2.3.1 Border Crossing of GAYA

Overview Daily Capacity Customs Clearance Other Relevant Information

Overview

Gaya hosts a Customs Office, the CNUT, Soniloga and representatives from the Police Sanitaire that are charged with controlling incoming goods. The processes normally run smoothly and can be expected to be completed within two (2) working days. Delays can arise due to problems with internet connection, and the crossing can in period be congested.

A perpetual challenge is the ratio of trucks with Nigerien registration that is enforced by the CNUT and transporters union. The rule is that two thirds (2/3) of trucks for any combined cargo should be registered in Niger. However, there is often not enough Nigerien trucks available at the ports to clear the cargo and Beninese trucks are generally cheaper. Thus the rule is often violated which can lead to problems when crossing.

Border Crossing Location and Contact

Name of Border Crossing - Gaya

Province or District Alibori Department () / Dosso Department (Niger)

Nearest Town or City with Distance from Border Crossing Gaya 7.5km

Malanville 3.4km

Latitude 011.884049

Longitude 003.397000

Managing Authority / Agency Niger Customs

Contact Person Colonel Babayé (+227 96 98 68 89)

Travel Times

Nearest International Airport Diori Hamani International Airport (Niamey)

Distance in km: 227km

Truck Travel Time: 3 Days

Car Travel time: 4h37

Nearest Port Port Autonome de

736km

Truck Travel Time: 9 days

Car Travel time: 10h30

Nearest location with functioning wholesale markets, or with significant manufacturing or Niamey production capacity 285km

Truck Travel Time: 3 days

Car Travel time: 4h50

Other Information Border Bridge crossing. Fuel stations available en route.

Page 1 Hours of Operation

Mondays 800 – 1730

Tuesdays 800 – 1730

Wednesdays 800 – 1730

Thursdays 800 – 1730

Fridays 800 – 1730

Saturdays 800 – 1730

Sundays Closed

National Holidays 2018: January 1; April 24; May 1; June 15; August 3, 22, 23; November 20; December 18. Muslim holidays subject to change according to lunar position.

Seasonal Rainy season June to September Constraints

Daily Capacity

There is a separate lane for private cars. Vehicles that are not carrying cargo will be charged between 30 USD and 60 USD depending on the type of vehicle by Soniloga. North of 100 vehicles crosses the border on a daily basis.

Customs Clearance

The Customs Office requires and invoice and packing list for the cargo. They will also require a BESC/ECTN (Bordereau Electronique de Suivi des Cargaisons / Electronic Cargo Tracking Note) if the goods are coming in through the ports. If the goods originate in the region at Certificate of origin with the value of the goods are required instead of the BESC/ECTN). The CNUT will check the waybills and that the ratio of Nigerien trucks is respected – 2/3 registered in Niger. La Police Sanitaire will check that food items have their phytosanitary certification.

Delays can be expected when the crossing is congested, import of food items peak around April to July. Connection issues are a recurrent problem that will cause delays. Otherwise not respecting the Nigerien truck ratio can block the trucks at the border.

Each truck is charged USD 10 for customs declaration and an additional USD 10 for extra-legal labour. On top of this comes phytosanitary fees of USD 1 per metric ton and an escort fee by destination, in USD:

Dosso Niamey Maradi Tillabery Arlit Azelik Konni Magaria Agadez Zinder Malbaza Tahoua Diffa

50 50 150 110 350 254 134 310 290 280 134 174 364

For more information on customs in NIGER, please see the following link:

1.3 Niger Customs Information

Other Relevant Information

Trucks and containers are not opened and inspected at the crossing. This is performed at the regional Customs Offices where the goods are destined. For this reason the process is relatively fluid and will normally be done within 48 hours maximum.

There is no weighing at Gaya. This control is performed in Dosso.

Goods intended for transit through Niger needs transit authorisation to be let through. Pharmaceutical goods needs special import permit that can be obtained from the Health Ministry. Dangerous goods also requires special import permit.

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link:

4.1 Government Contact List

Page 2