MC · MCO
Mikrostaat, Finanz- und Luxushub, stark importabhängig
Capital: Monaco
Overview
Monaco (ISO code: MC) is a city-state on the French Riviera, entirely surrounded by France and bordering the Mediterranean. It is a constitutional monarchy under Prince Albert II with a stable administration. The climate is Mediterranean with mild winters and warm summers. The economy is strongly service-oriented, focused on financial services, tourism, luxury goods and real estate; with virtually no domestic production, the principality is heavily import-dependent. For customs and VAT, Monaco is linked to France through the convention of 18 May 1963: French customs law applies, Monaco has been part of the EU customs territory since 1968, and it levies VAT at French rates (20 percent standard). Supply of goods runs mainly through France and the greater Nice area. Port Hercule is the main harbour but mainly serves cruise and yachting. There is no dedicated cargo airport; air freight is handled via Nice Côte d'Azur Airport. The national currency is the euro (EUR).
Mentioned countries
Customs authority
Französische Zollverwaltung (DGDDI) im Rahmen der Zollunion; Direction des Services Fiscaux Monaco für die MwStImport system
Zollunion mit Frankreich (Konvention vom 18.5.1963); es gilt französisches Zollrecht über das System DELTA der DGDDI. Monaco ist seit 1968 Teil des EU-Zollgebiets.
Export system
Ausfuhrabwicklung über das französische DELTA/DGDDI im gemeinsamen Zollgebiet mit Frankreich; gegenüber der EU gelten die EU-Aussenhandelsregeln wie in Frankreich.
Import VAT
Es gelten die EU-Präferenzursprungsregeln und EU-Freihandelsabkommen (über das EU-Zollgebiet). Nachweise wie EUR.1 oder Ursprungserklärung des ermächtigten Ausführers analog Frankreich.
Es gelten die französischen und EU-Verbote und -Beschränkungen: Waffen, Betäubungsmittel, Arten- und Kulturgüterschutz (CITES), bestimmte Lebensmittel sowie Dual-Use-Güter.
Monaco wendet UN-, EU- und französische Sanktionen an; Einfrieren von Geldern nach Ordonnance Souveraine 8.664/2021, nationale Liste der Direction du Budget et du Trésor.
Without warranty — always verify with freight forwarder/customs agent and official authorities.
Quick operational overview for international shipments to Europe. Depending on the destination (customs union, VAT, product rules), steps and documents may differ.
Important: Requirements depend on goods, origin, Incoterms, value, and consignee. When in doubt, confirm with your broker/forwarder and official sources.
Official links
Note: regional/general sources. Country-specific authority links will be added iteratively.
Politisch sehr stabil. Hauptrisiko ist die hohe Importabhängigkeit bei minimaler Fläche; die Güterversorgung läuft fast vollständig über Frankreich (Raum Nizza).
Mediterranes Klima mit milden Wintern und warmen Sommern; geringe wetterbedingte Logistikrisiken.
Kein eigener Frachtflughafen; Luftfracht läuft über Nizza (NCE). Der Hafen Hercule dient vor allem Kreuzfahrt und Yachten, der Stückgutumschlag ist gering.
As of: 2026-06-26
Operational notes – no claim to completeness. Verify with your freight forwarder and official sources.
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Source references without warranty. For legal/tax decisions consult official authorities.
Monaco applies the French VAT system: a 20 percent standard rate plus reduced rates of 10, 5.5 and 2.1 percent, identical to France. The tax is collected under a sharing account with France.
No. Through the customs union with France (convention of 18 May 1963), French customs law applies and Monaco has been part of the EU customs territory since 1968. Clearance is handled by the French customs administration (DGDDI) and its DELTA system.
Monaco has two harbours, Port Hercule and Port de Fontvieille, but these mainly serve cruise and yachting; general cargo throughput is low. There is no dedicated cargo airport; air freight is handled via Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE).
Supply of goods is almost entirely via France. Road transport via the A8 motorway and the Corniche roads from the Nice area is standard; in addition there is a rail link (Marseille - Ventimiglia line) and air freight via Nice.
Monaco uses the euro (EUR) under a monetary agreement with the EU and mints its own euro coins. There is no separate national currency.
Monaco applies UN, EU and French sanctions. The freezing of funds and economic resources is governed by Sovereign Ordinance No. 8.664 of 26 May 2021; the national list is maintained by the Direction du Budget et du Trésor.
Monaco is politically very stable. The main risk is its heavy import dependence on a minimal land area: supply relies almost entirely on the French transport network and the greater Nice area. Weather-related risks are low in the Mediterranean climate.
For international shipments, these terms are a good quick start: