🇲🇿 Import Customs & Duties: Mozambique
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$0
Duty applies from $0
VAT / Sales Tax
16%
CIF value + duty. IVA at 16%. Basic food items and medicines at 0% or reduced rates.
Clearance Time
3-7 days express, 14-30 postal days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 5-20% | 85 |
| Clothing | 20-25% | 61-62 |
| Footwear | 20-25% | 64 |
| Food products | 0-20% (basic staples 0-7.5%, processed 20%) | 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-7.5% (capital goods 0-2.5%) | 84 |
| Cosmetics | 20% | 33 |
| Books | 0% | 49 |
| Toys | 20% | 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Import Duty Calculator
Customs Clearance Process
Autoridade Tributaria de Mocambique (AT) manages customs. ASYCUDA World electronic system for declarations. SADC member with preferential tariffs. Customs broker required for commercial imports. Portuguese documentation required. Maputo and Beira are main ports. Nacala port growing as northern alternative.
What to Actually Expect
Improving but still challenging. Maputo port relatively efficient, serves also as transit for landlocked neighbors (Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi). Beira port serves central region. Nacala port growing with LNG investments. Portuguese documentation required. ASYCUDA system helps. Express couriers (DHL, FedEx) available in Maputo and Beira. Postal service slow, 2-4 weeks. Insurgency in Cabo Delgado (northern province) affects logistics in that region. Corruption present but improving.
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 Trade for controlled goods. Pre-shipment inspection for some categories. Firearms, hazardous chemicals strictly controlled. Pharmaceuticals need health ministry approval. Used vehicles face age restrictions.
Certificate of Origin
SADC certificate for regional preferential trade. Mozambique Chamber of Commerce (CTA) issues certificates. EU-SADC EPA provides preferential access for EU goods.
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 Mozambique:
| Goods Value | Duty | VAT/Tax | Total Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | $10 | $10 | $20 |
| $100 | $20 | $19 | $39 |
| $200 | $40 | $38 | $78 |
| $500 | $100 | $96 | $196 |
| $1000 | $200 | $192 | $392 |
Estimates only. Actual duties depend on product category and HS code.
Popular routes to Mozambique
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Mozambique?
Mozambique has no duty-free threshold. All imported goods are subject to duties regardless of their value.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Mozambique?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Mozambique is 16%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. IVA at 16%. Basic food items and medicines at 0% or reduced rates.
How long does customs clearance take in Mozambique?
Typical customs clearance in Mozambique takes 3-7 days express, 14-30 postal days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Mozambique?
To import into Mozambique, 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 Mozambique?
Mozambique 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.