Complete import guide
Documents · Customs · Duties · Shipping · BSC
Import to Madagascar: everything in one place.
Whether you are sourcing from China, India, the UAE, or South Africa, every import into Madagascar follows the same gateways and customs process. This guide consolidates everything — trade lanes, documents, duties, and the step-by-step clearance workflow — so you can plan with confidence.
Trade lanes
Seven corridors connect Madagascar to the world.
Your origin determines the transit time, carrier options, and cost structure. Click any corridor for detailed routing, carrier schedules, and documentation requirements.
Step-by-step
The import process, from supplier to warehouse.
Every import into Madagascar follows these six steps. The critical path is the BSC filing — get it wrong and your cargo sits at port.
1
Source goods & negotiate terms
Identify your supplier, negotiate pricing and Incoterms (FOB, CIF, DDP). Ensure your supplier can provide the required export documentation.
2
Obtain BSC (Cargo Tracking Note)
File the BSC through an authorized verification body before goods depart origin. This is mandatory — cargo without BSC validation will be held at Toamasina.
3
Arrange shipping
Book FCL or LCL space with a carrier serving the Toamasina corridor. Transit times vary by origin: Durban 5-7 days, Shanghai 22-27 days, Jebel Ali 13-15 days.
4
Prepare import documents
Gather commercial invoice, packing list, Bill of Lading/Airway Bill, certificate of origin, and any product-specific certificates (phytosanitary, CE mark, MSDS).
5
Customs clearance at Toamasina
Your customs broker submits the import declaration via ASYUDA World. Risk channel assignment determines whether you face automatic release (green), document review (yellow), or physical inspection (red).
6
Inland transport & delivery
Once cleared, cargo moves from Toamasina to Antananarivo or the interior via the RN2 corridor. Plan 1-2 days for inland transit depending on destination.
Document checklist
Check what you need before you ship.
Missing documents cause delays at Toamasina. Prepare these before shipment rather than scrambling at destination.
Commercial Invoice
RequiredOriginal invoice from seller detailing goods, quantities, values, and Incoterms. Must match bill of lading and packing list exactly.
Packing List
RequiredItemised list of contents, weights, and dimensions for each package. Used for customs inspection and warehouse receiving.
Bill of Lading / Air Waybill
RequiredTransport contract and proof of shipment. Original BL required for sea freight; AWB is non-negotiable for air.
BSC (Cargo Tracking Note)
RequiredMadagascar's mandatory pre-shipment document. Must be filed before goods depart origin. Non-compliance = cargo held at port.
Certificate of Origin
Required for preferential tariff treatment under APEi, SADC, COMESA, and AfCFTA. Standard imports do not require this.
Product-Specific Certificates
Phytosanitary for food, CE marks for electronics, MSDS for chemicals, health certificates for pharma. Depends on HS code.
Import duties & taxes
What you will pay at the border.
Madagascar's duty structure is straightforward but the effective rate depends heavily on your HS code and origin country. Preferential trade agreements can significantly reduce costs.
| Category | Rate | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Standard ad valorem | 0-20% | Applied on CIF value. Rate depends on HS code. Most manufactured goods: 10-20%. |
| VAT | 20% | Applied on duty-inclusive value (CIF + customs duty). Nearly all imports attract VAT. |
| Excise duties | 5-100%+ | Alcohol, tobacco, vehicles, luxury items. Rates vary widely by product subcategory. |
| APEi preferential (EU) | 0-10% | EU-origin goods benefit from reduced or zero duties under the Economic Partnership Agreement. |
| SADC preferential | 0-5% | Southern African Development Community member states enjoy preferential rates. |
| AfCFTA preferential | Varies | Intra-African trade benefits under the African Continental Free Trade Area. |
Full duty details by HS code on the import duties page.
Prohibited imports
You cannot import these items.
- ✕Narcotics and controlled substances
- ✕Weapons, ammunition, and explosive materials
- ✕Counterfeit goods and currency
- ✕Hazardous waste and toxic materials
- ✕Products containing certain ozone-depleting substances
Restricted imports
These require special permits.
Pharmaceuticals
Ministry of Health import permit required
Chemicals and pesticides
Environmental authority clearance required
Food products
French labelling mandatory, health certificate required
Telecommunications equipment
ARTEC approval required
Vehicles
Age limits and emission standards apply
Alcohol and tobacco
Excise licence and health certificates required
Common mistakes
What trips up most first-time importers.
Missing BSC = cargo held at port
The BSC (Cargo Tracking Note) is mandatory. Without it, your cargo will be held at Toamasina with daily storage charges accruing. File before goods depart origin.
Undervaluing goods = fines + seizure
Customs cross-checks declared values against market data. Undervaluation triggers penalties, potential seizure, and a permanent compliance flag on your importer profile.
Wrong HS code = duty miscalculation
Incorrect HS classification leads to wrong duty rates — either overpaying or facing back-duty assessments with penalties. Get the classification right before filing.
Common questions
Importing to Madagascar, answered.
- What is the cheapest way to import goods to Madagascar?
- Sea freight via the Port of Toamasina is the most economical option for shipments over 15 CBM. FCL (Full Container Load) offers the best per-unit cost for large volumes, while LCL (Less than Container Load) suits smaller shipments under 15 CBM. Air freight is faster but costs significantly more per kilogram.
- How long does customs clearance take at Toamasina?
- Standard FCL/LCL clearance takes 2-3 business days. Cold chain and pharma cargo: 4-5 days. Mining and project cargo: 5-7 days. ASYCUDA World filing is same-day. Average port dwell time is 3-5 days post-clearance.
- What documents are required to import to Madagascar?
- Standard import documents include: commercial invoice, packing list, Bill of Lading (sea) or Air Waybill (air), BSC (Cargo Tracking Note), certificate of origin (for preferential tariffs), and product-specific certificates. All imports require BSC filing before goods are shipped.
- What are import duties in Madagascar?
- Madagascar charges ad valorem customs duties ranging from 0% to 20% on the CIF value, plus 20% VAT. Excise duties of 5-100%+ apply to specific goods. Preferential rates available under APEi (EU), SADC, COMESA, and AfCFTA agreements.
- Do I need a customs broker to import to Madagascar?
- While not legally required, using a licensed customs broker (DGD) is strongly recommended. Brokers handle ASYUDA World filing, document verification, duty classification, and liaison with customs authorities. Ekutano provides full customs brokerage services at Toamasina.
- What is the BSC and how do I get one?
- The BSC (Bordereau de Suivi de Cargaison) is Madagascar's Cargo Tracking Note — a mandatory pre-shipment document. It must be filed before goods depart origin. Non-compliance results in cargo being held at port with penalties. File through an authorized verification body or via Ekutano.
- Can I import used vehicles to Madagascar?
- Yes, but subject to age limits and emission standards. Vehicles must have proper documentation including title, registration, and emission certificates. Excise duties apply based on engine capacity. Contact Ekutano for current vehicle import regulations.
Also see: Export from Madagascar guide
Ready to import to Madagascar? Start with your cargo details.
Send your origin, cargo type, and indicative volume. We will come back with the realistic transit, the customs path, and an honest view on what the lane will and will not do.