Mauritania

Specific Information

Important context: Mauritania is an Islamic republic. Alcohol and pork products are strictly prohibited. These items must not be included in any household goods shipment under any circumstances.

New items: New items (less than 6 months old) require original invoices. The FIDI guide specifies that invoices must contain: the importer's name and address at destination, the SIREN or SIRET number of the shop, the total price showing VAT, and the origin of the goods (whether from within or outside the EEC). Customs will reject till slips, delivery notes, order forms, and sale slips intended only for airport customs rather than sea freight customs.

Customs inspection: All containers may be checked by Customs, including diplomatic shipments. The OBL must be accurate and declare all import items. Discrepancies between the OBL and the actual contents will result in delays and potential penalties.

Documentation language: All inventories and customs documentation must be in French, valued in euros.

Duties & Taxes

Duty-free conditions: Used household goods may be imported duty-free provided the required exemption letter is obtained and the documentation is complete. The exemption letter from the Ministry of Finance (non-diplomatic) or Ministry of Foreign Affairs (diplomatic) is essential and must be arranged before or concurrent with the shipment process.

Prohibited & Restricted Items

Importing a Used Personal Vehicle

Required Documents

• Valued, dated, and signed inventory **For used vehicles:**
• Copy of vehicle registration documents **For used vehicles:**
• Non-lien certificate (valid for one month) **For used vehicles:**
• Owner's passport or ID document **For used vehicles:**
• Purchase invoice **For new vehicles with temporary registration (W.W.):**
• Non-lien certificate (valid for one month) **For new vehicles with temporary registration (W.W.):**
• Owner's passport or ID document **For new vehicles with temporary registration (W.W.):**
• Original invoice with address at destination **For new vehicles without plates:**
• EX 1 No. 3 form **For new vehicles without plates:**
• Owner's passport or ID document **For new vehicles without plates:**
• Original registration card **Additional requirements (per IAM guide):**
• Insurance certificate **Additional requirements (per IAM guide):**
• Certificate of change of residence **Additional requirements (per IAM guide):**
• Copy of passport **Additional requirements (per IAM guide):**

Specific Information

Age limit: Vehicles older than 8 years cannot be imported into Mauritania.

Import taxes (non-exempt): Taxes depend on the age and capacity of the vehicle. The IAM guide outlines: new vehicles are taxed at approximately 78% of the vehicle value; used vehicles are taxed at approximately 50% of the vehicle value.

Tax exemption: Diplomats, civil servants, and employees working for embassies or international organizations are exempt from vehicle tax for one vehicle, provided the exemption is applied for through their employer (verbal notice, direct removal request, CD or TT registration). Employees of exempted companies are also exempt for one vehicle.

OBL requirements: The chassis number, engine number, and weight of the vehicle must be stated on the bill of lading. Documents must be received by the destination agent at least 1 week before importation.

Pets

• Rabies vaccination certificate
• Veterinary health certificate from the country of origin

Health certificate: The rabies vaccination certificate and health certificate must be issued in the country of origin. The health certificate should confirm the animal is free from infectious diseases.

Young animals: Dogs and cats less than 3 months old are exempt from sanitary regulation requirements.

Government endorsement: The health certificate should be endorsed by the relevant government veterinary authority in the country of origin (e.g. USDA for the US, CFIA for Canada, DDPP for France).

Limited information: Detailed pet import requirements from Mauritanian veterinary authorities are not readily available online. Confirm all requirements with the destination agent before shipping, particularly regarding any breed restrictions, quarantine requirements, or additional documentation.