  
4.2.1   Overview  
4.41.   Burkina Faso has extensive mineral reserves, particularly of gold, phosphate, magnesium, 
zinc, lead, silver, iron, nickel and cobalt. There is a lso evidence of micro -diamonds in the Barsalgo 
region, copper at Diénémera and bauxite at Fara. The mining sector's share of GDP increased from 
3% to 11% between 2009 and 2011 -2012, mainly owing to the mining boom in the gold sector, 
before falling back ag ain somewhat later (Table 1.1). The sector accounts for around 10% of 
merchandise exports (Table A1.1) and 20% of State revenue. Overall, revenue from mining has 
tripled, reaching CFAF 168  billion (€257  million) in 2014, as against only CFAF 46  billion in 2009.  
4.42.   The sector is one of the sources of growth identified by the Government. The Mining Sector 
Policy 2014 -2025, adopted in May  2013, is a means of implementing economic growth and poverty 
reduction strategies.13 It is the main reference document for acto rs in the Burkina Faso mining 
sector.  
                                                
12 Decree No.  2014-790/PRES/PM/MRAH/MEF of 16  September  2014.  
13 Ministry of Mining and Energy (2013), Politique sectorielle des mines, 2014 –2025. WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Burkina Faso  
 
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  4.43.   The latest revision of the Constitution in 2015 affirmed that "natural resources belong to the 
people and must therefore be used to improve their living conditions, with due respect for 
sustainable development". On 26 June 2015, a new Mining Code was adopted with the aim of 
reviewing the distribution of mining income.14 The Code governs all operations relating to the 
exploration and exploitation of mineral deposits, as well to the treatment, transport, processing 
and marketing of mineral substances with the exclusion of water and liquid and gaseous 
hydrocarbons. According to the authorities, the new legislation is aimed at reinforcing the 
measures for the protection of the mining environment, and improving mining's con tribution to 
State revenue and the development of the local communities. The new Code maintains the same 
rights, incentives and obligations for domestic and foreign enterprises.  
4.44.   The new Mining Code provides for the establishment of a Local Development Mini ng Fund to 
help finance the development plans of local authorities, especially those in which the sites are 
located. It is resourced by a contribution from the State amounting to 20% of the taxes and 
proportional fees collected, and 1% of the mining compan ies' turnover.15 The decrees adopting the 
Fund were in process of being signed in May  2017.  
4.45.   It is estimated that over one  million people work in small -scale mining (as against only 
6,000 in industrial mines). In view of the environmental problems created by  small -scale mining 
and the proliferation of clandestine sites and to reduce fraud, in November  2015 the Government 
set up the National Agency for the Supervision of Small -Scale and Semi -Mechanized Mining 
(ANEEMAS).  
4.46.   The authorities point out that industria l mining is faced with the weakness of national 
capacity to monitor mining projects and the shortage of national expertise in the various aspects 
of mining. They also deplore the low level of value -added of Burkina mining products, which are 
generally expo rted unprocessed, and the disregard for training programmes aimed at transferring 
skills to Burkina nationals under the agreements concluded between the State and the mining 
companies. The Mine Holdings Company of Burkina  Faso (SOPAMIB) was set up in 2013 to manage 
the State's holdings in the mining companies.16 
4.47.   The Mining Code provides for exploration and industrial exploitation permits; authorizations 
for semi -mechanized small -scale mining and for quarrying; and, where marketing is concerned, 
the authoriza tion to buy and sell, which also covers the export of mineral substances. On 
31 December  2016, there was a total of 582 mining titles and authorizations in force, including 
405 exploration permits; 19 industrial exploitation permits; 32 semi -mechanized sma ll-scale 
mining authorizations; 64 traditional small -scale gold mining authorizations; and 62  quarrying 
authorizations.  
4.48.   With a view to promoting good governance in the mining sector, Burkina  Faso has 
committed itself to the Extractive Industries Transparen cy Initiative (EITI) and the 
Kimberley  Process. Having acquired candidate country status on 15  May 2009, Burkina Faso 
became a "compliant country" (compliant with EITI principles) on 27  February  2013. At the 
moment, Burkina Faso is not producing any diamon ds. However, it has taken steps with a view to 
participating in the Kimberley Process.  
4.49.   The Burkina Chamber of Mines (CMB), established in May  2011, is a trade association set up 
for the purpose of developing the mining sector. The mission of the National C orporation of 
Small -Scale Mine Workers and Operators of Burkina is to organize small -scale mine workers and 
operators.  
4.50.   With a view to facilitating investment in the mining sector, the State grants concessions to 
holders of mining titles (customs exemptions  on purchases of mining goods and equipment, 
exemptions from direct taxes), which have been left unchanged by the new Mining Code. Every 
year, the mining administration receives more than 10,000 requests for exemptions. There are no 
                                                
14 Law No.  036-2015/CNT of 26 June 2014 containing the Burkina Faso Mining Code.  
15 Decree No.  2017-0024/PRES/PM/MEMC/MINEFID/MATDSI on the organization, functioning and 
collection procedures for the Local Development Mining Fund.  
16 Decree No.  2014-590/PRES/PM/MICA/MEF/MME of 10 July 2014 establishing the Mine Holdings 
Company of Burkina Faso (SOPAMIB). Viewed  at: 
http://www.legiburkina.bf/m/Sommaires_JO/Decret_2014_00590.htm . WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Burkina Faso  
 
