Mongolia
MN · MNG
As of: 6/26/2026
Doppelter Binnenstaat, Bergbau-Exporteur, Transit über China und Russland
Capital: Ulaanbaatar
APTA / Japan-Mongolei-EPALandlockedSchieneStrasseLuftfrachtImport VAT: Einfuhr-MwSt 10 Prozent auf den Zollwert, einheitlicher Satz ohne ermässigte StufenCustoms: mittelRisk: mittelPharma/Cold Chain: gering bis mittelDangerous Goods: mittelE-Commerce: gering bis mittel
Overview
Mongolia (ISO code: MN) lies in Central Asia between Russia to the north and China to the south and, with around 3.5 million people across some 1.56 million km2, is one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world. It is a parliamentary republic with democratic structures since the 1990s. The climate is strongly continental, with very cold winters, short hot summers and low precipitation. The economy is dominated by mining (copper, coal, gold, uranium), complemented by livestock herding, cashmere production and a growing services sector. As a doubly landlocked country, Mongolia has no sea access; foreign trade runs almost entirely in transit via China (mainly the port of Tianjin) and through Russia. The backbone of logistics is the Trans-Mongolian Railway on Russian broad gauge (1520 mm) with a gauge change at the Chinese border at Zamyn-Uud/Erenhot, complemented by the road network. Key exports are mining goods and cashmere, while fuels, machinery, vehicles and consumer goods are imported. The national currency is the tugrik (MNT).
Area1,564,116 km²
Population3,544,835
CurrencyMongolian Tugrik (MNT)
Economic areaAPTA / Japan-Mongolei-EPA
ContinentAsien
ReligionsBuddhismus, Atheisten, Schamanen
ISO codeMN / MNG
Customs & Import/Export
Customs authority
Customs General Administration of Mongolia (Mongolischer Zoll)Import system
Elektronische Zollanmeldung über das Customs Automated Information System (CAIS), E-Portal gaali.mn; in Betrieb seit 2019. Zollwertbasis ist in der Regel der CIF-Wert.
Export system
Ausfuhranmeldung über CAIS/gaali.mn bei der Customs General Administration; Ursprungsnachweise im Rahmen des Japan-EPA und der APTA. Ausfuhrzölle u.a. auf Kamelwolle und Holz.
Import VAT
- Einfuhr-MwSt 10 Prozent auf den Zollwert, einheitlicher Satz ohne ermässigte Stufen
- fällig bei der Zollabfertigung.
Customs complexitymittel
Import documents
- Handelsrechnung
- Transportdokument (CMR/Eisenbahnfrachtbrief)
- Zollanmeldung (CAIS)
- Packliste
- Lizenzen/Bewilligungen
Export documents
- Handelsrechnung
- Transportdokument
- Ursprungsnachweis (EPA/APTA)
- Ausfuhranmeldung (CAIS)
Origin proofs / FTA
Präferenzursprung über das Japan-Mongolei-EPA und die APTA (Ursprungszeugnis); für EU-Exporteure relevant ist der EU-Marktzugang Mongolens als GSP-Begünstigter.
Restricted & prohibited goods
Genehmigungspflicht u.a. für Waffen, Munition, Sprengstoff, Betäubungsmittel, radioaktive und toxische Stoffe sowie geschützte Kultur- und Naturgüter (CITES).
Export controls & sanctions
Mongolei setzt UN-Sanktionen um und kontrolliert strategische und Dual-Use-Güter an den Grenzen (Nonproliferation, internationale Kooperation).
Without warranty — always verify with freight forwarder/customs agent and official authorities.
Customs / Import / Export (Asia) — General process
Quick operational overview for international shipments to Asia. Product requirements, certificates, and clearance processes can vary significantly by destination.
Documents (typical)
Process (simplified)
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.
