Do I need a licence to import into Madagascar?

Most general goods do not require an import licence. However, restricted items such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, food products, and telecommunications equipment require specific permits from the relevant ministry. Check with your transitaire or the Direction Générale des Douanes (DGD) for your specific HS code.

What is a BSC and do I need one?

The BSC (Bordereau de Suivi des Cargaisons) is Madagascar's Cargo Tracking Note. It is mandatory for all imports and must be filed before goods depart the origin port. Without a valid BSC, your cargo will be held at Toamasina and you will face penalties.

How long does customs clearance take at Toamasina?

Standard clearance takes 2-3 business days from declaration submission via ASYCUDA World. Green-channel shipments may clear in under 24 hours. Red-channel inspections add 1-3 additional days. Using an experienced transitaire with a good compliance record helps you land in the green channel.

What duties and taxes will I pay?

Madagascar charges ad valorem customs duties of 0-20% on the CIF value, depending on the HS code. VAT of 20% applies on the duty-inclusive value. Some goods attract excise duties of 5-100%+. Preferential rates may apply under APEi, SADC, COMESA, or AfCFTA if you have the right certificate of origin.

Can I calculate my landed cost before shipping?

Yes. Start with the CIF value (Cost + Insurance + Freight), apply the customs duty rate for your HS code, add 20% VAT on the duty-inclusive value, then add transitaire fees, port charges, and inland transport. Your transitaire can provide a detailed cost estimate based on your specific cargo.

What happens if I under-invoice my goods?

Madagascar customs uses ASYCUDA World to cross-reference declared values against known market prices. Under-invoicing is a serious offence that can result in cargo seizure, fines, and a permanent compliance record downgrade. Always declare the true transaction value.

Beginner guide

Documents · BSC · Customs · Duties · Transitaire

Importing to Madagascar: the complete beginner guide.

First time importing into Madagascar? This guide walks you through every step: the documents you need, the BSC filing process, how customs clearance works at Toamasina, what duties you will pay, and how to choose the right transitaire to handle your shipment.

TL;DR

The short version for busy importers.

BSC required

File before goods depart. No BSC, no clearance.

Need a transitaire

A licensed CAD (Commissionnaire en Douane Agréé) handles your customs declaration.

ASYCUDA filing

Madagascar uses ASYUDA World. Your transitaire files electronically via GasyNet.

0-20% duty + 20% VAT

Ad valorem duty on CIF value, plus 20% VAT on the duty-inclusive amount.

Documents checklist

What you need before your cargo ships.

Madagascar requires specific documentation for all imports. Missing or incorrect documents cause delays at Toamasina. Prepare these before shipment rather than scrambling at destination.

BSC (Bordereau de Suivi des Cargaisons)
Required
Madagascar's Cargo Tracking Note. Must be filed before goods depart the origin port. Non-compliance results in cargo being held at Toamasina.
Commercial Invoice
Required
Original invoice from the seller detailing goods, quantities, values, and Incoterms. Must match the bill of lading and packing list exactly.
Packing List
Required
Itemised list of contents, weights, and dimensions for each package. Used for customs inspection and warehouse receiving.
Bill of Lading (B/L)
Required
The sea transport contract and proof of shipment. Original BL required for sea freight clearance at Toamasina.
Certificate of Origin
Required for preferential tariff treatment under trade agreements (APEi, SADC, COMESA, AfCFTA). Standard imports do not require this document.
Import Licence (if applicable)
Required for restricted goods such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, food products, and telecommunications equipment. Check requirements for your specific HS code.
Product-Specific Certificates
Phytosanitary certificates for food products, CE marks for electronics, MSDS for chemicals, and health certificates for pharmaceuticals. Requirements depend on HS code.
Insurance Certificate
Proof of cargo insurance covering the shipment value. While not strictly mandatory, it is strongly recommended and may be required by your transitaire.
NIF Number (Numéro d'Identification Fiscale)
Required
Your Madagascar tax identification number. Required for all import declarations and customs filings. Apply at the Direction Générale des Impôts before your first shipment.

Step-by-step process

From supplier to delivery in eight steps.

Every import into Madagascar follows the same path. Understanding each step helps you plan timelines, avoid surprises, and keep costs under control.

1
Find your supplier
Identify a reliable supplier and negotiate terms. Agree on Incoterms (FOB, CIF, or CFR) which determine who pays for freight and insurance.
2
Get a proforma invoice
Request a proforma invoice from your supplier. This document details the goods, quantities, unit prices, and total value. You will need it for BSC filing and customs declaration.
3
Arrange freight
Book space with a carrier or through your transitaire. Choose between FCL (Full Container Load) or LCL (Less than Container Load) based on your shipment volume.
4
File your BSC
The BSC (Cargo Tracking Note) must be filed before goods depart. Your transitaire handles this through an approved BSC operator, using your proforma invoice and shipping details.
5
Ship your goods
Goods are loaded and the carrier issues a Bill of Lading. Transit times depend on origin: Durban 5-7 days, Jebel Ali 13-15, Shanghai 22-27.
6
Transit and tracking
Monitor your shipment in transit. Your transitaire provides updates on vessel position, ETA, and any schedule changes. Prepare remaining documents during transit.
7
Customs clearance at Toamasina
Upon arrival, your transitaire submits the import declaration via ASYUDA World. The system assigns a risk channel: green (automatic release), yellow (document review), or red (physical inspection).
8
Delivery
Once duties are paid and clearance complete, cargo is released from the port. Your transitaire arranges inland delivery to your warehouse or final destination.

