Republic ofCôte d'Ivoire WT/TPR/S/2
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IV. TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BYMEASURE
(1) Introduction
1. Amajor effort atliberalization, comprising tariffreform andareduction innon-tariff barriers,
isinprogress inCôted'Ivoire. Other recent reforms include, inprinciple, theadoption ofthenew
agreement oncustoms value following theratification oftheUruguay Round Agreements. Thecurrent
moves towards standardization donotappear tobeimpeding trade. Theprocess ofgovernment
procurement isopentoforeign goods andservices, although theaward ofcontracts appears tofavour
certain suppliers. Import policy nevertheless remains complex, withamultiplicity ofimport duties,
fewofwhich havebeenbound. Thedomestic taxsystem gives certain localactivities considerable
support.
2. Despite thedecline intheterms oftrade, theIvorian economy remains particularly dependent
onexports ofgoods andservices, which account for50percentofGDP. However, recent export
policy reflects littleattempt atliberalization: theadministrative procedures could befurther simplified,
while thedomestic environment (local transport, costofservices, taxsystem) continues tohamper
thesector 'sperformance.
3. Parallel withtheliberalization ofimports, greatefforts arebeing made toimprove theoperation
ofthemarkets. Following therecent passage ofalawoncompetition andtheremoval ofpricecontrols,
asubstantial privatization programme hasbeenlaunched, while theInvestment Code hasbeenrevised
inorder toincrease thedegree ofcompetition intheeconomy.
(2) Measures directly affecting imports
4. Since independence anduntilrecently Côted'Ivoire hasbeendeveloping atrade policy based
ontheprinciple ofimport substitution. Consequently foreign competition insectors where there was
adomestic industry hasbeenrestricted bynumerous andhighcustoms duties andbyquantitative
restrictions onimports. In1987, themean rateofeffective protection wasestimated at52percent
ofvalue added forthewhole ofindustry.1Furthermore these customs barriers limited domestic
competition, encouraged unofficial trade andincreased export prices forIvorian goods andservices,
inparticular through theireffect onthecostofinputs. Attheendofthe1980s, theauthorities began
discarding import substitution policies infavour ofliberalizing theeconomy. Thus theGovernment
announced in1990 thatitsobjective wastoreduce effective protection to40percent, inparticular
byeliminating quantitative restrictions onimports, andintroduced themainimport policy reforms in
1993.
5. InOctober 1993areform ofthecustoms tariffbrought about asubstantial reduction incustoms
duties, which wasfollowed byseveral reductions in1994; bythebeginning of1995, import duties,
atanaverage of22percent, weredown nearly halfway below the1990 level. After thedevaluation
ofJanuary 1994, theGovernment announced aprogramme fortheelimination ofquantitative restrictions
onimports, which should inprinciple considerably improve access tocertain markets forforeign
products.
6. These reforms represent amarked opening oftheIvorian economy toforeign goods through
thecombined effect oftariffreductions andtheremoval ofquotas. Thereduction intherateofexchange
1Shaaeldin andSedegan (1994). Inother words, intheabsence ofprotection, thenational value added would
decrease bythatpercentage.WT/TPR/S/2 Trade Policy Review Mechanism
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should limittheeffect ofthisopening onthetradebalance while stimulating theexternal competitiveness
ofthenational economy. Intheabsence oflarge-scale direct taxation, however, customs revenue
accounts formore than50percentoftheIvorian Government 'sincome (Chart IV.1). Substantial
foreign financing accordingly remains essential inorder tomitigate theeffect oftrade liberalization
onbudgetary balances. Theneedtomaintain suchbalances might inthefuture restrain theprocess
ofliberalization andmake itnecessary towiden thefiscal base.
(i) Registration, documentation andinspection
7. InCôted'Ivoire, anenterprise orindividual wishing toimport goods orservices isrequired
tocomply withmany formalities (Chart IV.2). Thepractice ofindustrial, crafts orcommercial
occupationsissubjecttopriordeclaration.Animporter-exporter'scardmustbeobtainedasapreliminary
toanyinternational trading activity. Inaddition, thepurchase offoreign currency issubject toapproval
bytheMinistry ofFinance; inpractice suchapproval isgranted inalmost allcases. Allimports of
anf.o.b. value ofCFAF 1million ormore aresubject toaprocedure ofprior declaration, either an
"import information sheet" (FRI) oranimport licence (LI).2Animport licence isvalidforsixmonths
andmaybeextended onceonlyforthreemonths. Anewdeclaration ismandatory ifthefinaltransaction
isconcluded withadifferent supplier orforadifferent typeofproduct orintheevent ofanychange
inthequantity orvalue oftheorder beyond atolerance of10percent.
2InMarch 1995 CFAF 1million represented approximately US$2,000.Republic ofCôte d'Ivoire WT/TPR/S/2
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8. Certain goods maybeimported intoCôte d'Ivoire onlybycertain authorized importers
(Chapter IV(.2)(v)). Thisapplies inparticular torice,wheat, sugar andcrude petroleum. Authorized
importers aregenerally semi-public enterprises whose monopoly onimports isgradually being removed.
9. Côted'Ivoire hasinstructed theSociété générale desurveillance (SGS) toinspect imports of
goods before shipment byseaorair.3Importers arerequired todeclare anytransaction ofanf.o.b.
value ofCFAF 1million ormore except inthecases shown intheschedule ofcategories ofgoods
excluded from thefieldofoperation ofSGS.4Allcontracts, invoices, order forms, letters ofcredit
andother related documents mustbeartheinscription "Inspection SGS" or"Tobeinspected bySGS".
10. Theinspection iscarried outbySGSofficials intheexporting country before shipment. Goods
ofanf.o.b. value ofCFAF 3million ormore aresubject tomandatory inspection; those between
CFAF 1million and3million invalue aresubject torandom checking. TheSGSinspectors issue
averification certificate which isproduced totheSGSliaison office atAbidjan.5Goods onwhich
anotice ofrefusal ofcertification hasbeenissued byreason ofirregularities ofquantity orquality or
overinvoicing mayenter Côted'Ivoire onlyintransit.
11. Imports maynotbepaidforuntiltheoriginal oftheverification certificate andofthefinal
invoice issued bytheimporter 'sbankorfinancial intermediary havebeenreceived. Theamount paid
maynotexceed theinvoice value certified bytheSociété générale desurveillance bymore than
10percent. SGScharges feesattherateof0.75percentadvalorem ofthef.o.b. import value.
12. Inrecentyears,thecustomshaveintroducedtheacceleratedclearanceprocedure(PAD)whereby
goods caninprinciple bereleased within 24hours.6Thisprocedure isavailable onlyforfreshproduce,
goods temporarily imported byexporters (except textiles), official aid,goods imported byembassies
andgoods imported bycertain beneficiary companies.7Itiscombined withthetemporary admission
procedure (Chapter IV(3)(ix)). Consequently certain enterprises enjoy substantial advantages interms
oftimeandcost.
