Mauritania
MR · MRT
Rohstoff-Exporteur (Eisenerz, Fisch, Gold) mit Atlantik-Hafenzugang in Westafrika
Capital: Nouakchott
Overview
Mauritania (ISO code: MR) lies in West Africa on the Atlantic coast and borders Senegal, Mali, Algeria and Western Sahara. Politically it is an Islamic Republic with a presidential system, regarded as relatively stable. The climate is mainly desert, with high temperatures, low rainfall and frequent Sahara sandstorms, while the south has more subtropical features. Economically, iron ore and gold mining dominate, complemented by fishing, livestock and increasingly renewable energy and offshore gas. Its logistical importance derives mainly from the seaports of Nouakchott and Nouadhibou, which serve as access points for trans-Saharan trade. In foreign trade Mauritania is strongly export-oriented in commodities such as ore and fish, while imports cover food, fuel, machinery and consumer goods. Overland transit is limited by the desert but is gaining importance through planned rail projects. The currency is the ouguiya (MRU).
Mentioned countries
Glossary terms
Customs & Import/Export
Customs authority
Direction Générale des Douanes (DGD), Ministère des FinancesImport system
Elektronische Zollabwicklung über SYDONIA World (ASYCUDA) der Direction Générale des Douanes; Anmeldung durch zugelassene Deklaranten. Rund 27 Zollämter, Spezialämter für Bergbau, Fischerei und Freizone Nouadhibou.
Export system
Ausfuhranmeldung ebenfalls über SYDONIA World der DGD. Exporte von Waren und Dienstleistungen sind von der TVA befreit (Satz 0 Prozent).
Import VAT
- TVA-Normalsatz 16 Prozent auf Einfuhren (Code Général des Impôts)
- zusätzlich statistische Einfuhrgebühr von 1 Prozent. Einfuhrzölle je nach Ware zwischen 0 und 22 Prozent.
Import documents
- Handelsrechnung
- Packliste
- Frachtbrief (B/L oder AWB)
- Zollanmeldung SYDONIA
- Ursprungszeugnis
Export documents
- Handelsrechnung
- Packliste
- Frachtbrief
- Ausfuhranmeldung SYDONIA
- Ursprungszeugnis
Origin proofs / FTA
Kein Freihandelsabkommen mit EFTA/Schweiz oder EU in Kraft. Ursprungsnachweise meist Ursprungszeugnisse der Handelskammer; Präferenzen im Rahmen UMA und ECOWAS-Assoziierung nur begrenzt umgesetzt.
Restricted & prohibited goods
Einfuhrverbote/-beschränkungen u.a. für Alkohol (islamisches Recht), Waffen, Drogen sowie bestimmte Tier- und Pflanzenprodukte. Hohe Verbrauchsteuern auf Alkohol, Tabak und Zucker.
Export controls & sanctions
Mauretanien unterliegt keinen umfassenden EU- oder UN-Sanktionsregimen. Massgeblich sind die Dual-Use- und Waffenexportkontrollen des jeweiligen Lieferlandes (EU/Schweiz).
Without warranty — always verify with freight forwarder/customs agent and official authorities.
Customs / Import / Export (Africa) — General process
Quick operational overview for international shipments to Africa. Documentation, pre-clearance and local clearance steps can vary a lot by destination.
Documents (typical)
Process (simplified)
- Prepare export (docs, HS code, origin)
- Import clearance in destination country (declaration, possible checks)
- Release and delivery; duties/taxes according to classification and value
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
Cargo airports
- Aéroport international de Nouakchott-Oumtounsy (NKC)
Seaports / access ports
- Port Autonome de Nouakchott / Port de l'Amitié (PANPA)
- Port Autonome de Nouadhibou
Road corridors & border crossings
- Route de l'Espoir (Nouakchott - Néma)
- Nouakchott - Nouadhibou (N2)
- Rosso - Nouakchott (Grenze Senegal)
Rail corridors
- Erzbahn Zouérate - Nouadhibou (SNIM, ca. 700 km)
Top trade lanes
- China - Mauretanien
- Europa - Mauretanien
- Mauretanien - China (Eisenerz)
- Mauretanien - EU (Fisch)
Risk & Operational Notes
Risk notes
Hohe Importabhängigkeit, eingeschränkte Infrastruktur und Korruptionsrisiken in der Zollabwicklung. Sicherheitslage im Sahel-Grenzraum erhöht; die Küstenregionen gelten als stabil.
Seasonal & weather risks
Wüstenklima mit Sandstürmen (Harmattan); kurze Regenzeit im Süden Juli bis September. Keine atlantischen Wirbelstürme. Hitze belastet temperaturempfindliche Fracht.
Current logistics notes
Der Hafen Nouakchott (PANPA / Port de l'Amitié) wickelt rund 96 Prozent des Aussenhandels ab. Wachsende Bedeutung durch das Gasprojekt GTA (Grand Tortue Ahmeyim) mit Senegal seit 2025.
As of: 2026-06-26
Operational notes – no claim to completeness. Verify with your freight forwarder and official sources.
Airports in this country
Latest News
No news for this country yet.
View all news →Sources & Data Confidence
Official sources
- ansade.mr
- finances.gov.mr
- trade.gov
Source references without warranty. For legal/tax decisions consult official authorities.
FAQ
What VAT applies in Mauritania?
The standard VAT rate is 16 percent on imports and local supplies; exports are zero-rated. A 1 percent statistical import fee also applies.
Which customs system does Mauritania use?
The Direction Générale des Douanes clears imports and exports electronically via SYDONIA World (ASYCUDA); declarations are filed by licensed brokers.
Which ports handle trade?
The main hub is the Port de l'Amitié (PANPA) in Nouakchott, handling about 96 percent of foreign trade; the second port is Nouadhibou with a free zone.
Is Mauritania an ECOWAS member?
Mauritania left ECOWAS in 2000 but signed an association agreement in 2017. It is a member of the Arab Maghreb Union (UMA).
What currency is used?
The national currency is the ouguiya (MRU); one ouguiya is divided into 10 khoums.
What does Mauritania export?
Mainly iron ore, fish, gold and copper; increasingly natural gas through the GTA (Grand Tortue Ahmeyim) project shared with Senegal.
Is there a free trade agreement with the EU or Switzerland?
There is no FTA with EFTA/Switzerland and no comprehensive bilateral FTA with the EU in force. Preferences are only limited, via the UMA and the ECOWAS association.
When should weather risks be expected?
Sandstorms are possible year-round; the south has a short rainy season from July to September. Atlantic hurricanes do not occur.
Which trade partners are important for Mauritania?
Which logistics terms are especially relevant for Mauritania?
For international shipments, these terms are a good quick start:
Next steps
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