Mongolia Import Restrictions

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

In order to enter Mongolia, certain goods are subject to specific controls and, regardless of their value and quantity, they require the consent of Mongolia 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 Mongolia, and which items need special documentation before exporting to Mongolia.

Mongolia, a landlocked country in Central Asia, has a rapidly developing economy that relies heavily on imports to meet the demands of its population. As one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world, Mongolia’s import policies are crucial to its economic growth, as they regulate the flow of goods necessary for industries ranging from agriculture to technology. The government of Mongolia has put in place a series of import regulations aimed at protecting public health, the environment, and domestic industries. These regulations help ensure that goods entering the country are safe, adhere to national standards, and do not harm the economy or environment.

Mongolia’s import restrictions are enforced by various government agencies, most notably the Mongolian Customs General Administration, which oversees the country’s customs operations and ensures that all imported goods comply with tariffs and regulations. Other governmental bodies, such as the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Light Industry, and the Environmental Protection Agency, regulate specific sectors such as pharmaceuticals, agricultural products, chemicals, and other environmentally sensitive goods. Understanding Mongolia’s import restrictions is crucial for businesses and individuals looking to engage in trade with the country, as non-compliance can lead to delays, fines, or the confiscation of goods.

Prohibited Items for Import into Mongolia

Mongolia enforces several import restrictions on specific goods that are prohibited due to their potential risks to public health, safety, or the environment. These prohibitions are grounded in national concerns, international agreements, and the desire to protect local industries and resources. The import of these goods is strictly regulated to safeguard the population and ensure the sustainability of the environment.

Products Harmful to Public Health and Safety

Mongolia places a high priority on the health and safety of its citizens, and the government has implemented strict regulations to prevent the entry of goods that could endanger public health. These prohibited goods typically include narcotics, counterfeit products, and certain hazardous health-related items.

Illicit Drugs and Narcotics: The importation of narcotics, psychotropic substances, and other illegal drugs is strictly prohibited in Mongolia. The Mongolian Drug Control Agency enforces these laws under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law, which is aligned with international drug control conventions such as the United Nations Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs. The government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards drug trafficking and works with law enforcement agencies to monitor imports. Substances such as heroin, cocaine, methamphetamines, and other controlled drugs are not allowed to enter the country. Importing illicit drugs is punishable by severe penalties, including imprisonment and hefty fines. The customs administration and other authorities strictly monitor shipments to prevent smuggling and ensure that narcotic drugs do not enter the Mongolian market.
Counterfeit Medicines and Hazardous Products: The importation of counterfeit pharmaceuticals, unapproved medicines, and hazardous medical products is also prohibited in Mongolia. The Ministry of Health regulates the entry of medical products into the country, ensuring that they meet safety, efficacy, and quality standards. Counterfeit medicines are a significant threat to public health, as they can be ineffective, harmful, or even fatal. As part of its commitment to protecting public health, Mongolia bans the importation of such products. Similarly, medical devices that do not meet national standards for safety or lack proper certification are prohibited. The Ministry works with other agencies to ensure that only authorized, safe, and tested medical products are available for use by Mongolian citizens.

Environmentally Harmful Goods

Mongolia, with its vast landscapes and fragile ecosystems, places great importance on protecting the environment. As a result, the government has put in place a series of import regulations designed to prevent the introduction of goods that could damage the environment, especially hazardous waste and products that can contribute to pollution.

Hazardous Waste and E-Waste: Mongolia is a signatory to the Basel Convention, which regulates the international movement of hazardous waste. As such, the importation of hazardous waste, including industrial waste, medical waste, and electronic waste (e-waste), is prohibited. E-waste, such as old electronics including mobile phones, computers, and televisions, contains toxic materials like lead, mercury, and cadmium that can pose significant risks to human health and the environment. Improper disposal of these materials can result in contamination of the air, water, and soil. The Mongolian Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enforces these regulations and ensures that such waste does not enter the country. Any attempt to import hazardous waste or e-waste is met with severe penalties, including fines and confiscation of goods. Mongolia’s strict regulations aim to minimize environmental harm and prevent the country from becoming a dumping ground for harmful materials.
Products Derived from Endangered Species: Mongolia enforces strict regulations to prevent the importation of products derived from endangered species. These goods include ivory, exotic animal pelts, and certain plants that contribute to illegal wildlife trade. The country adheres to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which aims to protect endangered species from over-exploitation due to international trade. The Ministry of Environment and Green Development is responsible for enforcing these regulations and works closely with international organizations to monitor the movement of wildlife products. Any goods derived from endangered species are prohibited from entering the country, and violators may face heavy fines and legal action.

