Not all types of shipments are created equal. Shipping a television will
require different paperwork, duties, and taxes than shipping an accounting
statement, for example.
Here is a list of the most common types of shipments:
You can also skip ahead to the table containing the list of
Commonly Required Documents.
Malian customs authorities will allow the following items into Mali as
a document shipment:
- Airline tickets
- Annual reports and intercompany mail
- Bids and proposals
- Blueprints
- Business cards
- Catalogues and price lists
- Computer print-outs
- Credit cards, cheques, and cash letters
- Diplomas
- Drawings and sepia drawings
- Driver's licence
- Graphs
- Greeting cards and invitations
- Magazines, newspapers, and periodicals
- Manuscripts and publications
- Maps and charts
- Mylars
- Negotiable bonds and drafts
- Pamphlets
- Passports
- Seismic data
- Specifications sheets
Mali allows the following items a duty-free entry into the country if
the criteria below are complied with:
| Item | Restriction |
|---|
| Calendars | Maximum shipment weight of 5 kg |
| Envelopes | Must be blank and in a small quantity |
| Examination papers | Shipment to weigh no more than 5 kg |
| Forms | Provided they are blank and parcel is a maximum of 10 kg |
| Manuals | Only if they are of a technical nature |
| Newsletters | Only if for intercompany communication |
| Stationery | Must be blank |
Sources:
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_US
Gift shipments entering Mali will be exempt from duty and taxes up to
a value of $25 USD (about $30 CAD).
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
A gift shipment from an individual in Canada to an individual in Mali
will not incur duty or taxes if its value is no more than $25 USD
(about $30 CAD).
Shipments from Business-to-Business
Shipments of gifts from a business in Canada to a business in Mali
will be allowed a duty- and tax-free entry to the country provided the
parcel has a value of no more than $25 USD (about $30 CAD).
Shipments from Business-to-Individual
Should a business in Canada ship a gift to an individual in Mali, the
parcel will be exempt from taxes and duties if its value is $25 USD or
less (about $30 CAD).
Gift Checklist
- A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
- The words 'Gift Shipment' or 'Unsolicited Gift' are included on the
commercial invoice, even if the shipment is sent at Christmas time (see sample)
- List the items in the parcel and write the value of each
- Sending more than one gift in the parcel? Wrap and tag each one
individually.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Miguel ángel Asturias
Calle 24 3-81
Mali City
01001
Mali
Phone: +502 2208 7777 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal Shipment / Gift Shipment
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Each | Gift Shipment: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
| CA | $79.99 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Gifts
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $79.99
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Multiple Gifts in One Shipment
Multiple gifts in a shipment may enter Mali duty and tax free if the
parcel's value is $25 USD or less (about $30 CAD).
Also, be sure to wrap and tag each gift separately.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Miguel Ángel Asturias
Calle 24 3-81
Mali City
01001
Mali
Phone: +502 2208 7777 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Unsolicited Gift: Consolidated Gift Package
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Each | Gift - Roger: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
| CA | $39.99 |
| 1 Each | Gift - Erica: Handwoven French Canadian Catalogne Blanket
| CA | $49.99 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Gifts
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $89.98
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Sources:
https://www.fedex.com/en-us/ancillary-clearance-service.html
Canadians and Malian citizens moving to Mali may ship their personal
effects exempt from duties and taxes provided:
- The claimant has owned and used the goods for a minimum of 6 months
- The amount of goods is appropriate to the size of the household
moving to Mali
NOTE:
An application for duty-free
entry of personal goods is required and must include:
- Five copies of the application
- Official proof that you have left Canada for residence in Mali
- A Letter of Exemption from the Ministry of Economy and Finance of
Mali
Moving Temporarily
Students
Students moving to Mali to study may ship their personal effects duty
and tax free if they can provide proof of enrollment at an educational
institute in Mali.
The incoming student will also be required to present an Exemption
Certificate from Mali's Director General of Customs.
Goods allowed entry as an exemption include:
- Clothing and footwear
- Books, paper, pens, etc.
- Electronic equipment such as a television, video camera, stereo
- Small appliances for a student's room
Non-students
Non-students who stay temporarily in Mali may ship their personal
effects without payment of duties and taxes as long as:
- The goods are only for the use of the claimant or his or her family
- The items stay no longer than 1* year in Mali
- The amount of goods is reasonable for the size of the party entering
the country
*A one-time extension of 6 months may be granted.
