🇲🇨 Import Customs & Duties: Monaco
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$50
Packages under $50, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
15%
French TVA rules. 20% standard rate. Reduced 10%, 5.5%, 2.1% on certain goods.
Clearance Time
1-3 days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0-3.7% | 85 |
| Clothing | 12% | 61-62 |
| Footwear | 8-17% | 64 |
| Food & Beverages | 0-26% | 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-4% | 84 |
| Cosmetics | 2.5-6.5% | 33 |
| Books | 0% | 49 |
| Toys & Games | 0-4.7% | 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Customs Clearance Process
Monaco is in a customs union with France, French/EU customs rules fully apply. EU Common Customs Tariff and TARIC. French Customs (Douanes) handle clearance. TVA (VAT) at 20% (French rate) on imports. Euro is currency. Part of EU customs territory despite not being an EU member.
What to Actually Expect
Effectively France for customs purposes. All packages go through French postal/customs system. La Poste delivers (Monaco uses French postal codes starting with 98). DHL, FedEx, UPS, Chronopost available. Same clearance speed as France, express 1 day, postal 2-5 days. TVA at 20% (French rate). Tiny territory (2.02 km²) entirely surrounded by France, no separate border controls. Extremely wealthy principality, high-value imports common. No income tax for residents. Monte Carlo address may trigger additional customs scrutiny on luxury goods.
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
French/EU import license rules apply fully. Same regulations as France for controlled goods, pharmaceuticals, dual-use items, and agricultural products.
Certificate of Origin
French/EU rules apply. EUR.1 for FTA partners. Same FTA network as France/EU.
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 Monaco
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Monaco?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Monaco is $50. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Monaco?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Monaco is 15%. VAT applies to: French TVA rules. 20% standard rate. Reduced 10%, 5.5%, 2.1% on certain goods.
How long does customs clearance take in Monaco?
Typical customs clearance in Monaco takes 1-3 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Monaco?
To import into Monaco, 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 Monaco?
Monaco 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.