SHIPPING PROCEDURE FROM VIETNAM TO CÔTE D’IVOIRE (IVORY COAST)

Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) is the third-largest economy in West Africa, covering an area of approximately 322,460 km² with a population of over 28 million. Strategically located on the Gulf of Guinea, it boasts a coastline of more than 500 km and a tropical climate divided into two main zones: humid rainforest in the south and savannah in the north. Thanks to its diverse terrain and well-connected internal transport via seaports and highways, Côte d’Ivoire has become a key transshipment and commercial hub in the region.

Its economy thrives in agriculture, construction, processing industries, and the import of consumer goods. International trade accounts for over 50% of the national GDP, with Vietnam being one of its key trading partners in Asia. Vietnamese goods such as rice, coffee, pepper, textiles, construction materials, and mechanical equipment are increasingly gaining market share due to competitive pricing and rising demand.

In particular, Côte d’Ivoire’s open trade policies and flexible import regulations—such as the BESC (Bordereau Électronique de Suivi des Cargaisons) system—along with modern port infrastructure at Abidjan and San Pedro, make shipping from Vietnam to this country smoother than ever. With a large market potential and low trade barriers, Côte d’Ivoire is a highly promising destination for Vietnamese businesses looking to expand into Africa.

Let Unicorn Logistics guide you through the shipping process from Vietnam to Côte d’Ivoire. If you are looking for a reliable shipping partner from China to Vietnam, explore our services. Unicorn Logistics is a professional logistics and freight forwarding provider committed to cost-effective, reputable, and fast services.

📧 Contact: Eric@unicornlogs.com | 📞 0907256567 – Mr. Bắc (Eric), Head of Sales.

1. Major Ports in Côte d’Ivoire

Abidjan Port – West Africa’s Largest Logistics Hub
Abidjan Port handles approximately 90% of the country’s import and export volume. Located in the economic capital, it is one of the most modern and busiest ports in West Africa. The Côte d’Ivoire Terminal (CIT) features a berth depth of up to 16 meters and an annual capacity of 1.5 million TEUs—able to receive large vessels like the MSC Aliya (14,000+ TEUs).

With the 13.5 km Vridi Canal, 36 modern berths, and capacity to handle up to 60 ships at once, Abidjan Port also serves landlocked countries such as Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger via an extensive road and rail network. The port contributes about 70% of national customs revenue and nearly 60% of total industrial value.

San Pedro Port
Located in the southwest near the Liberian border, San Pedro is the second-largest port in Côte d’Ivoire and is key for agricultural exports—especially cocoa, coffee, palm oil, and minerals.

The port processes over 3.5 million tons of goods annually and is among the world’s largest cocoa export points. With a berth depth of up to 14 meters, it accommodates Panamax and Post-Panamax vessels. The TIPSP (Terminal Industriel Polyvalent de San Pedro) is equipped with 100-ton cranes and handles up to 600 TEUs per day.

2. Shipping Modes from Vietnam to Côte d’Ivoire

Sea Freight (most common):

• FCL (Full Container Load): Suitable for large shipments, cost-efficient.

• LCL (Less than Container Load): Ideal for small shipments, though it requires careful packaging and handling at the destination.

Air Freight:
Used only for urgent or high-value goods due to higher costs. The main airport is Felix Houphouet-Boigny International Airport (Abidjan).

3. Transit Time & Sailing Schedule from Vietnam to Côte d’Ivoire

• Sea freight time: Approximately 40–45 days from Cát Lái (HCMC) or Hải Phòng to Abidjan, depending on carrier and transshipment route.

• Common routes: Vietnam → Singapore → Middle East (Jebel Ali, Salalah) → West Africa → Abidjan.

• Booking note: Book 7–10 days in advance to avoid equipment shortage or space issues.

4. Shipping Procedure from Vietnam to Côte d’Ivoire

Step 1: Consultation & Quotation
Unicorn Logistics consults on the best shipping route, container type, and provides an all-in-one quote including sea freight, port fees, documentation, CTN, and taxes (if any).

