Import vehicles into Mozambique

Whether your choice is Dar-es-Salaam port or Mombasa port, please note that our rates to either of these ports are the cheapest when compared to other vendors. Since 80% of allspecial vehicle exported out of  China are shipped by us we have a lot of clout with shipping companies and this results in reduced costs for our custmers. Since our cars are priced the lowest customers get huge overall savings.

Mozambique

Located on the southeastern coast of Africa, opposite the island of Madagascar, Mozambique (Moçambique), formerly known as Portuguese East Africa, has an area of 801,590 sq km (309,496 sq mi), of which land constitutes 784,090 sq km (302,738 sq mi) and inland water 17,500 sq km (6,757 sq mi). Comparatively, the area occupied by Mozambique is slightly less than twice the size of the state of California. The country extends 2,016 km (1,253 mi) NNE–SSW and 772 km (480 mi) ESE–WNW. It is bordered by Tanzania on the N, the Indian Ocean (Mozambique Channel) on the E, the Republic of South Africa on the S, Swaziland, South Africa, and Zimbabwe on the W, and Zambia and Malawi on the NW, with a total boundary length of 7,041 km (4,375 mi), of which 2,470 km (1,535 mi) is coastline.

One of the last African countries to become independent (1975), Mozambique became the poorest country in Africa. Yet Mozambique has made a strong turnaround: privatizing a major part of the economy, attracting foreign investment, and growing rapidly with small-scale agriculture fueling the economic recovery. Nonetheless, there is a long way to go to achieve broad-based sustainable development.

Mozambique is a large country, twice the size of California, with over 1,700 miles of coastline. Arab traders plied the Indian Ocean waters along Mozambique’s coast for several centuries before the arrival of European explorers. The Portuguese established trading posts and forts, and ultimately colonized the country. However, the Portuguese did not pay attention to Mozambique, devoting its attention instead to trade with India and the colonization of Brazil.

With an increase in Portuguese emigration to Mozambique after World War II, a drive for Mozambican independence rose along with it. After 10 years of sporadic warfare and major political changes in Portugal, Mozambique gained its independence on June 25, 1975.

Civil war followed independence, finally ending after 16 long years with the signing of the Rome Peace Accord in 1992.

In early 2000, Mozambique suffered a major setback on its road to progress by experiencing devastating floods, which occurred in the southern and central regions of the country. Despite this disaster, Mozambique continues to make strides toward becoming a stable, democratic, self-sustaining, peaceful country.

Maputo, the capital, is beautiful. Yes, it may be a little ragged around the edges, but it sits overlooking the beautiful Delagoa Bay, Inhaca Island and the Indian Ocean beyond. It is easy to understand why this city was once the number one destination for honeymooners. New construction and major building renovations give hope to seeing Maputo once again regain its former glory as a premier destination. The city streets are wide, tree-lined boulevards where one encounters office buildings, old residences, shops, restaurants, and hotels.

The Baixa (the lower section of the city that is the main commercial area) is a mix of modern architecture and many of Maputo’s historic buildings. Along the water’s edge is the Marginal, a palm-lined street running the length of Maputo’s sea front. Here one can enjoy a meal, listen to music, cast your line for a fish, catch the sunset, spend the day on the beach, shop for local handicrafts, or enjoy a cold drink.

When the Portuguese explorer, Vasco de Gama, reached Mozambique in 1498, Arab trading settlements had existed along the coast for several centuries. The country entered modern history when de Gama landed in what is now Inhambane Province, on his historic voyage to India.

The capital, Maputo, has an approximate population of 1,100,000. Other major cities in Mozambique are Beira, Quelimane, Tete, Nampula, Matola, and Nacala. The Mozambican economy is under-developed, but has tremendous potential. Historically, a major source of income was derived from Mozambique’s ports and railroads. Maputo, a large regional port, is a natural transit point for the South African industrial heartland and Swaziland. In 2000, the Witbank-Maputo Toll Road was opened, allowing rapid road transportation from Maputo to Johannesburg and decreasing the driving time to the South African border from Maputo to 1 hour down from 2 1/2. Beira is an important outlet for Zimbabwe. The port of Nacala in the north is suited to serve Malawi and Zambia.

Mozambique Import Duty

Mozambique requires you to get MOZ number at the local Mozambique Intetrek Office before shipping. Along with getting that number, your car will also be tested. Both import and export licenses are required for all goods. The average nominal customs tariff rate was reduced from 18% to 10% in 1996. Mozambique chaired the Southern African Development Community (SADC) from 1990–2000, and houses its Communications Commission (SATCC) in Maputo.  For vehicles import you need Circulation Permit and Pre-declaration through customs.

