Mauritius Car Import Service | Move To Mauritius
Relocating to Mauritius and want to bring your car? Get expert guidance on duties, permits and logistics. Request your free car import quote today.
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Mauritius Car Import: Ship Your Vehicle With Confidence
Yes, you can import a car to Mauritius, but duties, age restrictions and customs paperwork make it a process best handled by specialists. Move To Mauritius manages your entire vehicle import from documentation to delivery, so you avoid costly mistakes and delays.
What Does It Actually Cost to Import a Car to Mauritius?
This is the question every relocating resident asks first, and the honest answer is: it depends on several factors. Mauritius applies customs duty, excise duty and VAT to imported vehicles. Combined, these charges can reach 100% or more of the vehicle's customs value, depending on engine size and age.
Key cost factors include:
- Engine displacement: Smaller engines (under 1600cc) attract lower excise duty rates
- Vehicle age: Mauritius restricts imports to vehicles that are generally no older than three years from the year of manufacture for private use
- CIF value: Customs duty is calculated on the cost, insurance and freight value of the shipment
- VAT: Currently 15% applies on top of other duties
Our team calculates your full landed cost before you commit, so there are no surprises at the port.
Who Is Eligible to Import a Car to Mauritius?
Not everyone can import a vehicle duty-free or at reduced rates. Eligibility depends on your residency status:
- Returning citizens and residents: May qualify for a duty concession if they have lived abroad for a qualifying period
- Occupation Permit and Premium Visa holders: Subject to standard duty rates unless a specific scheme applies
- Retirees and investors: Assessed case by case under current Mauritius Revenue Authority rules
We assess your personal situation and identify every legitimate concession available to you.
What Paperwork Do You Need for a Mauritius Car Import?
The documentation list is substantial. Missing a single certificate can hold your vehicle in customs for weeks. You will typically need:
- Original title deed and proof of ownership
- Bill of lading from the shipping company
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- Certificate of conformity or roadworthiness certificate
- Insurance certificate valid in Mauritius
- Mauritius Revenue Authority customs declaration forms
- National Land Transport Authority (NLTA) import permit
Move To Mauritius coordinates every document on your behalf, liaising with shipping agents, the MRA and the NLTA so you do not have to.
How Long Does the Import Process Take?
From the moment your vehicle leaves its origin port, allow four to eight weeks for sea freight, plus one to two weeks for customs clearance once it arrives in Port Louis. Delays typically occur when documentation is incomplete or when the vehicle fails a roadworthiness inspection.
Our pre-shipment checklist significantly reduces clearance time.
Should You Import or Buy Locally?
For many relocating families, buying a vehicle already registered in Mauritius is simpler and cheaper once you factor in duties. For others, particularly those with a specific vehicle they love or a commercial vehicle with specialist equipment, importing makes clear financial sense.
We give you an honest, numbers-based comparison so you make the right call for your situation. For a broader overview of life on the island, the guides at mauritius-life.com are an excellent starting point.
Get Your Free Mauritius Car Import Quote
Stop guessing at duty calculations and permit requirements. Our relocation specialists will review your vehicle details, your residency status and your timeline, then send you a clear, itemised quote at no charge.
Request your free car import quote now and let Move To Mauritius handle every step from origin to your driveway in Mauritius.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can I import a right-hand drive car to Mauritius?+
Yes. Mauritius drives on the left, so right-hand drive vehicles are standard and fully permitted. Left-hand drive imports are allowed but may face additional inspection requirements.
Is there an age limit on vehicles imported to Mauritius?+
Generally, private vehicles must be no more than three years old from the year of manufacture at the time of import. Commercial vehicles have different rules. We verify the current limits for your specific vehicle type.
Can I get a duty exemption on my imported car?+
Certain returning residents and citizens who have lived abroad for a qualifying period may claim a duty concession. The exact criteria are set by the Mauritius Revenue Authority and change periodically. Our team checks your eligibility before you ship.
Do I need to be in Mauritius when my car clears customs?+
No. Move To Mauritius can act as your authorised agent, managing customs clearance and collection on your behalf while you finalise your relocation arrangements.
What happens if my car fails the roadworthiness inspection?+
The vehicle will need to be brought into compliance before it can be registered. We flag potential issues during our pre-shipment review to minimise the risk of a failed inspection on arrival.
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