Mali covers a large landmass in the northwest of Africa, and at one time was home to a very rich trans-Saharan empire. Today, agriculture, gold mining, and exportation of cotton sustains this nation of 19 million people.
Though e-commerce has had difficult growing pains in Mali due to challenging economic and infrastructure conditions, the COVID pandemic has fostered an increase of activity amongst Malians. And as Mali's population is very young - 67% are below the age of 16, it is inevitable this generation will help bring Mali into a modern online world.
Easily compare the best and cheapest shipping options to Mali through a variety of carriers using Secureship
Secureship provides safe and affordable shipping from Canada to Mali. In case you are an everyday shopper or a business,
you can easily save up to 50% on your international shipping costs by way of accessing our group buying power.
Shipments through Secureship come with full, easy to read tracking information to Mali
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
Jun 1, 2023
8:49 am
Mopti, MO, ML
Delivered
May 31, 2023
7:18 am
Sikasso, SI, ML
In transit
May 30, 2023
9:03 pm
Segou, SEL, ML
International Clearance
May 30, 2023
8:14 am
Bamako, BA, ML
In transit
May 30, 2023
12:17 am
Toronto, ON, CA
In transit
May 29, 2023
4:30 pm
Ottawa, ON, CA
Pickup Scan
Disclaimer!
While we have made every effort to ensure that the information on this page is accurate, Customs laws and procedures change regularly so it is
important to consult a licensed broker in Mali before shipping any goods.
Types of Shipments
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:
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: 29 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: 29 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
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
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: 29 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
Samples
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
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: 29 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
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)
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: 29 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
Repairs
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
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: 29 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
Temporary Imports
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
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: 29 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
Permanent/Sold Goods
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.
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: 29 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
Required Documents
Shipping packages internationally requires a lot of documentation. This process alone can be confusing and time-consuming.
So we’ve narrowed down what documents you might need and ranked them based on likeliness of being needed.
Document Type
When?
Details
Shipping Label / Bill of Lading
Always required
This is a label provided by the carrier (UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.). Always required because the carrier needs to know the parcel's destination.
Commercial Invoice
Required for all non-document shipments
For all non-document shipments, you will require 3 copies of the commercial invoice (to be included with your shipping labels).
These are for customs purposes and need to be included inside a document pouch outside of the box.
When creating a shipment through the Secureship website, the system will help you create this document automatically.
B13a
Required if value exceeds $2,000 per shipment or is a controlled good
A B13a is required if your shipment exceeds $2000 CAD or is a controlled good
and is destined to a country other than the US, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands
Canada has a preferential trade agreement with Mali. A COO proves that an item has been produced, manufactured or processed in Canada.
When an item with a COO is imported into Mali, it will incur a reduced or zero-rated import duty.
Certificate of Insurance (COI)
Infrequently required
Shows that the shipment has been insured.
Banks may request a certificate of insurance when providing letters of credit for the goods. Otherwise,
it is generally your choice whether to purchase insurance for the shipment.
ATA Carnet
Infrequently required
Used to avoid duties and taxes on shipments of temporary nature.
If you ship goods of temporary nature to and from a country, you can obtain an ATA Carnet to expedite the customs clearance process and
ensure that anything of temporary nature is not charged duties and taxes.
No specific form required, but generally includes information regarding:
The exporter, importer and transport company
Date of issue
Number of freight invoice
Type and number of packages
Contents of each package
Marks and numbers
Net weight, gross weight and measurements of each package
Prohibited & Restricted Imports
Goods deemed prohibited by the state of Mali will not be allowed entry into the country. Those items deemed restricted may be allowed entry into the country if they have received permission from the relevant government agency.
Prohibited Items
Alcoholic beverages
contained in
plastic bags
Expired foodstuffs
Narcotic drugs and other illicit substances
Tinned meat from pigs
and cattle, including
corned beef, sausages
Goods liable to import duties and taxes will have the amount due calculated by the CIF method. The CIF value of a shipment is the sum of the customs value plus insurance amount plus freight costs.
CIF Value = Customs Value + Insurance Amount + Freight Costs
By calculating the CIF value of your shipment, you will have an estimate of the duty and taxes owed by the recipient.
Thresholds
All sold goods entering Mali from Canada will incur duty and VAT; there are no thresholds below which no duties and taxes are not incurred.
Currency
CFA franc XOF
Duty Exemption (De minimis Value)
N/A
Duty Calculation Method
CIF
TAX (VAT)
18%
18%
Tax Exemption
(De minimis Value)
N/A
Tax Calculation Method
CIF
Duties on Imports
Excise Duties
Malian customs authorities apply excise taxes to a number of import goods as shown below:
Alcoholic beverages (50%)
Soft drinks (12%)
Tobacco products (22% - 32%)
Biodegradable plastic bags (10%)
Other Taxes
Other taxes incurred by imports entering Mali include those imposed by fellow ECOWAS countries (Economic Community of West African States). Details can be found
here
You can purchase
insurance
through Secureship and it is provided by the carrier that will be transporting your shipment.
Each carrier will charge a different amount per $100 of declared insurance. If you indicate that you need insurance for your shipment our system will automatically include the insurance costs for your shipment.
Insurance is great to have in case your package is accidentally lost or damaged by the carrier. But be careful, not everything you ship is insurable. Worse - even if your package contains items that are insurable, if it doesn’t meet the ISTA 3A packaging standard, the insurance purchased through the carrier would not be available to you.
Here are some items that cannot be insured by the carrier:
Personal belongings
Antiques
Artwork
Liquids (including alcohol)
Televisions
Jewellery in excess of $500
Perishable goods
Glass or Ceramic
And many more items
For more information, please see the carrier's terms and conditions.
Shipping to Mali from Canada can take between 3-5 business days through the fastest carriers available on the Secureship platform.
More economical services, such as Canada Post, can take up to 1-2 months to complete the delivery.
