CUSTOMS

IMPORT REGULATIONS

Pets

Anyone who wants to import a pet to Mauritius should apply for and obtain an Import Permit three to six months prior to departure, depending on the country of origin.

How to apply for an Import Permit

The application should be accompanied by:

• A motivation letter specifying the purpose of the visit to Mauritius. You should also state whether you are a Mauritian resident returning home permanently or on holidays and how long you have stayed abroad.
• A certificate of sterilisation of your pet.
• A copy of the pet's vaccination book.

After approval of your request from the Import Permit committee, all information concerning the import of your pet, treatments and tests to be done will be sent to you.

The applicant will be issued an Import Permit subject to:

• Production of proof that all the conditions imposed on the specimen copy of the Import Permit have been complied with.
• Availability of kennel/cattery at the Quarantine Station.
• Payment of import fee of Rs 500 per animal and veterinary clearance fee of Rs 500.
• In case of importation by cargo, coordinates of local broker, for clearance purposes.

Prior to Arrival

• At least four days before the importation of your pet, you should inform the Ministry of Agro-Industry & Food Security of the time of arrival and flight number by email or phone.
• On the date of arrival, the passenger should present at the airport for customs formalities. In case of absence of the passenger, the animal risks to be put back on the plane at the passenger's cost or put to sleep after one hour of landing.

Prohibited Dog Breeds

The following breeds of dogs are not allowed to be imported into Mauritius:

• American Pit Bull Terrier.
• American Staffordshire Terrier.
• Staffordshire Terrier.
• Blue Nose Pit Bull.
• Red Nose Pit Bull.
• Japanese Tosa.
• Dogo Argentino.
• Fila Brasileiro.
• Boerboel.

For more information, please visit the Veterinary Service of the Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security.

Free to Import

Tobacco (restricted to travellers 18 years and over)

• 250g of tobacco and tobacco products, such as cigarettes and cigars.

Alcohol (restricted to travellers 18 years and over)

• 1 litre of spirits and 2 litres of wine and beer; or
• 2 litres of spirits; or
• 4 litres of wine and beer.

Currency

• Currency of more than Rs500,000 must be declared to customs.

Other Goods

• Personal medication must be accompanied by a prescription issued by a medical practitioner.
• Residents 12 years and older may import personal goods valued at up to Rs15,000.
• Residents under 12 and non-residents of any age may import personal goods valued at up to Rs7500.

Prohibited

The following are goods which cannot be brought into the country.

• Counterfeit goods.
• Obscene goods and publications.
• Sugarcane cuttings and plants.
• Drugs.
• The following weapons are prohibited: flick knives, swordsticks, knuckle dusters, and any weapon designed to give the appearance of another article.

Restricted

These goods are strictly regulated, and in most cases require a permit to be obtained prior to arrival.

• Protected species and products protected under CITES. A permit is required for import.
• Plants and their derivative products, such as fruit, vegetables, and seeds, require clearance from the Ministry of Agro-Industry & Food Security.
• Firearms and weapon require an import permit from The Mauritius Police Force.

EXPORT REGULATIONS

Restricted

These goods are strictly regulated, and in most cases require a permit to be obtained prior to departure.

• Animals and their derivative products.
• Plants and their derivative products.
• Rough diamonds.
• Textiles for export to the USA, Canada, and Pakistan.
• Dangerous chemicals.
• Pharmaceutical products.
• Tea products.
• Used batteries.
• Alcohol.
• Goods of National Heritage require prior approval of the National Heritage Fund Board.
• Protected species and products protected under CITES may require a permit for export.
• Weapons and ammunition require a permit.

For further information, please visit the Mauritius Revenue Authority.