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  measures in place to en courage the processing of mining products before they are exported. The 
main charges and taxes levied on the extraction and trading of mining products are the fixed 
charges (levied per hectare on the substances extracted from quarries and mines), the 
propo rtional (to the volume extracted and its concentration) charges, the surface taxes 
(exploration), and the proportional fees (large mines).  
4.2.2   Mining products  
4.2.2.1   Gold 
4.51.   Gold is by far the most exploited mining resource in Burkina Faso and, since 2009, its 
leading e xport product. There are indications of the presence of gold almost everywhere in the 
country. Burkina Faso has quickly risen to fourth place among Africa's gold producers, gold 
production having climbed from 12.2  tonnes in 2009 to 36.5 tonnes in 2015 (Tab le 4.3). Most of 
this production is exported to Switzerland.  
Table 4.3 Gold production and exports, 2009 -2015  
 2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  2014  2015  
Production (tonnes)  12.2 23.1 32.6 30.2 33.0 36.5 36.5 
Average price (ounce)  973.0  1,224.7  1,568.6  1,668.8  1,411.2  1,265.8  1,158.2  
Exports (US$  million)  379.8  883.7  1,790.4  n.a. 1,484,4  1,462.9  1,344.4  
Gold's share of exports (%)  46.2 67.5 76.7 72.4 62.2 59.7 61.7 
Mining-related State revenue 
(mainly  from gold, CFAF  million)  15,757  46,346  127,427  189,565  191,408  168,493  168,410  
n.a. Not available.  
Source:  Directorate -General of Min ing and Geology, UN Comtrade database, National Institute of Statistics 
and Demography.  
4.52.   In 2017, Burkina Faso had eight industrial gold mines in operation.17 In parallel with these 
industrial units, small -scale panning for gold is flourishing on numerous sites. The buying, selling 
and export of gold produced on a small scale in Burkina  Faso are subject to prior authorization . 
Gold trading (domestic and international) in Burkina Faso includes the precious metals offices, 
agencies authorized to buy and sell gold, which are subject to the proportional fees and fixed 
charges.  
4.2.2.2   Phosphate  
4.53.   Burkina Faso has abundant natural phosphate deposits. Since the 1960s, work has been 
under way with a view to using the phosphates to remedy the phosphorus deficiency in the soils. 
The deposits at Kodjari, in particular, are said to contain 30  million tonnes of reserves. So far, 
however, there has n ot been any large -scale production of phosphate from this site.  
4.2.2.3   Manganese  
4.54.   The manganese deposit at Tambao is one of the largest in the world, with reserves 
estimated at 19  million tonnes, but its large -scale exploitation is being hampered by transport 
difficulties. At present, Burkina Faso has only one small producing manganese mine, at Kiéré. The 
taxation system comprises proportional fees, fixed charges and surface charges.  
4.2.2.4   Zinc 
4.55.   Burkina Faso became one of the African countries that produce zinc ore when t he 
Perkoa  zinc mine began operating in January  2013. The mine's reserves are estimated at 
6.3 million tonnes, with a 14.5% zinc content, and are expected to last for 12 years. In 2015, the 
mine exported 137,344 tonnes of zinc concentrate, as compared with 135,369 tonnes in 2014. The 
State holds 10% of the shares. In addition to zinc, it is expected that the Perkoa mine will produce 
a lead -silver concentrate. The taxation system is the same as that for manganese described 
above.  
                                                
17 Namely, Taparko, Youg a, Mana, Kalsaka, Inata, Essakane, Guiro -Bayildiaga and Bissa -Zandkom.  WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Burkina Faso  
 
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  4.2.2.5   Quarried materials  
4.56.   The quarry ing subsector has boomed in recent years. For example, granite production was 
428,000 m3 in 2014, as compared with 99,000 m3 in 2010. Abundant deposits of granite, dolomitic 
limestone and feldspar are to be found all over the country. In 2016, some 60 quar rying 
authorizations were issued, as compared with 41 in 2010.  
4.3  Energy and water  
4.3.1   Overview  
4.57.   The Burkina energy context is characterized by the population's predominant use of biomass 
energy; the country's dependence on fossil fuels; poor and inequitable access to modern forms of 
energy; and the very low level of development of endogenous renewable energy sources.18 
However, since the adoption of the National Economic and Social Development Programme 
(PNDES), special emphasis has been placed on renewable en ergy with the inauguration in 2016 of 
a hybrid photovoltaic/diesel power station ("Flexy énergie" project); the construction of two solar 
power stations planned for 2017; and the electrification by photovoltaic solar system of the social 
and community infr astructure of 59 rural  localities. A new energy law was adopted in April  2017 
(section 4.3.3).  
4.3.2   Hydrocarbons  
4.58.   Burkina Faso does not produce any oil. Petroleum products account for more than a quarter 
of imports in value terms (Chart 1.1.). The Burkina Nation al Hydrocarbons Company (SONABHY) is 
the State enterprise, under the authority of the Ministry responsible for trade, charged with 
supplying the country with hydrocarbons. It holds a monopoly on the import and storage of 
hydrocarbons.19 According to the aut horities, SONABHY is well managed and its privatization is not 
on the agenda.  
4.59.   The prices of hydrocarbons and butane gas, together with the duties and taxes levied on 
hydrocarbon imports, are fixed monthly by the Interministerial Hydrocarbons Price Setting 
Committee (CIDPH), as a function of the world price and "other charges that contribute to the 
determination of prices".20 In 2015, these duties and taxes amounted to CFAF  131 billion 
(€200  million, as compared with an import value of €500  million).  
4.60.   Hydrocar bons are distributed by a score of distribution companies which are either 
subsidiaries of multinationals or domestic distributors operating under authorizations specifying 
their profit margin, the main one being Total (28% of the quantity sold). Two types  of 
authorizations are necessary to engage in distribution: a technical authorization issued in the form 
of an order of the Minister responsible for energy, and a trading authorization issued by order of 
the Ministers responsible for trade and energy. Dist ributors must undertake to obtain their supplies 
only from SONABHY or some other entity approved by the State.  
4.61.   The prices of the butane gas and fuel oil used by the Burkina National Electricity Company 
(SONABEL) for generating electricity (see below) are s ubsidized by the State.21 In 2016, the 
subsidies disbursed by the State for these two products amounted to CFAF 57.7  billion 
(€88 million).  
4.3.3   Electricity  
4.62.   The electrification rate remains low, at around 19%, with 60% in urban areas and 3% in 
rural ones. Load s hedding and random power cuts are often used to ration supplies. The total 
installed power of Burkina Faso's generating plant amounts to 250  MW, of which 32  MW is 
provided by hydroelectric and 218  MW by thermal power stations. A large proportion of the 
electricity consumed in Burkina Faso is imported, in particular from Côte d'Ivoire, but also from 
                                                
