Shipping from China to Mozambique
Sea, air and door-to-door freight into Maputo, Beira and Nacala – with customs declaration handled and delivery to your site.
Shipping options from China to Mozambique
| Mode | Typical transit (indicative) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Sea freight - FCL | 30-40 days port to port | Full containers, project cargo, battery storage |
| Sea freight - LCL | 35-45 days | Cargo under about 15 CBM |
| Air freight | 5-9 days | Urgent and high-value cargo to Maputo |
| Express courier | 4-8 days | Samples, documents, spare parts |
Indicative port-to-port times. Door-to-door adds clearance and inland delivery. Beira and Nacala sailings are less frequent than Maputo, which affects planning - book earlier for those gateways.
China origin ports: Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Ningbo, Qingdao
Mozambique's three gateways - and how to choose
Maputo
The south's main port and the busiest of the three, with the widest choice of sailings. Serves Maputo province, Matola and the industrial south - and is also the natural gateway for eastern South Africa and Eswatini.
Beira
Central Mozambique's port, and the classic corridor for Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi. If your cargo is ultimately heading inland to Harare or Lusaka, Beira is often the shortest route.
Nacala
The deep-water port in the north, serving Nampula, Cabo Delgado and Malawi. Fewer sailings, but useful for northern project cargo and for mining and gas sector supply chains.
Our advice: choose the port that is closest to the final destination, not the one with the most sailings. Inland trucking in Mozambique is the expensive and slow part - a longer sea voyage into a closer port is often cheaper overall.
Customs and documentation for Mozambique
All import cargo into Mozambique is declared through the JUE electronic single-window system. Getting the pre-shipment steps right is what keeps cargo from sitting at the port.
Before shipping
- Importer registration and NUIT tax number - you need to be registered with the tax authority
- Import licence where the product category requires one
- Term of Commitment - for many import declarations this is generated through the JUE system
- Correct HS code - determines duty and whether any restriction applies
- Accurate declared value - customs may review the commercial invoice, product type, quantity and supporting documents before release
Documents required
- Commercial invoice - product name, quantity, unit price, total value, currency, seller, buyer and trade terms
- Packing list - matching the actual shipment, with cartons, pallets, gross and net weight and volume
- Bill of lading or air waybill
- Certificate of origin, where applicable
- Import licence, where applicable
- Product certificates or inspection reports, where applicable
- Cargo insurance document, where applicable
Duty and taxes
- Import duty varies by HS code and product category
- VAT applies to imported goods at 16%
- Customs service fee - this can apply even to duty-free goods, and is normally based on customs value
- Excise tax applies to specific categories such as alcohol, tobacco and certain luxury goods
- Additional local handling charges may apply at the port
We handle the declaration and the clearance through our partner agents in Mozambique, and we will tell you before you book what the landed cost is likely to include - so there is no surprise at the port.
Shipping batteries and solar storage to Mozambique
Off-grid solar and battery storage is a growing import category into Mozambique, particularly for rural electrification, telecom sites, agriculture and mining operations. Batteries are Class 9 dangerous goods.
| Requirement | What it means |
|---|---|
| UN 38.3 Test Summary | Mandatory. Issued by an accredited laboratory, valid for one year |
| MSDS / SDS | Mandatory safety data sheet for the battery chemistry |
| Correct UN number | UN3480, UN3481 or UN3536 for containerised storage systems |
| UN-approved packaging | Class 9 labels, UN numbers and the lithium battery mark |
| Air freight limit | Lithium-ion batteries shipped alone must be at 30% state of charge or less |
| Electrical standard | Mozambique uses 220-240V / 50Hz - equipment must be rated accordingly |
For project cargo - containerised storage systems, skid-mounted units or site equipment - send us the dimensions and weight early. Oversized loads need special permits and truck types, and the planning window is longer than for standard containers.
Frequently asked questions
How long does shipping from China to Mozambique take?
Sea freight is typically 30-40 days port to port (Maputo); air freight 5-9 days. Add clearance and inland delivery for door-to-door.
Which port should I use?
Maputo for the south and for more frequent sailings; Beira for central Mozambique and for cargo heading on to Zimbabwe, Zambia or Malawi; Nacala for the north. We recommend the gateway when we quote.
Do you handle the JUE declaration?
Yes - our partner agents lodge the declaration and manage clearance, including duty and VAT. If you prefer to clear yourself, we supply the full document set.
How much is import VAT in Mozambique?
16% on imported goods. Duty depends on the HS code, and a customs service fee can apply even on duty-free goods.
Can you deliver inland?
Yes - and this is often where we add the most value. Inland trucking is the slow and expensive part of a Mozambique shipment; we plan it with the port choice so the total cost and time are both lower.
Can you ship lithium batteries to Mozambique?
Yes, subject to UN 38.3 and MSDS documentation and compliant packaging. Tell us the UN number and we will confirm carrier acceptance before booking.