Frequently Asked Questions

Shipping times vary based on the mode of transport, origin, and destination. Here are general estimates for shipments from or to Dakar, Senegal:

Ocean Freight: 15-25 days to European ports (e.g., Le Havre, Rotterdam, Barcelona), 30-45 days to Asian ports (e.g., Shanghai, Singapore), and 20-30 days to North American ports (e.g., New York, Houston). These times can vary based on transshipment connections and port congestion.

Air Freight: 2-5 business days to most global destinations, including customs clearance at both ends. Express air services can deliver within 1-3 days for urgent shipments.

Road Transport: 2-7 days for regional West African destinations depending on distance, border crossings, and road conditions.

WTL provides estimated transit times for every quote so you can plan your supply chain accordingly.

WTL provides multiple ways to track your shipments:

Customer Portal: Log in to your WTL customer portal at any time to view real-time shipment status, including current location, estimated arrival time, and milestone events (picked up, departed origin, in transit, arrived at port, cleared customs, delivered).

Email Updates: We send proactive email notifications at key milestones throughout the shipment journey. You can customize which events trigger notifications.

Dedicated Account Manager: Your WTL account manager is always available by phone or email to provide detailed status updates and address any concerns about your shipment.

For ocean shipments, we also provide direct links to carrier tracking pages so you can verify vessel positions independently.

Customs duties in Senegal are calculated based on several factors:

HS Code Classification: Every product is assigned a Harmonized System (HS) tariff code that determines the applicable duty rate. Senegal follows the WAEMU/UEMOA Common External Tariff with four bands: 0% for essential goods, 5% for raw materials and capital goods, 10% for semi-finished products, and 20% for finished consumer goods.

Customs Value: Duties are typically calculated on the CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) value of the goods, meaning the product cost plus insurance and shipping charges to the port of Dakar.

Additional Levies: Beyond the base duty, imports are subject to VAT (18%), a 1% statistical fee, 1% community solidarity levy, 0.5% ECOWAS community levy, and COSEC charges.

WTL provides detailed duty and tax estimates before your goods ship, so there are no surprises. Our customs brokers ensure correct classification to avoid overpayment or penalties.

While cargo insurance is not legally mandatory for all shipments, WTL strongly recommends it. Carrier liability is severely limited under international conventions: ocean carriers typically limit liability to approximately USD 500 per container under the Hague-Visby Rules, regardless of the actual cargo value.

All-Risk Coverage: Protects against physical loss or damage from virtually any external cause including rough handling, water damage, theft, and accidents during transit.

Named Perils Coverage: A more economical option covering specific risks such as fire, sinking, collision, and natural disasters.

War & Strikes: Additional coverage for losses caused by war, civil unrest, strikes, or terrorism, particularly important for certain trade routes.

Insurance premiums typically range from 0.3% to 1.5% of the cargo value depending on the commodity, route, and coverage level. WTL arranges insurance through reputable underwriters and assists with claims processing if needed.

Proper packaging is essential for protecting your goods during international transit. General requirements include:

Ocean Freight: Goods must be packaged to withstand stacking pressure, vibration, humidity, and potential rough seas. Use export-grade packaging, palletize when possible, and ensure containers are properly stuffed to prevent shifting. Wooden packaging must comply with ISPM-15 (heat treated and marked) to meet phytosanitary requirements.

Air Freight: Packaging must meet IATA standards. Goods should be securely packed to handle pressure changes and multiple handling points. Weight distribution must be even, and packages must fit standard ULD (Unit Load Device) dimensions.

Hazardous Materials: DG (Dangerous Goods) must be packaged in UN-certified containers with proper labeling, markings, and documentation per IMDG Code (sea) or IATA DGR (air).

WTL offers professional packaging and crating services for sensitive, fragile, or high-value cargo. Contact us for specific packaging guidance for your products.

Senegal prohibits or restricts the import of several categories of goods:

Prohibited Items: Narcotics and psychotropic substances, counterfeit goods, pornographic materials, certain weapons and ammunition, and products that violate intellectual property rights.

Restricted Items (requiring special permits): Pharmaceuticals (Ministry of Health authorization), food products (sanitary/phytosanitary certificates), chemicals and pesticides (environmental permits), telecommunications equipment (ARTP authorization), used vehicles over a certain age, and certain electronics requiring type approval.

CITES-Controlled: Endangered species products, ivory, and certain animal or plant specimens require CITES permits.

WTL reviews every shipment against current regulations and advises clients on any permits or certifications needed before shipping. This proactive approach prevents costly seizures or returns at the border.

Incoterms (International Commercial Terms) are standardized trade rules published by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) that define the responsibilities of buyers and sellers in international transactions. The most commonly used Incoterms include:

EXW (Ex Works): The buyer bears all costs and risks from the seller's premises. Best for experienced importers who want full control.

FOB (Free on Board): The seller delivers goods onto the vessel; risk transfers once on board. Very common for ocean freight from Asia.

CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight): The seller pays freight and insurance to the destination port. The buyer handles import clearance. Most common for imports into Senegal.

DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): The seller handles everything including customs and duties at destination. Simplest for the buyer but most expensive.

WTL can advise on the best Incoterm for your specific transaction based on your experience level, relationship with the supplier, and cost optimization goals.

WTL offers flexible payment options for our logistics services:

Bank Transfer: Direct wire transfer to our bank accounts in Senegal (CFA Franc) or international accounts (USD, EUR). This is the most common payment method for commercial clients.

Corporate Account: Established clients can apply for a credit account with net-15 or net-30 payment terms, subject to credit approval.

Letter of Credit: For large transactions, we accept payment through documentary letters of credit issued by recognized banks.

Mobile Money: For smaller domestic transactions, we accept Orange Money and Wave payments.

All invoices are itemized and transparent, showing each cost component separately (freight, customs duties, handling charges, etc.). We provide pro-forma invoices before service delivery so you can arrange payment in advance.

If your cargo arrives damaged or is lost during transit, WTL has a structured claims process:

Step 1 - Report Immediately: Notify WTL and the carrier within 3 days of delivery for visible damage, or within 15 days for concealed damage. Document the damage with photographs and retain all packaging materials.

Step 2 - File Written Claim: Submit a formal written claim with supporting documents: commercial invoice, bill of lading, packing list, damage photographs, survey report (if applicable), and a statement of the claimed amount.

Step 3 - Survey & Investigation: WTL coordinates a cargo survey if needed and works with the carrier and insurer to investigate the claim. We act as your advocate throughout the process.

Step 4 - Settlement: Once liability is established, the claim is settled per the terms of the cargo insurance policy or carrier liability limits. Most claims are resolved within 30-60 days.

Having cargo insurance significantly simplifies and expedites the claims process. WTL assists with all claims documentation and negotiations at no additional charge.

WTL offers warehousing and storage services at our facilities in Dakar with the following options:

Short-Term Storage: Ideal for goods awaiting customs clearance or last-mile delivery. Typically billed per cubic meter per day or per pallet position per day. First 3 days of storage are often included in our clearing service package.

Long-Term Warehousing: Monthly rates available for businesses needing ongoing storage. Includes inventory management, stock reporting, and order fulfillment services. Rates vary by volume and cargo type.

Specialized Storage: Temperature-controlled storage for perishables, secured areas for high-value goods, and covered/open yard storage for oversized cargo and vehicles. Pricing is customized based on requirements.

Value-Added Services: Labeling, repackaging, kitting, quality inspection, and container stuffing/destuffing are available at additional charges.

Warehousing fees depend on cargo volume, storage duration, handling requirements, and any special conditions. Contact us for a customized warehousing quote tailored to your needs.