18 Ministry of Min ing and Energy (2013), Politique sectorielle de l'énergie, 2014 –2025. 
19 Kiti (decree) No.  85-035/CNR/PRES/PRECO of 9  October  1985.  
20 Joint Order No.  2016-013/MCIA/MINEF ID on the composition of the hydrocarbons price structures.  
21 Joint Order No.  2016-015/MCIA/MINEFID listing the elements of the price structure for butane gas 
and setting butane gas prices.  WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Burkina Faso  
 
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  Ghana and Togo (Table 4.4). This shortage of electricity acts as a drag on the country's economic 
activity.  
Table 4.4 Electricity production and imports, 2011 -2015  
 2011  2012  2013  2014  2015  
Nominal installed power (MW ) 261 298 247 285 325 
Total energy produced (GWh)  530 625 731 870 999 
Thermal energy  448 528 625 780 906 
Hydroelectric energy  82 97 106 91 94 
Energy  imported (GWh)  495 515 532 488 443 
Imports from Côte d'Ivoire  449 469 482 435 382 
Imports from Ghana  44 44 48 51 58 
Imports from Togo  1 2 2 3 3 
Total energy produced and imported  1,025  1,140  1,262  1,359  1,442  
Number of SONABEL customers  401,476  436,250  472,441  508,499  544,825  
Power stations installed by the FDE  26 26 36   
Source:  ARSE, SONABEL, Electrification Development Fund (FDE).  
4.63.   In May  2017, the electricity subsector was still governed by Law No.  053/AN of 
December  2012, which was about to  be replaced by a new law adopted to regulate the energy 
sector in April  2017. The new law liberalizes generation and distribution; transport will remain 
within the SONABEL monopoly and independent producers will have to sell to SONABEL.  
4.64.   SONABEL, a State -owned enterprise, remains almost the only generator of electricity in 
Burkina Faso, although self -generation has been allowed since 2012. Its generating resources 
consist of 24 diesel -fuelled thermal power stations and four hydroelectric power stations. SON ABEL 
also owns the transmission and distribution network.  
4.65.   Electricity tariffs are proposed to the Government by SONABEL, on the basis of a study of its 
production costs, and referred for approval to the Regulatory Authority for the Electricity Subsector 
(ARSE). SONABEL's tariffs are the same all over the country. The price per KWh has not changed 
since 2006; for high voltage, the rate is CFAF 118 during peak periods and CFAF 54 during 
high-consumption hours for industrial users and CFAF 139 and CFAF 84, res pectively, for other 
consumers. When the price determined does not cover SONABEL's costs, the company receives a 
subsidy in the form of exemptions (partial or total) from the duties and taxes normally payable on 
fuel purchases.  
4.66.   The electrification of the c ountry, by building up generating capacity, extending the grid and 
undertaking interconnection projects with neighbouring countries, is one of SONABEL's main 
missions. An interconnection between Bolgatanga in northern Ghana and Ouagadougou, composed 
of 200  km of 225 -kV lines, should enter into service in 2017. Two other projects form part of the 
ECOWAS Power Pool (common report, section 4.2.2); they involve the construction of lines linking 
Burkina Faso with Benin, Mali, Nigeria, and Niger.  
4.67.   The main aim of the Electrification Development Fund is to promote fair coverage of the 
national territory by developing rural electrification.22 It is financed by an electrification 
development tax, State budget appropriations and contributions from the development partne rs. 
Since 2010, the Fund's investments have made it possible to supply about 30,000 customers with 
electricity.  
4.3.4   Water  
4.68.   The latest amendment to the Constitution, adopted in November  2015, made it clear that 
access to drinking water and sanitation was a socia l right (Article 18). The Ministry in charge of 
water resources is responsible for the supply of drinking water and sanitation, insofar as they fall 
outside the jurisdiction of the National Water and Sanitation Board (ONEA), which has the 
exclusive right t o supply water in urban areas., A communal sectoral development plan for 
drinking water supply and sanitation must be drawn up by each rural commune, jointly with the 
central services of the State.   
                                                
22 Online information v iewed at: http://www.fde.bf . WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Burkina Faso  
 
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  4.69.   In conformity with the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper, the objective of the National 
Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Programme (PNAEPA) was to halve, between 2005 and 
2015, the proportion of people without adequate access to drinking water and sanitation. This 
objective was not fully achieved, especially where sanitation is concerned. On the other hand, the 
level of access to drinking water in urban areas reached 92% in  2016, as compared with the target 
of 87%. In rural areas, the level was 65.3% in 2016, as compared with a target of 76%. The level 
of acce ss to sanitation in urban areas was 36.1% in 2016, as compared with a target of 57%. In 
rural areas, access to sanitation remains very inadequate, with a level of 13.7% in 2016 as 
compared with a target of 54%.  
4.4  Manufacturing sector  
4.70.   The manufacturing sector  remains modest in size, with a share of GDP that stood at 6.4% in 
2014 and has been in decline since 2009 (Table 1.1). The agri -food branch predominates, followed 
by the chemical, cement and  textile  industries . The market regime for these industries is on e of 
free competition. There are no support measures apart from tariff protection and the concessions 
accorded under the Investment Code. Most of the manufactured products consumed are imported. 
The main exports are processed fruit and vegetables, livestoc k products, and cotton. Manufactured 
products account for only 5% of Burkina Faso's total exports (Table A1.1).  
4.71.   The Industrial Development Strategy (SDI)23, adopted in 1998, remains the reference 
document for manufacturing policy and targets the main invest ment sectors. The aim of the SDI is 
to promote competitive industries, especially SMEs and SMIs, in particular in the area of 
agropastoral product processing. The State is endeavouring to provide a favourable environment 
for business, inter alia  through th e incentives contained in the Investment Code (section  2.4). The 
sector continues to face numerous constraints, including quality and transport costs and the low 
level of access to electricity.  
4.72.   Craft activities are an essential component of the Burkina pri vate sector. There are 
many - often informal - craft trade enterprises in traditional manufacturing areas such as building, 
forging, repair and maintenance, precious metals, food trades, wood and straw, textiles and 
clothing, leather and skins, and arts an d crafts. Craft products have the advantage of often being 
unique or artistic and not having to compete with other imported manufactures. There is also an 
export potential. The Chamber of Craft Trades of Burkina Faso (CMA -BF) is a public institution 
under the supervision of the Ministry responsible for trade; it represents the general interests of 
the craft trades sector. A national development strategy for the cultural and creative industries 
was developed by the Government in 2013.24 
4.5  Services  
4.5.1   Overview  
4.73.   The tertiary sector's contribution to GDP is of the order of 44%, with commerce as the 
principal activity. Burkina Faso is traditionally a net importer of services, and the deficit in the 
balance of trade in services has widened considerably since 2009 (Ta ble 1.2); however, exports of 
services have also increased since 2009 to reach €372  million, while imports have risen to 
CFAF 705 billion (€1.07  billion). The Maison de l'entreprise du Burkina  Faso (MEBF, section 2.4) 
has been notified to the Council for T rade in Services as the contact point.25 Tourism is the only 
sector in which Burkina  Faso has made specific commitments under the GATS.  
4.74.   In Burkina Faso imports of services are subject to VAT and to a 20% deduction at source on 
services provided by non -residents (there is a convention that precludes double taxation between 
WAEMU members).  
                                                
