Burkina Faso Gold Export Rules: Permits & Documents
Burkina Faso gold export rules require exporters to follow the country’s mining legislation, obtain the applicable authorizations, comply with gold quality and quantity controls, pay relevant taxes and royalties, and complete customs procedures. The exact requirements depend on whether the gold comes from an industrial mine, artisanal mining, semi-mechanized production, or an authorized refinery.
Burkina Faso introduced significant mining reforms through its 2024 Mining Code and implementing regulations adopted in 2025. These reforms strengthened government oversight of gold production, purchasing, refining, traceability, and exports. The Société Nationale des Substances Précieuses (SONASP) also plays an important role in the formal gold trading system.
An important restriction affects artisanal and semi-mechanized gold: the government announced a suspension of export authorizations for these categories in February 2024. Subsequent official reporting described the suspension as continuing to affect the sector.
Although the government’s public-service portal lists an accreditation process for authorized gold-trading counters, this does not, by itself, confirm that the suspension has been lifted.
Before buying gold or arranging an export from Burkina Faso, confirm the current rules with the Ministry responsible for Mines, SONASP, and the relevant customs authorities.
This guide explains the legal framework, export documents, licensing requirements, gold inspection procedures, taxes, and steps international buyers should understand before completing a transaction.
Burkina Faso Gold Export Rules: Requirements and Procedures
1. Understand Burkina Faso’s Gold Export Laws
Burkina Faso regulates gold exports through its mining legislation, implementing decrees, commercial authorization procedures, and customs and tax rules.
The principal legal framework includes:
- Law No. 016-2024/ALT of 18 July 2024, which established the country’s current Mining Code.
- Decree No. 2025-0300 of 21 March 2025, which governs the casting, weighing, packaging, and transportation of gold, the control of gold quantity and quality, and production levels for small-scale mining.
- Decree No. 2025-0376 of 3 April 2025, which regulates artisanal gold mining and other artisanal mineral operations.
- Other implementing regulations covering mineral-sector approvals, gold refining, commercialization, and the export of precious substances.
The 2024 Mining Code distinguishes industrial mining operations from artisanal and semi-mechanized production. This distinction matters because a company holding an industrial mining permit may have different commercial and export rights from a private trader seeking to purchase and export artisanal gold.
Exporters should consult the official Burkina Faso Mining Code and the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Quarries’ official mining legislation resources.
2. Determine Whether the Gold Is Industrial, Artisanal, or Refined
Before arranging a gold export from Burkina Faso, establish the source and legal classification of the material. The applicable authorization depends partly on this information.
Industrial mine gold
Under Article 246 of the 2024 Mining Code, an industrial mining permit gives its holder the right to commercialize the gold and other mineral substances produced, both inside and outside Burkina Faso.
However, this does not exempt the operator from applicable quality controls, tax obligations, customs declarations, or other export formalities. Industrial mine operators must follow the procedures governing their specific operations and shipments.
Artisanal and semi-mechanized gold
Artisanal gold is subject to a more centralized marketing framework.
On 20 February 2024, the government announced the suspension of export authorizations for artisanal and semi-mechanized gold and other precious substances until further notice. The measure was intended to reorganize gold commercialization and strengthen official control of the sector.
The 2024 Burkina Faso Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) report subsequently described the suspension as a continuing measure and identified SONASP as a major channel for collecting and exporting artisanal gold.
The government public-service portal also describes an accreditation process for companies involved in buying, holding, processing, transporting, selling, and exporting artisanal and semi-mechanized gold through authorized counters. However, the existence of that general accreditation procedure does not necessarily mean that private export permits are currently being issued under the exceptional circumstances created by the 2024 suspension.
Before a transaction, obtain confirmation from the competent authority about whether the proposed gold category can legally be exported by the intended exporter. Do not assume that a trading accreditation or ordinary company registration is sufficient.
Relevant sources include the official gold trading accreditation procedure and the government’s information about SONASP.
Refined gold bars
Refined gold is subject to requirements relating to processing authorization, quality verification, and the identification of finished ingots.
The applicable refining rules require authorized refiners to mark bars with identifying information, including the refinery’s seal, weight, fineness, and a sequential number. The rules also provide for official controls of ingots before export and recordkeeping by refiners.
