Importing into Mauritius

Quick tips  Inventory must be accurate    You must be present in Mauritius for shipment arrival    

Everything you need to know when shipping to Mauritius

To import personal possessions into Mauritius, log into your online account and complete the following documents:

• An inventory packing list accurately detailing all the items in your shipment.
• Optional insurance to protect your possessions in the rare case they are lost or damaged.
• Scans of your passport picture and signature pages, as well as passport copies of all accompanying family members, if you are a returning Mauritian citizen.

Please ensure accuracy, as Mauritian customs officials will see all documents and may physically inspect your shipment.

Importing personal  effects into Mauritius duty-free

Household goods can be imported tax-free into Mauritius by the following people:

• Those arriving in Mauritius for the first time who intend to take up permanent residence.
• Returning Mauritius citizens who have lived abroad for at least one year.
• Non-Mauritians moving to the country to take up employment, with proof via an occupation/work permit.

If you wish to sell, transfer, or use the goods differently within four years of the exemption, you must notify the Director-General in writing.

You must be present in Mauritius before customs clearance takes place.

However, there are several conditions you must meet:

• You purchased your effects outside Mauritius and do not intend to sell them.
• You are importing your effects within six months of your arrival in the country. Exceptions are at the discretion of the Director-General of the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) and include any just or reasonable cause, such as political or social unrest in your origin country.
• If you wish to sell, transfer, or use the goods differently within four years of the exemption, you must notify the Director-General in writing.
• You must be present in Mauritius before customs clearance takes place.

Specific to returning Mauritius citizens: 

• You must apply for a passport memo at the Passport and Immigration Office upon arrival in Mauritius at least 7 working days before your belongings are offloaded.
• If travelling with non-Mauritian family members, you must provide their original residence permits.
• If shipping goods that belong to a family member of the shipper, you must include their original passport, residence permit, birth certificate and wedding certificates (if applicable).

Specific to expats: 

• If the shipment includes belongings, you must provide an occupation permit, residence permit or Premium Visa card for the shipper and all family members.
• Your passport must include your last arrival stamp in Mauritius.
• If you move to Mauritius with a Premium Visa, you will only receive an exemption on clothing and footwear.

Please reference the Mauritius Revenue Authority website and the Mauritius FIDI Global Alliance Customs Guide for the latest information.