Exports of almost all items can be conducted freely except for a few controlled items for which export permits are required prior to effecting exports.

The main documents that are relevant to the exporter are listed hereunder:

• Invoice


• Packing list


• Bill of lading / Airway bill


• Bill of entry


• Insurance certificate (if applicable)


• Certificate of inspection (if applicable)


• Certificate of origin (if applicable)


• Certificate of health (if applicable)


• Export permit (if applicable)

Certificate of origin
The certificate of origin applicable to the exporter's consignment depends on the country of destination and on the possibility for it to benefit from any scheme of preferential tariffs.

Certificate of health
Most countries require veterinary or phyto-sanitary certificates in respect of animals, animal products and for agricultural products such as fruits and flowers. The exporter and the issuing authority must be aware of the requirements in order to be in a position to satisfy the buyer. Generally, the authorities in the buyer's country will issue a list of requirements and identify the corresponding authority that can issue the desired certificates. Local exporters are required to contact the Ministry of Agriculture and/or the Ministry of Health as regards those certificates.

Export permits :

• products of strategic importance and products sensitive to the economy, such as wheat, flour, spices, products containing sugar, cement, silver and gold;


• products whose market access is regulated, e.g. clothing for the US and Canada.

A list of goods requiring an export permit is given in Annex 1. The Ministry of Commerce issues licenses subject to prior approval by the respective authorities, e.g.

• The Mauritius Sugar Syndicate for sugar
• The Tea Board for tea
• The Agricultural Marketing Board for spices
• The Ministry of Health for pharmaceuticals
• The Ministry of Agriculture for listed agricultural products