What are Madagascar's main exports?

Madagascar's key exports include vanilla (~80% of world supply), seafood (shrimp, langoustines, octopus), textiles/garments (EPZ sector), minerals (chromite, nickel, graphite, ilmenite), coffee, and essential oils. The export sector is a major contributor to GDP and employment.

How do I register as an exporter in Madagascar?

Register with the EDBM (Economic Development Board of Madagascar) to obtain an export license. You'll also need a tax identification number (NIF), registration with the Trade Registry (RCS), and sector-specific permits depending on your commodity.

What trade agreements benefit Madagascar exporters?

Key agreements include AGOA (US market — extended to Dec 2028), APEi/EBA (EU duty-free), SADC (Southern Africa), COMESA (Eastern/Southern Africa), AfCFTA (Continental Free Trade), and China zero-tariff for LDC exports. Each has specific rules of origin requirements.

What documents are needed to export from Madagascar?

Standard export documents include: export declaration, commercial invoice, packing list, Bill of Lading/Air Waybill, certificate of origin (CO, Form A, EUR.1), and commodity-specific certificates (phytosanitary for food, HACCP for seafood, quality analysis for minerals).

How does AGOA affect Madagascar garment exports?

AGOA allows duty-free access for Malagasy EPZ garments to the US market. The Third Country Fabric provision — preserved through 2028 — allows use of non-originating fabric while maintaining duty-free benefits. Madagascar garment exports to the US reached ~$355M in 2024.

What is the export process for vanilla?

Vanilla export requirements depend on the product, destination, and current rules. Confirm permits, phytosanitary documents, origin requirements, and shipping arrangements with the responsible authorities and service providers. Ekutano can discuss logistics planning and coordination for an export shipment.

Complete export guide

Vanilla · Seafood · Textiles · Minerals · Coffee

Export from Madagascar: your gateway to global markets.

Madagascar produces world-class vanilla, premium seafood, garments for major global brands, and strategic minerals. This guide covers the complete export process — from EDBM registration through destination clearance — plus trade agreements that open duty-free access to the US, EU, and beyond.

Start exporting WhatsApp us

Trade corridors

Where Madagascar exports — and the agreements that open doors.

Each destination has specific trade agreements, documentation requirements, and transit times. Click any corridor for detailed guidance.

United States

AGOA

Preferences for eligible goods through 31 December 2028

Transit: 25-35 days

European Union

APEi / EBA

Duty-free / quota-free

Transit: 18-24 days

China

LDC Zero-Tariff

Zero tariff on qualifying goods

Transit: 22-27 days

India

Duty-Free

Preferential access

Transit: 15-22 days

South Africa

SADC

Preferential rates

Transit: 5-7 days

East Africa

COMESA

Preferential rates

Transit: 5-10 days

Key commodities

Madagascar's export strengths.

Select a commodity to see markets, seasonality, documentation requirements, and how Ekutano supports each export flow.

~80% of world supply

Vanilla

Phytosanitary certification, fumigation compliance, vacuum-pack cold chain from curing house to port. Air freight coordination for premium grades.

Season: Oct → Jan
Mode: Reefer / Air freight
Value: USD 400–600 / kg
Markets: USA, EU, UAE, Japan

Step-by-step

The export process, from factory to foreign buyer.

1
Register as exporter (EDBM)
Obtain your export license from the Economic Development Board of Madagascar. Register with the Trade Registry (RCS) and obtain a tax identification number (NIF).
2
Obtain export permits
Secure sector-specific permits: MAEP phytosanitary for food products, MPRH for seafood, BCMM/BRGM for minerals, CNV for vanilla. Each commodity has unique regulatory requirements.
3
Prepare export documents
Compile export declaration, commercial invoice, packing list, Bill of Lading/Air Waybill, certificate of origin (CO, Form A, EUR.1 depending on destination), and commodity-specific certificates.
4
Customs clearance at origin
File export declaration through ASYCUDA World. Customs verifies documentation, checks export permits, and clears goods for departure.
5
Shipping & freight booking
Book space with carriers serving your destination corridor. Main routes: Durban (5-7 days), Shanghai (22-27 days), Jebel Ali (13-15 days), Marseille (18-24 days), New York (25-35 days).
6
Destination clearance
Your buyer's customs broker handles destination clearance. Ensure all documentation meets destination country requirements — AGOA for US, APEi for EU, rules of origin for each agreement.

