General Standards
Standards applied in Benin are based on those of France and those developed by international or multilateral organizations.
Standards organizations
The Benin Agency for Standardization and Quality Management (ABENOR) is responsible for approving and disseminating government standards on all products and services. ABENOR also assists certification of conformity procedures. The agency operates under the Ministry of Industry.
The primary functions of ABENOR are the following:
- develop a framework to engage all standardization partners
- develop and implement a national standardization and certification policy
- coordinate national standards development work
- ensure the promotion, adoption and voluntary use of standards
- implement the National Certification Scheme for Products and Services, and operate the national conformity marking system
- ensure reliability of the National Standardization and Quality Management System
- ensure representation of Benin on regional and international standards, certification and accreditation bodies
- propose to the Government of Benin standards that should be mandatory
- develop certification activities to ensure compliance with standards
- coordinate facilitation of standardization and capacity building in Benin
- promote the quality and reliability of products, goods and services, including for environmental protection
- provide technical secretariat services for standardization within the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) area.
Conformity Assessment
Conformity assessment is carried out by public organizations including the Food Safety Control Agency (ABSSA), the Ministry of Health’s Pharmacies Department, and the Department of Metrology and Quality Standards,.
Product Certification/Accreditation
The Food Safety Control Agency (French: Direction de l'Alimentation et de la Nutrition Appliquee - ABSSA) and the Department of Animal Husbandry of the Ministry of Agriculture are the only agencies authorized to test food products and issue certifications for import and export prior to their clearance at the port of entry. Pharmaceutical products are tested by Benin’s Pharmaceutical Products Control Office (Direction des Pharmacies) at the port of entry before clearance.
Labeling and marking
Labeling and marking are very important for the importation of products into the country. The labels on the imported products should include the name of the product, the country of origin, the manufacture and the expiration dates.
Contacts
Benin Agency for Standardization and Quality Management (ABENOR)
E-mail: cebenorbenin@yahoo.fr
Address: Immeuble Trinité Quartier Avleketecondji, 1ère Von à droite Après le Carrefour Caboma, Cotonou, Benin
Tel: +229 21 31 04 49
Fax: +229 21 31 04 49
Pharmaceutical Products Control Office (Direction des Pharmacies)
Tel/Fax: +229 21 332178
Food Safety Control Agency (French Direction de l'Alimentation et de la Nutrition Appliquee – ABSSA)
Email: yombomalete@yahoo.fr
Address: BP 295 Porto-Novo, Benin
Tel: +229 20 212670
Fax: +229 20 213963