Moving Permanently
Malians and Canadian citizens moving permanently to Mali are allowed a
duty and tax exemption on their personal effects shipped to the
country.
The conditions for the exemption include:
- The goods must have been used and owned by the shipper for at least
6 months
- The size of the shipment is in line with the number of family
members and size of the home
Duty-Free Import Application
- Submit five copies of the application
- Provide proof from a Canadian authority of having moved from Canada
- A Letter of Exemption from Mali's Ministry of Economy and Finance
Personal Effects Checklist
- A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
- Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Personal Effects' (see sample)
- A detailed description of each item is provided
- Five copies of the application for duty-free entry from Mali’s
Ministry of Economy and Finance
Sources:
https://douanes.gouv.ml/changement-de-r%C3%A9sidence
https://douanes.gouv.ml/trousseaux-d%C3%A9tudiant
https://douanes.gouv.ml/importation-temporaire-de-biens
Sample Commercial Invoice for Personal Effects
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Miguel Ángel Asturias
Calle 24 3-81
Mali City
01001
Mali
Phone: +502 2208 7777 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal effects being delivered to my new address.
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 5 Pairs | Personal Effects: 5 pairs of various types of shoes
| IN | $40.00 |
| 1 Each | Personal Effects: Arc'terix Winter Jacket
| CA | $478.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Personal Effects
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $678.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Shipments of foodstuffs to Mali will incur duties and taxes that must
be paid by the recipient. (The shipper cannot pay these fees.)
NOTE:
Expired foodstuffs will not
be allowed entry into Mali.
You May Ship
Do Not Ship
- Meat sourced from cattle or pigs, including canned corned beef,
sausages
- Any item beyond its expiry date
Food, Chocolate, Candies Checklist
- Clearly indicate 'Food' on the commercial invoice in the General Description
or Remarks section (see sample)
- Ensure that your food, chocolate, or candies may be imported into the
country
- You are not shipping commercial quantities (for any duty & tax exemption)
- Check with your carrier that they will accept food shipments
Sources:
https://douanes.gouv.ml/produits-prohib%C3%A9s-%C3%A0-limportation
https://www.fedex.com/en-us/ancillary-clearance-service.html
Sample Commercial Invoice for Food, Chocolate, Candies
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Miguel ángel Asturias
Calle 24 3-81
Mali City
01001
Mali
Phone: +502 2208 7777 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Food Shipment - Assorted chocolate bars in their original manufacturer's packaging
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Box | Nestle Chocolate Bars in original packaging expiring May 2021 (shelf life of 6 months or longer)
| CA | $20.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Permanent / Sold
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Commercial samples with no monetary value, i.e. they cannot be sold,
are allowed a duty and tax free entry into Mali. Their purpose is to
advertise and promote products.
NOTE:
Samples may also be shipped
to Mali from Canada by using an ATA Carnet, but the Carnet cannot be
used for other goods.
Commercial Sample Checklist
- A Commercial Invoice must be included with your shipment
- Clearly indicate 'Commercial Samples' on the commercial invoice in the
General Description & Detailed Description of Goods (see sample)
- The item shipped has tearing, perforation, slashing, defacing, or has
permanent marking clearing indicating the item as commercial sample
Sources:
https://etls.ecowas.int/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/ECOWAS-CUSTOMS-CODE-FINAL-27092017FELIX.pdf
https://www.setoa.it/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/scheda_export_documents_en_mali.pdf
https://sgg-mali.ml/JO/2003/mali-jo-2003-16.pdf
https://douanes.gouv.ml/code-des-douanes
Sample Commercial Invoice for Commercial Sample
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Miguel Ángel Asturias
Calle 24 3-81
Mali City
01001
Mali
Phone: +502 2208 7777 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Commercial Sample - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Box | Commercial Sample - Advanced reading copy of Dan Brown's novel.
| CA | $20.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Commercial Sample
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Advertising material may enter Mali from Canada provided it has been
granted by the Director General of Customs of Mali. They will be
exempt from duty if they have no monetary value.
Advertising will be allowed entry for the following circumstances:
- Items for presentation at an exhibition or trade fair
- Materials for display at an international conference or meeting
Advertising Material Checklist
- Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Promotional Material - Not for
Resale' (see sample)
- A detailed description of each item is provided
Sources:
https://douanes.gouv.ml/admission-temporaire
https://douanes.gouv.ml/code-des-douanes
Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Miguel Ángel Asturias
Calle 24 3-81
Mali City
01001
Mali
Phone: +502 2208 7777 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Promotional Material - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Each | Promotional Material: Not for Resale. Product pamphlets to hand out at trade show.
| CA | $163.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Promotional Material
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Goods requiring repair will be allowed to enter Mali with either a
partial or total exemption from taxes and duties if it is done as a
temporary import. The items may stay in the country a maximum of 6
months though an extension may be granted by the Director General of
Customs.
