Shipping to and from Mauritius

Limark in Mauritius

Connecting Mauritius across Africa and beyond

Limark’s deep-rooted presence in Mauritius empowers businesses to thrive within the dynamic trade ecosystem of this island nation. Our extensive experience in Indian Ocean logistics ensures seamless cargo movement across maritime borders, connecting Mauritius to vital regional and international markets.

Leveraging our vast network spanning over 40 African countries, Limark facilitates efficient transportation solutions for your Mauritius shipments. Whether you’re exporting Mauritius’ renowned sugar, textiles, or seafood, or importing essential commodities and equipment, our end-to-end solutions optimize your supply chain, reducing complexity and enhancing overall efficiency.

Import regulations

Importing goods to Mauritius requires navigating specific procedures and documentation. Here’s a breakdown of the essential requirements:

Regulations and restrictions

Product categories requiring import licenses/permits

Food and agricultural products

All food and agricultural imports require a phytosanitary certificate issued by the Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security (MAIFS).
Specific products like meat, poultry, fish, dairy, and plants may require additional permits or certificates from the MAIFS or the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MHW).
Strict adherence to sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards is essential.

Pharmaceuticals and medical devices

The import of pharmaceuticals and medical devices is regulated by the Pharmacy Board and the MHW
A marketing authorization (MA) is required for all medicines
Medical devices must comply with relevant standards and be registered with the MHW

Chemicals and Hazardous Materials

The import of chemicals and hazardous materials is regulated by the Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change (MESWCC)
Import permits are required, and detailed safety data sheets (SDS) must be submitted
Proper packaging, labeling, and handling procedures are crucial

Vehicles and Spare Parts

The National Land Transport Authority (NLTA) regulates the import of vehicles and spare parts.
Import permits are required for vehicles, and they must comply with specific technical standards and emission regulations.

Textiles and Apparel

The Mauritius Standards Bureau (MSB) regulates the import of textiles and apparel
Products must meet specific labeling and quality standards

Other Regulated Products

Other products that may require import licenses or permits include telecommunication equipment, weapons, ammunition, explosives, and radio communication equipment.
Consult the relevant ministries or agencies for specific requirements.

Prohibited and restricted imports

Prohibited

Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances
Pornographic and obscene materials
Counterfeit and pirated goods
Hazardous waste
Toxic chemicals not approved by the MESWCC
Weapons and ammunition (unless authorized by the Commissioner of Police)
Endangered species and products (unless authorized by CITES)

Restricted

Used clothing (except for personal effects)
Right-hand drive vehicles (except for special purposes)
Asbestos
Live animals and animal products (require health certificates)
Plants and plant products (require phytosanitary certificates)
Ozone-depleting substances

Relevant agencies

Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA): Responsible for customs administration and enforcement of import regulations.
Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security (MAIFS): Regulates food and agricultural imports.
Ministry of Health and Wellness (MHW): Regulates pharmaceutical and medical device imports.
Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change (MESWCC): Regulates the import of chemicals and hazardous materials.
National Land Transport Authority (NLTA): Regulates the import of vehicles and spare parts.
Mauritius Standards Bureau (MSB): Regulates the import of textiles and apparel.

Demurrage and detention

Free Time

Varies depending on the shipping line and port, typically ranging from 3 to 7 days after the container is discharged.
Some shipping lines may offer extended free time for specific commodities or during peak seasons.

Demurrage charges

Applied when the free time is exceeded
Calculated per container, per day
Rates vary depending on the shipping line, container size, and time elapsed.

Detention charges

Applied when the container is held beyond the agreed-upon time for return to the shipping line after being picked up from the port
Separate from demurrage charges.
Rates vary depending on the shipping line and container size.

Storage limitations

Port terminals have limited storage capacity.
Containers not cleared within the allowed time are moved to an off-dock depot at the importer’s expense, incurring additional storage fees.

Calculation methods

Demurrage and detention charges are calculated based on calendar days, including weekends and public holidays.

Required import documentation

Commercial Invoice

Detailed description of goods (including HS codes)
Quantity, weight, and value of goods (in USD or EUR)
Incoterms (International Commercial Terms)
Payment terms
Consignee and consignor details

Packing List

Detailed list of all items in each package
Description, quantity, weight, and dimensions of each item
Package markings and numbers

Bill of Lading/Airway Bill

Evidence of the contract of carriage between the shipper and carrier
Details of the shipment, including the consignee, consignor, and port of loading/discharge
Number and type of packages
Gross weight and measurement of the cargo

Certificate of Origin

Declares the origin of the goods
May be required for preferential tariff treatment under trade agreements (e.g., SADC, COMESA)

Import Permit/License (for regulated goods)

Issued by the relevant government agency
Required for specific products as mentioned above

Other certificates

Phytosanitary certificate (for plants and plant products)
Health certificate (for animals and animal products)
Certificate of analysis (for chemicals and food products)
CITES permit (for endangered species)

Import licenses and permits

Identify the Regulating Agency:

Determine the specific ministry or agency responsible for your goods based on the product category.

