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Export from Burundi
A short guide for companies selling from Burundi: the export figures, the agreements and their limits, the main steps and who can help, each with its source.
1. What Burundi sells, and who buys it
Goods exports
US$169.5 million
Merchandise exports were US$169.5 million in 2023 in Burundi's own UN Comtrade report.
Source: UN Comtrade, Burundi exports by destination, 2023 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2023
Services exports
US$148.1 million
Services exports were US$148.1 million in 2025, in the WTO-UNCTAD-ITC data.
Source: UNCTADstat, WTO-UNCTAD-ITC trade in services, Burundi (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
Top goods exports
2023
- 1. Coffee (HS 0901)US$42.1 million
- 2. Gold (HS 7108)US$30.6 million
- 3. Tea (HS 0902)US$18.3 million
- 4. Cigarettes and other tobacco products (HS 2402)US$10.6 million
- 5. Wheat flour (HS 1101)US$9.77 million
- 6. Malt beer (HS 2203)US$9.66 million
- 7. Steel bars and rods (HS 7214)US$6.74 million
- 8. Glass bottles and jars (HS 7010)US$5.91 million
Show 12 more products
- 9. Soap (HS 3401)US$5.3 million
- 10. Fruit juices (HS 2009)US$3.89 million
- 11. Plastic containers and packaging (HS 3923)US$3.43 million
- 12. Refined petroleum products (HS 2710)US$2.34 million
- 13. Spirits and liqueurs (HS 2208)US$1.86 million
- 14. Tin ores (HS 2609)US$1.66 million
- 15. Flat-rolled steel (HS 7210)US$1.64 million
- 16. Niobium, tantalum and vanadium ores (HS 2615)US$1.38 million
- 17. Passenger cars (HS 8703)US$1.23 million
- 18. Goods transport vehicles (HS 8704)US$1.21 million
- 19. Furniture (HS 9403)US$1.17 million
- 20. Bran and mill residues (HS 2302)US$1.13 million
- Burundi's latest UN Comtrade report is for 2023; the central bank's own provisional table gives US$214.9 million for 2023 and US$333.0 million for 2025, on a different basis. Check recent months before you quote. Source (opens in a new tab)
- Flow X includes re-exports, which were US$12.1 million, 7.2 percent of 2023 exports. Source (opens in a new tab)
- Coffee, gold and tea were 53.6 percent of 2023 exports, so the ranking follows a few commodities. Source (opens in a new tab)
Source: UN Comtrade, Burundi exports by product, 2023 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2023
Where the goods go
2023, share of goods exports
- Democratic Republic of the Congo27.4%
- United Arab Emirates20.9%
- Switzerland8.8%
- Belgium5.7%
- Sudan5.2%
- Germany3.7%
- Tanzania3.7%
- Kenya3.6%
- Burundi's latest Comtrade report is for 2023, and shares are for that year. Source (opens in a new tab)
Source: UN Comtrade, Burundi exports by destination, 2023 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2023
2. What to look into next
Our reading
The research marks coffee, tea and wheat flour as lines a small or mid-sized company could be in. If yours is one, check which markets buy that line, not only Burundi’s top destinations overall.
Source: UN Comtrade, Burundi exports by product, 2023 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Based on: Top goods exports
Glass bottles and jars grew 27% from 2022 to 2023. A growing line can mean buyers are looking for more; confirm it with that line’s buyers before you plan around it.
Source: UN Comtrade, Burundi exports by product, 2023 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Based on: Top goods exports, against the year before
The Democratic Republic of the Congo takes 27.4% of Burundi’s goods exports. If you sell there, its import rules and buyer channels come first; either way, compare at least one other market before you commit.
Source: UN Comtrade, Burundi exports by destination, 2023 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Based on: Where the goods go
Promote:Global’s reading of the figures above, not a source’s statement, and not advice.
3. Trade agreements
What each arrangement can mean for a seller, and its limits. A preference is conditional: check the rules of origin before you quote.
African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
Goods that meet AfCFTA origin rules may enter other participating markets at the preference the importing country schedules.
No Burundi tariff schedule or operational route was found; in August 2026 the Secretariat and the government agreed to build a country profile and roadmap.
Source: AfCFTA Secretariat, mission to Burundi, 6 August 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of August 6, 2026
East African Community (EAC)
Goods that meet EAC origin rules can use an EAC certificate of origin issued by the OBR customs service.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access; EAC rules of origin apply to each product.
Source: Burundi Trade Information Portal, export procedures (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA)
Exports to COMESA markets use a COMESA certificate of origin from the trade ministry, and small traders can use the simplified trade regime with the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The simplified regime covers goods on a common list for small cross-border traders only.