Export documents

What you need before your cargo ships.

Export Declaration
Required
Filed through ASYCUDA World. Mandatory for all exports. Contains HS classification, value, and destination details.
Commercial Invoice
Required
Issued by the exporter detailing goods, quantities, values, Incoterms, and buyer information.
Packing List
Required
Itemised contents, weights, and dimensions. Used for carrier loading and destination receiving.
Bill of Lading / Air Waybill
Required
Transport contract and proof of shipment. Original BL for sea, AWB for air.
Certificate of Origin
Required
CO for standard trade, Form A for GSP, EUR.1 for EU preferential. Determines applicable tariff rate at destination.
Phytosanitary Certificate
Required for food and agricultural products. Issued by MAEP after inspection.
HACCP Certificate
Required for seafood exports to EU. Temperature chain documentation.
Quality Analysis Report
Required for minerals and vanilla. Chemical composition and grading.

Trade agreements & incentives

How Madagascar exporters access global markets.

United States

AGOA

Preferential treatment through 31 December 2028 for eligible goods, subject to product and origin requirements.

European Union

APEi / EBA

Duty-free, quota-free access for all products except arms. Rules of origin apply. Key for vanilla, seafood, and textile exports.

China

LDC Zero-Tariff

Zero tariff on qualifying Least Developed Country exports. Madagascar eligible since 2024. Key for minerals, vanilla, and seafood.

Southern Africa

SADC

Preferential rates for qualifying goods within the Southern African Development Community. Key for regional trade with South Africa, Mozambique.

Eastern & Southern Africa

COMESA

Preferential rates across 21 member states. Covers Kenya, Tanzania, and regional trade flows.

Continental Africa

AfCFTA

African Continental Free Trade Area. Madagascar joined as 49th signatory (Dec 2024). Gradual tariff elimination across 54 countries.

Common questions

Exporting from Madagascar, answered.

What are Madagascar's main exports?: Madagascar's key exports include vanilla (~80% of world supply), seafood (shrimp, langoustines, octopus), textiles/garments (EPZ sector), minerals (chromite, nickel, graphite, ilmenite), coffee, and essential oils. The export sector is a major contributor to GDP and employment.
How do I register as an exporter in Madagascar?: Register with the EDBM (Economic Development Board of Madagascar) to obtain an export license. You'll also need a tax identification number (NIF), registration with the Trade Registry (RCS), and sector-specific permits depending on your commodity.
What trade agreements benefit Madagascar exporters?: Key agreements include AGOA (US market — extended to Dec 2028), APEi/EBA (EU duty-free), SADC (Southern Africa), COMESA (Eastern/Southern Africa), AfCFTA (Continental Free Trade), and China zero-tariff for LDC exports. Each has specific rules of origin requirements.
What documents are needed to export from Madagascar?: Standard export documents include: export declaration, commercial invoice, packing list, Bill of Lading/Air Waybill, certificate of origin (CO, Form A, EUR.1), and commodity-specific certificates (phytosanitary for food, HACCP for seafood, quality analysis for minerals).
How does AGOA affect Madagascar garment exports?: AGOA allows duty-free access for Malagasy EPZ garments to the US market. The Third Country Fabric provision — preserved through 2028 — allows use of non-originating fabric while maintaining duty-free benefits. Madagascar garment exports to the US reached ~$355M in 2024.
What is the export process for vanilla?: Vanilla export requirements depend on the product, destination, and current rules. Confirm permits, phytosanitary documents, origin requirements, and shipping arrangements with the responsible authorities and service providers. Ekutano can discuss logistics planning and coordination for an export shipment.

Also see: Import to Madagascar guide

Ready to export from Madagascar? Let's talk logistics.

Whether you are shipping vanilla to Paris, seafood to Madrid, or garments to New York — we handle the corridor, the compliance, and the clearance.

Start exporting ← Import to Madagascar