Réunion
RE · REU
Regionaler Versorgungs- und Umschlag-Hub im südwestlichen Indischen Ozean mit sehr hoher Importabhängigkeit und wachsendem Container-Transhipment.
Capital: Saint-Denis
Overview
Réunion (ISO code: RE) is an island in the Indian Ocean east of Madagascar and geographically belongs to East Africa. Politically it is a French overseas department and therefore an integral part of the European Union. The climate is tropical with year-round warm temperatures, high humidity and a pronounced rainy and cyclone season. The economy is strongly service oriented, dominated by tourism, public administration and construction. Its logistical importance stems from its island location and its role as a regional supply and transhipment point in the south-western Indian Ocean. Foreign trade shows only small exports, while imports of food, fuels, consumer and capital goods dominate. Import dependence is very high due to limited local production capacity. A supra-regional transit function is limited and focuses on regional sea and air transport. The currency is the euro (EUR).
Mentioned countries
Glossary terms
Customs & Import/Export
Customs authority
Direction générale des douanes et droits indirects (DGDDI)Import system
Französisches EU-Zollverfahren über die DGDDI; elektronische Abfertigung in DELTA IE (Volet Import), DELTA G/X sowie DELTA H7 für Sendungen bis 150 Euro.
Export system
Ausfuhr und Versand aus dem DROM über die DGDDI in DELTA IE (Volet Export); gleiche Verfahren wie im französischen Mutterland nach Unionszollkodex.
Import VAT
- TVA-Normalsatz 8,5 Prozent, ermässigt 2,1 Prozent (besondere DOM-Sätze)
- zusätzlich Octroi de mer auf Einfuhren.
Import documents
- Handelsrechnung
- Packliste
- Frachtbrief (B/L oder AWB)
- Zollanmeldung in DELTA
- Octroi-de-mer-Erklärung
- Ursprungsnachweis bei Präferenz
Export documents
- Handelsrechnung
- Packliste
- Ausfuhranmeldung in DELTA
- Frachtbrief
- Ursprungsnachweis EUR.1 oder REX bei Präferenz
Origin proofs / FTA
Als Teil des EU-Zollgebiets gelten die EU-Präferenzabkommen; Ursprungsnachweise EUR.1, Ursprungserklärung und registrierter Ausführer (REX).
Restricted & prohibited goods
Einfuhrverbote und -beschränkungen nach EU- und französischem Recht (unter anderem Waffen, geschützte Arten nach CITES, bestimmte Agrar- und Pflanzengüter).
Export controls & sanctions
Als EU-Zollgebiet gelten die EU-Aussenwirtschafts- und Sanktionsregeln sowie die französischen Dual-Use-Kontrollen; keine landesspezifischen Sanktionen.
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
- Roland Garros (RUN), Sainte-Marie - rund 29'189 t Luftfracht 2024
- Pierrefonds (ZSE), Saint-Pierre
Seaports / access ports
- Port Réunion / Port Est (Le Port) - Grand Port Maritime de La Réunion, rund 377'000 TEU 2024, zentraler Container- und Umschlag-Hub
- Port Ouest (Schüttgut, Treibstoff, Kreuzfahrt)
Road corridors & border crossings
- Nouvelle Route du Littoral (NRL) und Route des Tamarins als küstennahe Hauptachsen
- Ringstrasse RN1/RN2 um die Insel
Top trade lanes
- Frankreich und Europa - Réunion (See und Luft)
- Asien - Réunion über Umschlag
- Südafrika, Mauritius und Madagaskar im regionalen Verkehr
Risk & Operational Notes
Risk notes
Sehr hohe Importabhängigkeit und Insellage; Versorgung hängt an wenigen See- und Luftverbindungen. Octroi de mer verteuert Einfuhren spürbar.
Seasonal & weather risks
Ausgeprägte Zyklonsaison von November bis April mit möglichen Hafen- und Flughafenschliessungen sowie Verzögerungen in der Lieferkette.
Current logistics notes
Port Réunion profitiert 2024 als Umschlag-Hub von der Umleitung um das Kap der Guten Hoffnung (Rote-Meer-Krise); Transhipment stark gestiegen.
As of: 2026-06-28
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
- douane.gouv.fr
- insee.fr
- reunion.port.fr
Source references without warranty. For legal/tax decisions consult official authorities.
FAQ
Is Réunion part of the EU and the EU customs territory?
Yes. Réunion is a French overseas department and part of the EU customs territory, but it lies outside the EU VAT area.
Which VAT applies to imports into Réunion?
French VAT at special overseas rates: a standard rate of 8.5 percent and a reduced rate of 2.1 percent.
What is the octroi de mer?
A regional levy on all goods imported into Réunion, including those from mainland France and the EU; it is collected by the regional council and the rates vary by product.
Which seaport is decisive for Réunion?
The Grand Port Maritime de La Réunion (Port Est in Le Port). Around 377,000 TEU were handled in 2024, with transhipment traffic growing strongly.
Which airports handle air cargo?
Mainly Roland Garros (RUN) near Sainte-Marie with around 29,189 tonnes of freight in 2024, supplemented by Pierrefonds (ZSE) near Saint-Pierre.
How does customs clearance work?
Through the French customs administration DGDDI with electronic declarations in DELTA IE (import and export), DELTA G/X and DELTA H7 for consignments up to 150 euros.
Are there particular supply chain risks?
The cyclone season from November to April can temporarily close ports and airports; in addition, the island location creates a very high dependence on imports.
Which trade partners are important for Réunion?
Which logistics terms are especially relevant for Réunion?
For international shipments, these terms are a good quick start:
Next steps
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