Source: Trade ministry, COMESA simplified regime launch, October 2024 (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of November 2, 2024
COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite Free Trade Area
The agreement links 29 countries across the three communities, and Burundi deposited its instrument of ratification.
Tariff and origin schedules must be in place in each importing country; check the importing market before you quote.
Source: SADC, Tripartite Free Trade Area entry into force, July 2024 (opens in a new tab) · as of July 24, 2024
Show 5 more agreements
Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS)
ADB's trade information page lists ECCAS among Burundi's regional communities.
No ECCAS certificate of origin or tariff scheme appears in the national export procedures found.
Source: ADB, trade information page (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
AGOA
The United States' trade preference program for eligible African countries does not cover Burundian goods in 2026.
The notice says the President did not designate Burundi for 2026; check the latest Federal Register list for later years.
Source: USTR, Federal Register notice 2026-13177, 30 June 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of June 30, 2026
European Union Everything but Arms
Burundian goods enter the European Union duty free and quota free, except arms, when origin rules are met.
New European Union GSP rules apply from January 1, 2027; check the 2027 beneficiary list before you quote.
Source: European Commission, Access2Markets, Everything but Arms list (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
United Kingdom's Developing Countries Trading Scheme
Burundi is in the scheme's Comprehensive Preferences tier, the tier for least developed countries.
Preference depends on origin rules and on the scheme tier, which the government may review.
Source: GOV.UK, Developing Countries Trading Scheme preference tiers (opens in a new tab) · as of June 19, 2023
European Union-East African Community Economic Partnership Agreement
Burundi trades with the European Union under Everything but Arms, not under this agreement.
The European Commission lists Burundi as pending signature; Kenya has signed and ratified.
Source: European Commission, East African Community partnership agreement status (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
4. Steps to export
The main steps, in order, each with the body responsible and its official page.
Exporting from Burundi
- Register the business and get a tax identification number.Agence de Développement du Burundi (ADB)200,000 Burundian francs for a company; 100,000 for an individualOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: ADB, company registration procedure (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Get an exporter code from the foreign trade directorate.Direction du Commerce extérieur, trade ministryOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Burundi Trade Information Portal, export procedures (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- For artisanal minerals, sell through a buying and export house approved by the minister in charge of mines.Ministère des Ressources Minières, Energétiques, de l'Industrie, du Commerce et du Tourisme (MRMEICT)Official page (opens in a new tab)
Source: ADB, licenses needed before operating (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Get a conformity certificate from BBN where your product needs one.Bureau Burundais de Normalisation et Contrôle de la Qualité (BBN)Official page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Burundi Trade Information Portal, export procedures (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Show 6 more export steps
- Get a phytosanitary certificate for plant products from a plant protection inspector.Direction de la Protection des VégétauxOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Burundi Trade Information Portal, export procedures (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Get the certificate of origin that matches the agreement you use.OBR (EAC certificates); trade ministry (COMESA and preference scheme certificates)Official page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Burundi Trade Information Portal, export procedures (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Get an export tax clearance from the OBR office for your taxpayer category.Office Burundais des Recettes (OBR)Official page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Burundi Trade Information Portal, export procedures (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Fill in the export declaration on the dedicated electronic platform and have your bank validate it before shipment.Exporter's bank, under Banque de la République du Burundi (BRB) rulesValid six months, extendable onceOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: BRB, foreign exchange regulation, 28 December 2023 (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of December 28, 2023
- File the customs export declaration through a licensed customs agent for shipments above US$2,000.Office Burundais des Recettes (OBR)Official page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Burundi Trade Information Portal, export procedures (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Bring the export proceeds back through the bank that registered the declaration.Banque de la République du Burundi (BRB)Within three months of customs clearance; one month by airOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: BRB, foreign exchange regulation, 28 December 2023 (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of December 28, 2023
5. Organizations that help exporters
Start with OBR and INSBU. Each card links to the organization’s own site.
Each card says what it can help with:Get adviceFind financeMeet requirementsResearch markets
Export development and market information
- Research markets
National statistics office
INSBU
Institut National de la Statistique du Burundi
Publishes consumer prices, census results, surveys and economic notes that a company can use to size a market.
Visit INSBU (opens in a new tab)Source: INSBU, list of latest publications, October 2026 (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 24, 2026
- Get advice
Trade and industry ministry
MRMEICT
Ministère des Ressources Minières, Energétiques, de l'Industrie, du Commerce et du Tourisme
Issues exporter codes and some certificates of origin, and leads national trade policy, including AfCFTA implementation.