13. Allimports orexports ofgoods mustpassthrough thehands ofanauthorized customs agent.8
Inaddition, allimports ofgoods forcommercial orindustrial purposes mustbeinsured withaninsurance
broker established inCôted'Ivoire under Ivorian lawandapproved bytheauthorities orwithanyother
agent dulyauthorized bytheMinistry ofFinance (Chapter V(5)(vii)(b)).
3Decree No.93-313 of11March 1993, Ministerial Order No.0038 of12March 1993.
4These include inparticular gold, precious metals, explosives, scrap iron, precious stones, works ofart,
other scrap metal, developed cinematographic films, periodicals, stamps, banknotes, cheque-books, passports,
usedpersonal effects, usedvehicles, personal gifts, postal parcels, crude andpartly refined petroleum, donations
byinternational agencies andfresh andrefrigerated agricultural produce.
5Acertificate ofnon-verification maybeissued when theimport dossier hasnotbeen selected forrandom
check.
6Circulars Nos. 635of3December 1990 and660of13June 1991.
7PAD andbeneficiary enterprise status aregranted bytheGeneral Directorate ofCustoms according toseveral
factors, inparticular removal credit (ability topaycustoms duties). Forauthorized enterprises, customs officers
gototheenterprise andclear thegoods onthespot.
8Acustoms agent, inorder tobeauthorized toactassuch, must beconstituted asajoint stock company
withpaid-up capital ofatleastCFAF 25million. Hemustbeinaposition toproduce thesecurities andguarantees
prescribed bythecustoms regulations. Authorization isgiven bytheMinistry oftheEconomy andFinance.
Thefeescharged bycustoms agents areatapproved rates.Republic ofCôte d'Ivoire WT/TPR/S/2
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(ii) Import duties
(a) Nature andlevelofimport duties
14. Côted'Ivoire adopted theHarmonized Commodity Description andcoding system (HS) on
1January 1989. The1994 tariff comprises almost 8,000 linesand31columns specifying theeight
principal taxes andother tariff variables affecting international trade. Thetariff wasunder review
in1995 withaviewtosimplifying itandinorder tolower thelevelofimport duties.
15. Import duties aregenerally advalorem. However, theyaresometimes subject toaspecific
minimum (non-ad valorem) levyapplicable perunitimported. These minimum levies appear tohave
beendesigned toprevent underinvoicing while protecting thebranches ofdomestic industry against
low-cost imports.9Côted'Ivoire doesnotapply seasonal customs duties, tariffquotas orvariable levies.
16. Theimport duties levied onMFN imports intoCôted'Ivoire arecomposed mainly ofthree
rates: thecustoms dutyisuniform at5percentc.i.f.ofthecustoms value except forproducts enjoying
freeentry; thefiscal dutyadded tothisvaries between 5to30percentc.i.f.; athirdtax,thestatistical
taxorRSTA, islevied attherateof2.5percentonmostproducts. Other advalorem taxes affecting
most imports ofgoods include:
- thecharge forservices rendered bytheIvorian Shippers 'Office (OIC) (0.6percent),
which islevied onimports carried bysea(some 90percentofthevalue oftheimports);
and
- theabove-mentioned feescharged bySGS(0.75 percentofthef.o.b. value), which
arecollected upon theinspection ofimports ofmanufactures.
These charges aresummarized inTable IV.1below.
Table IV.1
Duties andtaxes levied onimports, 1994
(Percentage)
ISIC Product/activity group Customs duty Standard
deviationAverage Min.-Max.
Customs duty 4.8 0-5 0.9
Fiscal duty 15.1 0-38.9 9.4
Statistical tax 2.4 0-2.5 0.4
OIClevy(imports byseaonly) 0.5 0-0.6 0.1
SGSlevy(excluding crude petroleum andagricultural
produce)0.6 0-0.8 0.1
0-3 Total import duty,aincluding: 23.6 0-38.0 10.0
1 -Agriculture, forestry andfisheries 17.1 2.6-33.9 5.1
2 -Mining andquarrying 16.4 2.6-33.9 6.7
3 -Manufactures, including 24.2 0-38.9 10.1
-Products ofinitial processing 18.1 0-38.9 8.3
-Semi-finished products 21.6 0-38.9 7.9
-Finished products 26.2 0-44.9 10.8
aThistotalmayslightly overestimate theexact value oftheadvalorem dutywhen theproducts arenotimported byseaand
consequently arenotsubject totheOICtax.However, thistotaldoesnottakeintoaccount thespecific (non-ad valorem) levies, which
maybesizeable forcertain products.
Source: WTO Secretariat estimates.
9Thisapplies tothefollowing commodities: coffee substitutes (HSNos.090191 and090192, CFAF 100/kg.),
chicory (HSNo.210130, CFAF 400/kg.), wine(HSNos.220531-220533, CFAF 115/litre), cigars andcigarettes
(HSNos. 2400-2403, CFAF 2,585-10,780/kg.).WT/TPR/S/2 Trade Policy Review Mechanism
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17. In1994, thesubstantial reduction inadvalorem duties onalcoholic beverages andtobacco
wasoffset byanincrease inthespecific additional (non-ad valorem) taxes onthesame products; it
istherefore probable thatthetariffequivalent ofthespecific taxes isalsoveryhighinthecaseofthese
products (seebelow).
18. Theimport dutyaverages 24percent.10Thedispersion ofduties islow,withatypical spread
ofimport dutyof10percentandfewdifferences between categories ofproducts. Fewer than180tariff
lines(2percentofthetariff lines) enjoy freeentry. These are:
- pharmaceutical products;
- books andperiodicals;
- since June1994, 13fuelsandother chemical products usedasagricultural inputs, and
machetes11;
- certain imports oftextile manufacturers 'inputs.
19. Tariffescalationispresentinmostsectors,withaverageimportdutiesincreasingtwofoldbetween
primary commodities andfinished products ifthelatterarelocally produced (Chart IV.3). Theproducts
mostheavily taxed onimportation aretobacco, beverages, textiles, clothing andfurniture. Unprocessed
agricultural andmining products (ISIC groups 1and2)aretaxed atabout 15percent, whereas the
duties onmanufactures average nearly 25percent.
20. Inpractice, customs revenues arerelatively small owing tothemany exemptions provided on
various grounds, inparticular pursuant totheInvestment Code (Chapter III).According tostatistics
compiled bySGS, thecustoms duties levied inDecember 1994 represented 14percentofimports
ofmanufactures, anincrease fromthe9.7percentraterecorded inNovember 1994butconsiderably
lessthantheunweighted average customs duty.
