Plant biostimulants are not mentioned in the Benin legislation on fertilisers. However, one should make sure that the claims on the product do not qualify the product as a phytopharmaceutical product under their 1991 law, which would trigger an authorisation procedure prior to placing on the Benin market.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), of which Benin is a member, has a regulation titled “Regulation C/REG.13/12/12 Relating to Fertilizer Quality Control in the ECOWAS Region”.

This regulation establishes a harmonised legal framework for fertiliser quality control across Member States, defining terms, principles, and institutional roles to ensure truthful labelling, safe composition, and free movement of compliant fertilisers. Only licensed manufacturers, importers and agro-dealers may produce, import or sell fertilisers. Bi-annual reports on the amount of fertilisers sold are mandatory. Violations are nutrient deficiencies, misbranding, short weight, adulteration, unlicensed sales, late reporting, and any non-compliance with regulatory instructions. Fines are given accordingly.

The current key legislation as regards to fertilisers (there is no explicit mention of “plant biostimulants” as a separate category under the law) is Décret n°2018-176 of May 16th, 2018 fixing the modalities of the management and control of the quality of fertilisers in the Republic of Bénin, in accordance with ECOWAS and national laws.

The second relevant legislation pertaining to fertilisers is Decree n°2018-175, fixing the modalities to create the Comité National d’Agrément et de Contrôle de Qualité des Engrais (CONACE) in Bénin, which is attached to the Ministry of Agriculture.

The CONACE is simply responsible for the overseeing of the quality and regulation of fertiliser products in Bénin.

Because Benin’s legislation is older and apparently not updated to mention biostimulants directly, you will likely need to engage with the competent authority to clarify classification and registration pathway.

Need help with this? Just reach out. We are happy to help.

We wish you an amazing day,

The sciBASICS Team.