A refined bar should therefore be supported by records that establish its identity, gold content, processing history, and legal export route. Refining the gold does not automatically remove the need to comply with export and customs requirements.
Read our guide to doré versus refined gold to understand why the distinction matters when buying gold from Africa.
3. Obtain the Appropriate Gold Trading or Export Authorization
Burkina Faso has separate regulatory procedures for different activities involving gold. Exporters should establish which approval applies to their business and proposed shipment.
Gold trading accreditation
Companies involved in the commercial purchase and sale of artisanal or semi-mechanized gold may need the relevant accreditation from the competent authorities. The government describes the accreditation as covering activities such as purchasing, possessing, processing, transporting, and selling eligible gold through authorized counters.
The applicant should consult the current application procedure and confirm the required company records, financial and tax documents, and other supporting information.
Do not rely on an old application checklist without confirming whether its requirements remain applicable under the 2024 Mining Code and 2025 implementing regulations.
Shipment-specific export authorization
An exporter’s general business or trading authorization should not be confused with permission for a particular gold shipment.
Burkina Faso’s official e-service for a Special Export Authorization (Autorisation Spéciale d’Exportation, ASE) lists gold and other precious substances among the regulated products for which an authorization may be required. The listed supporting documents include a stamped application form, evidence of tax compliance, a commercial invoice, and a record of packaging or parcel preparation (procès-verbal de colisage), with the competent mining authority involved.
Because gold from different production categories may follow different routes, confirm whether the ASE procedure applies to the intended transaction and whether additional authorization or centralized purchasing requirements affect the shipment.
The official Special Export Authorization service provides information about the application process.
4. Prepare the Documents Required to Export Gold from Burkina Faso
The documents required depend on the source, form, exporter, and destination of the gold. The following checklist identifies important records exporters should discuss with the authorities before a shipment is prepared.
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Company registration records | Establish the legal identity of the exporter |
| Relevant mining or gold-trading authorization | Demonstrates permission to undertake the applicable activity |
| Applicable export authorization | Provides the required approval for the proposed shipment |
| Assay or quality certificate | Records gold purity, fineness, and relevant test results |
| Origin and traceability records | Supports the declared source and legal supply chain |
| Production or purchase records | Establishes how the exporter obtained the gold |
| Casting, weighing, or packaging records | Records relevant technical checks and shipment preparation |
| Commercial invoice | States the parties, product description, quantity, valuation, and transaction terms |
| Tax and royalty records | Supports compliance with applicable fiscal obligations |
| Customs export declaration | Declares the shipment under the relevant customs procedure |
| Packing list | Describes the packages and their contents |
| Transport and insurance documents | Records shipment arrangements and applicable insurance coverage |
Not every document applies identically to every gold export. Obtain the official checklist for the product and route concerned, and confirm which documents must be approved before customs clearance.
For further guidance, see our gold export procedures in Africa and gold export licence guide.
5. Comply With Gold Weighing, Packaging, and Quality Controls
Burkina Faso has introduced specific rules governing the control of gold quantity and quality, including casting, weighing, packaging, and transportation.
Decree No. 2025-0300 of 21 March 2025 provides the framework for these controls. The Bureau des Mines et de la Géologie du Burkina (BUMIGEB), the country’s geological service, participates in technical checks on gold production and the handling of ingots intended for export.
Official reporting describes BUMIGEB’s involvement in casting operations, weighing and packaging controls, and sampling for analysis. These controls help establish the amount and quality of gold entering the formal export chain.
Exporters should therefore ensure that:
- The gold is handled through the process required for its production category.
- Its weight and quality are established using the accepted procedures.
- Required casting, packaging, and transport records are prepared.
- Bar markings and accompanying documents are consistent.
- Any required official inspection or sealing is completed before dispatch.
A privately obtained assay report may be useful for commercial negotiations, but it does not automatically replace a mandatory official control or certification procedure.
6. Understand the Role of SONASP in Burkina Faso’s Gold Trade
The Société Nationale des Substances Précieuses (SONASP) is a state-owned company established to commercialize and process gold and other precious substances and to conduct gold refining activities.
SONASP has played a major role in the formalization and centralization of artisanal gold commercialization. Official reporting on Burkina Faso’s gold exports in 2024 identifies SONASP as a major participant in the collection and export of artisanal gold, alongside industrial mining companies.
