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:
You can also skip ahead to the table containing the list of
Commonly Required Documents.
Documents Only
Mauritania allows shipments of the following items to enter the
country as a document:
- Advertising literature and pamphlets
- Airline tickets
- Annual reports
- Blueprints
- Cash letters, negotiable bonds and drafts
- Computer print-outs
- Credit cards
- Diplomas
- Drawings (including sepia drawings)
- Driver's licence
- Graphs
- Greeting cards and invitations
- Intercompany mail
- Manuscripts
- Maps and charts
- Mylars
- Newspapers and publications
- Photographs
- Price lists
- Proposals and bids
- Seismic data
- Specifications sheets
Mauritanian customs allow the tabled items below entry into the
country if the parcel complies by the restrictions shown.
| Item | Restriction |
|---|
| Brochures and catalogues | Maximum shipment weight of 10 kg |
| Event tickets - stage shows, concerts, and football (soccer)
matches | Cannot be a shipment from a printing company to a ticket sales
office or an event manager |
| Forms | Must be blank |
| Manuals | Must be of a technical nature |
| Newsletters | For company use only |
Sources:
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_CA
Shipping Gifts
Gifts up to a value of $25 USD (about $30 CAD) may enter Mauritania
exempt from duties and taxes.
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
A gift shipment from an individual in Canada to an individual in
Mauritania will be allowed a duty- and tax-free entry into the country
if its value is no more than $25 USD (about $30 CAD).
Shipments from Business-to-Business
Mauritian customs rules allow low value gifts (maximum of $25 USD -
about $30 CAD) to enter the country exempt from VAT and duty.
Shipments from Business-to-Individual
A parcel with a gift valued at no greater than $25 USD (about $30 CAD)
will NOT incur duty or tax liabilities.
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 |
|---|
Galaktioni Tabidze
8 Gia Chanturia St.
Tbilisi 0108
Mauritania
Phone: +995 32 299 86 67 | 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
If your shipment contains multiple gifts, be sure to wrap and tag each
gift separately.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Galaktioni Tabidze
8 Gia Chanturia St.
Tbilisi 0108
Mauritania
Phone: +995 32 299 86 67 | 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
Shipping Personal Effects
There is little information available regarding shipping personal
effects to Mauritania from Canada save for non-student temporary
visits. For these cases, duties and taxes will not be incurred on the
shipments as long as:
- The goods stay a maximum of 6 months in Mauritania (this may be
extended once)
- The goods are for the personal use of the claimant only
- The quantity and variety of goods in the shipment cannot be mistaken
for a commercial consignment
Moving Temporarily
Students
No information is available at this time concerning students moving
temporarily to Mauritania with their personal effects.
Non-students
Non-students who move to Mauritania temporarily may ship their
personal effects exempt from duties and taxes provided:
- The items are re-exported within 6 months* of their arrival
- The shipment contains a reasonable amount of goods for personal use
(i.e. it is clearly NOT a commercial shipment)
*This may be renewed once
Moving Permanently
At this time, there is no information available regarding moving
permanently to Mauritania with one's personal effects.
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
Sources:
https://impots.gov.mr:8080/DGI/files/Code%20des%20Douanes%20J.O.%201403%20du%2030.12.2017.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Personal Effects
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Galaktioni Tabidze
8 Gia Chanturia St.
Tbilisi 0108
Mauritania
Phone: +995 32 299 86 67 | 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 |
Food, Chocolate, Candies
Most foodstuffs may be shipped to Mauritania without restrictions or
incurred fees.
You May Ship
- Candy
- Chocolate
- Yogourt and sweetened dairy products
- Pasta
- Mineral water
- Powdered sugar
Do Not Ship
- Perishables - produce and other plant products
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://www.fedex.com/en-us/ancillary-clearance-service.html
Sample Commercial Invoice for Food, Chocolate, Candies
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Galaktioni Tabidze
8 Gia Chanturia St.
Tbilisi 0108
Mauritania
Phone: +995 32 299 86 67 | 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 |
Samples
Commercial samples are allowed a tax-free entry into Mauritania if the
shipper uses an ATA Carnet.
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://www.mauritiustrade.mu/en/market-survey/mauritania/selling-and-buying
https://impots.gov.mr:8080/DGI/files/Code%20des%20Douanes%20J.O.%201403%20du%2030.12.2017.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Commercial Sample
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Galaktioni Tabidze
8 Gia Chanturia St.
Tbilisi 0108
Mauritania
Phone: +995 32 299 86 67 | 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
Advertising materials will be allowed entry into Mauritania if they
are a temporary import, and:
- They will be used at an international conference or trade fair; or
- Intended for display at an exhibition
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://impots.gov.mr:8080/DGI/files/Code%20des%20Douanes%20J.O.%201403%20du%2030.12.2017.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Galaktioni Tabidze
8 Gia Chanturia St.
Tbilisi 0108
Mauritania
Phone: +995 32 299 86 67 | 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 |
Repairs
Machinery and equipment shipped to Mauritania from Canada for repairs
will be allowed a duty- and tax-free entry into the country.
