Moving to Mauritius

Before moving to Mauritius, it may be advisable to sell some of your belongings and then repurchase similar ones once arriving to the island. This approach can help you to reduce the volume of relocated items, and hence the associated relocation costs. Another thing to take into account is that the majority of houses and apartments for rent in Mauritius are furnished and equipped with basic electrical appliances.

Choose a moving company

Choose a reputable international moving company with demonstrated experience that is affiliated with professional associations such as the IAM (International Association of Movers). This will most likely ensure that there's a structured network and a local partner in Mauritius, who will facilitate the customs clearance formalities and delivery to your new home. Who doesn't want a smooth and hassle-free moving experience?

Know the volume of items to be relocated

International relocation experts come to your home to determine the volume of items to be moved. Make sure you also have a list of inventory with associated volumes and weights. Moving companies can also offer personalized solutions that are tailored to your needs (container, pallets, etc.).

The international removal contract

The contract must include several crucial elements:

• Address of departure (the location from which the items will be removed)
• Address of arrival in destination country
• Volume of items being relocated
• Mode of transportation and travel duration
• The moving company's conditions and terms of service
• Price of the service provided
• The route from the point of departure to the point of arrival
• Terms of the insurance cover

Services

The selection of services provided by the moving company (e.g. dismantling furniture), is an agreement between the moving company and the individual. For an international move, it is recommended to seek the help of a professional with the packing and moving of fragile items.

List and declaration of value

It is indispensable to create an inventory of all items in each container and sign it before the shipping. This will estimate the value of each container (Declaration of Value) in case of loss or damage of your belongings, as well as determine the compensation you may be entitled to. Keep a signed and dated copy of this inventory list in a secure and accessible place. Alternatively, the moving company could offer you an 'all risks insurance' which would automatically cover all types of risks.

Consignment note

The consignment note states the terms of the contract, the mode of transportation, the volume of goods in the shipment, as well as the name and address of the customer and the moving company. This document is to be signed at the time of loading and at the time of final delivery.

Timeframe

For someone moving to Mauritius from Europe, the total duration of relocation usually takes between 4 to 5 weeks. Keep in mind that the shipment route includes the road network to reach the harbour, as well as the marine route. The moving company will in most cases inform you of the dates that coincide with the departure of cargo ships.

Customs clearance of the container upon arrival

You will be notified when your container arrives to the harbour of Port Louis and then will be requested to complete all relevant formalities with the MRA. You must also present your identification papers and a valid Residence permit along with the inventory and the 'Declaration of Value' form.

Warning:

You will not be allowed to collect your container from Customs if you don't yet have a valid Residence Permit. As such, your container will remain at Customs until you receive the Residence Permit or decide to send your shipment back. In addition, you will be liable to pay a fee to Customs for the safekeeping of your container, and may also be charged for renting the space that your container occupies.

An appointment will be made at the docks so that Customs Control services can verify the content of your containers in your presence. All or part of the boxes may be unpacked to verify their content. Severe penalties apply if prohibited items are found in your shipment.

Local freight forwarder

It is obligatory to go through a freight forwarder to complete the customs clearance procedures, obtain authorisation to remove the container from the harbour area, and if needed, have the items delivered to your home.

Delivery to your home

Some moving companies do not offer door-to-door delivery but only assist up to the point when the container reaches the port. The transfer of your belongings from the harbour to your new home may imply additional costs.

Taxes and exemption

You do not have to pay taxes on personal belongings if these items have:

• been in your possession and used for at least one year and
• are not intended for sale or transfer to a third party.

All items for domestic and personal use (clothing, household appliances, electronic devices, linens, furniture, photos, bedding, cutleries, crockeries, sewing machine, musical instruments, refrigerator, stove, etc.) are considered to be personal belongings. If the items are new, they will be taxed. The amount of tax leviable varies according to product classifications.

Prohibited items

The following items are prohibited to be imported to Mauritius:

• plants, seeds, flowers, fresh produce
• live animals
• drugs
• weapons (war, hunting, fishing)

Useful links:

International Association of Movers ' IAM
Federation of European Movers ' FEDEMAC
Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA)
Mauritius Port Authority
Professional Association of Freight Forwarders