Specific taxes oncertain products
21. Inaddition totheduties mentioned above, excise duties (specific taxes) arelevied onseveral
products:
- Most meats andoffals (HSNos. 0201-0202) aresubject toacountervailing import
levy(PSV) ofCFAF 40-600 kg.According totheauthorities, thistaxisdesigned
tooffset theeffect oftheexport subsidies paidonmeats fromtheEuropean Union (EU).
- Most fresh orfrozen fish(HSNos. 0301-0304) issubject toaspecific import tax
(theTPSM) ofCFAF 20franc/kg.
- Thetaxontomato puree (TSPT) isCFAF 25kg.
10Theimport dutyconsists ofthesumoftheadvalorem taxes onimports, i.e.customs duty, fiscal duty,
statistical taxandtheother advalorem taxes. Itdoesnotcover allthetaxes onimports, because thisvariable
includes onlyadvalorem rates. Thisvariable isused throughout theChapter asanindicator oftariff barriers
toimportation.
11These products are: dolomite, kieserite, certain mixtures ofaromatic hydrocarbons, mineral oils,lamp
oil,potassiumnitrate,organicthio-compoundsandothercompoundfertilizers,insecticides,fungicides,weedkillers,
nursery bagsandmachetes. Imports ofthese products aresubject toatariff quota except formachetes, imports
ofwhich aresubject tolicence until 1January 1996.Republic ofCôte d'Ivoire WT/TPR/S/2
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- Certain types ofrice(HSNo.100620) aresubject toanadditional import tax(TSR)
ofCFAF/5 CFA kg.In1995 thistaxwasreplaced byanadvalorem fiscal duty.
- Certain oils(HSNo.150710 etseq)aresubject toanadditional import tax(TSO)
ranging from 20to40percent(palm oil)advalorem.
- Certain non-alcoholic beverages (mineral waters, syrups andlemonades, HSNo.2106)
aresubject toanadditional specific import tax(TBNA) ranging from CFAF 2.5to
50abottle.
- Certain alcoholic beverages (wine, spirits, beers, HSNos.2204-2207) aresubject to
anadditional specific import tax(TBSA) ranging uptoCFAF 2,600 perlitre. Tothis
isadded ataxofCFAF 2,200 perlitreofpurealcohol onalcoholic beverages other
thanbeerandwine.
- Cigars andcigarettes (HSNos.2400-2403) aresubject toaspecific additional tax(TST)
ranging uptoCFAF 10,780 kg.
- Certain petroleum products (HSNo.2710 etseq)aresubject toaconsumption tax
(TSPP) ranging from CFAF 0to129perlitre; theproceeds expected from thistax
were estimated atCFAF 15.7billion for1994.
- Certain explosive cartridges (HSNo.3603) aresubject toanadditional specific import
tax(TSC) ofCFAF 12perunit.
Value-added tax
22. Other measures affecting imports -anddomestic production -include value-added tax(VAT).
In1994, theproceeds ofVAT onimports, atCFAF 82.7billion, represented almost 15percentof
c.i.f.imports, anamount inCFAfrancs almost equal tothatearned bytheVATondomestic value-added
(CFAF 87.3billion, or3.3percentofGDP). VAT andexcise duties onimported goods arecollected
bytheCustoms Administration. VAT iscalculated onthec.i.f. price plusimport duties.
23. Since the1994 reform designed toreduce thespread ofVAT rates, these havebeendivided
upasfollows:
- most products aresubject toVAT atthemodal rateof20percent;
- arateof11percentisapplied toabout 11percentoftariff lines12;
- arateof5percentisapplied tosoya-bean andpalmkernel oils; and
- many products, representing almost 9percentofthetarifflines, areexempt fromVAT.
These include, forexample, livestock, foodproducts including livestock feed, the
timber, rubber anddiamond industries, inputs intended forthetextile industry,
12Fiscal Annex totheFinance Lawforthefinancial year1994 -Circular No.745of23June 1994 ofthe
Director-GeneralofCustoms.Productssubjecttothe11percentrateincludesparepartsforcertainmotorvehicles,
television sets, certain woven fabrics, cement, certain building materials, margarine, edible oils, bananas,
pineapples, sugar, cotton anddairy products.Republic ofCôte d'Ivoire WT/TPR/S/2
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fertilizers, pharmaceutical products andmedical supplies, which areexempt fromall
import duties anddomestic taxes.
24. Since the1994budget, thebasisofassessment forVAThasbeenexpanded toinclude allservice
activities (water andelectricity distribution, telecommunications) except transport andfinancial services.
These lastaresubject tothetaxonservices rendered (25percent)andtobankcharges (10percent)
respectively. Water andelectricity distribution andtelecommunications aresubject tothereduced
rateof11percent. Thesameapplies totourist services andcertain cultural services (audiovisual works,
cinematographic films). Many services, including household refuse collection, medical services and
works ofart,areexempt from VAT (Table IV.2).
Table IV.2
Products andactivities exempt from VAT, October 1994
(Percentage)
Product/activity VAT Import dutiesa
Product
Livestock production -liveanimals 0 18
Fresh andfrozen meat (including trade) 0 23
Fresh andfrozen fish 0 7
Dairies -dairy products 0 9
Plants, fruitandvegetables 0 18
Cereals 0 13
Grain millproducts 0 20
Oilseeds andproducts thereof 0 13
Cinchona 0 18
Bread dough, yeast 0 23
Syrups 0 18
Ice(production anddistribution) 0 19
Saleandsupply offoodproducts 0 5
Saltsandmineral products 0 15
Chemical compounds 0 14
Compound fertilizers, insecticides (production anddistribution) 0 19-24
Natural textile fibres (jute, sisal) 0 14
Services
Saleorsupply offoodproducts 0 n.a.
Saleandmanufacture ofbread, flour andcereals 0 n.a.
Poultry farming andhorticulture 0 n.a.
Manufacture ofegg-boxes inmoulded papier mâché 0 n.a.
Trade inpharmaceutical products 0 n.a.
Fishing nets, packaging sacks 0 n.a.
Rubber footwear, sports articles 0 n.a.
Mining andsaleofdiamonds, goldandsilver 0 n.a.
Metal reinforcement (scrap ironandsteel) 0 n.a.
Household refuse collection 0 n.a.
Design andexecution ofhydroelectric works, distribution ofequipment forsuchworks 0 n.a.
Trade inwood logs 0 n.a.
Trade inrubber products 0 n.a.
International travel agencies 0 n.a.
Transport 0 n.a.
Physicians 'fees 0 n.a.
Saleofworks ofartbyauction 0 n.a.
n.a.Notapplicable.
aCustoms andfiscal duties statistical taxandother advalorem levies.
