Mauritius
MU · MUS
Inselstaat / Umschlaghub im südwestlichen Indischen Ozean
Capital: Port Louis
Overview
Mauritius (ISO code: MU) is an island republic in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar, and a stable parliamentary democracy. Its tropical-maritime climate features a pronounced rainy and cyclone season from November to April. The economy is diversified across tourism, textiles, sugar, financial services and ICT. Logistically, the port of Port Louis is the central maritime gateway, handling around 99.5 percent of external trade, while SSR International Airport (MRU) handles air cargo. The country mainly exports sugar, textiles, fish and services and relies heavily on imports of machinery, fuel, food and consumer goods. The currency is the Mauritian Rupee (MUR).
Mentioned countries
Glossary terms
Customs & Import/Export
Customs authority
Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) - Customs DepartmentImport system
Elektronische Zollanmeldung (Bill of Entry) über TradeNet Single Window und das Customs Management System (CMS) der MRA.
Export system
Ausfuhranmeldung ebenfalls elektronisch über TradeNet; Abfertigung durch die Zollabteilung der MRA.
Import VAT
- 15 Prozent auf den zollinklusiven CIF-Wert (Stand 2026)
- seit 1.1.2026 auch 15 Prozent auf grenzüberschreitende digitale Dienstleistungen.
Import documents
- Handelsrechnung
- Frachtbrief (B/L oder AWB)
- Packliste
- Ursprungszeugnis
- Einfuhrpermit (falls erforderlich)
Export documents
- Handelsrechnung
- Packliste
- Frachtbrief (B/L oder AWB)
- Präferenznachweis (EUR.1 / Ursprungserklärung)
Origin proofs / FTA
Präferenznachweise je Abkommen: u.a. SADC-/COMESA-Ursprungszeugnis, AfCFTA, EPA mit EU und UK sowie FTA mit China, Indien (CECPA) und der Türkei.
Restricted & prohibited goods
Einfuhrkontrollen und Permits u.a. für Waffen, Arzneimittel, Lebensmittel, Pflanzen und Tiere (sanitär/phytosanitär), Gefahrgut und Chemikalien.
Export controls & sanctions
Umsetzung der UN-Sanktionen über den United Nations Sanctions Act 2019; Koordination durch das National Sanctions Secretariat (NSSEC).
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
- Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU)
Seaports / access ports
- Port Louis (Mauritius Container Terminal)
Top trade lanes
- Asien-Mauritius
- Mauritius-Südafrika
- Mauritius-EU
Risk & Operational Notes
Risk notes
Insellage mit hoher Importabhängigkeit; der Warenverkehr läuft praktisch vollständig über Port Louis und den Flughafen MRU.
Seasonal & weather risks
Zyklonsaison von November bis April mit möglichen Hafen- und Flugunterbrechungen durch tropische Wirbelstürme.
Current logistics notes
Ausbau von Port Louis (Kanaltiefe 16,5 m, MCT-Kapazität rund 1 Mio. TEU) und eine neue 49-Hektar-Freeport-/Cargozone am Flughafen stärken die Hub-Funktion.
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
- mra.mu
- mauport.com
- statsmauritius.govmu.org
- nssec.govmu.org
Source references without warranty. For legal/tax decisions consult official authorities.
FAQ
What is the import VAT in Mauritius?
Import VAT is 15 percent, calculated on the duty-inclusive CIF value. Since 1 January 2026 it also applies to cross-border digital services.
Which system is used for customs declarations?
All declarations (Bill of Entry) are filed electronically via the TradeNet Single Window and the Customs Management System (CMS) of the Mauritius Revenue Authority.
Is there a free trade agreement with Switzerland or EFTA?
No. Mauritius has numerous trade agreements but currently no free trade agreement in force with Switzerland or EFTA.
Which trade agreements does Mauritius use?
Among others an FTA with China and Turkey, CECPA with India, SADC, COMESA, AfCFTA, plus an interim EPA with the EU and an EPA with the United Kingdom.
How high are import duties?
Tariff bands of 0, 5, 10, 15 and 30 percent apply to the CIF value; many raw materials are duty-free, while vehicles and excisable goods additionally carry excise duties.
Which seaport and airport matter for cargo?
Port Louis is the only commercial port, handling about 99.5 percent of external trade. Air cargo runs through MRU airport (Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International) near Plaine Magnien.
When can weather disrupt logistics?
During the cyclone season from November to April, tropical storms can temporarily disrupt port and airport operations.
Which trade partners are important for Mauritius?
Which logistics terms are especially relevant for Mauritius?
For international shipments, these terms are a good quick start:
Next steps
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