23 Ministry of Trade, Business Promotion and Crafts (1998), Stratégie de développement industriel . 
24 Ministry of Culture and Tourism (2013), Stratégie nationale  de développement des industries 
culturelles et créatives . 
25 WTO document S/ENQ/78/Rev.12 of 22  December  2010.  WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Burkina Faso  
 
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  4.5.2   Principal subsectors  
4.5.2.1   Financial services  
4.75.   The contribution made by the financial sector (insurance excluded) to Burkina Faso's GDP is 
of the order of 3%. At the end of 2015, t he Burkina banking sector consisted of 13 banks, 
four financial establishments and numerous microfinance institutions. There are three banks that 
specialize in housing, agricultural loans and microfinance, respectively, while the rest offer a 
general servi ce. At the end of 2015, the State held shares in two microfinance establishments and 
in five of the 17 banks or financial establishments, with a consolidated share of 14% of the total 
capital of these institutions. At the end of 2015, loans to customers am ounted to 
CFAF 2,042  billion (€3.1  billion), or 28% of GDP, as compared with CFAF 671  billion at the end of 
2009. The banks have generally performed well in recent years. At the end of 2016, the proportion 
of past -due loans was 6.35% of the total. Banking services are subject to the WAEMU common 
banking regulations and the prudential provisions of the WAEMU Banking Commission, which is 
also responsible for surveillance (common report, section 4.4.4).  
4.76.   At the end of 2014, there were 85 Burkina microfinance in stitutions registered with the 
BCEAO, mainly savings and loan cooperatives but also institutions financed by non -governmental 
organizations and/or by the State. Their total number of customers was 2.3  million. Deposits 
totalled CFAF 152  billion (€232  million) and loans outstanding CFAF 111  billion (€169  million).  
4.77.    Burkina Faso is a member of the Inter -African Conference on Insurance Markets (CIMA), 
whose Code governs the provision of direct non -marine insurance services in the countries 
concerned (common re port, section 4.4.3). In Burkina Faso, the regulatory agency for the 
insurance sector is the Insurance Directorate within the Ministry of the Economy and Finance.  
4.78.   In May  2017, the Burkina insurance sector consisted of 16 companies, of which 
eight offered l ife and eight non -life insurance. The State holds shares in the National Insurance 
and Reinsurance Company (SONAR, 21.2%) and in the company Allianz (12.49%). Insurance 
market turnover has grown strongly, reaching CFAF 58  billion (€88.3  million) in 2015, a s 
compared with CFAF 18  billion in 2008 and CFAF 34  billion in 2011. The volume of savings 
accumulated by the insurance market in 2015 was CFAF 121  billion. Despite its considerable 
expansion in recent years, the sector remains weak with an average annual premium of around 
CFAF 3,000  (€4.6) per inhabitant.  
4.79.   In addition to third -party motor vehicle insurance, which is compulsory under the 
CIMA  Code, building insurance has been mandatory since 2012. Only the third -party motor vehicle 
insurance premium is fixed , in conformity with the CIMA Code. The other premiums are freely 
determined.  
4.5.2.2   Telecommunications and postal services  
4.80.   The Burkina telecommunication sector is open to competition. Law No.  061-2008/AN of 
27 November  2008 establishing the general regulations g overning electronic communication 
services networks in Burkina Faso transposes the directives and other texts adopted at community 
level into national law (common report, section 4.4.1). The Law promotes the principle of free 
competition and envisages the development of new networks based on the principle of 
technological neutrality. The Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications and Postal 
Services (ARCEP), an independent institution under the technical supervision of the 
Prime  Minister's Office, i s responsible for regulating the sector.26 ARCEP's main tasks are to 
approve interconnection agreements among operators, settle disputes, and process applications 
for licences, which are granted by the Prime Minister's Office. ARCEP also has the explicit ta sk of 
preventing market distortions such as the introduction of excessive prices and possible 
cross-subsidies.  
4.81.   A specific tax on telecommunication companies is levied at the rate of 5% of net turnover, 
in addition to which there is a regulation fee and a contribution to training and research  (1% and 
0.5% of net turnover, respectively). Moreover, corporation tax is levied at the normal rate of 
                                                
26 Online information v iewed at: https://www.arcep.bf . WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Burkina Faso  
 
