Can I ship a right-hand drive car to Benin?
Benin drives on the right and prefers left-hand drive vehicles. UK right-hand drive cars can be imported but typically command lower resale value and may face higher inspection scrutiny.
Ship a Car from the UK to Benin
Ship your car from the UK to Benin via RORO or shared container. Benin's Port of Cotonou is a major West African vehicle entry hub and serves as the bonded transit gateway for Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali and northern Nigeria. The Ship Cars ships UK vehicles into Cotonou via RORO and shared container, with onward inland transit arranged across the region. Typical transit: 21–28 days from Tilbury or Southampton to Cotonou.. Main discharge port: Cotonou.
- Transit time
- 21–28 days from Tilbury or Southampton to Cotonou.
- Main port
- Cotonou
- Shipping methods
- RORO and container shipping into Cotonou. RORO is the dominant method for West Africa vehicle imports; shared container suits high-value cars and paired loads.
- Import rules
- Benin applies CEMAC/ECOWAS Common External Tariff at 20% on passenger cars, plus 18% VAT and ECOWAS levies. Used vehicles up to 10 years old are admissible; older vehicles attract surcharges. A pre-shipment inspection (PSI) by BIVAC is required.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cotonou used for landlocked-country transit?
Yes. Cotonou is a major bonded transit gateway for Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali, with onward road transit handled by ECOWAS-licensed carriers.
Do I need BIVAC inspection for Benin?
Yes. A pre-shipment inspection by BIVAC (Bureau Veritas) is mandatory before the vessel sails.
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