Mozambique Customs Authorities take time to process documents. Use an official agent (customs broker) to minimize the clearing problems!

The bill of lading or airway bill, and packing list are required to clear all shipments,

To import a motor vehicle you need the following documentation:

• Bill of lading, consisting of 1 original and 3 copies,
• Packing lists (in Portuguese/English), 1 copy with indication of value of the items listed
• Invoices
• Copy of insurance documents and freight invoice,
• Application for exemption of customs duty, (Pedido de isenção de direitos) (Takes two weeks after application)
• Certified copy of your passport. Can be obtained in Maputo.

Mozambique Inspection by Intertek

Please check if you require Intertek inspection from  China or not. If yes then you need to get a MOZ number in Mozambique before shipment.

To apply for Intertek Inspection in Thailand:

1. Please apply for MOZ number at your Local Intertek office.
   Intertek International Ltd Address:
   Edificio "Indel" Av. De Angola 2696 - 1 andar Maputo
   TEL: + 258 21 467 070 FAX: + 258 21 467 051 Email: info.mozambique.fts@intertek.com
2. To apply for MOZ number you will need Soni Motors invoice with the Engine number indicated
3. Once you have obtained MOZ Number please send to Soni by e-mail at www.dtatruck.com www.szdtruck.com  tomking@dtatruck.com
4. Soni Motors will apply for Intertek inspection in Thailand before shipment

This may take up to 10 days depending on how busy the inspectors are. Booking of your vehicle for shipment will be arranged once the Intertek inspection is completed.

When you remit money Please arrange payment with the Engine number indicated Invoice, once it is issued. We will reserve your car and proceed with inspection upon your full payment. Currently the majority of Mozambiquian customers are arranging their own inspection

to Mozambique either directly via Maputo and Beira ports or via dealers in Durban. Mozambique allows import of both RHD and LHD vehicles.

Leaded petrol (92% octane gasoline) and diesel is widely available. Unleaded petrol is available at very limited locations in Mozambique, but is found throughout South Africa and Swaziland.

Mozambique has about 5,300 kms. of paved roads and 23,000 kms. of dirt and gravel roads; several hundred kilometers of these roads were damaged or destroyed by the floods in 2000, but are in the process of being restored under the Government’s reconstruction program, partially financed by USAID.

There is no restriction on age of imported used vehicles and you can import vehicles older than ten years if you so choose. Maintenance is available locally, but is not always satisfactory. The price for replacement parts is high and the parts themselves are not always immediately available. Right-hand-drive Chevrolet Blazers, Daimler Chrysler minivans, Toyotas, Nissans, Isuzus, Mazdas, Landrovers, Mercedes, South African Fords, and Opels are the most common vehicles. To take advantage of the region’s many game parks, a four-wheel-drive vehicle is preferable and, in some cases, the only viable choice. Gasoline and diesel fuel are available in all major towns and villages. Unleaded gasoline is available, but can be difficult to find outside of the largest cities. Gasoline (Petrol) prices are high in Swaziland and higher still in South Africa. Third-party insurance is covered by a levy included in the gasoline price.

Vehicle Registration

It is recommended to use a local agency. When Agência de Despacho Nacional (ADENA) have cleared the documents, they issue an import certificate (verbete), which - together with a special form containing the technical data of the vehicle - is handed in to the Traffic Office (Serviço de Viação) of the city or province where the owner is resident. Then a number plate is issued.

The vehicle must subsequently be submitted for inspection to the Technical Section (Secção Técnica) of the Traffic Office, which will issue the vehicle circulation document (Livrete de circulação).

The whole procedure in connection with import documents, registration papers and car licence normally takes 30-45 days and it is recommended to use one of the local agents.

When the car licence (livrete) has been issued, it is sent by the Transport Service to the city or provincial Car Registration Service for entry into the register and should be collected by the owner within 7 days.

Transfer of ownership of a vehicle with permanent number plates must be carried out by the new owner at the Car Registration office, at which the vehicle was originally registered. 

Road tax (Imposto Sobre Veiculos/Manifesto) is paid annually  (payable between January and March). This will be done after clearing of the vehicle, as the customs documents issued at clearance by your agent will be attached to the application for registration of your vehicle. It has proven easier and more convenient to use a clearing agent.

Third party insurance must be contracted in Mozambique. Most advisers also have a comprehensive car insurance with an overseas insurance company.

After registration you receive a road licence “Manifesto” valid for one year, renewable every year.

Registration Book Livrete

The “Livrete” vehicle registration book is to be always with the vehicle. The police might stop you and request proof of vehicle registration. You should have your registration book copied and certified. Please bear in mind that it is an offence to drive a vehicle without its particulars in Mozambique.  

Southern Africa