Standard transfers abroad

Documents and information to be provided for transfer applications

The purpose of this list is to remind you of the general principles governing the execution and control of foreign settlements and the Central Bank’s assessment of the three fundamental aspects studied during the analysis of the file.

Justification for the transfer in terms of the foreign currency position declared by the bank.

  • Production of supporting documents attesting to the reality of the operations.
  • Compliance with Regulation R09/2010/CM/UEMOA on the external financial relations of UEMOA Member States.

For more information, visit the BCEAO page : reglement-relatif-aux-relations-financieres-exterieures-des-etats-de-uemoa-textes-application.pdf (bceao.int)

Merchandise settlement transactions

Advance payment – Before importation

With regard of exchange regulations:

  • Transfer request signed by the customer
  • Exchange authorisation completed and signed
  • Commercial invoice(s) showing the terms of the advance
  • Intent to import issued by the bank (if other bank, certificate of non-imputation)
  • A letter of undertaking from the customer to provide the BIVAC verification certificate (or any other equivalent document) and the transport document (BL/AWB) after import…
After importation

With regard of exchange regulations

  • Transfer request signed by the customer
  • Exchange authorisation completed and signed
  • Final commercial invoice(s)
  • Intention to import domiciled with BICIM (if other bank, certificate of non-imputation)
  • Transport document (BL/AWB)

Au vu de la BCEAO pour couverture

  • Documents prévus par La réglementation des changes
  • Attestation de vérification BIVAC (COTECNA, selon le bénéficiaire de La License du moment)
  • + la lettre de relance de créance du fournisseur dans le cas où la (les) facture(s) serait(ent) échue(s)

Fuel purchase transactions

To BCEAO for cover

  • Transfer request signed by the customer
  • Exchange authorisation completed and signed
  • Final commercial invoice(s)
  • Intention(s) to import domiciled with BICIM (if other bank, certificate of non-imputation)
  • BL (bill of lading)

 To BCEAO for cover

  • Documents required by foreign exchange regulations
  • Verification certificate or other equivalent document
  • Quarterly statement of commercial debt
  • Quarterly table of borrowings
  • Forecast statement of borrowings
  • Where applicable, a letter of extension justifying any difference of more than eight (08) days in relation to the projected statement of payments.

Foreign investment operations

 In accordance with foreign exchange regulations

  • Transfer request signed by the customer
  • Exchange authorisation completed and signed
  • Contract proving the reality of the investment

With regard to the BCEAO for cover

  • Documents required by foreign exchange regulations
  • Information letter sent to the Minister of Finance
  • Proof that the investment is at least 75% financed by foreign loans
  • Amortisation schedule

Dividend settlement operations

In view of exchange regulations

  • Transfer request signed by the customer
  • Exchange authorisation completed and signed
  • Resolution of the General Meeting of Shareholders

To BCEAO for cover

  • Documents required by foreign exchange regulations
  • Company shareholding
  • Certified statements for the financial year in question
  • Up-to-date tax receipt
  • Receipt of IRVM payment
  • Minutes of the Board of Directors ruling on the allocation of profits

New vehicle purchase operations

Before Importation

In accordance with foreign exchange regulations

  • Transfer request signed by the customer
  • Exchange authorisation completed and signed
  • Commercial invoice setting out the terms of the advance
  • Intention to import issued by BICIM (if other bank, certificate of non-imputation)
  • A letter of undertaking from the customer to provide the transport document (BL) and, if applicable, the BIVAC verification certificate (or any other equivalent document) in accordance with the statement(s) on the import declaration.

About the BCEAO for cover

  • Documents required by foreign exchange regulations
After importation

In accordance with foreign exchange regulations

  • Transfer request signed by the customer
  • Exchange authorisation completed and signed
  • Final commercial invoice with payment details
  • Intention to import domiciled with BICIM (if other bank, certificate of non-imputation)
  • BL (Bill of lading)
  • Possibly a BIVAC verification certificate (or any other equivalent document), depending on what is stated on the intention to import.

With regard to the BCEAO for cover

  • Documents required by foreign exchange regulations

Settlement transactions

In accordance with foreign exchange regulations

  • Transfer request signed by the customer
  • Exchange authorisation completed and signed
  • Invoice(s)
  • Service contract indicating the basis for calculating the amount covered by the transfer request + any amendments to the contract

To BCEAO for cover

  • Documents required by foreign exchange regulations
  • + Tax receipt up to date

Freight settlement operations

In accordance with foreign exchange regulations

  • Transfer request signed by the customer
  • Exchange authorisation completed and signed
  • Freight invoice (max. approx. €20,000.00 per container)
  • Bills of lading (BL) corresponding to the freight invoice

With regard to the BCEAO for cover

  • Documents required by foreign exchange regulations
  • Final commercial invoice for the goods and merchandise transported
  • Intention to import domiciled by BICIM (if other bank, certificate of non-imputation) of the invoice for the goods and merchandise transported
  • The BIVAC verification certificate (or any other equivalent document) according to the indication(s) on the intention to import relating to the intention to import the goods and merchandise transported.

Technical assistance settlement transactions

In accordance with foreign exchange regulations

  • Transfer request signed by the customer
  • Exchange authorisation completed and signed
  • Invoice(s)
  • Technical assistance contract indicating the basis for calculating the amount of the invoice + any amendment(s)

In accordance with foreign exchange regulations

  • Documents required by foreign exchange regulations
  • Tax receipt up to date

Settlement transactions/salary savings

In accordance with foreign exchange regulations

  • Transfer request signed by the customer
  • Exchange authorisation completed and signed
  • Salary slips

With regard to the BCEAO for cover

  • Documents required by foreign exchange regulations
  • Work contract
  • Certificate of employment less than three months old