Gather Required Documents:

Proforma invoice or commercial contract
Technical specifications and data sheets (if applicable)
Certificates of origin, analysis, quality, etc.
Business registration documents and tax clearance certificates
Any additional documentation specific to the product or agency

Submit Application:

Complete the import permit application form.
Submit the application along with the required documents and fees to the relevant agency.
Applications are typically submitted online or in person.

Processing and Approval:

The application will be reviewed and processed by the agency
The processing time varies depending on the product and agency
If approved, the import permit/license will be issued

Validity and Renewal:

The validity period of import permits varies depending on the product and agency
Renewal procedures involve submitting a new application with updated documents before the expiry date

Costs:

Import permit fees vary depending on the product and agency.
Additional costs may include inspection fees, testing fees, and translation fees.

Customs clearance procedures

Pre-arrival processing:

The importer or their agent lodges the import declaration (IDF) through the TradeNet system.
Customs performs risk assessment.

Arrival and Unloading:

The vessel or aircraft arrives at the port or airport.
Cargo is unloaded and placed in customs control.

Document Verification and Duty Assessment:

Customs verifies the submitted documents.
Import duties, taxes, and fees are calculated based on the HS code, value, and origin of the goods.

Payment of Duties and Taxes:

The importer or their agent pays the assessed amount.
Payment methods may include bank transfers or electronic payments.

Inspection (if required):

Customs may select shipments for physical inspection based on risk assessment.
Inspections may involve verifying the goods against the documents, checking the quality and quantity, and testing for compliance with standards.

Release of Goods:

If the shipment complies with all regulations and requirements, and duties/taxes are paid, customs releases the goods for delivery to the importer.

Port/Terminal operations

Major Seaports

Port Louis Harbour: The main commercial port, handling containerized cargo, bulk cargo, and general cargo.

Air Cargo Hub

Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU): The main airport for air cargo imports.

Cut-off Dates

Vary depending on the shipping line and destination.
Check with your shipping agent or freight forwarder for specific cut-off times.

Documentation Requirements at Terminals

Ensure all required documents are submitted through TradeNet before the shipment arrives.
Original documents may be required for verification at the terminal.

Container Pickup/Drop-off and Storage

Coordinate with your shipping agent or freight forwarder for container pickup and drop-off procedures.
Be aware of free time limitations and potential demurrage/detention charges.

Disclaimer: This information is based on the latest available data and may be subject to change. Always consult with relevant authorities and experts for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Import regulations

Get a detailed guide that provides an in-depth look into every aspect of the export process to ensure your goods are shipped efficiently and in compliance with all legal standards.

Regulations and restrictions

Product categories requiring export licenses/permits

Textiles and Apparel:

Export Processing Zone (EPZ) Enterprises: Companies operating within the EPZ enjoy preferential treatment and may have specific export licensing requirements depending on the destination country and trade agreements (e.g., AGOA).

Non-EPZ Enterprises: Exports outside of preferential trade agreements may require export licenses from the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Consumer Protection (MICCP).

Proof of Origin: Certificates of origin are crucial for establishing the origin of goods and determining eligibility for preferential tariff treatment under various trade agreements.

Sugar

Export Quotas: Sugar exports are subject to quotas the Mauritius Sugar Syndicate (MSS) allocated to maintain market stability and comply with international agreements.

Export Licenses: Exporters must obtain licenses from the MSS for each shipment, specifying the quantity and destination.

Quality Standards: Sugar exports must adhere to stringent quality standards established by the MSS to ensure international competitiveness.

Fish and Seafood Products:

Catch Certificates: Exporters must provide catch certificates issued by the Ministry of Blue Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries and Shipping (MBEMRFS) to verify the legality and sustainability of the catch.

Health Certificates: Health certificates are required to confirm the safety and quality of fish and seafood products for human consumption.

CITES Permits: Exports of certain fish species listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) require special permits from the MBEMRFS.

Jewelry and Precious Stones

Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS): Diamonds must be accompanied by a KPCS certificate to prevent the trade of conflict diamonds.