Trade
Freight Infrastructure & Transport Network
Transport relevance
Rail
highRoad
highAir
mediumSea
n/apipeline
n/aCargo airports
- Chinggis Khaan International (UBN, Ulan-Bator)
Seaports / access ports
- Kein eigener Seehafen (Binnenstaat); Transit über Tianjin (CN) und russische Häfen
Inland ports & terminals
- Zamyn-Üüd (Trockenhafen, Grenze CN)
- Altanbulag/Sühbaatar (Grenze RU)
- Gashuunsuchait (Kohleexport CN)
Road corridors & border crossings
- AH3 Ulan-Bator–Zamyn-Üüd–Erenhot (CN)
- AH4 Ulan-Bator–Altanbulag (RU)
- Gashuunsuchait–Ganqimaodu (CN, Kohle)
Rail corridors
- Transmongolische Bahn: Naushki (RU)–Ulan-Bator–Zamyn-Üüd/Erenhot (CN)
- Breitspur 1520 mm, Spurwechsel an der CN-Grenze
- Tavan Tolgoi–Gashuunsuchait (Kohle, seit 2022)
Top trade lanes
- MN–China
- MN–Russland
- MN–Japan
- MN–EU
Risk & Operational Notes
Logistics riskmittel
Customs delay riskmittel bis hoch
Port congestion riskmittel bis hoch (Grenzübergang Zamyn-Üüd/Erenhot)
Risk notes
Doppelter Binnenstaat: Aussenhandel fast vollständig vom Transit über China (Tianjin) und Russland abhängig. Staus und Spurwechsel am Grenzübergang Zamyn-Üüd/Erenhot verzögern den Warenfluss.
Seasonal & weather risks
Extremes Kontinentalklima; strenge Winter (Dzud) mit Schnee und Eis behindern den Strassentransport; Frühjahrs-Sandstürme. Sommer kurz und heiss.
Current logistics notes
Neuer Flughafen Chinggis Khaan (UBN) seit 2021 in Betrieb. Ausbau der Bahn (Tavan Tolgoi–Gashuunsuchait 2022 eröffnet) und der Grenzkapazitäten für die Kohleausfuhr nach China.
As of: 2026-06-26
Operational notes – no claim to completeness. Verify with your freight forwarder and official sources.
Airports in this country
Ulaanbaatar Chinggis Khaan International Airport
UBN · Ulaanbaatar (Sergelen)
Altai Airport
LTI · Altai
Arvaikheer Airport
AVK · Arvaikheer
Bayankhongor Airport
BYN · Bayankhongor
Bulgan Airport
UGA · Bulgan
Buyant-Ukhaa International Airport
ULN · Ulaanbaatar
Dalanzadgad Airport
DLZ · Dalanzadgad
Khovd Airport
HVD · Khovd
Mörön Airport
MXV · Mörön
Shine Bulagin Hural Air Base
Dalanjargalan
Bayan Suma Airport
Bagakhangai
Bayantal Air Base
Bayantal
Latest News
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Sources & Data Confidence
hochVerified: 2026-06-26
Official sources
- customs.gov.mn
- mta.gov.mn
- nso.mn
Source references without warranty. For legal/tax decisions consult official authorities.
FAQ
What import taxes apply in Mongolia?
Imports are subject to 10 percent VAT on the customs value (single rate). Customs duties of 5 to 40 percent apply depending on the goods; certain items such as petroleum, data-processing machines, medical equipment and breeding livestock are duty-free. Excise tax additionally applies to tobacco, alcohol, fuels and vehicles.
Which customs system does Mongolia use?
The Customs General Administration processes declarations electronically via the Customs Automated Information System (CAIS); the e-portal gaali.mn offers filing and online payment. The system has been in use since 2019 and covers import, export and transit.
Does Mongolia have a seaport?
No. Mongolia is doubly landlocked with no sea access. Overseas trade runs in transit via Chinese ports, mainly Tianjin, and through Russia. The key crossing to China is Zamyn-Uud/Erenhot.
What is the best way to bring goods into Mongolia?
The backbone is the Trans-Mongolian Railway from Russia via Ulaanbaatar to the Chinese border; due to Russian broad gauge (1520 mm) a gauge change takes place at the Chinese border. Road corridors and air freight via Chinggis Khaan Airport (UBN) complement this.
Which trade agreements and preferences apply?
Mongolia has an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with Japan (in force since 7 June 2016) and has been a member of the Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA) since 1 January 2021. There is no free trade agreement with EFTA or a comprehensive EU FTA; towards the EU, Mongolia benefits from the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP).
What logistics risks exist in Mongolia?
As a doubly landlocked country, foreign trade depends almost entirely on transit via China and Russia. At the Zamyn-Uud/Erenhot crossing, the gauge change and high volumes cause congestion and delays. Severe winters (dzud) and sandstorms can disrupt road transport.
Which currency is used in Mongolia?
The national currency is the Mongolian tugrik (ISO code MNT). Foreign-trade invoices are often denominated in US dollars or other hard currencies.
Which trade partners are important for Mongolia?
Which logistics terms are especially relevant for Mongolia?
For international shipments, these terms are a good quick start:
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