# Mozambique (MZ)

**Capital:** Maputo  
**Currency:** Mozambican Metical (MZN) (MZN)  
**Population:** 33,200,000 — Older stored figure; source year not documented.  
**Area:** 801,590 km²

> With the ports of Maputo, Beira and Nacala, Mozambique is a key transit gateway in southern Africa for landlocked Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Import VAT 16 percent, duties 0 to 20 percent. SADC and EU-EPA preferences, no Swiss FTA.

Mozambique (MZ) lies in south-eastern Africa on the Indian Ocean coast and borders Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Eswatini. Politically it is a presidential republic with a multi-party system. The climate is tropical along the coast and partly subtropical inland, with a pronounced rainy season from November to April. Economically Mozambique is rich in natural resources, especially gas, coal, aluminium and agricultural products, while the industrial sector is still developing. Its logistical importance stems above all from the ports of Maputo, Beira and Nacala, which serve as central gateways for regional and international trade. Foreign trade is dominated by exports of gas, coal and aluminium, while food, machinery and consumer goods are imported, creating a high dependence on imports. Mozambique plays an important transit role for the landlocked trade of its neighbours, especially Zambia and Zimbabwe. The national currency is the Metical (MZN). Infrastructure projects such as rail links and port modernisation strengthen Mozambique's role as a logistics hub in southern Africa. Tourism and fisheries complement the country's economic diversification.

**Top Import Partners:** ZA, CN, AE, IN, PT

**Top Export Partners:** ZA, IN, CN, NL, IT

**Top Import Goods:** Petroleum products, Machinery, Vehicles, Food, Chemicals

**Top Export Goods:** Aluminium, Coal, Natural gas, Electricity, Agricultural products

**Key Airports:**
- [Maputo Airport (MPM)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/maputo-airport-mpm)
- [Bazaruto Island Airport (BZB)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/bazaruto-island-airport-bzb)
- [Beira Airport (BEW)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/beira-airport-bew)
- [Benguera Island Airport (BCW)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/benguera-island-airport-bcw)
- [Chimoio Airport (VPY)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/chimoio-airport-vpy)
- [Chingozi Airport (TET)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/chingozi-airport-tet)
- [Indigo Bay Lodge Airport (IBL)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/indigo-bay-lodge-airport-ibl)
- [Inhambane Airport (INH)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/inhambane-airport-inh)
- [Lichinga Airport (VXC)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/lichinga-airport-vxc)
- [Mocímboa da Praia Airport (MZB)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/mocimboa-da-praia-airport-mzb)

## Customs & Import

**Import VAT:** Standard IVA rate of 16 percent on the customs value (CIF plus duty)  
**Customs complexity:** medium to high  
**Customs system:** Janela Única Electrónica (JUE) via MCNet: TradeNet plus Mozambique Customs Management System (MCMS); customs declaration by Documento Único (DU).  
**Customs authority:** [Autoridade Tributária de Moçambique (AT) - Direcção Geral das Alfândegas](https://www.at.gov.mz)

## Logistics & Risk

**Logistics role:** Transit gateway for southern Africa / raw materials and LNG exporter  
**Economic area:** SADC / AfCFTA / EU-SADC-EPA  
**Logistics risk:** medium to high  
**Dangerous goods relevance:** high  
**Pharma/cold chain:** medium

## FAQ

### What is the import VAT in Mozambique?

The standard IVA rate is 16 percent on the customs value (CIF plus duty), in effect since 1.1.2023 and maintained for 2026. Exports are exempt from tax at 0 percent; a consumption tax (ICE) is additionally levied on certain goods.

### What are the import duties in Mozambique?

The customs rates of the Pauta Aduaneira range from 0 to 20 percent depending on the tariff position. Raw materials are taxed at low rates, while finished consumer goods are usually taxed at around 20 percent. The legal basis is Law 17/2022, amended by Law 08/2025.

### Which customs system does Mozambique use?

Customs processing runs through the Janela Única Electrónica (JUE), operated by MCNet with the TradeNet and Mozambique Customs Management System (MCMS) platforms. Declarations are submitted via the Documento Único (DU).

### Do Swiss exporters benefit from tariff preferences?

No. There is no free trade agreement between Mozambique and Switzerland or EFTA; Swiss goods are cleared at the most-favoured-nation duty. Preferences apply mainly within the SADC area and under the EU-SADC EPA.

### Which ports are important for trade with Mozambique?

The three most important seaports are Maputo in the south, Beira in the centre and Nacala in the north. They are connected by road and rail corridors to South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi.

### What risks exist in logistics?

In the north (Cabo Delgado province), an armed conflict has existed since 2017, which burdens LNG projects and supply chains. In addition, there are cyclone and flood risks during the rainy season, as well as capacity bottlenecks at ports and rail lines.

### Which documents are required for imports?

Common documents are the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, the Documento Único (DU) and a certificate of origin. Depending on the goods, an import licence is also required.

## Sources & Last Verified

- [https://www.at.gov.mz](https://www.at.gov.mz)
- [https://www.mcnet.co.mz](https://www.mcnet.co.mz)
- [https://www.mef.gov.mz](https://www.mef.gov.mz)
- [https://www.at.gov.mz/eng/Tax-Procedures/Value-Added-Tax](https://www.at.gov.mz/eng/Tax-Procedures/Value-Added-Tax)
- [https://www.at.gov.mz/eng/Customs-Tariff](https://www.at.gov.mz/eng/Customs-Tariff)
- [https://www.mcnet.co.mz/procedures.aspx?chapter=8](https://www.mcnet.co.mz/procedures.aspx?chapter=8)
- [https://www.mef.gov.mz/index.php/publicacoes/legislacao-dngrh/1825-pauta-aduaneira-e-ice](https://www.mef.gov.mz/index.php/publicacoes/legislacao-dngrh/1825-pauta-aduaneira-e-ice)
- [https://trade.ec.europa.eu/access-to-markets/en/content/epa-sadc-southern-african-development-community](https://trade.ec.europa.eu/access-to-markets/en/content/epa-sadc-southern-african-development-community)

*Last verified: 2026-06-27*

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*Freight Academy — Country Profile: [https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/land/mz](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/land/mz)*

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