Gemstone Certificates: Other precious and semi-precious stones may require certificates of origin or authenticity from recognized gemological laboratories.

Agricultural Products

Phytosanitary Certificates: Mandatory for all plant and plant-based products, issued by the National Plant Protection Office (NPPO) to ensure they are free from pests and diseases.

Organic Certification: Exporters of organic products must obtain certification from an accredited body to access premium markets.

Prohibited and restricted exports

Absolute prohibitions

Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances
Pornographic and obscene materials
Counterfeit and pirated goods
Hazardous waste (Basel Convention)
Ozone-depleting substances (Montreal Protocol)
Weapons and ammunition (except with authorization from the Commissioner of Police)
Live animals and animal products without proper health certificates

Restricted Exports (require specific permits and may have additional conditions)

Endangered species and products (CITES permits)
Unprocessed precious and semi-precious stones
Antiques and objects of cultural or historical value
Restricted chemicals and pesticides
Raw hides and skins
Certain types of timber and wood products

Customs and documentation requirements

Required documents

Commercial Invoice: Must include detailed information about the goods, including HS codes, description, quantity, unit price, total invoice value, currency, Incoterms, payment terms, and complete details of the consignee and consignor.

Packing List: An itemized list of goods in each package, including description, quantity, weight, dimensions, and package markings.

Bill of Lading/Airway Bill: Serves as evidence of the contract of carriage and contains details of the shipment, consignee, consignor, port of loading/discharge, number and type of packages, and gross weight and measurement of the cargo.

Certificate of Origin: Issued by the Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), certifying the origin of the goods. It may be required for preferential tariff treatment under trade agreements.

Export Permit (if applicable): Issued by the relevant government agency for regulated products

Exit Summary Declaration (EXS): Electronic declaration submitted through the TradeNet system, providing detailed information about the shipment

Other Supporting Documents: These may include insurance certificates, inspection certificates, and other documents specific to the product or destination country.

Export declaration process (through TradeNet)

Registration: Exporters must register on the TradeNet platform and obtain a unique identification number
Declaration: Prepare and submit the EXS electronically through the TradeNet system
Verification: Customs verifies the EXS and supporting documents
Payment: Pay any applicable export duties or taxes.
Approval: Customs approves the export and issues an export permit (if required).

Required export certificates

Phytosanitary certificate: Issued by the NPPO for plants and plant products.
Health Certificate: Issued by the Department of Veterinary Services for live animals and animal products.
Certificate of Analysis: Issued by accredited laboratories for specific products like chemicals, food products, and pharmaceuticals.
Kimberley Process Certificate: Required for rough diamonds.
CITES Permit: Required for endangered species.

Terminal/Port operations

Major Ports

Port Louis Harbour: The main commercial port, handling containerized cargo, bulk cargo, and general cargo.
Port Mathurin (Rodrigues Island): A smaller port serving the island of Rodrigues.

Cut-off Times and Procedures

Vary depending on the shipping line, destination, and type of cargo
Confirm with your shipping agent or freight forwarder well in advance
Procedures include document submission through TradeNet, customs clearance, security screening, and container loading

Container Storage and Free Time

Port Louis Harbour offers container storage facilities.
Free time for storage varies depending on the shipping line and the type of cargo, typically ranging from 3 to 7 days.
Storage fees apply after the free time expires.

Cargo handling and fees

Returning empty containers

Coordinate with your shipping line or agent to return empty containers to the designated depot
Failure to return containers on time may result in detention charges.

Duties, taxes, and fees

Export duties: Generally, Mauritius does not impose export duties on most goods.

Other Fees: Customs processing fees, document handling charges, terminal handling charges, storage fees (if applicable), and any specific taxes or levies related to the exported product.

Expertise You Can Trust

Navigate Mauritius’s complex trade regulations with confidence

Our deep-rooted presence in Mauritius and in-depth understanding of the island’s intricate trade regulations ensure your shipments are handled with utmost care and compliance. We offer seamless, reliable, and cost-effective shipping services to and from Mauritania tailored to your needs, making us a trusted partner for businesses seeking efficient logistics in the region.

Our team of seasoned supply chain experts, coupled with our ever-expanding footprint in Mauritius, enables us to deliver exceptional service and unparalleled efficiency. We uphold the highest quality standards in our operations, ensuring your cargo reaches its destination on time and in pristine condition. Partner with us and experience a streamlined, stress-free shipping experience to and from Mauritius.

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Partner with experienced freight forwarders and customs brokers for seamless shipping to and from Mauritius. Ensure full documentation compliance with the guidance and logistics services of our team.