Step 2: Packing & Document Preparation
Goods are packed to international standards. Required documents include: Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, Contract, C/O (if applicable), and inspection certificates (if required).

Step 3: Customs Declaration in Vietnam
Declare goods on the VNACCS/VCIS system, pay export taxes (if any), and complete customs clearance at the port.

Step 4: Booking & Delivery to Port
Book vessel space, allocate containers (FCL) or consolidate cargo (LCL), and transport goods to the port of export.

Step 5: International Transportation
Track shipment movement and update the client regularly.

Step 6: Import Procedure in Côte d’Ivoire
Consignee must register the BESC (Bordereau Électronique de Suivi des Cargaisons) – a mandatory cargo tracking document. Then proceed with customs declaration, import tax payment, and VAT to complete clearance.

5. Typical Fees and Documents for Shipping from Vietnam to Côte d’Ivoire

In Vietnam:

• Local Charges: THC, VGM, handling fees

• Inland Transport: From warehouse to port

• Documentation Fees: B/L, Invoice, Packing List, C/O

• Peak Season Surcharge (if any)

• Ocean Freight (FCL or LCL)

• Shipping Line Surcharges: CIC, CAF, bunker surcharge

In Côte d’Ivoire:

• BESC (CTN) Fee – mandatory cargo tracking document

• Import Duties: 15–25% depending on HS code

• VAT: Approx. 18%

• Port Handling Fees: Unloading, inspection, container drop

• Storage/Detention Fees if exceeding free time

• Local Forwarder Fees for customs clearance & delivery

6. How to Calculate Freight Charges from Vietnam to Côte d’Ivoire

For FCL (Full Container Load):
Total Freight = Cost per Container x Number of Containers (or Bills/Shipments)

For LCL (Less than Container Load):
Volume = (Length × Width × Height) × Quantity (in m³)

Compare volume vs. weight:

• If 1 ton < 3 CBM → Heavy Cargo → Priced by KGS

• If 1 ton ≥ 3 CBM → Light Cargo → Priced by CBM

Conversion:

• 1 ton = 3 CBM

• 1 CBM = 1000 kg

Formulas:

• KGS Rate = (Weight in kg × Freight per CBM) / 1000

• CBM Rate = Volume × Freight per CBM

Freight per CBM is defined by the international logistics provider.

7. Key Export Products to Côte d’Ivoire

• Agricultural Products: Rice, coffee, pepper, instant noodles
• Textiles & Footwear
• Construction Materials: Steel, tiles, cement
• Electronics, Consumer Goods, Mechanical Equipment

8. Unicorn Logistics Services

Unicorn Logistics is one of Vietnam’s leading companies in international freight forwarding and logistics. With extensive experience and a professional team, we are committed to providing comprehensive, efficient, and cost-effective logistics solutions for all businesses.

Core Services:

• International Sea & Air Freight: From Vietnam to global ports and airports (and vice versa).

• Domestic Transportation: Via road, waterway, and rail.

• Full Customs Clearance Services: Available in Hanoi, Hải Phòng, Đà Nẵng, HCMC, and key border gates.

• C/O (Certificate of Origin) Consultation & Application

• Free Logistics Consultation: HS codes, import/export tax, payment policies, shipping solutions.

• Contract & Documentation Support: Export-import contracts, invoices, packing list templates, etc.

Unicorn Logistics is proud to be a trusted partner in global freight services, offering high-quality solutions with a team of experienced, dedicated professionals. We are ready to support businesses through customs procedures, clearance, and delivery. With a transparent, fast, and efficient process, we aim to help customers minimize risks, reduce costs, and optimize logistics operations.

📧 Contact:
Mr. Bắc (Eric), Head of Sales – UNICORN
📩 Email: Eric@unicornlogs.com
📞 Phone: 0907256567