Mauritania's Customs Import and Export Policies

Trade Management Regulations

Mauritania adopts a free trade policy, and there are generally no restrictions on the import and export of goods.

Imports: Mauritania implements a pre-declaration system. For imports valued over USD 5,000, a pre-import declaration must be filed with a general inspection company. Except for petroleum products, there are generally no quotas or licensing restrictions on the import of general products. Goods exported to Mauritania must have labels indicating the net weight, composition, country of origin, production date, and expiration date. Arabic or French is the preferred language for labels. As an Islamic country, Mauritania strictly prohibits the import of pork, alcoholic beverages, and products containing alcohol. All goods prohibited from import or export to Mauritania are also prohibited from transit through Mauritanian territory.

Exports: Mauritania has strict control over the export of its primary products, such as fishery products, minerals, and petroleum. According to Mauritanian law, the export of these products is exclusively handled by designated state-owned companies.

Customs Clearance: Mauritanian customs regulations stipulate that all imported goods, including duty-free items, must be declared by the freight forwarder who fills out the customs forms. Only approved agents can handle customs clearance, and the agency fee is determined by both parties. However, imports and exports for personal use on a non-commercial basis can be declared by the owner. The following documents must be submitted for customs clearance: a copy of the business registration and passport of the operator, warehouse receipt, bill of lading or air waybill, supplier's invoice, and a pre-export declaration (DPI) confirmed by a general inspection company (SGS).

Import and Export Commodity Inspection and Quarantine

Mauritania accepts quality inspection certificates issued by Chinese inspection authorities. Generally, the inspection and quarantine management of imported goods is relatively backward and not very strict. If there are special quarantine requirements, there will generally be an official advance notice. Regarding plant and animal health quarantine, the Ministry of Health, in conjunction with other ministries, has formulated specific laws and regulations: a list of prohibited plants or plant products is drawn up; import licenses for plants or plant products used for planting, breeding, or cultivation are issued in accordance with national plant health protection; and to prevent avian influenza, the import of poultry or poultry products from infected countries is prohibited.