🇲🇬 Import Customs & Duties: Madagascar
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$50
Packages under $50, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
15%
CIF value + duty.
Clearance Time
3-10 days express, 14-30 postal days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 5-20% | 85 |
| Clothing | 20% | 61-62 |
| Footwear | 20% | 64 |
| Food & Beverages | 0-20% | 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-5% | 84 |
| Cosmetics | 20% | 33 |
| Books | 0% | 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 using SYDONIA++ (ASYCUDA) system. Toamasina (Tamatave) port is the main entry point handling ~90% of imports. Customs broker required for commercial imports. French documentation required. 4 tariff bands: 0%, 5%, 10%, 20%.
What to Actually Expect
Toamasina port handles most imports but congestion can occur. Road infrastructure from Toamasina to Antananarivo is reasonable. Cyclone season (Jan-Mar) can disrupt shipping. French documentation essential. Improving with electronic customs. Express couriers available in Antananarivo. Corruption still an issue at some checkpoints.
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 declaration (DI - Declaration d'Importation) required. Pre-shipment inspection for some goods. Arms, narcotics prohibited. Used vehicle imports restricted (age limits). Vanilla and precious stone exports have special controls.
Certificate of Origin
COMESA and SADC certificates for regional preferential trade. IOC (Indian Ocean Commission) certificates. Chambre de Commerce et d'Industrie d'Antananarivo issues certificates. AGOA certificate for US market.
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 Madagascar
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Madagascar?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Madagascar is $50. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Madagascar?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Madagascar is 15%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty.
How long does customs clearance take in Madagascar?
Typical customs clearance in Madagascar takes 3-10 days express, 14-30 postal days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Madagascar?
To import into Madagascar, 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 Madagascar?
Madagascar 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.