Data protection law in Benin: registration and research permits
What a survey team needs to know about personal data and survey authorization in Benin.
Summary for planning; confirm requirements with the regulator before fieldwork.
operational regulator
Data protection law
Law 2017-20 on the digital code (personal data protection section) (2017)
Registration
declaration to APD required before processing
National statistics office
Institut National de la Statistique et de la Demographie (INStaD)
Note
APDP is one of the most active data protection authorities in West Africa; the 2017 digital code also covers e-transactions and cybersecurity.
Benin research rules: common questions
Is there a data protection law in Benin?
Law 2017-20 on the digital code (personal data protection section) (2017).
Who regulates personal data in Benin?
APDP (Autorite de Protection des Donnees a caractere Personnel).
Do I need to register to collect personal data in Benin?
Declaration to APD required before processing.
Do I need a permit to run a survey in Benin?
INStaD authorization required under Law 2010-35 on statistics.
Sources: the regulator and statistics office pages linked above, retrieved 10 Oct 2026. See our methods.