Products Requiring Import Licenses

While certain goods are prohibited outright, there are many products that can be imported into Mongolia, but only with the appropriate import license. These licenses are issued to ensure that the imported goods comply with national regulations, safety standards, and environmental policies. The licensing system is designed to protect public health, safety, and the environment, while also supporting local industries by ensuring that products meet local standards.

Goods Subject to Import Licensing

Several categories of goods require an import license to enter Mongolia. These products include pharmaceuticals, chemicals, agricultural products, and other goods that may require special scrutiny due to their potential risks to public health, safety, or the environment. The import licensing system allows the government to monitor the flow of these goods and ensure they meet the necessary regulatory standards.

Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices: The importation of pharmaceutical products and medical devices requires an import license from the Ministry of Health. This ensures that all health-related goods meet the country’s safety, quality, and efficacy standards before they are allowed to enter the market. The Ministry regulates the import of medicines, vaccines, diagnostic devices, and medical equipment to ensure that only safe and effective products are available to the public. Importers must submit detailed documentation regarding the safety, quality, and approval status of the products, including certifications from internationally recognized regulatory bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO) or the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Medical devices must also be tested to ensure they meet local safety standards. Any products that fail to meet these standards will be rejected at customs.
Agricultural Products and Livestock: The Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Light Industry is responsible for regulating the importation of agricultural products, including fruits, vegetables, seeds, livestock, and animal products. These goods require an import license to ensure that they meet Mongolia’s phytosanitary and veterinary standards. The Ministry aims to protect local agriculture from pests, diseases, and invasive species that could harm crops or livestock. For example, livestock imports must undergo health checks to ensure they are free from disease and can be safely introduced into Mongolia’s agricultural system. Similarly, plant products such as seeds and fruits must be certified to be free from pests or diseases. The Ministry of Agriculture also monitors the import of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and requires special permits for such products to ensure that they do not pose any risks to local ecosystems.

Environmentally Regulated Goods

Mongolia’s commitment to environmental sustainability is reflected in its strict regulations regarding the importation of environmentally sensitive goods. These products require import licenses to ensure they comply with the country’s environmental laws and do not contribute to pollution or ecological degradation.

Chemicals and Hazardous Substances: The importation of chemicals and hazardous substances is regulated by the Mongolian Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure that these goods do not harm public health or the environment. Certain chemicals, including industrial chemicals, pesticides, and fertilizers, require an import license. The EPA ensures that these chemicals are handled, stored, and disposed of in a safe manner to prevent pollution and contamination. Importers of chemicals must provide detailed documentation regarding the chemical composition, safety precautions, and potential environmental impact. The licensing process helps to monitor the introduction of hazardous chemicals and ensures that they are not used in ways that could damage the environment or pose health risks to people.
Plastic and Packaging Materials: As part of its effort to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainability, Mongolia has introduced regulations to control the importation of plastic goods, particularly single-use plastics and non-biodegradable packaging materials. Importers must obtain an import license for these products to ensure that they comply with Mongolia’s environmental policies. The government encourages the importation of recyclable, biodegradable, or otherwise environmentally friendly plastic products. Non-recyclable plastics that contribute to waste and pollution may face higher tariffs or be subject to stricter regulations. Importers must demonstrate that their plastic products meet local recycling standards or provide evidence that the materials are biodegradable or compostable.

Regulated Consumer Goods

In addition to pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and environmentally sensitive goods, several consumer goods are subject to import licensing in Mongolia. These products must meet national standards for safety and quality before they can be imported into the country.

Motor Vehicles and Spare Parts: The importation of motor vehicles, particularly used cars, requires an import license from the Ministry of Road and Transport Development. The Ministry ensures that imported vehicles meet safety, emissions, and environmental standards. Vehicles must pass inspection to verify that they are roadworthy and do not contribute to air pollution. Used vehicles, in particular, are subject to stricter regulations to ensure that they meet current safety and emissions standards. Similarly, spare parts for vehicles must meet safety and quality standards before they are allowed entry into the country. The Ministry of Transport evaluates whether imported vehicles comply with these regulations, and vehicles or parts that do not meet the required standards are not allowed to be sold in Mongolia.
Electronics and Household Appliances: The importation of electronic goods and household appliances also requires an import license. These goods must meet national safety standards, particularly those related to electrical safety, and comply with energy efficiency requirements. The National Standardization and Metrology Agency ensures that imported electronics, including items like refrigerators, televisions, and air conditioners, comply with Mongolia’s safety regulations. Importers must provide proof that their products meet international safety standards and that they do not pose risks to consumers. Products that fail to meet these standards are either rejected at customs or subject to penalties. The agency also monitors compliance with energy efficiency standards to ensure that household appliances help reduce energy consumption in line with Mongolia’s environmental goals.