Source: Customs Tariff ofCôted'Ivoire andGeneral TaxCode.WT/TPR/S/2 Trade Policy Review Mechanism
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25. Although VATandexcise duties donotdifferentiate inprinciple between imports anddomestic
products, thehighest ratesareoften levied onproducts thatarenotmade locally, afactwhich may
helptodiscourage imports.13VAT averages lessthan13percentonagricultural products andnearly
18percentonmanufactures. Themany exemptions from VAT, added tohigher import duties and
other substantial restrictions onoutside competition, render significant assistance tolocalgoods and
services industries (Table IV.2).
26. Inprinciple, enterprises maydeduct VAT fromallintermediate goods andservices involved
intheproductionofgoodsexported.However,theVATonpetroleumproductsisonlypartlydeductible;
theauthorized deduction should increase from50percentin1992 to100percentin1997, bywhich
dateexportingenterprisesshouldnolongerhavetopayVATontheirconsumptionofpetroleumproducts
irrespective ofthenature oftheproduct exported. Refunds ofVAT toexporters aregenerally made
within three months.
27. TheIvoriantariffasawholeremainscomplex,withcustomsdutiesandinternaltaxationdesigned
tofavour domestic production activities. Asummary table ofthevarious levies isgiven below
(Table IV.3). Thesumofthelevies suggests thatthewholesale price isinsome cases nearly double
thecustoms value.
Table IV.3
Summary ofcharges affecting imports: theexample ofbeer(HSNo.22060010)
Item Description Cumulative value (US$) Amount oflevy(%)
1 F.o.b. value incountry oforigin 80.4 n.a
2 Freight andinsurance (related toitem1) 19.6 24.40
3 C.i.f. value before customs (1+2) 100.0 n.a.
4a Fiscal duty(related toitem3) 130.0 30.00
4b Customs duty(related toitem3) 135.0 5.00
4c Statistical taxof2.5percent(related toitem3) 137.5 2.50
4d Levy of0.6percent(import bysea) 138.1 0.60
4e SGSinspection 138.9 0.75
4f Special tax,e.g.TSBA (related toitem3) 148.9 10.00
(CFA 44)
5 C.i.f. value netofdomestic taxes 148.9 n.a.
6 VAT (related toitem5) 178.7 20.00
n.a. Notapplicable.
Source: Government ofCôted'Ivoire, andtheInternational Monetary Fund.
13However, thisdoesnotaffect thestructure ofproduction solongastherateofVAT doesnotdifferentiate
between imports anddomestic products.Republic ofCôte d'Ivoire WT/TPR/S/2
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(b) Minimum import prices
28. Reference prices appear inthe1994tariffforcertain products (Table IV.4). When thedeclared
value ofanimport, verified bySGS(seeabove), islessthanthereference price, thelatter isusedin
assessing theduties andtaxes tobecollected. These reference prices should bedistinguished from
theminimum levydescribed above (Chapter IV(2)(ii)(a)). Inprinciple, these reference prices protect
domestic industry bydiscouraging price competition andunder invoicing. After thedevaluation of
theCFA franc, reference prices were introduced formany products.
Table IV.4
Reference prices applicable tothecustoms valuation ofimports, 1994
Product Tariff section Reference price
(CFAF/unit)Unit
Milk orcream, whether ornotcondensed orsweetened 0402 60-110 kdba
Potatoes 0701 10 knb
Broken rice 100640 25 knb
Paddy ordeluxerice 100620 25-35 knb
Fuelandother petroleum productsc2710 46-89 litre
Butane gasc2711 137 litre
Toothpaste 3306 3,000 knb
Matches 3605 15 box
Insecticides 3808 2,000 knb
Tyres 4011-12 1,500 knb
School exercise books 4820 7 item
Silkwastec5003 5,000 knb
Cotton fabricsc5112 3,500 knb
Elastic fabricsc5407 1,500 knb
Underclothingc61 200-4,000 item
Suits andouter clothing 62 200-4,000 item
akdb=1.5kg.gross.
bkn=kg.net(without packaging).
cAccording totheauthorities, theimport reference prices forthese products were abolished in1995.
Source: Customs Tariff ofCôted'Ivoire, 1994, andinformation supplied bytheIvorian Government.
(c) Binding ofduties
29. Côted'Ivoire 'sschedule oftariffconcessions annexed totheGeneral Agreement (Schedule LII)
contains theconcessions granted byFrance onbehalf ofFrench West Africa before independence.
Côte d'Ivoire hasnever requested anywaiver withaview torenegotiating thisschedule oftariff
concessionsdespitegreatincreasesinthenumberandamountofthedutiesandchargesleviedonimports.
Thisschedule hasnotbeentransposed intotheHarmonized System.WT/TPR/S/2 Trade Policy Review Mechanism
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30. IntheTokyo Round, Côted'Ivoire granted tariffconcessions attherateof10percentapplicable
toallimported products exceeding avalue ofUS$2,200.14Consequently thecustoms dutyisinprinciple
bound at10percentforallthese products.
31. Initsnewschedule ofconcessions annexed totheMarrakesh Protocol, Côted'Ivoire hasmade
specific commitments withregard toagricultural products:
- Thecustoms dutyhasbeenbound attheceiling rateof15percent, applicable atthe
beginning ofthe10-year process oftariff reduction.15Thecustoms duties onatotal
of29six-figure tariff lines(dairy products, foodstuffs, beverages andtobacco) have,
however, beenbound atceiling ratesranging between 5and75percent.
- Fiscal dutyonagricultural products hasbeenbound atratesranging from5to30per
cent.
- Theother advalorem levies havebeenbound at3.1percent16;and
- Thespecific duties havegenerally beenbound attheratesinforce, incommon with
thenewreference prices (Chapter IV(2)(ii)).
32. Forother products thecustoms duties havebeenbound attheceiling rateof10,15or25per
centonafewrubber products, certain engine partsandcertain agricultural tractors from1995onwards.17
Among theother duties andcharges onthesame manufactures, thefiscal dutyandtheother levies
havebeenbound at25and3.1percentrespectively. Theimport duties onother industrial products
havenotbeenthesubject ofanycommitments byCôted'Ivoire.18
(d) Tariff preferences
33. Until 1994, certain unprocessed products originating from theCEAO andshown onspecial
schedules wereadmitted freefromallimport duties andtaxes, whereas certain industrial products were
subject totheRegional Cooperation Tax(TCR). Thisregime wasabolished asfrom 8April 1994,
andimports from theCEAO countries aresubject totheordinary lawregime.19Therevenues from
theTCR, which atCFAF 82million were minimal in1993, suggest thatthetrade enjoying these
preferences wasonasomewhat insignificant scale.
14GATT (1979), Protocol supplementary totheGeneva (1979) Protocol totheGeneral Agreement onTariffs
andTrade, Geneva, 22November 1979.
15Themaximum customs dutyisatpresent 5percent(Table IV.1).
16These aretheOICtax(0.6percent) andthestatistical tax(2.5percent).
17Thegroupsconcernedarethefollowing:HSNos.4011,840642,840650,840671,840672,840679,870121,
870122 and870191.