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  27.5% of profits; the employers' and apprenticeship tax amounts to  3% of wages; and the 
business tax to 8% of turnov er. 
4.82.   Public network operators are required to publish their technical and tariff conditions for 
interconnection. Connection, subscription and communications tariffs must respect the principle of 
equality of treatment for users and be established so as to pr event any discrimination based on 
geographical location. The Law defines the "powerful operators" for a relevant market; ARCEP 
must approve their proposed tariffs before they can be applied.27 
4.83.   In May  2017, three telephony operators (Orange Burkina, Telecel Faso, and ONATEL) 
shared the market, each of them with comprehensive licences (fixed, mobile, Internet). Orange 
was in the process of installing its fibre optics. In 2010, ARCEP initiated a process of introduction 
of a fourth operator, which proved unsucce ssful as there were no bidders. A second unsuccessful 
attempt was made in 2013. The number of mobile telephone subscriptions (active SIM cards) was 
15.4 million at the end of December  2016 (as against 5.8  million in 2010), which gives a mobile 
teledensity of 81%.28 In 2016, Burkina Faso had 75,700 fixed telephony subscribers, as compared 
with 144,000 in 2010. The State holds 21% of ONATEL's capital.  
4.84.   A Universal Service Fund was established in 2000; it is financed by contributions paid to 
ARCEP by the operato rs and equivalent to 2% of their turnover.29 At the end of 2015, the Fund 
contained nearly CFAF 36  billion (€55  million).  
4.85.   Postal services are provided by the State -owned National Postal Services Company 
(SONAPOST) and include  mail transport, money transfer and national savings bank services. 
SONAPOST has about 109 post offices and employs 1,109 staff across the country. In 
Burkina  Faso, postal activities are regulated by Law No.  028/2010 of 25  May 2010, which 
determines and defines the scope of the universal  postal service, the reserved services and the 
services open to competition. Mail weighing less than 2 kg falls within the SONAPOST monopoly, 
but in practice the "parallel post", in particular the private transport enterprises, compete with 
SONAPOST for th is segment. The principal international express delivery companies have a 
presence in the market.  
4.5.2.3   Transport  
4.5.2.3.1   Land and river transport  
4.86.   Road transport is of key importance for Burkina Faso's international trade, with most 
imports transiting through the coasta l ports and continuing their journey by truck. At the end of 
2013, the road network measured 15,300 km, including around 3,600 km of paved roads, 
2,200  km of dirt roads, and 7,200 km of improved tracks. During the rainy season, quite a few 
villages are the refore not accessible by motor vehicle. The National Road Safety Board contributes 
to the formulation and implementation of an overall road safety policy. In recent years, 
recommendations on road safety have been drawn up and several new weigh stations hav e been 
brought into service.  
4.87.   To some extent, Burkina Faso's access to international markets by sea is handicapped by its 
situation as a landlocked country, as the goods must transit through the ports of neighbouring 
countries, in particular Abidjan (Côte d 'Ivoire), Tema (Ghana), Lomé (Togo) and Cotonou (Benin), 
all more or less 1,000 km away from Ouagadougou. As a result, imports are more expensive and 
exports less competitive (section 1.1). As a transit country, Burkina Faso is called upon to respond 
to the accessibility and security requirements of certain neighbouring countries, in particular Niger 
and Mali, in connection with the supply and export of strategic goods and materials (Annexes on 
Mali and Niger).  
                                                
27 Decree No.  2010-451/PRES/PM/MPTIC/MEF/MCPEA defining the general conditions of interconnection 
of electronic co mmunications networks and services and of access to these networks and services, of 
12 August  2010.  
28 Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications (2015), Rapport annuel d'activités, 2014 . 
29 Decree No.  2000-408/PRES/PM/MCIA of 13  September  2000; repe aled by Decree No.  2011-093 
based on the new law. Access to the universal service and the corresponding fund are governed by Law 
No. 061-2008/AN of 27  November  2008 and its implementing regulations.  WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Burkina Faso  
 
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  4.88.   In 2014, the Burkina Government initiated a re form process with a view to modernizing 
road transport.30 The road transport regulations date mainly from a 1984 order entrusting the 
allocation of freight to the Burkina Shippers' Council, under existing bilateral transport agreements 
with the countries co ncerned.31 These agreements include the Cooperation Agreement on Maritime 
Transport and Transit  between Burkina Faso and the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire , signed on 
14 October  1989, which provides for freight sharing on the basis of 2/3 for Burkina Faso and 1/ 3 
for Côte d'Ivoire. A similar agreement has concluded with Benin and Togo.  
4.89.   According to the community texts, a public road transport licence may only be obtained by 
nationals of Burkina Faso or an ECOWAS or WAEMU member country or a third country that gra nts 
reciprocity to Burkina nationals. In practice, this licence is not required and road transport is 
dominated by the informal sector; one of the objectives of the 2014 decree is to make the licence 
compulsory.  
4.90.   A railway links Ouagadougou and Abidjan. A t otal of 1,260 km long (including 620 km on 
Burkina territory) and managed since 1995 by the private company SITARAIL, it provides between 
20 and 30% of freight transport between Côte d'Ivoire and Burkina Faso. The concession 
agreement between the Burkina S tate and SITARAIL has been renewed up until 2030. Freight 
traffic increased from 678,000 tonnes in 2011 to 800,000 tonnes in 2015. Passenger transport was 
83,000 in 2015, as compared with around 500,000 passengers in 2007. Several programmes to 
rehabilitat e and extend the rail network are being implemented, in particular the construction of a 
Kaya-Tambao line at the expense of a mining company.  
4.91.   River transport in Burkina Faso is mostly informal, in view of the difficulties in accessing the 
surrounding road network, especially in the rainy season. The predominant means of transport is 
the dugout canoe, either paddled or equipped with an outboard motor. Burkina  Faso does not have 
any specific regulations on river navigation. According to the authorities, ways of making better 
use of river transport are being examined.  
4.5.2.3.2   Air transport  
4.92.   Burkina Faso has two international airports, at Ouagadougou and Bobo -Dioulasso, and some 
15 secondary airfields. In 2010 and 2011, major works were carried out at Ouagadougou Airport  
to improve security and passenger reception; the airport handles more than 100 commercial 
flights per week. In 2016, there were 13 companies serving the airport. Air traffic has increased 
substantially since Burkina Faso's last review, but is still under 600,000 passengers per year. At 
around 8,000 tonnes per year, the air freight market is relatively weak, consisting predominantly 
of green beans and mangoes, mainly destined for Europe.  
4.93.   A new Civil Aviation Code adopted in 2010 takes into account the chang es that have been 
introduced into the international civil aviation regulations, as well as the community and regional 
provisions (common report, section 4.4).32 Burkina Faso has signed bilateral air agreements with 
26 third countries, of which 18 are curren tly being exploited. The authorities have indicated that 
the Government favours multi -designation to facilitate the freedoms of the air. It is applying the 
"horizontal" agreement between WAEMU and the EU. Foreign companies, including community 
members, are  not authorized to engage in cabotage. Air Burkina, whose fleet currently consists of 
three aircraft, is the oldest air transport company in the subregion; 49% of its capital is held by 
the State.  
4.94.   Burkina Faso has implemented the WAEMU Directive on the leg al status of civil aviation 
administrations; thus the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC), operational since 2011, is 
responsible for regulation and monitoring. The WAEMU Directive on ground -handling has also been 
transposed into national law.33 However, Burkina Faso has invoked the provision of the Directive 
permitting limits on the number of providers and self -handling: a (public) administrative agency is 
responsible for management and ground handling for all the companies, except for Air Burki na, 
which does its own handling.  
                                                
