🇰🇲 Import Customs & Duties: Comoros
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$50
Packages under $50, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
15%
CIF value + duty.
Clearance Time
5-14 days express, 21-45 postal days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 5-20% | 85 |
| Clothing | 20-30% | 61-62 |
| Footwear | 20-30% | 64 |
| Food & Beverages | 0-30% | 01-24 |
| Machinery | 5-10% | 84 |
| Cosmetics | 20% | 33 |
| Books | 0-5% | 49 |
| Toys & Games | 10-20% | 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Customs Clearance Process
Direction Generale des Douanes manages customs. COMESA member. ASYCUDA system for declarations. Moroni port (Grande Comore) is the main entry point. French and Arabic documentation accepted. Small customs administration with limited capacity.
What to Actually Expect
Small island archipelago with very limited port infrastructure. Moroni port capacity is minimal. Most goods arrive by sea from East Africa, Madagascar, or Dubai. Inter-island shipping between Grande Comore, Anjouan, and Moheli adds complexity. Very limited courier services. High import dependency. French documentation preferred.
Required Documents
Commercial Invoice
Item description, quantity, value, sender and receiver details
Packing List
Detailed description of contents in each package
Customs Declaration (CN22/CN23)
Required for postal shipments
Air Waybill (AWB)
Generated by the carrier when booking the shipment
Certificate of Origin
May be required for reduced duties (FTA/preferential rates)
Export/Import License
For restricted goods (electronics, medicines, chemicals)
Import License Requirements
Import license from Ministry of Commerce for controlled goods. Arms, narcotics prohibited. Most consumer goods enter without special license. Pharmaceuticals need health ministry approval.
Certificate of Origin
COMESA certificate for regional trade. Chamber of Commerce of Comoros issues certificates. IOC (Indian Ocean Commission) regional agreements may apply.
Prohibited & Restricted Items
Prohibited
- xNarcotics and illegal drugs
- xExplosives and flammable materials
- xWeapons and ammunition
- xCounterfeit goods
- xCounterfeit currency and documents
Restricted (permit required)
- !Medicines and pharmaceuticals
- !Food and beverages
- !Plants and seeds
- !Electronics (lithium batteries)
- !Perfumes and cosmetics (volume limits)
Useful Links
Popular routes to Comoros
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Comoros?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Comoros is $50. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Comoros?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Comoros is 15%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty.
How long does customs clearance take in Comoros?
Typical customs clearance in Comoros takes 5-14 days express, 21-45 postal days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Comoros?
To import into Comoros, you typically need: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, and customs declaration. Some goods may require a certificate of origin or import license.
What items are prohibited from import into Comoros?
Comoros prohibits the import of narcotics, weapons, counterfeit goods, certain animal products, and hazardous materials. Restrictions may also apply to alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and certain electronics.