The verdict in three sentences
For a licensed customs broker, at the port of Dakar or serving shippers from Rotterdam, a bilingual showcase website costs EUR 2,750 to 6,900 (1.8 to 4.5 million FCFA), delivered in 6 to 8 weeks. Two features set it apart from competitors: an indicative clearance cost estimator and file tracking by bill of lading number, which stops importers calling all day. For a foreign shipper choosing a broker remotely, the site is often the only proof of reliability before the first container.
What a customs broker's website must show
Any freight forwarding manager knows it: an importer in Bamako or an exporter in Rotterdam compares three brokers in one evening, from a phone. They look for the licence, references, average clearance times and a contact reachable on WhatsApp.
| Module | Content | 2026 budget (EUR) | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| FR/EN service pages | Import, export, Mali transit, groupage, warehousing | 1,070 to 2,130 | 2 to 3 weeks |
| Licence and compliance page | Licence number, certifications, insurance | 230 to 460 | Included |
| Indicative cost estimator | Estimated duties, fees, handling, by goods type | 610 to 1,830 | 2 weeks |
| File tracking by B/L number | Status: arrived, declared, assessed, released, delivered | 690 to 1,980 | 2 to 3 weeks |
| Quote form and WhatsApp | Quote request with attachments | 230 to 460 | 1 week |
| SEO and Google Business Profile | "customs broker Dakar", "freight forwarder Senegal" | 0 to 460 | 1 week |
A bilingual site with service pages, quote form and WhatsApp starts around EUR 2,750. With the estimator and B/L tracking linked to an internal dashboard, it reaches EUR 5,300 to 6,900. Maintenance, hosting and backups included, is about EUR 90 a month (60,000 FCFA).
The estimator stays indicative: actual duties depend on the customs value, origin and tariff heading under the ECOWAS Common External Tariff, and only the official assessment is binding.
Local offers versus European agencies
| Criterion | Local freelancer | Local generalist agency | French or Dutch agency | Kolonell |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price of an FR/EN site | EUR 610 to 1,370 | EUR 1,830 to 3,810 | EUR 9,000 to 20,000 | EUR 2,750 to 6,900 |
| Cost estimator | Rare | Sometimes | Yes | Yes |
| B/L file tracking | No | Rare | Yes | Yes |
| Knowledge of the port of Dakar | Variable | Good | Weak | Good |
| Timeline | 3 to 6 weeks | 4 to 8 weeks | 10 to 16 weeks | 6 to 8 weeks |
| Payment | FCFA | FCFA | EUR, international transfer | FCFA, EUR, Wave, Orange Money |
| Monthly maintenance | Irregular | EUR 60 to 120 | EUR 150 to 400 | EUR 90 |
Mini case study
Mr Ndiaye, manager of a licensed customs broker at the port of Dakar, handles 180 files a month. His three agents get about 25 calls a day asking "where is my container", at 4 minutes each, or 100 minutes lost a day, around 37 hours a month. He invests EUR 5,800 (3.8 million FCFA) in an FR/EN site with the estimator and B/L tracking.
Online tracking cuts calls by two thirds, freeing 25 hours a month, valued at EUR 7.60 an hour, or EUR 190 a month. Above all, the site brings 2 new foreign clients per quarter at 8 files a month each, with EUR 180 of margin per file: about EUR 2,900 of monthly margin over time. The investment pays back in 3 to 5 months.
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FAQ
How much does a customs broker website cost?
Expect EUR 2,750 to 3,800 for a bilingual site with a quote form and WhatsApp. With a cost estimator and B/L file tracking, the budget reaches EUR 5,300 to 6,900.
Can the estimator give exact duties?
No, it gives an indicative range based on goods type and declared value. Final duties depend on the customs assessment and can vary by 10 to 20% depending on the tariff heading.
How does tracking by B/L number work?
The client enters the bill of lading number and sees the file status, updated by your agents from an internal dashboard. The module costs EUR 690 to 1,980 depending on automation.
Why an English version?
European and Asian shippers and shipping lines work in English. An EN version adds about 25 to 35% to the budget and opens up searches like "customs broker Dakar".
Can we pay by Wave or Orange Money?
Yes, the 40% deposit and instalments can be paid by Wave, Orange Money or bank transfer. The EUR 90 monthly maintenance is paid the same way.
Let's scope your project. Send us your services, monthly file volume and target markets: we will price a site between EUR 2,750 and 6,900 delivered in 6 to 8 weeks. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