18Consequently, thecustoms duties onallother industrial products inprinciple remain bound inaccordance
withthe1967 and1979 Schedules ofConcessions.
19Circular No.745of23June 1994.Republic ofCôte d'Ivoire WT/TPR/S/2
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34. Some unprocessed andcrafts products originating from ECOWAS areinprinciple admitted
entirely freeofdutyprovided thattheyappear onschedules drawn upinadvance.20Industrial products
donotenjoy anyspecial import preferences.
(e) Tariff concessions
35. Ivorian legislation provides forsubstantial tariff concessions when aninvestment ismade in
Côted'Ivoire (Chapter III(1)).21Under theInvestment Lawof1984, mostequipment andmaterials
necessary toaninvestment, whether initial orother, maybeimported freeofduty.
36. Theequipment andaccessories usedinprospecting fororextracting oilandnatural gasare
alsoexempt from import duties. Since June1994, equipment imported bythePortofAbidjan for
theoperation ofallitsinstallations, withtheexception ofoffice equipment andsupplies andpassenger
orgoods transport vehicles, havebeenexempt from allduties andtaxes.
(f) Rules oforigin
37. Itismandatory forimports from ECOWAS tobeaccompanied byacertificate oforigin in
order toenjoy thepreferential tariff regime. Community origin isrecognized forproducts the
manufacture ofwhich incorporates Community materials representing atleast40percentoftheirtotal
price or60percentofthetotalquantity ofmaterials used, orinwhich thevalue added bythe
Community manufacturer represents atleast35percentofthef.o.b. price ofthefinalproduct. The
authorized enterprises mustalsosatisfy acriterion ofminimum participation intheircapital bynationals
ofMember countries.22
38. Since theabolition ofthepreferential regime within theCEAO, Côted'Ivoire hasapplied two
types ofrulesoforigin: theordinary lawregime andtherules-of-origin system peculiar toECOWAS.
Under theordinary lawregime, every import must bearamention oftheorigin oftheproduct.
39. Imports fromECOWAS mustbeaccompanied byacertificate oforigin inorder toenjoy tariff
preferences. Products mustcontain atleast40percentofmaterials originating fromECOWAS. The
eligibility ofenterprises islimited bycriteria ofnationality.23
(iii) Customs valuation
40. IntheTokyo Round, Côted'Ivoire didnotsigntheAgreement onImplementation ofArticle VII
oftheGeneral Agreement (theCustoms Valuation Code), butithasparticipated asanobserver inthe
work oftheCommittee established under thatAgreement. Thevalue (the"normal" price) usedas
thebasisforcomputing customs duties istheBrussels definition.24Thevalue ofanimported product
20GATT (1993a).
21The Tariff regimes conditional upon export (drawback, temporary admission) arediscussed in
Chapter IV(3)(ix) below.
22GATT (1993a).
23GATT (1993a).
24According totheBrussels definition ofvalue, advalorem customs duties arelevied onthec.i.f. price of
theimported product, i.e.theprice which would bereceived ifthetransaction tookplace under conditions of
fullcompetition between anunrelated purchaser andvendor (GATT (1993)).WT/TPR/S/2 Trade Policy Review Mechanism
Page 46
inCFA francs isdetermined byapplying therateofexchange inforce onthedateofregistration of
thecustoms declaration. Thenormal commercial discounts andrebates areallowed. Theauthorities
mayrefuse thedeclared c.i.f. price ifthere aregood reasons tothink thatitisincorrect.
41. Since1994,thecustomsvaluehasinprinciplebeendeterminedinaccordancewiththeprovisions
oftheAgreementonImplementationofArticleVIIoftheGeneralAgreementonTariffsandTrade1994.
Thisprovision hadnotentered intoforce byMarch 1995.25TheGATT definition ofcustoms value
astheinstrument determining thetaxable value provides inessentials thatthetaxable value istheprice
actually paidorpayable forthegoods imported. From thisstandpoint, theintroduction ofthenew
definition might havetheeffect ofreducing thecustoms value ofimports. There areafairnumber
ofitems -forexample discounts forexclusivity, promotion expenses borne bytheimporter, discount
forcash, etc.,-which cannolonger betaken intoaccount bythecustoms authorities. Consequently,
thepractice ofincreasing thetaxable value where there isapresumption ofunderinvoicing willno
longer bepossible.
42. TheHigh Committee ontheCustoms Tariff investigates complaints against decisions of
classification andassimilation andobjections concerning thenature, origin orvalue ofgoods. The
Committee 'smeetings arenotheldinpublic. Anycomplaints should beaddressed totheChairman
oftheCommittee through theDirector-General ofCustoms.
(iv) Prohibitions andquantitative restrictions onimports
43. Imports ofnarcotic drugs andobscene publications areprohibited. Trade withIraqandthe
Republic ofYugoslavia (Serbia andMontenegro) isalsoprohibited.
44. Quantitativerestrictionsonimportsaregovernedbytwomainmechanisms,therestrictionregime
andapproval regime. Thefirstofthese makes importation conditional uponobtaining priorapproval
orpermission fromthecompetent technical Ministries. Forproducts subject totheapproval regime,
theregistration oftheimport information sheetissubject tothepermission ofthecompetent ministry.26
Thisapplies essentially toagricultural products andfoodandtoproducts, imports ofwhich arerestricted
forreasons ofsafety orhealth (forexample weapons andmedicaments).
45. Therestriction regime covers products, imports ofwhich aresubject toquantitative restriction
orprohibited. These products, which areshown inTable IV.5, aregradually being liberalized over
aperiod oftwoyears which inprinciple endson1January 1996; bythatdate, allquantitative
restrictions should inprinciple belifted except forashort listtobelaiddown bydecree, plusordinary
rice,which isdueforliberalization on1January 1997.
25Article 28oftheCustoms Code, repealed pursuant toArticle 44oftheFiscal Annex totheFinance Law
forthefinancial year1994.
