Mozambique - Import Process for Personal Effects

This is the second in a series of posts covering the detailed process for importing and exporting HHG and PE to and from African countries. Hopefully my moving colleagues will find it useful.

All information courtesy of AGS Frasers.

TW

MOZAMBIQUE

CUSTOMS CLEARANCE / TIMEFRAME:

·       Sea shipments  à 7 to 8 working days*

·       Air shipments    à 3 to 4 working days*

*  Road shipment   à 3 to 4 working days*

*providing all requested documents have been submitted to AGS Frasers Mozambique at least 10 working days before shipment’s arrival

DOCUMENTATION:

Mozambiquan Returning Citizen

·       Detailed, valued inventory list in USD in Portuguese dated/signed by the client

·       2 sets of OBL + non-negotiable BL

·       Copy of passport (main pages + copy of last entry stamp to Mozambique)

·       Original declaration from the Mozambican High Commission or Embassy in origin country

Expatriate

·       Detailed, valued inventory list in USD in Portuguese dated/signed by the client

·       2 sets of OBL + non-negotiable BL

·       Copy of passport (main pages + copy of last entry stamp to Mozambique)

·       Original declaration in Portuguese from client’s employer in Mozambique

·       Copy of work permit valid for at least 12 months (Autorização de Trabalho) or Residence Permit (DIRE)

Diplomat

·       Detailed and valued inventory list in USD in Portuguese dated/signed by the client

·       2 sets of OBL + non-negotiable BL

·       Copy of passport (main pages + copy of last entry stamp to Mozambique)

·       Original declaration in Portuguese from client’s employer in Mozambique

·       Copy of diplomatic card

Please note that the diplomat must be in Mozambique for the issuance of the diplomatic card (approx. 10 days).

Unless delays occur at customs or port, the time frame is as follows:

Step 1 2 to 3 days	Submission of documents to customs for approval once the manifest has been received by customs.
Step 2 1 day	Release/legalisation of the OBL at shipping line’s office in Maputo after vessel’s arrival. We need 2 OBLs.
Step 3 1 to 2 days	Submission of the whole import file to customs office.
Step 4 1 to 2 days	Settlement of port charges and terminal storage charges + final arrangements at terminal to pick up the container.
Step 5 up to 2 days	Delivery at client’s residence.
Note for AIR SHIPMENTS	Airport storage charges apply from the day of the shipment’s arrival. Rate: 0,1 USD/gross kg per day (usually excluded from our rates)

IMPORTANT

§  Extra charges cannot be avoided in most cases (approx. $300 / 20’ and $500 / 40’).

§  Expatriates’ cars are subject to at least 50% of duties and taxes. Exemptions can be obtained for diplomats.

§  Shipments must arrive in Mozambique within 6 months of work permit/ diplomatic card issuance

Please note imports and exports customs clearance in Mozambique is smooth as long as documents are in order. Kindly inform your clients accordingly.

Time frame for export shipments from Maputo:

Sea shipments  à 7 to 10 days

AGS FRASERS MOZAMBIQUE

§  Established in 1997

§  600m² storage capacity

§  10 fully owned vehicles

§  23 staff members for service in English, French and Portuguese

Our Services

§  Customised solutions for local, national, office and international moves

§  Packing and crating services

§  Export and import customs clearance

§  Short- and long-term storage

§  Comprehensive relocation services/records management