Country profile
Mozambique
MZ · MOZAs of: 6/27/2026Transit gateway for southern Africa / raw materials and LNG exporter
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.
Overview
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.
Mentioned countries
Glossary terms
Customs & Import/Export
Import system
Janela Única Electrónica (JUE) via MCNet: TradeNet plus Mozambique Customs Management System (MCMS); customs declaration by Documento Único (DU).
Export system
Exports are also handled via the JUE (TradeNet/MCMS) with the Documento Único (DU); the responsible authority is the Direcção Geral das Alfândegas of the AT.
Import VAT
- Standard IVA rate of 16 percent on the customs value (CIF plus duty)
- in effect since 1.1.2023, maintained for 2026. Additionally ICE on certain goods. Exports 0 percent.
Import documents
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading or air waybill
- Documento Único (DU)
- Certificate of origin
- Import licence (if required)
Export documents
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Documento Único (DU)
- Bill of lading or air waybill
- Proof of origin (EUR.1 or SADC)
Origin proofs / FTA
SADC certificate of origin within the SADC free trade area; EUR.1 or origin declaration under the EU-SADC EPA; AfCFTA proof. No FTA with Switzerland/EFTA – Swiss exports at the most-favoured-nation duty.
Restricted & prohibited goods
Import licences and advance controls, among others for food, pharmaceuticals, live animals, weapons and chemicals; prohibitions and restrictions under the Pauta Aduaneira and JUE regulations.
Export controls & sanctions
No comprehensive international sanctions against Mozambique. UN member without trade embargo; in the north (Cabo Delgado) armed conflict with travel warnings, but no economic embargo.
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)
- Commercial invoice (description, value, Incoterms)
- Packing list (weights, dimensions, packages)
- HS code / tariff classification
- Proof of origin / preference docs (where relevant)
- Depending on destination/goods: additional permits, inspection or compliance documents
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
Common pitfalls
- Vague description or missing HS codes → delays and clarifications
- Incoterms unclear: who clears customs/pays charges?
- Incomplete origin data → preferential treatment may not apply
- Inconsistent documents (invoice vs packing list vs shipment data)
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
- Maputo (MPM)
- Beira (BEW)
- Nacala (MNC)
- Pemba (POL)
Road corridors & border crossings
- Maputo Corridor (N4 to South Africa/Gauteng)
- Beira Corridor (to Zimbabwe/Zambia/Malawi)
- Nacala Corridor (to Malawi/Zambia)
Rail corridors
- Sena Line (Moatize-Beira, coal)
- Nacala Logistics Corridor (Moatize-Nacala via Malawi)
- Ressano Garcia Line (Maputo-South Africa)
- Limpopo Line (Maputo-Zimbabwe)
- Goba Line (Maputo-Eswatini)
Top trade lanes
- South Africa
- China
- India
- EU
- UAE
Risk & Operational Notes
Risk notes
Armed insurgency in Cabo Delgado (since 2017) burdens LNG projects and the north; cyclone and flood risk; infrastructure and capacity bottlenecks at ports and rail lines.
Seasonal & weather risks
Rainy season November to April with cyclone season in the Indian Ocean; flooding and storm damage (e.g. Cyclone Idai 2019) can temporarily interrupt ports, roads and rail.
Current logistics notes
TotalEnergies Mozambique LNG in Cabo Delgado resumed work in 2025 after progress on security and financing; expansion of the ports of Nacala and Maputo (30,9 Mt 2024) is underway.
As of: 2026-06-27
Operational notes – no claim to completeness. Verify with your freight forwarder and official sources.
Airports in this country
Latest News
Sources & Data Confidence
Source references without warranty. For legal/tax decisions consult official authorities.
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.
Which trade partners are important for Mozambique?
Which logistics terms are especially relevant for Mozambique?
For international shipments, these terms are a good quick start:
Next steps
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