Its role is particularly important for buyers considering gold from artisanal and semi-mechanized production.
Before purchasing gold through an intermediary, determine whether the transaction must pass through SONASP or another authorized channel. Confirm the applicable procedure directly with the competent authorities, especially if the proposed seller claims to hold a separate export authorization.
The key consideration is not merely whether a company operates in the gold sector, but whether the company is legally authorized to conduct the specific purchase and export transaction.
7. Understand Gold Export Taxes and Valuation Rules
Gold exports from Burkina Faso are subject to the applicable mining taxes, royalties, and other fiscal requirements. The amount payable depends on the relevant legal provisions and the type of operation and transaction.
Article 243 of the 2024 Mining Code provides that domestic gold sales and gold exports are subject to the applicable mining taxes and royalties, with a specific exemption for the designated public purchasing and selling body.
Exporters should not assume that one tax rate applies to every gold bar, doré consignment, or artisanal gold transaction. Confirm the treatment of the particular product with the competent tax and mining authorities before preparing the final invoice.
Gold valuation and commercial invoices
Decree No. 2025-0300 provides rules for calculating export commercial invoices using the official gold price, referenced to the London fixing, and the applicable central-bank exchange rate.
This makes accurate valuation important when preparing an export file. The declared value should be consistent with the applicable valuation methodology and supporting commercial and assay records.
Before finalizing a quotation, establish:
- The applicable gold valuation reference.
- The method used to determine the declared quantity and purity.
- The taxes and royalties payable for the transaction.
- Any mandatory inspection, assay, or administrative charges.
- The costs of insurance, transport, and customs processing.
For an international transaction, distinguish the value of the gold itself from the full cost of preparing and delivering the shipment.
8. Complete Customs Clearance and Arrange International Shipping
After the necessary mining-sector approvals and export documentation have been prepared, the exporter must follow the applicable customs procedure.
The customs declaration should agree with the commercial invoice, packing details, declared origin, gold quantity, and other shipment records. Discrepancies in these documents can lead to further checks or delays.
Before dispatch, confirm that the necessary export authorization has been issued, the required official controls have been completed, and the shipment is eligible to leave Burkina Faso.
For international delivery, use a carrier that accepts the specific precious-metal product and route. Establish the insurance coverage, declared value, packaging, tracking, delivery conditions, and responsibility for import clearance before the gold is sent.
The buyer must also check the import requirements of the destination country. A shipment legally exported from Burkina Faso can still face delays or other problems if the importer does not satisfy the destination’s customs, tax, or responsible-sourcing requirements.
See our guide to shipping gold from Africa for more information about transport documentation and delivery arrangements.
9. Meet Responsible-Sourcing and Anti-Money-Laundering Requirements
Legal gold exports require more than a trading licence and a customs declaration. Exporters should maintain evidence of the gold’s origin and the commercial chain through which it was acquired.
This is especially important where gold passes through multiple intermediaries or originates from artisanal mining areas affected by insecurity and informal trade.
Buyers and exporters should conduct appropriate due diligence, including:
- Verifying the legal identity of the seller and exporter.
- Checking relevant mining and trading authorizations.
- Establishing the source of the gold and keeping supporting records.
- Reviewing assay, purchase, production, and export documents.
- Screening relevant parties against applicable sanctions and financial-crime requirements.
- Maintaining records of payment, ownership, and shipment.
An assay certificate proves information about tested material; it does not, by itself, prove that the gold was lawfully sourced. Similarly, a commercial invoice does not replace the required authorization to export the shipment.
International buyers should confirm whether their bank, refinery, insurer, or destination jurisdiction requires additional traceability or responsible-sourcing documentation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Exporting Gold from Burkina Faso
Assuming every gold exporter may export artisanal gold. The 2024 export-authorization suspension and the centralized purchasing framework make it essential to verify the permitted route for the actual gold category.
Treating a trading licence as a shipment permit. A business approval does not necessarily clear an individual shipment for export.
Relying on outdated legal guidance. Burkina Faso introduced a new Mining Code in 2024 and implementing regulations in 2025. Older procedures may not reflect the current framework.
Ignoring official gold quality controls. Required weighing, casting, packaging, inspection, and certification steps must be completed where applicable.
