Mauritius Import Restrictions

by countryaah · Published June 2, 2019 · Updated February 13, 2025

In order to enter Mauritius, certain goods are subject to specific controls and, regardless of their value and quantity, they require the consent of Mauritius government, preferably, license must be obtained prior to passage through the customs, preventing the goods from being retained. On this page, you will see what kinds of items are prohibited from entering the Mauritius, and which items need special documentation before exporting to Mauritius.

Mauritius, an island nation located in the Indian Ocean, is a middle-income economy that relies heavily on international trade. The country imports a wide variety of goods, including raw materials, machinery, food, and pharmaceuticals, to meet the needs of its growing population. While Mauritius encourages trade to fuel its economic development, the country has established a set of import restrictions and regulations designed to protect public health, the environment, and local industries. These restrictions ensure that imports meet national safety, quality, and environmental standards, and help safeguard the interests of both consumers and businesses.

The Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA), specifically its Customs Department, is responsible for overseeing and enforcing the country’s import regulations. Other governmental bodies such as the Ministry of Health and Quality of Life, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Ministry of Environment, Sustainable Development, and Disaster and Beach Management play key roles in regulating specific product categories. These include pharmaceuticals, agricultural products, and environmentally sensitive goods, ensuring they meet safety and quality standards before entering the market.

For individuals and businesses looking to import goods into Mauritius, understanding these import restrictions is essential. Failure to comply with regulations can lead to delays, fines, or confiscation of goods. It is crucial to be familiar with prohibited items and products that require an import license to ensure that all imported goods meet the country’s legal and regulatory framework.

Prohibited Items for Import into Mauritius

Mauritius enforces strict import restrictions on certain goods. These prohibitions are in place to protect public health, the environment, and the country’s national security. The restrictions are also aligned with international trade agreements and the country’s domestic development priorities.

Products Harmful to Public Health and Safety

The government of Mauritius places a high priority on safeguarding public health, which is why several products are prohibited from entering the country due to their potential risks. These include dangerous drugs, counterfeit goods, and products that do not meet the country’s health and safety standards.

Illicit Drugs and Narcotics: Mauritius enforces stringent laws on the importation of narcotics, psychotropic substances, and other illegal drugs. The Mauritius Customs Department, in cooperation with law enforcement agencies, monitors and controls the entry of drugs such as heroin, cocaine, methamphetamines, and synthetic substances. The importation of these illicit drugs is strictly prohibited under the Dangerous Drugs Act. The country adheres to international drug control treaties, including the United Nations Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. Attempts to import narcotics or controlled substances are punishable by heavy fines and imprisonment. Mauritian authorities have a zero-tolerance policy for drug trafficking, and violations of drug importation laws are met with severe penalties.
Counterfeit Medicines and Medical Products: Mauritius also prohibits the importation of counterfeit pharmaceuticals and substandard medical products. The Ministry of Health and Quality of Life is responsible for regulating the entry of medicines and medical devices. Counterfeit drugs, which can be ineffective or harmful, are a significant health risk and are strictly banned from entering the country. In addition to counterfeit medicines, medical devices and health-related products that do not meet local safety and efficacy standards are prohibited. The Ministry enforces regulations to ensure that only authorized and approved health products are available on the market. Importers must provide necessary documentation and approvals from relevant health authorities, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), to prove the safety and quality of the products they wish to import.

Environmentally Hazardous Goods

Mauritius is a country with limited land resources and a fragile ecosystem. As such, the country has enacted import restrictions to prevent the introduction of goods that may pose environmental risks. These restrictions are designed to protect Mauritius’ biodiversity and prevent the introduction of harmful waste or materials that could degrade the environment.

Hazardous Waste and E-Waste: Mauritius adheres to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, which regulates the movement of hazardous waste across borders. As a result, the country bans the importation of hazardous waste, including industrial waste, medical waste, and electronic waste (e-waste). E-waste, which includes discarded electronics such as mobile phones, computers, and televisions, contains toxic substances like lead, mercury, and cadmium, which can contaminate the environment and pose health risks if not disposed of properly. Mauritius strictly monitors and controls the importation of such waste to prevent its negative impact on the country’s environment. The Mauritius Environment Protection Authority (EPA) plays a vital role in enforcing these regulations.
Products Derived from Endangered Species: In line with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), Mauritius prohibits the importation of products derived from endangered species. These include ivory, animal skins, rare plants, and other wildlife products that contribute to the illegal wildlife trade. Mauritius is committed to preserving its natural resources and biodiversity and has implemented strict controls on wildlife trade. The Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security is responsible for regulating the import of wildlife and wildlife products to ensure that they do not harm the country’s flora and fauna. Goods that violate CITES regulations are strictly prohibited from entering the country.

