Importing a Car to Mauritius: Duties, Process and What It Costs

Mauritius drives on the left (right-hand drive vehicles, same as the UK and Japan). Importing a car is possible but expensive. In most cases it makes more sense to buy locally.

The basics

• Right-hand drive only. Left-hand drive (LHD) vehicles are not permitted for registration in Mauritius. If your car is LHD (as in continental Europe, the US, or most of Africa), you cannot import it for personal use.
• Age limit. Vehicles must be less than 4 years old at the time of importation. Older vehicles are subject to special approval and higher duties, or may be refused entirely.
• Euro emissions standard. Imported vehicles must meet the Euro 4 emissions standard (minimum). Most vehicles manufactured after 2010 meet this.

Duty rates

Import duties on vehicles in Mauritius are high. The total cost of importing includes several components:

CIF = Cost + Insurance + Freight: the landed cost of the vehicle at Port Louis.

Example calculation

A 3-year-old Toyota RAV4 (2.0L petrol, RHD) with a CIF value of Rs 800,000 ($17,200):

• Customs duty (15%): Rs 120,000
• Excise duty (estimated 25% for a 2.0L): Rs 200,000
• Subtotal: Rs 1,120,000
• VAT (15% on subtotal): Rs 168,000
• Registration and CO2 levy: ~Rs 30,000
• Total landed cost: approximately Rs 1,318,000 ($28,350)

The same vehicle bought locally (second-hand, 3 years old) would cost Rs 900,000-1,100,000 ($19,400-$23,700), already cleared and registered. The import route costs more and involves weeks of paperwork.

Electric and hybrid vehicles

The Mauritius government offers reduced or zero duty on electric vehicles (EVs) and some hybrid vehicles to encourage adoption. As of 2026:

• Fully electric vehicles: exempt from customs duty and excise duty. VAT still applies.
• Plug-in hybrids: reduced excise duty rates.
• Standard hybrids: some reduction, but less significant.

This makes importing an EV significantly cheaper in relative terms. A Tesla Model 3 (RHD, UK spec) or a Nissan Leaf could land in Mauritius at roughly 30-40% above its UK price, compared to 60-80% for an equivalent petrol vehicle. The challenge is charging infrastructure: public charging stations are limited, though home charging (via a standard 3-pin or dedicated 7kW wallbox) is straightforward.

The import process

1. Source the vehicle. Japan is the most common source for RHD vehicles at competitive prices. The UK is another option. Specialist exporters (e.g. BE FORWARD, SBT Japan, Autorec) handle the logistics.
2. Pre-shipment inspection. The vehicle must pass a pre-shipment inspection by an approved body (typically JEVIC or JAAI for Japan-sourced vehicles) confirming age, condition, emissions compliance and RHD configuration.
3. Shipping. Roll-on/roll-off (RORO) is cheaper than container shipping. Transit from Japan: 3-5 weeks. From the UK: 4-6 weeks. Cost: $800-$2,000 depending on origin and shipping method.
4. Customs clearance. On arrival at Port Louis, the vehicle goes through customs. You (or your clearing agent) submit the bill of lading, commercial invoice, pre-shipment inspection certificate, and proof of payment. A clearing agent (strongly recommended) charges Rs 5,000-15,000 ($108-$323).
5. Mauritius inspection. After clearance, the vehicle is inspected by the National Transport Authority (NTA). This confirms roadworthiness, emissions, and safety standards. If it passes, you receive a fitness certificate.
6. Registration. With the fitness certificate, you register the vehicle at the NTA. You receive number plates and a registration book. Annual road tax is payable at this point.
7. Insurance. Arrange motor insurance before driving. Comprehensive insurance for an imported vehicle costs Rs 15,000-35,000 ($323-$753) per year depending on the vehicle value and your driving history.

Total timeline from purchase to driving on Mauritius roads: 6-12 weeks.

Duty-free import for new residents

New residents (first-time arrival with a valid residence permit) can import one vehicle duty-free, subject to conditions:

• The vehicle must have been owned and used by you for at least 12 months before importation
• The application must be made within 6 months of your arrival
• The vehicle cannot be sold or transferred for 2 years after importation
• RHD requirement still applies

This is the one scenario where importing can be financially advantageous: bringing your own RHD vehicle from the UK, for example, avoids the substantial duties. See the customs changes guide for the latest on duty-free allowances.

Should you import or buy locally?

For most expats, buying locally is simpler and often cheaper. The Mauritius second-hand car market is well-stocked with Japanese imports (already cleared, taxed, and registered). A reliable 3-5 year old Toyota or Nissan costs Rs 400,000-900,000 ($8,600-$19,400).

Importing makes sense only if:

• You already own a RHD vehicle (UK residents) and qualify for the duty-free new resident allowance
• You want a specific vehicle that is not available locally (certain EV models, specific specifications)
• You are importing a high-value or classic vehicle for personal use

For everything else, buy locally. The paperwork, the wait, and the duty calculation make importing a car a process rather than a shortcut.

For the full picture on transport options, see the getting around Mauritius guide. For the broader cost picture, see the cost of living guide. For practical help with your move, the living in Mauritius guide covers the essentials. Subscribe to the newsletter for new guides.