Duty calculation

What you actually pay, step by step.

Import duties are calculated on the CIF value (Cost + Insurance + Freight). Here is an example for a $10,000 CIF shipment with a 15% duty rate.

CIF Value
Cost + Insurance + Freight
$10,000
Customs Duty (15%)
Ad valorem rate on CIF
$1,500
Duty-Inclusive Value
CIF + Customs Duty
$11,500
VAT (20%)
Applied on duty-inclusive value
$2,300
Total Duties & Taxes
38% of CIF value in this example
$3,800

Choosing a transitaire

Five criteria for picking the right customs partner.

Your transitaire is the most important relationship in your Madagascar import operation. Choose based on competence and fit, not just price.

CAD licence
Ensure your transitaire holds a valid CAD (Commissionnaire en Douane Agréé) licence issued by the DGD. This is the legal requirement to act as a customs declarant in Madagascar.
ASYCUDA access
The transitaire must have direct access to ASYUDA World for electronic declaration filing. This is standard for licensed operators but worth confirming upfront.
Corridor specialization
Choose a transitaire experienced in your specific trade corridor. China-Madagascar, UAE-Madagascar, and South Africa-Madagascar each have different documentation requirements and carrier relationships.
Response time
Importing involves time-sensitive decisions. Your transitaire should respond to queries within hours, not days. Ask about their communication standards and 24/7 availability.
References
Request references from importers moving similar cargo on your corridor. A good track record with the DGD translates to fewer inspections and faster clearance.

Full details on choosing a freight forwarder are on the freight forwarders Madagascar page.

Common mistakes

Errors that cost first-time importers time and money.

These are the most frequent problems we see with new importers. Avoiding them will save you days of delay and thousands in penalties.

✕
Under-invoicing goods
Madagascar customs uses ASYCUDA to cross-reference declared values against known market prices. Under-invoicing triggers inspections, fines, and cargo seizure. Always declare the true transaction value.
✕
Wrong HS codes
Incorrect HS classification leads to wrong duty rates, potential penalties, and delays at clearance. If unsure, ask your transitaire or request a prior ruling from the DGD.
✕
Missing BSC filing
The BSC must be filed before goods depart. Filing late or not at all results in cargo being held at Toamasina with daily demurrage charges accruing.
✕
Not using a transitaire
Attempting to clear customs without a licensed transitaire is not practical for most importers. The ASYUDA system, DGD liaison, and port logistics require local expertise and CAD licensing.

Common questions

Importing to Madagascar, answered.

Do I need a licence to import into Madagascar?: Most general goods do not require an import licence. However, restricted items such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, food products, and telecommunications equipment require specific permits from the relevant ministry. Check with your transitaire or the Direction Générale des Douanes (DGD) for your specific HS code.
What is a BSC and do I need one?: The BSC (Bordereau de Suivi des Cargaisons) is Madagascar's Cargo Tracking Note. It is mandatory for all imports and must be filed before goods depart the origin port. Without a valid BSC, your cargo will be held at Toamasina and you will face penalties.
How long does customs clearance take at Toamasina?: Standard clearance takes 2-3 business days from declaration submission via ASYCUDA World. Green-channel shipments may clear in under 24 hours. Red-channel inspections add 1-3 additional days. Using an experienced transitaire with a good compliance record helps you land in the green channel.
What duties and taxes will I pay?: Madagascar charges ad valorem customs duties of 0-20% on the CIF value, depending on the HS code. VAT of 20% applies on the duty-inclusive value. Some goods attract excise duties of 5-100%+. Preferential rates may apply under APEi, SADC, COMESA, or AfCFTA if you have the right certificate of origin.
Can I calculate my landed cost before shipping?: Yes. Start with the CIF value (Cost + Insurance + Freight), apply the customs duty rate for your HS code, add 20% VAT on the duty-inclusive value, then add transitaire fees, port charges, and inland transport. Your transitaire can provide a detailed cost estimate based on your specific cargo.
What happens if I under-invoice my goods?: Madagascar customs uses ASYCUDA World to cross-reference declared values against known market prices. Under-invoicing is a serious offence that can result in cargo seizure, fines, and a permanent compliance record downgrade. Always declare the true transaction value.

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Send us a message on WhatsApp with your cargo details, origin, and timeline. We will tell you exactly what you need, what it will cost, and how long it takes.

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