30 Decree No.  2014-683/PRES/PM/MIDT/MEF/MATS/MICA of 1  August 2014 establishing the categories 
of road transport and the requirements for practising as a haulier . 
31 Order No.  26 MEC.MCODIM.MF of 5  March  1984.  
32 Law No.  013-2010.  
33 Decree No.  2012-1077/PRES/PM/MPPEN of 31  December  2012 on ground handling at airpor ts. WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Burkina Faso  
 
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  4.5.2.4   Tourism  
4.95.   In 2015, Burkina Faso had 447 tourism establishments and 144 travel agencies. 
Between  2009 and 2015, there was a sharp fall in the number of arrivals (Table 4.5). 
Nevertheless, Burkina Faso has numerous cultural and  tourist attractions. The constraints on the 
sector's development include the relatively high cost of air transport, poor access to some tourist 
sites, the often underdeveloped infrastructure and reception facilities, the high price of visas and 
the terror ist threat.  
4.96.   Hotel and restaurant services and travel agencies and tour operators services are 
Burkina  Faso's only specific commitments under the GATS.34 The Schedule of Commitments 
specifies that the number of foreign travel agencies may not exceed one thir d of the national total, 
a provision that is applied in practice although it does not feature in any of the regulations.  
Table 4.5 Tourism, 2009 -2015  
 2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  2014  2015  
International tourists  269,227  274,330  237,725  237,457  217,988  191,102  163,492  
Hotel room occupancy (%)  45 46.4 39.1 43.8 46.7 32.65  33 
Travel agencies  n.a. 50 69 76 88 96 144 
n.a. Not available.  
Source:  Ministry of Tourism.  
4.97.   The Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism is responsible for the government's tourism 
policy.35 The Burkina National Tourism Board, established in 1989, is a public body whose main 
mission is to promote and exploit the national tourism heritage. It is responsible for disseminating 
Burkina Faso's brand  image, listing and developing tourism resources, and advising private 
operators on making investments. Promotion activities include the Ouagadougou International 
Tourism and Hotel Trade Fair, which has been held annually since  2004. A Cultural and Tourism  
Development Fund was established in October  2015 to increase the volume of investment in this 
sector.36 Its provisional budget for 2017 is CFAF 500  million (€760,000). Under the heading of aid 
for the tourism sector, the Government may offer subsidies, loa ns and guarantees to help 
promoters to implement their projects using resources from this fund. Exemption from customs 
duties on imports of hotel fittings and equipment may also be granted, together with capacity 
building and support and advice on tourism trades and on obtaining access to financing for tourism 
projects.  
                                                
34 WTO document GATS/SC/14 of 15  April 1994.  
35 Decree No.  2016-006/PRES/PM/SGG -CM of 8  February  2016.  
36 Decree No.  2016-729/PRES/PM/MCAT/MINEFID of 8  August  2016.  WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Burkina Faso  
 
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  5  APPENDIX TABLES  
Table  A1. 1 Structure of exports , 2009 -2015  
 2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  2014  2015  
World (US$ million ) 795.5 1,288.1 2,312.4 2,411.0 2,650.5 2,845.6 2,177.5 
World ( € million ) 572.7 972.6 1,663.4 1,876.4 1,996.3 2,144.8 1,963.4 
 (Percentage share ) 
Total primary products  45.9 28.5 20.7 25.9 38.2 41.8 33.3 
Agriculture  45.6 28.0 20.4 20.0 28.5 28.5 30.6 
 Food 14.0 10.5 8.7 7.7 11.8 11.0 16.8 
 2225 - Sesame (Sesamum) seeds  6.0 4.3 2.4 3.7 6.1 4.6 7.8 
 0577 - Edible nuts (excluding nuts chiefly 
 used for the extraction of oil)  0.4 0.6 2.7 1.4 2.0 1.5 4.0 
 2237 - Oil-seeds and oleaginous fruits, n.e.s.  1.6 1.1 1.4 0.8 1.6 1.7 1.7 
 0579 - Fruit, fresh or dried, n.e.s.  0.4 0.4 0.2 0.3 0.2 0.3 0.5 
 2223 - Cotton seeds  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.5 0.5 
 4229 - Other fixed vegetable fats, crude, 
 refined or fractionated  0.2 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.4 
 0813 - Oilcake and other solid residues  0.5 0.4 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.4 
 0449 - ....other  0.5 0.5 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.4 0.3 
 0011 - Bovine animals, live  1.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0.1 0.4 0.2 
 Agricultural raw materials  31.6 17.5 11.7 12.3 16.7 17.5 13.7 
 2631 - Cotton (other than linters), not carded 
 or combed  31.3 17.3 11.4 12.2 16.6 17.4 13.1 
 2634 - Cotton, carded or combed  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.5 
 Mining  0.3 0.5 0.3 6.0 9.7 13.3 2.7 
 Ores and other minerals  0.3 0.5 0.3 0.1 0.0 0.5 0.1 
 Non-ferrous metals  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.0 3.1 2.6 
 6861 - Zinc and zinc alloys, unwrought  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.0 3.1 2.5 
 Fuels 0.0 0.0 0.0 5.9 8.7 9.7 0.0 
Manufactures  6.3 2.8 1.9 8.4 5.8 6.8 5.0 
Iron and steel  0.7 0.3 0.1 0.5 0.5 0.6 0.3 
Chemicals  0.3 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.4 0.4 0.7 
Other semi -manufactures  1.9 0.6 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.4 
Machinery and transport equipment  1.7 0.8 0.6 5.9 3.2 4.3 3.0 
 Power -generating machinery  0.1 0.1 0.0 2.6 0.1 0.1 0.1 
 Other non -electrical machinery  0.6 0.5 0.2 1.6 1.7 2.3 1.4 
 Agricultural machinery and tractors  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.1 
Automotive products  0.2 0.0 0.0 0.7 0.5 1.4 0.9 
Other transport equipment  0.7 0.2 0.3 0.6 0.9 0.4 0.6 
Textiles  1.0 0.5 0.3 0.7 0.7 0.6 0.3 
Articles of apparel and clothing accessories  0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
Other consumer goods  0.5 0.3 0.1 0.5 0.6 0.5 0.3 
Other  47.7 68.6 77.4 65.6 56.0 51.4 61.7 
9710 - Gold, non -monetary (excluding gold ores 
and concentrates)  47.7 68.6 77.4 65.6 56.0 51.4 61.7 
Source:  WTO Secretariat calculations based on data from the UNSD Comtrade database (SITC Rev.3) . WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Burkina Faso  
 