Items Under Warranty
Information regarding Items from Mauritania repaired under warranty in
Canada is unavailable at this time.
Items No Longer Under Warranty
Goods no longer under warranty that are repaired in Canada will be
liable to Canadian duty and GST. GST will also be applied to any parts
used to effect the repair.
Sending Product for Repair to Mauritania
Products sent to Mauritania for repair may enter exempt from duties
and taxes.
Returning Repaired Product to Mauritania
There is no information at this time concerning products repaired in
Canada under a warranty and returned to Mauritania.
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 Mauritania or exported to Canada (depending on
which case applies)
- A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Sources:
https://impots.gov.mr:8080/DGI/files/Code%20des%20Douanes%20J.O.%201403%20du%2030.12.2017.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Warranty Repair
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Galaktioni Tabidze
8 Gia Chanturia St.
Tbilisi 0108
Mauritania
Phone: +995 32 299 86 67 | 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 |
Temporary Imports
Goods imported into Mauritania for a temporary stay may do so exempt
partially or wholly from duties and taxes provided they are
re-exported.
Temporary goods include those imported for display and demonstration
purposes.
ATA Carnets
If you are shipping commercial samples to Mauritania, then an ATA
Carnet must be used so that no duties or taxes are applied to the
shipment.
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://impots.gov.mr:8080/DGI/files/Code%20des%20Douanes%20J.O.%201403%20du%2030.12.2017.pdf
http://www.wcoomd.org/-/media/wco/public/global/pdf/topics/facilitation/instruments-and-tools/conventions/ata/handbookconvention-on-temporary-admission-istanbul-26-june-1990_en.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Temporary Imports
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Galaktioni Tabidze
8 Gia Chanturia St.
Tbilisi 0108
Mauritania
Phone: +995 32 299 86 67 | 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 |
Permanent/Sold Goods
All shipments of sold goods, regardless of their value, will be liable
to duty and taxes upon entering Mauritania.
Occasional Shipper
All sold goods entering Mauritania, even by occasional shippers, will
incur duty and taxes regardless of the value of the shipment.
Regular shipper
Regular shippers of sold goods to Mauritania are recommended to employ
the services of a licenced Mauritanian customs broker. This is
particularly important for shipments that require a phytosanitary
certificate.
Sources:
https://docs.wto.org/dol2fe/Pages/SS/directdoc.aspx?filename=q:/WT/TPR/S371R1.pdf&Open=True
https://www.mauritaniatrade.com/en/importing-into-mauritania/procedures.html
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Galaktioni Tabidze
8 Gia Chanturia St.
Tbilisi 0108
Mauritania
Phone: +995 32 299 86 67 | 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 |
Duty &
Taxes
Imports entering Mauritania have their duties and taxes calculated using
the CIF method, i.e. the sum of the customs value plus insurance amount
plus freight costs.
If you were to calculate the CIF value of your shipment to Mauritania,
it would give you an estimate of the duties and taxes the recipient will
be required to pay.
Thresholds
There are no thresholds (also known as a de minimis value) on imported
goods entering Mauritania. This means all imports will incur duties
and taxes regardless of their value.
| Currency | Mauritanian Ouguiya (MRU) |
| Duty Exemption (De minimis Value) | N/A |
| Duty Calculation Method | CIF |
| TAX (VAT) | 16% |
Tax Exemption
(De minimis Value) | N/A |
| Tax Calculation Method | CIF |
| |
Duties on Imports
Excise Taxes
Excise taxes will be applied to the following products when they enter
Mauritania:
- Tea (20%)
- Powdered sugar (7.5%)
- Tobacco products (60%)
- Yogourt and sweetened dairy products (60%)
- Pasta (30%)
- Mineral water (80%)
- Candy20%
- Chocolate20%
- Spirits and winesVariable
- Tobacco60%
- Books0%
- Documents0%
- Video games & consoles20%
- Computers & laptops13%
- Tablets13%
- Mobiles13%
- Cameras20%
- Accessories for Electronics13%
- Coats20%
- Beauty products & cosmetics20%
- Jewellery20%
- Shirts & pants20%
- Home appliances20%
- Toys20%
- Sports equipment20%
Sources:
https://www.mauritaniatrade.com/importation-en-mauritanie/tarifs-douaniers.html
https://www.mauritaniatrade.com/en/importing-into-mauritania/procedures.html
Mauritania Shipping Insurance
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.
Questions
about Shipping to Mauritania
Can I ship to Mauritania?
Shipping to Mauritania 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.
Find out
how fast the Secureship trusted carriers can get your shipment
delivered to Mauritania by getting a quote now.
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