Port Cotonou: Enlèvement Marchandises 24/7 Dès Octobre 2026

• All entities involved in goods removal at the Port Autonome de Cotonou will operate continuously.
• Services will be available on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.
• This new 24/7 schedule for Port Cotonou enlèvement marchandises takes effect on Saturday, October 24, 2026.
• The change was announced via a note from the Port's general management.
• The initiative aims to enhance efficiency and streamline cargo clearance for import export Bénin.

Beginning on Saturday, October 24, 2026, every organization and department integral to the process of clearing and removing goods from the Port Autonome de Cotonou will extend their operational hours to include Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.

A significant operational change is set to transform goods removal processes at the Port Autonome de Cotonou, with all involved entities poised to offer continuous services. This pivotal shift, which will enable Port Cotonou enlèvement marchandises 24/7, was officially communicated through a directive issued by the general management of the Port. The announcement signals a move towards enhanced efficiency and accessibility for all port users.

Beginning on Saturday, October 24, 2026, every organization and department integral to the process of clearing and removing goods from the Port Autonome de Cotonou will extend their operational hours to include Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. This comprehensive expansion ensures that the entire chain of goods removal will function without interruption, a departure from previous schedules that may have seen reduced activity or closures during these periods. The new policy aims to streamline the flow of cargo and reduce potential bottlenecks.

The directive mandating these extended hours represents a strategic enhancement to the Port Autonome de Cotonou services continus. By requiring all structures to operate on weekends and public holidays, the port is effectively implementing a round-the-clock, seven-days-a-week schedule for cargo clearance. This means that the enlèvement marchandises week-ends Bénin will no longer be subject to the same limitations, allowing for a more dynamic and responsive logistics environment.

This regulatory update, encapsulated in the nouvelles règles Port Cotonou 2026, impacts every aspect of the goods removal process, from customs clearance to handling and transport coordination. The move to services portuaires Cotonou jours fériés underscores a commitment to modernizing the port's infrastructure and operational protocols. It aims to align the Port of Cotonou with international best practices for major shipping hubs, ensuring that cargo can be processed and moved without unnecessary delays, irrespective of the day of the week.

The implementation of continuous goods removal services holds substantial implications for businesses engaged in import export Bénin. Faster processing times and the ability to clear goods on weekends and holidays are expected to significantly reduce dwell times for cargo, thereby lowering storage costs and mitigating the risk of demurrage charges. This enhanced operational fluidity is a critical step towards bolstering Bénin logistique portuaire capabilities and making the Port of Cotonou a more attractive gateway for regional and international trade.

For logistics companies and importers, the new 24/7 schedule, effective from October 24, 2026, necessitates a review of current operational planning, contract terms, and compliance strategies. The ability to clear goods continuously will allow for more agile supply chain management and potentially faster market access for imported products. This forward-looking initiative by the Port's general management is poised to enhance the overall efficiency and competitiveness of Bénin's trade sector, fostering economic growth and improving the country's position as a key logistical hub in West Africa.

Lawyers advising import/export businesses or logistics companies operating through the Port of Cotonou should inform clients about the new 24/7 goods removal schedule, effective October 24, 2026, to adjust operational planning, contract terms, and compliance strategies for faster clearance and reduced demurrage risks.

Source: Original reporting via Port Autonome de Cotonou management note