Products Requiring Import Licenses

While certain products are banned from entering Mauritius, other goods can be imported with the appropriate licenses. These products are subject to stringent controls and inspections to ensure that they meet national safety, health, and environmental standards. The import license system allows authorities to closely monitor the entry of high-risk goods and ensure that they are safe for use and do not pose a threat to the environment or public health.

Goods Subject to Import Licensing

Several categories of goods require import licenses in Mauritius. These goods typically include pharmaceuticals, agricultural products, chemicals, and other items that may require further inspection or certification to ensure they comply with local regulations.

Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices: The Ministry of Health and Quality of Life is responsible for regulating the importation of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and health-related products. Importers must obtain an import license before bringing these goods into Mauritius. This licensing process ensures that all imported medical products meet safety, quality, and efficacy standards. The Ministry assesses the health risks associated with each product and verifies whether it complies with international and local health regulations. Importers must submit the necessary documentation, including product approvals from recognized health authorities and compliance with international standards, such as those set by the World Health Organization (WHO). Unauthorized or unapproved medical products, including counterfeit medicines, are not allowed to enter the market.
Agricultural Products and Animal Products: The Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security regulates the importation of agricultural products, including fruits, vegetables, seeds, and livestock. Importers must obtain a license to bring these goods into Mauritius. The Ministry ensures that all imported agricultural products meet local phytosanitary and veterinary standards to prevent the introduction of pests, diseases, and harmful organisms that could damage the local agricultural industry. For example, livestock imports must meet health and disease control standards, and agricultural products such as seeds must be free from contaminants. Special import permits are required for genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and these products undergo additional scrutiny to ensure they meet safety and environmental standards.

Environmentally Sensitive Goods

In addition to pharmaceuticals and agricultural products, Mauritius regulates the importation of goods that could have an environmental impact. These products require an import license to ensure that they comply with the country’s environmental policies and sustainability goals.

Chemicals and Hazardous Substances: The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) regulates the importation of chemicals and hazardous substances into Mauritius. These include chemicals used in industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, and construction, as well as pesticides, solvents, and fertilizers. Importers must obtain an import license from the EPA to ensure that the chemicals comply with national safety standards. The EPA assesses the potential environmental and health risks associated with these chemicals and ensures that they are properly handled, stored, and disposed of. Additionally, chemicals that could contribute to environmental pollution, such as those that are toxic or flammable, are closely monitored to ensure that they do not harm the environment or public health.
Plastic and Packaging Materials: Due to the growing concerns over plastic waste and environmental pollution, Mauritius has imposed restrictions on the importation of plastic products, particularly single-use plastics and non-biodegradable packaging materials. The Ministry of Environment and the EPA regulate the importation of these items and encourage the use of more sustainable alternatives. Importers must obtain a license to bring plastic goods into the country, particularly those that cannot be recycled or biodegraded. The government promotes recycling and the reduction of plastic waste by imposing strict standards on the import of packaging materials and encouraging eco-friendly practices. Importers may be required to submit evidence that their products comply with local recycling standards or meet specific environmental criteria before approval is granted.

Regulated Consumer Goods

Several types of consumer goods, such as motor vehicles, electronics, and household appliances, also require import licenses. These goods must meet local safety standards and regulations before they are allowed to enter Mauritius.

Motor Vehicles and Spare Parts: The Ministry of Transport is responsible for regulating the importation of motor vehicles and spare parts into Mauritius. Importers must obtain a license to ensure that the vehicles meet local road safety and emissions standards. Vehicles must be inspected to ensure they comply with safety regulations and environmental guidelines, particularly regarding exhaust emissions. The Ministry also requires certification that spare parts meet national standards for safety and quality. The import of used vehicles is regulated more strictly, with additional checks to ensure that they meet the country’s safety, emissions, and environmental standards. Non-compliant vehicles or parts are not allowed to enter the market.
Electronics and Household Appliances: The Mauritius Bureau of Standards (MBS) regulates the importation of electronic goods and household appliances to ensure they meet national safety and energy efficiency standards. Products such as refrigerators, air conditioning units, washing machines, and other electrical appliances require an import license. The MBS ensures that these products are safe to use and comply with local technical specifications. The importation of electrical products that do not meet safety standards or energy efficiency requirements is prohibited. Importers must submit documentation that proves the products comply with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards or other recognized international certifications. This helps protect consumers from electrical hazards and ensures that products are energy-efficient.