🇲🇳 Import Customs & Duties: Mongolia
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$0
Duty applies from $0
VAT / Sales Tax
10%
CIF value + duty. Basic food items and children's goods at reduced rates.
Clearance Time
2-7 days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 5% (flat rate on most goods) | 85 |
| Clothing | 5% (flat rate) | 61-62 |
| Footwear | 5% (flat rate) | 64 |
| Food products | 0-5% (most food 5%, some staples 0%) | 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-5% | 84 |
| Cosmetics | 5% (flat rate) | 33 |
| Books | 0% | 49 |
| Toys | 5% (flat rate) | 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Import Duty Calculator
Customs Clearance Process
Mongolia Customs General Administration (MCGA) manages imports. Electronic customs system in use. Flat 5% duty on most goods. Land-locked country between Russia and China. Ulaanbaatar is the primary customs hub. Zamyn-Uud border crossing from China handles majority of goods.
What to Actually Expect
Land-locked between Russia and China, nearly all imports transit through one of these two countries. Zamyn-Uud/Erlian border crossing frequently congested. Winter conditions (-40C) can disrupt transport. Flat 5% tariff simplifies calculations. Ulaanbaatar customs processing is reasonable. DHL, FedEx, UPS operate in Ulaanbaatar. Very limited courier service outside the capital.
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 licenses for: alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, weapons, precious metals. Veterinary certificates for animal products. Most consumer goods enter with standard documentation.
Certificate of Origin
Issued by Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI). WTO member since 1997. GSP beneficiary status with EU, Japan, and others.
Learn more →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
Duty & Tax Estimate
Estimated import charges when shipping goods to Mongolia:
| Goods Value | Duty | VAT/Tax | Total Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | $3 | $5 | $8 |
| $100 | $5 | $11 | $16 |
| $200 | $10 | $21 | $31 |
| $500 | $25 | $53 | $78 |
| $1000 | $50 | $105 | $155 |
Estimates only. Actual duties depend on product category and HS code.
Popular routes to Mongolia
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Mongolia?
Mongolia has no duty-free threshold. All imported goods are subject to duties regardless of their value.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Mongolia?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Mongolia is 10%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. Basic food items and children's goods at reduced rates.
How long does customs clearance take in Mongolia?
Typical customs clearance in Mongolia takes 2-7 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Mongolia?
To import into Mongolia, 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 Mongolia?
Mongolia 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.