🇲🇷 Import Customs & Duties: Mauritania
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$50
Packages under $50, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
15%
CIF value + duty.
Clearance Time
5-10 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 | 5-10% | 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. ASYCUDA system for declarations. Nouakchott port (Port de l'Amitie) and Nouadhibou are the main entry points. Arabic and French documentation accepted. Customs broker required for commercial imports. Not an ECOWAS CET member, applies own tariff schedule.
What to Actually Expect
Desert nation with limited infrastructure. Nouakchott port capacity improving but still limited. Alcohol and pork strictly prohibited. Arabic/French documentation needed. Iron ore mining (SNIM in Nouadhibou) drives significant import volumes. Limited express courier services. Road infrastructure poor outside main cities.
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. Alcohol strictly prohibited (Islamic law). Pork products banned. Arms prohibited. Pharmaceuticals need health ministry authorization. Fishing and mining sectors have special import provisions.
Certificate of Origin
Chambre de Commerce, d'Industrie et d'Agriculture de Mauritanie issues certificates. GAFTA certificate for Arab Free Trade Area. AU/AfCFTA certificates for continental trade.
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 Mauritania
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Mauritania?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Mauritania is $50. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Mauritania?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Mauritania is 15%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty.
How long does customs clearance take in Mauritania?
Typical customs clearance in Mauritania takes 5-10 days express, 14-30 postal days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Mauritania?
To import into Mauritania, 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 Mauritania?
Mauritania 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.