Import Japanese Cars to Mozambique
Complete Import Regulations & Procedures Guide
RHD, no hard age cap, Intertek MOZ number is compulsory, Maputo main port, older cars pay more tax....
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Last verified: August 2026Quick Navigation
Year Restriction
No hard age ban (higher tax if over 7 years)
Shipping Time
8-11 weeks
Year Restrictions
No hard age ban (higher tax if over 7 years)
Mozambique is RHD for normal road use. There is no general maximum age ban on used cars. Tax treatment is harsher on older units: a 2017 tax regime distinguished vehicles up to 7 years from those over 7 years (higher rates by engine). Confirm current Autoridade Tributária (AT) rates. Intertek pre-shipment inspection with a MOZ number is mandatory (Ministerial Diploma 244/2011).
Destination Port & Shipping Information
Main Destination Port
Maputo
Alternative Ports:
- Maputo
- Beira
- Nacala
Shipping Duration:
8-11 weeks
Japan–Maputo RoRo is often 29–40 days at sea plus Intertek and AT clearance.
Vessel Schedule & Shipping Lines
Shipping Frequency:
Monthly RoRo
Preferred Shipping Lines:
- NYK
- MOL
- K Line
- Hoegh Autoliners
Inspection Requirements
Inspection Type:
Intertek Pre-Shipment Inspection (MOZ number)
Inspection Details:
Ministerial Diploma 244/2011: used vehicles need Intertek PSI in Japan. Obtain the MOZ number (with invoice/engine details) before the car is shipped. Loading without a MOZ number is the usual reason for rejection.
Last verified & official sources
Last verified: August 2026 — rules and rates change; confirm with the authority before you buy.
Import Duties & Taxes
Import Duty
Customs duty by type/CC (commonly ~25–40% CIF for passenger cars — confirm AT)
VAT
VAT on the customs tax base (confirm current Mozambique VAT rate with AT)
Other Taxes
Higher duty bands for vehicles over 7 years have applied (2017 regime: 10–30% extra depending on engine). Stamp and port fees apply.
Tax Calculation Details:
Ask AT or a Maputo broker for the current HS 87.03 schedule. Do not use Kenya/Tanzania percentages.
Required Documentation
Documents for Individual Importers:
-
NUIT
-
Passport
-
Invoice
-
BL
-
Intertek MOZ
Documents for Company Importers:
-
NUIT
-
Company documents
-
Invoice
-
BL
-
Intertek MOZ
Important Notes
Official: Intertek Mozambique PSI / Diploma 244/2011; Autoridade Tributária de Moçambique for duty. Confirm MOZ application steps on the current Intertek Mozambique government programme page.
Helpful Tips
1) Apply for the MOZ number before the vessel books.
2) RHD only.
3) Budget extra tax if the car is over 7 years.
4) BL must show chassis and engine.
Import Regulations Overview
RHD, no hard age cap, Intertek MOZ number is compulsory, Maputo main port, older cars pay more tax.
Step by step: (1) Get MOZ number from Intertek. (2) PSI in Japan. (3) Export and RoRo to Maputo. (4) AT customs. (5) INATTER/registration.
