Inspections conducted by officials of the Agence Béninoise de Régulation et d'Enregistrement des Produits (ABREP) at the Cotonou seaport are critical for ensuring the safety, quality, and conformity of imported products entering Benin. These professional inspections are a multi-stage process designed to protect consumers and uphold national and international standards.

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Pre-Arrival and Documentation Review

Before a vessel's arrival, ABREP officials conduct a thorough documentation review. This initial phase involves verifying the authenticity and completeness of all required shipping documents, including:

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• Bills of lading

• Certificates of origin

• Commercial invoices

• Product conformity certificates (e.g., Certificates of Conformity)

• Health and phytosanitary certificates, where applicable

This review ensures that the goods are properly declared and have met

pre-shipment requirements, thereby creating a paper trail for the physical

inspection.

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Physical Inspection and Sampling

Upon the arrival of the goods, ABREP officials carry out a physical inspection at designated port warehouses or customs inspection areas. This is a critical step where a random or targeted selection of containers and packages is opened for a hands-on examination. The inspection activities include:

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• Visual examination:  Officials check for any visible damage, signs of

      tampering, or discrepancies between the declared goods and the actual

      contents.

• Quantity verification: They verify that the number of packages or units

      matches the information on the manifest.

• Labeling and packaging check: Officials ensure that products are correctly

      labeled in French, with information on the manufacturer, expiration date,

      and ingredients, as required by Beninese law.

• Product sampling: Samples of products, particularly food, pharmaceuticals,

      and cosmetics, are collected for laboratory analysis.

These samples are then sent to accredited laboratories to test for quality, safety, and conformity to

established standards.

 

Laboratory Analysis and Compliance Verification

The laboratory analysis is a crucial follow-up to the physical inspection. This scientific process tests the samples for various parameters, including:

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• Chemical composition: To detect prohibited substances or harmful

      chemicals.

• Microbiological contamination: To ensure food and health products are

      free of harmful bacteria.

• Physical properties: To verify that the products meet the specified technical

      standards.

• Efficacy and authenticity: For pharmaceuticals and other regulated products,

      to confirm they are genuine and effective.

 

Based on the results of the analysis, ABREP makes a final determination on the product's compliance. If a product fails to meet the required standards, officials may order its re-exportation, destruction, or other corrective measures, in accordance with national regulations. This rigorous process ensures that only safe and compliant products reach the Beninese market.