Visit MRMEICT (opens in a new tab)Source: Burundi Trade Information Portal, export procedures (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Show 2 more organizations
- Research markets
Continental trade agreement secretariat
AfCFTA Secretariat
Multilateral body
Runs continental trade tools, including the payment system for African currencies and the Africa Trade Gateway.
Visit AfCFTA Secretariat (opens in a new tab)Source: AfCFTA Secretariat, mission to Burundi, 6 August 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of August 6, 2026
- Research markets
Regional trade community secretariat
COMESA
Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa
Regional body
Runs COMESA programs that Burundian exporters use, including the simplified trade regime for small cross-border traders.
Visit COMESA (opens in a new tab)Source: Trade ministry, COMESA simplified regime launch, October 2024 (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of November 2, 2024
Customs and tax
- Meet requirements
Tax and customs authority
OBR
Office Burundais des Recettes
Issues EAC certificates of origin and tax clearance for exports, and runs the trade information portal and the electronic single window.
Visit OBR (opens in a new tab)Source: Burundi Trade Information Portal, export procedures (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Meet requirements
Central bank
BRB
Banque de la République du Burundi
Sets exchange rules, including export declarations validated by banks and the return of export proceeds.
Visit BRB (opens in a new tab)Source: BRB, foreign exchange regulation, 28 December 2023 (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of December 28, 2023
Show 1 more organization
Finance and budget ministry
MFBEN
Ministère des Finances, du Budget et de l'Economie Numérique
Publishes the ministerial orders that apply the annual finance law, which carries tax and customs measures.
Visit MFBEN (opens in a new tab)Source: Finance ministry, home page (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Standards and sector requirements
- Meet requirements
National standards body
BBN
Bureau Burundais de Normalisation et Contrôle de la Qualité
Publishes national standards and issues product conformity certificates and quality marks.
Visit BBN (opens in a new tab)Source: Trade ministry, page on BBN, 2023 (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of September 28, 2023
Mines and quarries office
OBM
Office Burundais des Mines et Carrières
Runs the mining cadastre and supports the formalization and oversight of mining operations.
Visit OBM (opens in a new tab)Source: OBM, home page (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Show 1 more organization
- Meet requirements
Medicines and food regulator
ABREMA
Autorité Burundaise de Régulation des Médicaments à usage humain et des Aliments
Registers medicines and food products against WHO, ICH, EAC and national standards.
Visit ABREMA (opens in a new tab)Source: ABREMA, home page (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Chambers and industry associations
- Get advice
National chamber of commerce
CFCIB
Chambre Fédérale de Commerce et d'Industrie du Burundi
Represents private-sector business associations and gives members advice, information and training.
Visit CFCIB (opens in a new tab)Source: CFCIB, home page (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
6. Worth knowing
Currency and settlement
Exchange rules require export proceeds to reach a Burundi bank within three months of customs clearance, or one month by air, through the bank that registered the declaration.
What to do: Agree payment terms with your buyer and your bank before you ship.
Sources: BRB, foreign exchange regulation, 28 December 2023 (in French) (opens in a new tab); Burundi Trade Information Portal, export procedures (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
AGOA eligibility
The United States did not designate Burundi as an AGOA beneficiary for 2026, according to the Federal Register notice of June 30, 2026.
What to do: Check current United States tariff treatment before you quote a price.
Source: USTR, Federal Register notice 2026-13177, 30 June 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Ministry names changing
The trade ministry, MRMEICT, took over mines and energy in August 2025, and the finance ministry's name now includes the digital economy.
What to do: Address documents to the current ministry names shown on their own sites.
Sources: Trade ministry, ministerial handover post, 12 August 2025 (in French) (opens in a new tab); Finance ministry, home page (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Annual finance law
The finance ministry has published ministerial orders since August 2026 applying the 2026/2027 finance law, including a surtax on imported beers and other goods.
What to do: Confirm current tax and customs measures with the OBR before you price a contract.
Source: Finance ministry, orders applying the 2026/2027 finance law (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
7. How Promote:Global helps
- Compare potential export marketsSee which markets import what you sell, ranked on public trade data, and read each country before you commit.
- Check duties and document requirementsCheck the duty, the origin conditions for a preferential rate and the documents a shipment needs.
- Find advisors and service firmsAsk an advisory firm a scoped, paid question, or browse firms that list their own services, from legal work to logistics.
- Organize your next stepsKeep each product and market in a project, with a roadmap of steps you work through.
Turn this guide into your Burundi project.
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Promote:Burundi is an independent guide by Promote:Global, not an official government portal. The organizations named here are independent public and membership bodies, not Promote:Global partners, and every link goes to their own site.
Facts read from public sources, with an editorial cut-off of October 31, 2026. Nothing here is investment, legal, tax or sanctions advice. Check current status with the organization before you rely on it.