Using inconsistent export documents. The assay report, invoice, packaging record, export authorization, and customs declaration should correspond to the same shipment.
Assuming that all gold exports have the same taxes. Tax and royalty treatment depends on the applicable provisions and the type of transaction.
Paying unexplained fees to intermediaries. Verify the purpose and legal basis of any charge before transferring money to an unfamiliar party.
Official Sources for Checking Burkina Faso Gold Export Rules
Because the country’s gold export framework has changed, exporters should verify their intended transaction against current official sources before making payments or arranging shipments.
The following resources are useful starting points:
- Ministry of Energy, Mines and Quarries — Laws and Regulations: includes the Mining Code and implementing decrees.
- Official 2024 Mining Code: covers industrial and artisanal mining, commercialization, and export-related rules.
- Government gold-trading accreditation procedure: describes the accreditation process for eligible gold-trading activities.
- Special Export Authorization service: describes the general ASE procedure for regulated export products, including gold and other precious substances.
- SONASP — Ministry of Energy, Mines and Quarries: explains the state company’s role in commercialization and processing.
- BUMIGEB — Official mining information: provides information about the regulation of gold trading and export.
FAQs About Burkina Faso Gold Export Rules
Is gold export legal in Burkina Faso?
Yes, gold exports take place through legally authorized channels, including industrial mining operations and the relevant state-controlled or authorized channels for other categories. However, the specific route depends on the gold’s origin and category, and an applicable restriction may prevent a particular exporter from shipping a particular type of gold.
Can a private company export artisanal gold from Burkina Faso?
The government suspended issuance of export authorizations for artisanal and semi-mechanized gold in February 2024. Official reporting subsequently described the measure as continuing, while the public-service portal lists an accreditation procedure for gold-trading counters. A private company should obtain direct confirmation from the competent authorities about the present export status and applicable route before entering a transaction.
What is SONASP’s role in gold exports?
SONASP is a state-owned company involved in commercializing and processing gold and other precious substances and in gold refining. It has played a major role in the formal collection and export of artisanal gold. Exporters should confirm whether SONASP or another authorized route applies to the specific transaction.
Which documents are required to export gold from Burkina Faso?
Depending on the shipment, documents may include the relevant business or mining authorization, applicable export approval, assay or quality report, origin and traceability records, commercial invoice, packaging documentation, tax records, customs declaration, and transport documents. The official checklist should be confirmed for the actual gold category and export route.
Does Burkina Faso require gold quality inspection before export?
Burkina Faso’s regulations establish procedures for controlling gold quantity and quality, including casting, weighing, packaging, and transportation. The particular controls depend on the production and processing route. Exporters should confirm the inspections and certification required for their shipment.
Are gold exports from Burkina Faso subject to taxes?
Gold sales and exports are subject to applicable mining taxes and royalties under the Mining Code, subject to specific statutory provisions and exemptions. The exact amount and valuation basis must be established for the particular transaction.
Is a gold trading licence the same as a gold export permit?
No. A licence or accreditation authorizes a business to conduct specified activities. A separate export authorization, certification, or customs procedure may apply to a particular shipment. In Burkina Faso, confirm the relevant approvals individually rather than assuming one document satisfies every requirement.
Where can I verify the latest gold export rules?
Start with the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Quarries, the official government service portal, SONASP, BUMIGEB, and the relevant customs authorities. Request current written guidance on the gold’s origin, category, and planned export route.
Conclusion: Verify the Export Route Before Buying Gold from Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso gold export rules require careful attention to the source of the gold, the relevant mining and trading authorizations, official quality controls, taxes, customs documentation, and responsible-sourcing requirements.
The 2024 Mining Code and 2025 implementing regulations strengthened oversight of the gold sector. The suspension announced for artisanal and semi-mechanized gold also makes it essential to confirm whether the proposed export route is currently authorized.
For a compliant transaction, verify the exporter, establish the gold’s origin and purity, confirm the applicable approvals with the competent authorities, and complete the required documentation before shipment.
For further guidance, explore Buy Gold Bars Africa’s resources on gold export procedures across Africa, gold export laws, gold export licences, and the legal requirements for buying gold bars from Africa. You can also learn more about gold exporters in Africa and shipping gold internationally.