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  Table A1. 2 Destination of export s, 2009 -2015  
 2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  2014  2015  
World  (US$ million ) 795.5 1,288.1 2,312.4 2,411.0 2,650.5 2,845.6 2,177.5 
World ( € million ) 572.7 972.6 1,663.4 1,876.4 1,996.3 2,144.8 1,963.4 
 (Percentage share ) 
America  0.1 0.6 0.6 2.7 0.4 0.4 0.6 
 USA 0.0 0.2 0.4 2.4 0.2 0.3 0.1 
 Other America  0.1 0.4 0.2 0.3 0.2 0.1 0.6 
 Canada  0.1 0.3 0.2 0.3 0.2 0.1 0.6 
Europe  70.5 72.6 77.6 67.3 58.0 59.1 57.2 
 EU(28) 14.9 9.1 8.3 8.4 5.4 8.7 6.5 
 France  5.2 2.3 2.4 3.5 2.9 4.1 2.7 
 United Kingdom  3.9 3.0 0.8 1.8 0.3 1.7 1.4 
 Denmark 0.4 0.3 0.6 0.4 0.8 0.6 0.7 
 Netherlands  0.3 1.6 1.8 1.7 0.6 0.4 0.5 
 Greece 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.4 0.4 
 Germany  0.5 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.2 0.3 
 EFTA 55.4 63.5 69.2 58.4 52.2 50.0 50.6 
 Switzerland  55.4 63.5 69.2 58.4 52.2 50.0 50.6 
 Other Europe  0.2 0.1 0.2 0.5 0.4 0.5 0.1 
Commonwealth of 
Independent States (CIS)  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 
Africa 15.3 20.3 15.6 20.6 22.3 26.5 16.0 
 South Africa  0.0 11.2 10.3 9.1 5.4 4.0 3.9 
 Côte d'Ivoire  2.0 1.5 1.0 1.9 2.3 5.2 3.6 
 Togo 0.8 1.1 0.6 0.8 0.8 1.6 2.5 
 Ghana  4.2 2.7 2.1 1.8 2.1 2.5 2.4 
 Niger  3.0 1.8 0.6 0.9 1.3 1.6 1.4 
 Mali 1.2 0.9 0.4 3.5 6.6 8.8 1.3 
Middle East  1.0 0.8 0.3 0.9 0.4 0.2 0.6 
 United Arab Emirates  0.3 0.3 0.2 0.8 0.3 0.1 0.5 
Asia 13.0 5.6 5.8 8.3 18.9 13.8 25.5 
 China  0.1 0.3 0.2 2.8 5.2 1.2 3.0 
 Japan 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 2.1 1.0 0.7 
 Other Asia  12.7 5.3 5.5 5.4 11.5 11.6 21.8 
 India 0.5 0.1 0.4 0.3 0.2 1.1 10.3 
 Singapo re 11.8 4.9 4.7 4.7 5.2 6.8 10.0 
 Viet Nam  0.2 0.1 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.3 0.6 
 Korea, Republic  of 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.4 
 Indon esia 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 2.0 0.9 0.3 
Other  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 
Memorandum :         
WAEMU  9.2 6.2 3.0 8.0 12.6 18.9 9.3 
ECOWASa 13.6 9.0 5.3 10.1 14.8 21.9 11.9 
a WAEMU  members are also included in the calculations.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat calculations based on data from the UNSD Comtrade database . WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Burkina Faso  
 