26Notice toImporters andExporters No.93-002 of12March 1993.Republic ofCôte d'Ivoire WT/TPR/S/2
Page 47
Table IV.5
Products subject toaregime ofimport permits orrestrictions, 1994
HSNo. Product Scheduled dateofabolition or
Ministry issuing technical permit
01 Liveanimals Agriculturea
06 Liveplants Agriculturea
030220 Dried fish ...
030231 Shark finsandtails ...
030241 Smoked fish ...
040229 Milk, condensed, sweetened 1January 1995
040239 Milk, condensed, notsweetened 1January 1995
040310 Butterfat 1January 1995
040229 Butter inhermetically sealed containers 1January 1995
040390 Butter, other 1January 1995
070101 Seed potatoes Agriculturea
070510 Dried seedvegetables Agriculturea
09 Coffee ...
100510 Maize forsowing Agriculturea
100610 Riceforsowing Agriculturea
100621-100659 Rice, ordinary, andother types ofrice 1January 1997
110110 Wheat andmeslin flour ...
120110 Oilseeds forsowing Agriculturea
120300 Grain andfruitforsowing Agriculturea
150761 Palm oilforsoapmaking 1January 1995
150762 Palm oil,typeII 1January 1995
150763 Palm oil,other 1January 1995
150764 Palm oil,purified orrefined 1January 1995
151310 Margarine 1January 1995
151390 Other edible fats 1January 1995
170121 Sugar, refined, powdered ...
170122 Sugar, refined, lump ...
170209 Other solid sugar ...
1806 Cocoa andproducts containing cocoa 1January 1995
190702 Bread formass consumption ...
200712 Pineapple juice, sugared 1January 1995
200713 Guava juice, sugared 1January 1995
2201 Natural waters 1January 1995
240110 Tobacco, raw ...
2709 Petroleum, crude ...
2710 Petroleum products ...
290401 Methyl alcohol Healthb
30 Pharmaceutical products Healthb
330420 Food flavourings Tradec
360600 Boxes ofmatches 1January 1996
400510 Rubber compounded withcarbon black 1January 1995
401131 Cycle inner tubes 1January 1995
401151 Cycle tyres 1January 1995
401171 Tyres, used, forretreading ...
401172 Tyres, used, retreaded 1January 1995
401179 Other usedtyres ...
481821 School exercise books 1January 1995
481830 Binders, folders, etc. 1January 1995
482160 Sanitary towels 1January 1995
482190 Other paper products 1January 1995
Table IV.5 (cont'd)Republic ofCôte d'Ivoire WT/TPR/S/2
Page 61
Enterprise Activity State participation
(percentage ofcapital)
1990
Manufacturing sectors
CIDT Cotton development 73
FILTISAC* Jutesacks 25
SAFICA School exercise books 18
SIB(PETROCI)* Tarmaking 92
Ivoiroutils Toolmaking 100
SICABLE* Electric cables 35
SIEM Metal packaging 10
Services sectors
SICOGI Building construction andmanagement 82
SIFERCOM Metal construction 37
SONAGECI Civil engineering 100
IPS-CI Professional services 15
GESTOCI Stock management 12
Mory Shipment 35
SONACO Packing andpackaging offresh produce 100
SAGA-CI Bulking, handling, X/M, travel ...
SIVON Handling 49
SIETRANS Engineering andshipping 46
PAA Abidjan Self-Governing Port 100
OTU Urban transport 100
SOTRA Abidjan transport 60
Ivorian Shippers 'Office (OIC) Transport intransit 100
SITRAM Maritime transport 100
SIVOMAR Maritime transport ...
SICF* Railways 100
AirIvoire Airtransport 100
CITelcom* Telecommunications 98
Hôtel Ivoire* Hotelkeeping 100
Hôtel Président* Hotelkeeping 100
Hôtels del'ex.Sietho* Hotelkeeping ...
SAFBAIL Leasing credit 24
BIAO -CI(Crédit Lyonnais)* Financial services 100
BICICI (BNP)* Financial services 100
SGBCI* Financial services 100
SIB* Financial services 100
...Notavailable.
*Enterprises included intheprivatization programme.
Source: Information supplied bytheIvorian Government (Financial DataBankoftheMinistry ofEconomy andFinance); Marchés tropicaux,
various issues; Contamin andFauré (1990).
(ii) Taxandinvestment legislation
99. TheIvorian Investment Code, which isonthepoint ofbeing replaced bynewlegislation,
provided substantial taxandtariffadvantages forenterprises inthisconnection (Chapter III(1)). These
advantages havebeenasubject ofdebate between theIvorian Government anditsfinancial backers,
which heldthatthemeasures inquestion tended tofavour capital-intensive forms ofproduction andWT/TPR/S/2 Trade Policy Review Mechanism
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import-substitution products. TheGovernment hasalsorecognized thattheinvestment advantages
granted bytheState might incertain cases havetheeffect ofrestricting competition.45
100. Company earnings aregenerally taxed attherateof35percent. Many companies, however,
aretax-exempt forlongperiods under theInvestment Code. Furthermore thesemeasures involve fiscal
losses fortheState. Astotheireffect onthechoice ofCôted'Ivoire asaplace ofinvestment, the
enterprises which settle there would probably dosoinanycaseinresponse toeconomic andtrade
criteria.
(iii) Production subsidies
101. Inthepast,subsidies toagricultural, industrial andservices production mainly tooktheform
ofbudgetary appropriations designed tocover thefinancial losses ofsemi-public enterprises
(Chart IV.5).46Atthepresent time, financial subsidies arelimited bytheoverall lackoffinancial
resources andareunlikely thattheywillhaveasignificant effect oninternational trade ingoods.
102. Theauthorities donotintend toprovide sectoral assistance bymeans ofsubsidies. TheState
may,however, through pricecontrols, subsidize certain users ofproducts theprices ofwhich arefixed.
Forexample theCompagnie ivorienne d'électricité sellselectricity totherefinery andtocertain textile
concerns atspecial rates.
45LawNo.91-999 of27December 1991 concerning competition, Title II,Article 6.2.
46Thesubsidies mayapply tooperation orcapital construction. According tothelatest available data,
"operation, balance andcapital construction" subsidies totalled CFAF 85.4billion in1987, thelion'sshare being
paidtoenterprises withamajority ofprivate capital.Republic ofCôte d'Ivoire WT/TPR/S/2
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103. Inthecourse ofthecurrent reform ofthepublic sector, theGovernment hasundertaken to
restrict bankcredit tosemi-public enterprises. In1993, thecredit granted tothe20biggest semi-public
enterprises bythebanking system totalled CFAF 80billion (3percentofGDP).
(iv) Regulation ofpricing andmarketing
104. Since 1960ithasbeenpossible forpurchase prices totheproducers ofagricultural commodities,
fisheriesandlivestockproductstobefixedbydecree.Thesameappliestothewholesale,semi-wholesale
andretail selling prices ofallproducts.47TheCompetition Lawof27December 1991 nevertheless
laysdown theprinciple offreedom ofpricing. Since then, only22groups ofgoods andservices have
beensubject toprice control.
105. InJanuary1994,afterthedevaluation,thepricesof34goodsandservices,includingtheschedule
of22products, wereblocked foraperiod ofthree months. Attheendofthatperiod, onlythegoods
andservices shown intheearlier schedule were stillsubject toprice control. Theprice ofcement
having beenliberalized inSeptember 1994, inMarch 1995theIvorian Government wasonlyregulating
theprices ofthefollowing goods andservices, which areregarded asprime necessities:
- water;
- electricity andgas;
- postal services;
- urban transport;
- railtransport;
- telecommunications;
- petroleum products;
- charcoal;
- physicians ',clinic andhospital fees;
- school anduniversity fees;
- paddy riceandbroken rice;
- wheat andflour (until 1April 1995);
- edible oils;
- cotton;
- sugar;
- machetes;
- certain batteries; and
- pharmaceutical products.
