Frozen Fish Supplier, Benin: CIF Cotonou

Products in highest demand

Atlantic horse mackerel

Whole round, 16+, 18+, 20+, 23+ and 25+ cm, packed in 20 kg cartons (1 × 20 kg or 2 × 10 kg) or 30 kg carton (3 × 10 kg).

tilapia

Whole round, ungutted, 300–500 g, 500–800 g, 800 g and above, packed in 10 kg cartons, usually two 5 kg blocks.

Block frozen or IQF, 200/400, 300/500, 400/600 g and 600 g+; or 16+, 20+, 23+, 25+ cm depending on origin, packed in 20 kg net cartons (one 20 kg block or two 10 kg blocks); 30 kg (three 10 kg blocks) for colias.

sardinella

Whole round, 16+, 20+ and 25+ cm, packed in 20 kg cartons (one 20 kg block or two 10 kg blocks) or 30 kg carton (three 10 kg blocks).

hake

Whole round, up to 1 kg; 1 kg and above, packed in 10 kg cartons.

Also supplied on this corridor

Sardine

Shipping and trade terms

Incoterms: CIF Cotonou (default), CFR, FOB, CPT
Equipment: 40ft Reefer, High Cube, set at -18 °C
Load per container: about 26 t net (25–27.5 t depending on product and packing), FCL only
Packing: Bulk cartons 10 / 20 kg, whole round, IQF on request
Transit time: about 22–25 days with the fastest service, depending on the carrier
Origins: North-East and Central-East Atlantic; South-East Pacific (Chile and Peru); Asian aquaculture for tilapia, on buyer approval

Documents and compliance

Veterinary health certificate issued by the competent authority of the country of origin
Certificate of origin and full commercial set (invoice, packing list, bill of lading)
Pre-shipment inspection and container temperature recorder on request
Cold-chain traceability from plant approval number to container seal

Buyer questions

Which frozen pelagic fish sell best in Benin?

Market demand in Benin commonly includes Horse Mackerel (chinchard) and Tilapia; the exact mix is agreed with each buyer.

Do you sell less than a full container?

No. This corridor is quoted in full container loads (FCL) of about 26 t net (25–27.5 t depending on product and packing), which keeps the landed cost per kilo competitive. Mixed loads combining several items in one container are possible.

Which Incoterm applies?

Quotes default to CIF Cotonou: the seller pays freight and insurance. Under CFR, the seller pays freight and the buyer insures the goods. Under FOB, the buyer books and pays the freight. CPT is also available on request.

Which authority covers sanitary requirements in Benin?

Benin's Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries regulates sanitary and fishery-product requirements through its competent directorates.

What should an importer verify before using Cotonou?

The importer should confirm the current permit, sanitary certificate and inspection requirements with the competent ministry and customs broker before shipment.