Moving overseas requires a lot more preparation, knowledge and research than moving locally--customs regulations can be complicated. Don't let your move to Madagascar overwhelm you--a little planning goes a long way towards a successful relocation! Find out the required documents, shipping regulations and restrictions for importing goods into your new tropical home country!
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY
When relocating to Madagascar, there are many
important documents necessary to gain entry and establish permanent residency. When you plan your international move, enlist customs brokering services from your international moving company to ensure that you have all the essential paperwork to clear customs and successfully enter the country.
When moving to Madagascar, you will need:
- Original passport
- Packing list
- Original Bill of Lading/Air Waybill
- Inventory list (in French, dated, valued and signed by the shipper)
- Original work permit
- Letter from employer (on company letterhead, attesting to transfer)
- Work authorization (issued by Labor Ministry in Madagascar)
- Original certificate of change of residence (issued at origin)
- Original residence certificate (issued by the Fokontany in Madagascar)
- Bordereau de suivi de cargaison (BSC)
- Power of Attorney –(providing authority for Destination Agent to arrange customs clearance)
- Certificate for free entry (required for duty-free import of goods)
SHIPPING REGULATIONS
If you are moving to Madagascar permanently, the regulations for the importation of personal effects (clothing, jewelry, toiletries) and household effects (furniture, rugs, linens, bedding, dishes, other furnishings) include:
- You must be present in Madagascar a minimum of 10 days before the shipmen's arrival
- The shipment must arrive no more than four months after you
- Used household goods (at least six months) may be imported duty free if the move is temporary
- Certificate of free entry is require for duty free import
- Work permit copy should be provided before the arrival of the shipment
- All shipments are inspected
PROHIBITED ITEMS
In Madagascar, the following articles are prohibited for importation under any circumstances:
- Narcotics/illegal drugs
- Pornography and subversive material
- Explosives, ammunitions, weapons, and military equipment
- CB’s, walkie-talkies, GPS and telecommunication devices
- Alcohol (only Fond de Cave is permitted, no more than one bottle)
- Perfume
- Taxidermy animals, birds or fish
- Animal skins, furs, tusks, and horns from endangered species
RESTRICTED ITEMS
Some articles are limited to certain quantities or require special authorization/payments of duties and taxes to clear customs in Madagascar. These items include, but are not limited to:
- Tobacco (limited to 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of loose tobacco duty free)
- Alcohol (only Fond de Cave is permitted, no more than one bottle)
- Electronics, computers and appliances are taxed and dutiable (new items require invoices)
- Paintings, artwork and antiques
- Firearms and hunting rifles (require permission with the Defense Ministry)
- Telephones and fax machines (require permission)
- Books, tapes and discs (require permission from the Interior Ministry)
- Tapes and discs are limited to 25 for importation
- Food (requires a Certificate of Health)
MOTOR VEHICLE REGULATIONS
If you are planning to ship your automobile to Madagascar, you'll require the aid of professional and reputable international vehicle shippers with extensive knowledge of overseas automobile shipping laws to effectively transport your car.
The regulations for importing your vehicle into Madagascar are:
- No duties required if vehicle has been registered n your name for at least one year
- If you have owned the vehicle less the one year, 118 percent of the CIF value of vehicle will be required
- Vehicles are taxed and dutiable based on make, model, year, value, and accessories
You will need the following documents:
- Original certificate of title and registration
- Original commercial/purchase invoice
- Driver's license
- International insurance policy
PETS AND ANIMAL REGULATIONS
Your pet is part of the family, so you want to ensure that he or she will clear customs for your move to Madagascar. To successfully cross Madagascar borders with your furry friend, the requirements are:
- Vaccination certificate required
- Veterinary health certificate required
- Dated less than 15 days before departure by the regional Director of the Veterinary Services
- Must include complete description of pet
- Must state pet is in good health
- Must state that country of origin is free from infectious diseases
- All pets are subject to inspection
- Quarantine may be required
INTERNATIONAL MOVES
International moving is a highly intricate process. To successfully relocate overseas, you should conduct thorough research on customs clearance. Even more importantly, you should enlist the services of qualified, trustworthy international movers. Before choosing a moving company, ask these important questions to ensure they are professional, experienced, and knowledgeable of the customs process. Conducting a thorough background check on any potential overseas mover will prevent you from making a common moving mistake when moving abroad.
Need help finding reputable international moving companies in your area? Get started here at Movers.com by simply filling out our fast and easy free quote form to receive estimates from up to seven qualified movers in your area.
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