106. Onthewhole, price regulation inCôted'Ivoire applies togoods andservices inwhich there
islimited domestic andforeign trade, andisaccordingly designed toprevent price abuses dueto
monopoly situations; consequently thecurrent liberalization programme coordinates pricederegulation
withthederegulation ofquantitative restrictions onimports andwiththeprocess ofprivatization.
47LawNo.60-273 of2September 1960 toregulate pricing inCôte d'Ivoire.WT/TPR/S/2 Trade Policy Review Mechanism
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(v) Legislation oncompetition
107. Thelegislation oncompetition inCôted'Ivoire datesfrom1991.48In1992, under thePASCO
programme,aCommissiononCompetitionwasestablishedtoruleonproblemsarisingoutofmonopolies
orsituations ofdominance andtolaydown general rules designed topreserve competition.49These
rules aredesigned toprohibit anti-competitive mergers andtakeovers, cartels, monopoly, thefixing
ofunduly lowprices andother restraints onCôted'Ivoire 'sdomestic andforeign trade. Inparticular,
anyconcentration project among enterprises which together cover more than50percentofsales,
purchases orother transactions onthedomestic market issenttotheCommission foranopinion.
Côted'Ivoire participates intheannual meetings onrestrictive tradepractices heldunder theauspices
ofUNCTAD.
108. TheCommission began work inSeptember 1993. Cases maybereferred toitbythe
Government, trade union associations orconsumers anditmaytakeupcases onitsowninitiative;
buttheenterprises concerned cannot apply toit.In1994 theGovernment referred sixcases tothe
Commission, mainly asaresult ofthepricefreeze which followed thedevaluation. TheCommission
wasseized twice byprofessional bodies andtookuptwocases onitsowninitiative.
109. There arestillsome important questions outstanding withregard totheapplication ofIvorian
anti-trust legislation. Since independence, investment policy hasencouraged theformation and
continuance ofenterprises operating asmonopolies intheirrespective markets andinmostcases jointly
owned bytheState andforeign capital. Dominant positions havebeenstrengthened byrestrictions
onoutside competition. Thequestion ofcompetition anditseffects onprices arose again inthecontext
ofprivatization.
(vi) Measures fortheprotection ofintellectual property rights
110. Onratifying theUruguay Round Agreements, Côted'Ivoire ipsofacto became aparty tothe
Agreement onTrade-Related Aspects ofIntellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). Thekinds ofintellectual
property subject totheobligations imposed bythisAgreement arecopyright, related rights (of
performers, producers ofphonograms andbroadcasting organizations), trademarks, geographical
indications, industrial designs, patents, topographies ofintegrated circuits andtrade secrets.
111. Thepurposes oftheAgreement areamong others "topromote effective andadequate protection
ofintellectualpropertyrights,andtoensurethatmeasuresandprocedurestoenforceintellectualproperty
rights donotthemselves become barriers tolegitimate trade". ThisAgreement came intoforce on
1January 1995, butthedeveloping countries, including Côted'Ivoire, haveatransitional period before
being bound toapply itsprovisions (Box IV.2).
48LawNo.91-999 of27December 1991 concerning competition.
49Decree No.92-50 of29January 1992.Republic ofCôte d'Ivoire WT/TPR/S/2
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BoxIV.2: Transitional arrangements concerning theapplication oftheTRIPS Agreement
TheTRIPS Agreement came intoforce on1January 1995. Sofarastheprovisions concerning national
treatment andthemost-favoured-nation clause (Articles 3,4and5)areconcerned, however, the
obligations under theAgreement will come into force forallMembers oneyear later, i.e.on
1January 1996. Sofarastheother obligations areconcerned, thetransitional period varies with the
Member 'slevel ofeconomic development (Articles 65and66):
- Oneyearfordeveloped countries (i.e.upto1January 1996);
- fiveyears fordeveloping countries (i.e.upto1January 2000);
- fiveyears forcountries whose economy isintransition andwhich areundertaking
structural reform oftheirintellectual property system andfacing special problems inthe
preparation andimplementation ofintellectual property laws andregulations (i.e.upto
1January 2000); and
- eleven years, withapossibility ofextension, fortheleast-developed countries.
However, ifadeveloping country Member does notextend product patent protection tocertain areas of
technology, itmaydelay theintroduction ofsuchprotection for10years after theentry intoforce ofthe
Agreement (Article 65.4). However, anycountry Member which does notextend patent protection to
pharmaceutical andagricultural chemical products asofthedateofentry intoforce oftheAgreement
(1January 1995) isrequired toaccept thefiling ofpatent applications forsuchproducts asfrom thatdate
(Article 70.8).
Furthermore, anycountry Member which changes itslaws, regulations andpractice during itstransitional
period isrequired toensure thatthechanges made donotresult inalesser degree ofconsistency withthe
provisions oftheAgreement (Article 65.5).
Source: Agreement onTrade-Related Aspects ofIntellectual Property Rights.
112. Côte d'Ivoire isaparty totheConvention Establishing theWorld Intellectual Property
Organization (WIPO), signed in1967, andhasacceded tothefollowing agreements:
- TheBerne Convention of1886 fortheprotection ofliterary andartistic works, as
revised in1971;
- theHague Agreement of1925 Concerning theInternational Deposit ofIndustrial
Designs, asrevised in1967;
- theParis Convention fortheProtection ofIndustrial Property, asrevised in1967;
and
- thePatent Cooperation Treaty doneatWashington in1970.
113. Inaddition Côted'Ivoire isaparty totheAgreement Relating totheCreation ofanAfrican
Intellectual Property Organization (AIPO) (theBangui Agreement), signed inMarch 1977.50This
Agreement establishes auniform system fortheprotection ofintellectual property, andinparticular
asystem forthesingle deposit ofapplications forpatents, registration ofutility models, trademarks,
50ThisAgreement constitutes aRevision oftheAgreement of1962 Relating totheCreation ofanAfrican
andMalagasy Office ofIntellectual Property.WT/TPR/S/2 Trade Policy Review Mechanism
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servicemarks andother intellectual property rights recognized byallcountries oftheUnion.51The
rights provided forintheBangui Agreement areindependent national rights subject tothenational
legislation ofeachofthemember States inwhich theyhaveeffect.
114. According totheIvorian authorities, theIvorian CivilCodeisthemainlegislative textgoverning
theacquisition anddisposal ofproperty, including intellectual property.