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  Table  A1. 3 Structure of import s, 2009 -2015  
 2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  2014  2015  
World  (US$ million ) 1,870.3 2,048.2 2,406.4 3,568.0 4,365.4 3,575.1 2,979.8 
World ( € million ) 1,346.3 1,546.5 1,731.1 2,776.9 3,287.9 2,694.7 2,686.7 
 (Percentage share ) 
Total primary products  40.6 38.7 41.7 39.9 39.0 44.9 40.7 
 Agriculture  16.4 15.9 17.3 13.6 12.5 13.1 14.4 
 Food 15.7 15.1 16.6 13.1 12.1 12.7 13.9 
 0423 - Rice, semi -milled or wholly milled  3.7 3.0 3.4 3.2 2.8 2.7 2.8 
 1223 - Other manufactured tobacco  1.8 1.8 1.7 1.2 1.2 1.5 1.7 
 0412 - Other wheat  and meslin, unmilled  1.3 1.0 1.2 0.8 0.8 0.9 1.3 
 0612 - Other beet or cane sugar  0.7 0.9 1.3 0.8 1.1 0.9 1.0 
 Agricultural raw materials  0.7 0.7 0.7 0.5 0.4 0.5 0.5 
 Mining  24.2 22.9 24.5 26.2 26.5 31.8 26.3 
 Ores and other minerals  0.5 0.6 0.6 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.4 
 Non-ferrous metals  0.2 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.1 
 Fuels 23.6 22.0 23.6 25.8 26.0 31.3 25.7 
Manufactures  59.0 60.9 58.1 60.1 60.8 55.0 59.1 
 Iron and steel  3.8 4.8 4.5 5.5 4.9 5.6 3.4 
 Chemicals  13.6 13.8 15.6 13.0 13.7 14.1 15.2 
 5429 - Medicaments, n.e.s.  4.6 3.9 4.6 2.8 4.0 4.4 4.4 
 5629 - Fertilizers, n.e.s.  1.8 1.6 2.4 2.4 2.3 1.6 2.0 
 5416 – Glycosides  1.1 0.6 0.8 0.4 0.5 1.0 1.3 
 Other semi -manufactures  11.1 11.4 10.1 9.2 10.2 9.3 9.6 
 6612 - Portland cement, aluminous cement, 
 slag cement, supersulphate cement and 
 similar hydraulic cements, whether or not 
 coloured  3.7 3.6 3.0 2.6 2.5 2.7 3.3 
 6996 - Articles of iron or steel, n.e.s.  0.6 0.9 1.0 0.9 1.0 0.9 1.0 
 Machine ry and transport equipment  22.3 22.9 21.6 27.0 26.1 20.5 25.7 
 Power -generating machinery  1.7 1.2 1.0 1.1 1.2 0.7 0.7 
 Other non -electrical machinery  6.4 7.2 6.2 10.6 10.9 6.4 8.8 
 7239 - Parts 0.7 1.0 1.2 1.4 1.7 0.6 1.5 
 7283 - Machinery  for sorting, screening, 
 separating, washing, crushing, etc. 1.8 1.0 0.5 1.7 1.5 0.9 1.1 
 Office machines and telecommunications 
 equipment  1.4 2.5 3.3 2.7 1.9 2.4 3.3 
 Other electrical machinery  4.3 2.8 2.4 2.3 2.3 2.4 1.8 
 Automotive products  5.0 5.1 4.3 6.3 6.1 5.1 6.5 
 7812 - Motor vehicles for the transport of 
 persons, n.e.s.  2.8 2.5 2.4 2.4 2.1 2.3 2.4 
 7821 - Motor vehicles for the transport of 
 goods  0.9 0.9 0.6 2.3 2.1 1.3 1.5 
 7832 - Road tractors for semi -trailers  0.2 0.7 0.4 0.3 0.8 0.5 1.1 
 Other transport equipment  3.5 4.1 4.5 4.0 3.7 3.4 4.6 
 7851 - Motor cycles  and cycles fitted with an 
 auxiliary motor  1.9 2.4 2.4 2.0 1.6 1.6 1.7 
 Textiles  2.4 2.2 1.4 1.2 1.9 1.1 0.8 
 Articles of apparel and clothing accessorie s 0.7 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.7 0.6 0.5 
 Other consumer goods  5.1 5.1 4.3 3.6 3.4 3.9 3.8 
Other  0.4 0.4 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 
Source:  WTO Secretariat calculations based on data from the UNSD Comtrade database (SITC Rev.3) . WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Burkina Faso  
 
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  Table  A1. 4 Origin of import s, 2009 -2015  
 2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  2014  2015  
World  (US$ million)  1,870.3 2,048.2 2,406.4 3,568.0 4,365.4 3,575.1 2,979.8 
World (€ million ) 1,346.3 1,546.5 1,731.1 2,776.9 3,287.9 2,694.7 2,686.7 
 (Percentage share ) 
America  8.2 8.7 7.7 12.4 10.0 3.8 10.3 
 USA 4.9 4.0 4.3 7.0 6.2 2.3 6.5 
 Other America  3.3 4.7 3.4 5.4 3.8 1.5 3.8 
 Brazil 1.7 1.0 1.5 0.8 0.9 0.4 1.4 
Europe  33.8 31.7 34.4 32.4 34.9 22.9 35.2 
 EU(28) 32.8 30.2 33.1 30.6 33.6 21.9 34.1 
 France  12.8 10.3 12.1 8.4 8.6 11.1 9.0 
 Netherlands  5.3 4.4 4.0 3.0 8.6 1.3 7.6 
 Spain  2.0 1.5 1.4 1.6 1.4 1.3 3.8 
 Belgium 3.2 2.1 1.7 1.8 2.9 2.9 2.9 
 Germany  3.2 4.0 3.9 3.4 3.6 1.9 2.9 
 Italy 1.2 1.2 1.4 1.5 1.4 1.1 2.2 
 United Kingdom  1.9 3.7 4.4 7.9 3.5 0.3 1.8 
 Sweden  0.6 0.5 1.2 1.3 1.4 0.6 1.1 
 EFTA 0.5 0.4 0.2 0.7 0.5 0.3 0.3 
 Other Europe  0.5 1.1 1.0 1.2 0.7 0.7 0.7 
Commonwealth of 
Independent States 
(CIS)  1.5 2.8 3.2 1.1 0.6 1.0 2.5 
 Russian Federation  0.7 1.5 2.0 1.1 0.6 0.6 2.0 
Africa  31.6 33.1 30.3 27.9 27.7 53.9 25.4 
 Côte d'Ivoire  14.5 16.0 10.7 9.5 8.9 16.9 8.4 
 Ghana  2.8 2.7 2.7 2.7 3.0 5.8 4.0 
 Togo 4.3 4.5 3.9 4.4 4.2 12.1 3.3 
 South Africa  3.6 2.7 1.5 2.6 2.3 1.4 2.6 
 Morocco  0.6 0.8 0.4 0.7 0.6 0.9 1.9 
 Mali 1.2 1.0 2.1 2.1 1.7 1.1 1.4 
Middle East  0.7 1.1 1.4 0.6 0.8 1.2 1.1 
Asia 24.3 22.6 23.1 21.6 26.1 17.2 25.6 
 China  9.8 9.7 9.8 8.9 9.7 9.0 11.1 
 Japan 3.0 2.6 2.4 2.9 2.8 0.7 2.8 
 Other Asia  11.5 10.3 10.9 9.9 13.5 7.6 11.7 
 India 4.4 2.8 3.7 3.4 4.7 3.5 3.3 
 Thailand 1.8 1.0 1.6 1.1 0.9 1.4 2.0 
 Korea, Re public of 0.9 0.8 0.8 1.0 2.2 1.0 1.9 
Other  0.0 0.0 0.0 3.9 0.0 0.0 0.0 
Memorandum :        
WAEMU  21.3 22.8 19.7 18.1 19.0 44.8 14.9 
ECOWASa 25.6 26.8 26.0 22.9 22.6 50.9 19.3 
a WAEMU  members are also included in the calculations . 
Source:  WTO Secretariat calculations based on data from the UNSD Comtrade database .