To import a car into Mauritius and import permit is required. These can be obtained from the Ministry of Industry and commerce. Once you have this ready, we can buy and export your car to Mauritius. Our recommended dealer in Mauritius can assist you with a import permit if needed.
Buying Japanese used cars
Our specialist cars buyers search across Japanese wholesalers and auctions to find your perfect Japanese car to import. Once we have verified the specification and quality we prepare it for export, book your shipping and export it to Mauritius for you.
Source your car
Our team will find the best cars to suit your requirements.
Reserve it
A small deposit reserves the car for you.
Import permit application
Our local recommended dealer assists with your permit application.
Buy your car
Once approved, we buy your car and arrange for the Bureau Veritas inspection
Ship your car
We prepare your car for export, book the shipping and insurance and deliver it to the port for departure.
Arrival in Mauritius
When the ship arrives in Mauritius, your clearing agent will complete your import for you.
Payments for Japanese Cars imported to Mauritius
Auction cars:
A deposit of 10% of the CIF value is required to bid on your behalf. A bidding strategy is agreed with a maximum bid limit set.
When successful the balance is required within 4-5 working days of the auction.
Wholesale cars:
A small deposit reserves your car which your import permit if approved.
The balance for the CIF service is due before your car is delivered to the departure port in Japan.
Separate payments are made to your approved dealer and clearing agent in Mauritius for their services.
Shipping Japanese Cars to Mauritius
Shipping options to Port Louis
Roro shipping offers the best value to ship your car from Japan to Mauritius. The cars are driven onto the boat and secured before setting sail.
Container shipping is the most secure shipping option. Your car is loaded into a single 20 foot container or a shared 40 foot container which is then locked until it reaches the portside in port Louis.
Insurance
We strongly recommend you make sure you have transport insurance to cover your car while it is being prepared for export and transported to the departure port in Japan.
Marine insurance is also a must. Marine insurance covers your car during shipping from Japan to Mauritius. You must be clear on the value your car is insured for. A common short cut is to only provide cover for the scrap metal costs of a vehicle. Clearly, should you need it, you will want your car to be insured for the retail value you have paid for it.
All MHH cars are automatically insured throughout their time in Japan and during shipping.
Import regulations for Mauritius
Age Restrictions:
Imported used cars should be older than 18 months but not older than 48 months from the date of first registration when they are shipped from Japan.
Right Hand Drive:
Only right hand drive vehicles may be imported to Mauritius.
Vehicle conditions for import
Vehicles must be in good condition and not damaged.
Vehicles must have their original chassis
Vehicles may not be fitted with any bull bars.
Car import tax in Mauritius
Tax tariffs are categorised into type types based on the origin of the vehicles.
- There is a General rate of duty which applies to vehicles imported from all foreign countries
- The preferential rate which applies to vehicles imported from countries with trade agreements with Mauritius. The rate of duty will depend on the agreement in place at the time of import.
Excise duties for imported vehicles;
Motor Cars:
550cc or under Vehicle Engine (Cylinder) Capacity: 15%
551 – 1600cc Vehicle Engine (Cylinder) Capacity: 55%
1601cc or over Vehicle Engine (Cylinder) Capacity: 100%
Electric Cars:
Electric cars are currently zero excise duty. This became effective from 1st July 2022.
Van’s:
1600cc or under Vehicle Engine (Cylinder) Capacity: 55%
1601cc or over Vehicle Engine (Cylinder) Capacity: 100%
Trucks:
For All Vehicle Engine (Cylinder) Capacity: 40%
Motorcycle:
For 250 Vehicle Engine (Cylinder) Capacity: 45%
Value Added Tax (VAT)
Vehicles imported into Mauritius will be liable for 15% VAT.
Cost Checklist To Get Your Car On The Road
The costs you can expect to pay to import and put your car on the road are:
Purchase of the car (includes car price, shipping to Port Louis and marine insurance)
Import permit
Customs Duty
port charges
Sales tax at the current rate
Registration fees
Road tax, known locally as 'declaration'.
Bureau Veritas Pre-Export Inspection
Prior to export, each car must undergo a roadworthiness inspection. These are carried out by Bureau Veritas. We book and manage the inspections for all our clients.
The price for a Bureau Veritas inspection is £390
Documents required to import a car to Mauritius
The documents listed below should be submitted to the Customs & Excise Department before clearing the vehicle:
Original Invoice indicating the FOB and/or CIF value of car
Bill of lading / Airway bill
Bill of entry
Insurance certificate (if applicable)
Certificate of inspection (if applicable)
Certificate of origin (if applicable)
Cancellation of Registration Certificate.
Import Permit