Items Under Warranty
Machinery and equipment repaired at no charge under a warranty in
Canada will be allowed to re-enter Mali exempt from duty fees.
Items No Longer Under Warranty
Items repaired in Canada that are no longer under warranty will incur
duties when they are returned to Mali. They will also be liable to
Canadian GST charged on the value of the repair and any parts required
to complete the work.
Sending Product for Repair to Mali
If you send equipment or machinery to Mali for repairs, it will be
eligible for a partial or total exemption from duties and taxes
provided it is a temporary importation. The maximum length of stay in
Mali will be 6 months, however, Mali's Director General of Customs may
grant an extension.
Returning Repaired Product to Mali
Provided equipment was repaired in Canada at no charge because of
warranty guarantees, it will be allowed a duty-free re-entry into
Mali.
Repair Checklist
- Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'REPAIR & RETURN' under the General
Description or Remarks, and include the estimated time of return(see sample)
- Include repair contract with shipment
- Serial or product number and the cost of repairs should be indicated under
the Detailed Description of Goods section
- Include the original shipping documents or tracking number from when the
item was first exported to Mali or exported to Canada (depending on
which case applies)
- A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Sources:
https://etls.ecowas.int/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/ECOWAS-CUSTOMS-CODE-FINAL-27092017FELIX.pdf
https://douanes.gouv.ml/admission-temporaire
Sample Commercial Invoice for Warranty Repair
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Miguel Ángel Asturias
Calle 24 3-81
Mali City
01001
Mali
Phone: +502 2208 7777 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Repair and Return - Watch being sent for repair
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Each | Fossil Watch being sent for repair - Model E5, serial # 789456FG7E2 - Repair Cost $76.00
| US | $163.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Warranty Repair
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Goods destined for a temporary stay in Mali will be allowed entry if
they have no commercial intent and value, and:
- They are a commercial sample
- Will be shown at trade shows or other similar exhibitions
- They are for advertising purposes
- Are required for an industrial purpose
ATA Carnets
Malian authorities only allow the use of ATA Carnets for commercial
samples.
Temporary Imports Checklist
- Commercial Invoice clearly stating 'Temporary Import'. This must be written
in the General Description section and the Detailed Description of Goods. (see sample)
- The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no
repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
- Stay no longer than the period listed above
- Include your ATA Carnet with your shipment (if applicable)
- Include the expected return date or the date that it was originally received
within the country (whichever applies)
- Any above listed items not listed in this checklist
Sources:
https://douanes.gouv.ml/admission-temporaire
https://douanes.gouv.ml/code-des-douanes
Sample Commercial Invoice for Temporary Imports
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Miguel Ángel Asturias
Calle 24 3-81
Mali City
01001
Mali
Phone: +502 2208 7777 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment returning Jan 2020
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 box | Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment
| CA | $1032.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Temporary Imports
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $1032.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
All sold goods entering Mali will incur duties and VAT as well as
other taxes regardless of the value of the shipment.
Occasional Shipper
Even if you only occasionally ship sold goods to Mali, be advised that
they will be liable to duties, VAT, and other tax charges no matter
the monetary value of the parcel. Mali does not have a threshold (also
known as a de minimis value) below which no taxes or fees are
incurred.
Regular shipper
Regular shippers of sold goods to Mali are strongly recommended to
engage the services of a Malian licenced shipping broker.
Sources:
https://docs.wto.org/dol2fe/Pages/SS/directdoc.aspx?filename=q:/WT/TPR/S362R1-06.pdf&Open=True
https://douanes.gouv.ml/proc%C3%A9dure-de-d%C3%A9douanement-des-envois-postaux-%C3%A0-limportation-0
https://douanes.gouv.ml/code-des-douanes
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Miguel Ángel Asturias
Calle 24 3-81
Mali City
01001
Mali
Phone: +502 2208 7777 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Permanent/Sold: Parts and accessories for Canon B78n camera
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 15 Each | Camera Lenses: Canon EF 50mm, Canon EF 85mm & wide-angle lenses.
| CA | $132.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Permanent/Sold
Contact Name: James Smith
| Total Invoice Amount: $1980.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
