Importing FMCG products into Mozambique: practical guide
Mozambique has three major ports on the Indian Ocean: Maputo in the south, Beira in the centre and Nacala in the north. This guide describes how a Mozambican importer can buy a container of fast-moving consumer goods from Whitworth, choosing the port closest to its customers.
Before you order
Before ordering, decide on the arrival port according to your warehouses and customers, then check with your despachante the formalities specific to your products. Then send your list of references and volumes to Whitworth. The proforma invoice specifies prices in euros, pallets, the fill rate of the 20 or 40 foot container and the Incoterm. It allows your bank to prepare payment in foreign currency and your despachante to anticipate the declaration before the vessel arrives.
Required documents
Formalities are handled by the Autoridade Tributária de Moçambique, through an electronic single window.
Commercial invoice
In euros, by reference, consistent with your customs declaration.
Packing list
Number of cartons, weights and pallets, for inspection at the port.
Bill of lading (B/L)
Transport document allowing delivery at Maputo, Beira or Nacala.
Certificate of origin
It proves the European origin of the goods.
Health certificates
Depending on the food products concerned.
Incoterms offered
We offer FOB Antwerp and CIF to the Mozambican port of your choice. CIF Maputo is the most common; Beira or Nacala are possible depending on sailings. Tell us your distribution area so that we choose the right service.
Sea transit from Antwerp
Mozambique lies on the east coast of Africa: from Antwerp, the voyage generally takes four to six weeks, often with a transhipment. Lead times vary depending on the port chosen and the sea route taken.
Customs clearance and delivery
On arrival, your despachante enters the declaration in the electronic single window of the Autoridade Tributária. The container is released after any inspection and payment of duties and taxes. From Maputo, the goods reach your warehouses in the south; from Beira, they can serve the centre of the country and the corridors to Zimbabwe or Malawi. Nacala serves the north. In all cases, inland transport is organised by your forwarder, to be booked before the vessel arrives.
Tariff zone and duties
Mozambique is a member of SADC. The preferences of the SADC free trade area concern products originating in the region; for European goods, the Mozambican customs tariff applies, together with national taxes. Amounts are to be confirmed with your freight forwarder or customs.
Currency and payment methods
The currency is the metical (MZN). Our invoices in euros are settled by bank transfer or by letter of credit opened by a Mozambican bank. Depending on conditions, access to foreign currency can take time: plan for it from the proforma stage.
Points to watch
Portuguese labelling
Mandatory information in Portuguese on consumer products.
Long crossing
Favour long shelf-life products, given the length of the voyage.
Cold chain
Reefer and a check of power connections during any transhipment.
Port choice
Maputo, Beira or Nacala: choose according to your customers, not just the freight.
Frequently asked questions
Which port should I choose?
Maputo for the south, Beira for the centre and neighbouring countries, Nacala for the north.
Is transit longer than to West Africa?
Yes, generally, as the vessel sails around Africa or goes through a hub.
Can you invoice in dollars?
We normally invoice in euros; let us discuss it before the proforma.
What customs duties must be paid?
They depend on the products: to be confirmed with your freight forwarder or customs.
Is the packaging in Portuguese?
It depends on the brands; we check this for each reference.
Send your product list and your arrival port in Mozambique: we come back with a proforma.