115. TheTRIPS Agreement laysdown thecivilandadministrative procedures andremedies designed
toenforce intellectual property rights. Inparticular, thejudicial authorities aretohavetheauthority
toorder apartydodesist fromaninfringement, interaliatoprevent theentryintochannels ofcommerce
ofgoods thatinvolve theinfringement ofanintellectual property right. Theauthorities arealsoto
havetheauthority toorder theinfringer topaytherightholder damages adequate tocompensate for
theinjury suffered. Thejudicial authorities aretohavethefurther authority toorder provisional
measures toprevent aninfringement ofanyintellectual property rightfrom occurring ortopreserve
evidence even, incertain cases, inaudita altera parte.
116. TheTRIPS Agreement alsolaysdown special requirements related toborder measures. In
particular, arightholder whohasvalidgrounds forsuspecting theimportation ofcounterfeit trademark
orpiratedcopyrightgoodsmaylodgeanapplicationinwritingwithcompetentauthorities,administrative
orjudicial, forthesuspension bythecustoms authorities oftherelease intofreecirculation ofsuch
goods (Articles 51-60).
(a) Patents
117. Thetechnologies mostdependent onpatents include thepharmaceutical andchemical industries,
bothforproducts andforproduction processes.52Under theBangui Agreement, patents mayrelate
toanynewinvention involving aninventive stepandindustrially applicable; plant varieties, animal
species andessentially biological processes forthebreeding ofplants oranimals, other than
microbiological processes, cannot bepatented. Patents areprotected foraperiod of10years which
mayberenewed twice forperiods offiveyears. Theperiod ofvalidity isextended onlyiftheapplicant
proves thattheinvention isbeing worked ontheterritory ofoneofthemembers. (Theduration of
thepatent protection provided forintheTRIPS Agreement is20years counted fromthefiling date.)
118. Acompulsory licence maybegranted afteraperiod offouryears from thedateofthefiling
ofanapplication forapatent (orthree years fromthedateofthegrant ofapatent) where thepatented
invention isnotbeing worked, ifitsworking doesnotmeettheterms ofthedemand fortheprotected
product orisprevented byimportation oftheprotected product, orbyreason oftherefusal oftheowner
ofthepatent togrant licences onreasonable terms.
(b) Trademarks
119. Trademarks areanessential component ofmarketing inmostindustries. Theownership of
amark confers theexclusive righttousethatmark. Under theBangui Agreement, trademarks and
service marks areprotected foraperiod of10years (intheTRIPS Agreement, foratleastseven years)
fromthedateoftheapplication forregistration; therestriction isrenewable indefinitely. Theowner
ofamark may, bycontract, grant toanatural orlegalperson alicence tousethesaidmark. Licence
contracts, transfers andassignments ofownership ofmarks andtheiramendment ofrenewal must,
onpainofnullity, besubmitted tothecompetent national authority forprior approval before their
51TheMembers oftheUnion areBenin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo,
Côte d'Ivoire, Gabon, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal andTogo.
52UNCTAD (1994b).Republic ofCôte d'Ivoire WT/TPR/S/2
Page 67
insertion intheAIPO special register. Alicence mayormaynotbeexclusive. Thegrantofanexclusive
licence precludes thegrant oflicences toother persons bythelicensor.
120. Anyperson whohascounterfeited amark orhasmade useofacounterfeited mark isliable
toafineofnotmore thanCFAF 300,000 andtoimprisonment fornotmore thanthree years.
Nevertheless, counterfeit clothes, textiles andwatches areonsaleinIvorian markets.53
121. According totheIvorian authorities, parallel imports areprohibited. Thus theowner ofthe
markoraproducer producing agiven trademark under anexclusive licence mayplead Ivorian legislation
inorder toprohibit imports ofproducts under thatmark. Forexample, cigarettes ofcertain foreign
brands areproduced inCôted'Ivoire bySITAB, which holds therelevant intellectual property rights
under licence. SITAB maythusprevent foreign competition fromimports ofcigarettes marketed under
parallel marks.
(c) Copyright
122. Copyright isofdecisive economic importance tocertain industries suchasthepublishing,
entertainment andtextile industries. Copyright includes interaliatheexclusive righttoundertake or
authorize reproduction, communication tothepublic, translation andadaptation. Under theTRIPS
Agreement, copyright protection isalsotobeapplied tocomputer programmes andcompilations of
data(Article 10).Under theBangui Agreement, anyoriginal intellectual, artistic orscientific work
andthetitlethereof enjoy anexclusive incorporeal property rightenforceable against allpersons. The
protection applies inparticular tobooks andother writings, lectures, addresses andother works of
suchnature, works created forthestage, musical works, pictorial works, architectural works, maps
andgraphic reproductions, cinematographic, broadcasting andaudiovisual works, photographic works,
andtranslations andarrangements oftheabove-mentioned works.54Inpractice, imported counterfeit
recorded cassettes andvideos areonsaleinIvorian markets.
123. According tocertain sources, aspecial authorization fromtheIvorian Rights Bureau isrequired
fortheimport ofallrecordings, including disks, cassettes andvideos. Theimport documents must
bearthestamp oftheIvorian Copyright Bureau (BURIDA), which isentitled toinspect thegoods on
theirarrival atthecustoms.55
(d) Industrial designs
124. TheTRIPS Agreement provides fortheprotection ofindustrial designs thatarenewororiginal.
InCôted'Ivoire, thecreator ofanyindustrial design hastheexclusive righttoitsexploitation under
theBangui Agreement. Theduration ofprotection conferred byacertificate ofregistration foran
industrial design expires fiveyears afterthedeposit oftheapplication forregistration buttheregistration
mayberenewed twice (atleast10years inTRIPS).
(e) Other forms ofintellectual property
125. TheBangui Agreement provides fortheprotection oftrade names foraperiod of10years
fromthedateoffiling andrenewable. Anyactofcompetition contrary tohonest practices inindustry,
commerce, crafts oragriculture isunlawful. Appellations oforigin areprotected assuchiftheyhave
beenregistered byAIPO oraretobetreated ashaving beenregistered byvirtue ofaninternational
convention towhich Côted'Ivoire isaparty.
53DunandBradstreet, (1994/95), page 2,344.
54Therelated rights setforth inArticle 14oftheTRIPS Agreement donotappear intheBangui Agreement.
55Bureau ofNational Affairs (1995).WT/TPR/S/2 Trade Policy Review Mechanism
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126. Astotheprotection ofintellectual property inCôted'Ivoire, theGovernment has,generally
speaking, aperiod offiveyears inwhich toreview theBangui Agreement withitspartners inorder
tobring itintoconformity withTRIPS. Obviously, there aresignificant differences between the
provisions inforce andthose ofTRIPS, forexample withregard totheduration ofpatent protection.
Inaddition, theIvorian Government anditspartners willhavetoreview allthedefinitions, procedures
andmethods specified bythelawsandregulations onintellectual property inCôted'Ivoire andthe
means ofenforcing them, including themeasures ofsuspension applied bythecustoms authorities.