Mauritania is a West African country with large desert areas and a key Atlantic coastline used for fishing and regional trade. Because of its location between North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, most international shipments pass through major hubs like Morocco, France, or Senegal before reaching Nouakchott, the capital. Customs in Mauritania is known to be fairly strict, especially on commercial imports, food items, cosmetics, and electronics, which are commonly checked and valued carefully before release. Nigerian traders also ship fashion, beauty, and packaged goods into the country due to small but growing demand in urban areas.
Shipping from Nigeria to Mauritania is simple with Routely and possible from anywhere in Nigeria.
This guide explains what you need to know about shipping costs, customs charges, required documents, what you can ship, delivery timelines, tracking, and how Routely helps make the process easier.
Yes, you can ship virtually anything from Nigeria to Mauritania with Routely. And here is how:
To ship a package now, simply visit → https://ship.routely.co
Once you are in:
Click the light yellow button “Ship Now”
Enter the pickup location and delivery address
Fill in the sender and receiver details
Clearly describe what you are sending
Pay and your shipment is booked
Routely supports Express, Air Cargo, and Sea Cargo options depending on the item, destination, and available route.
Using Routely helps simplify international shipping through its AI-enabled and automated shipping system.
Shipping cost depends on:
Package weight
Package size
Shipping method
Type of item
Sending location in Nigeria
Delivery location in Mauritania
Whether customs duties are already covered on the route selected
Express shipping is faster and best for urgent shipments.
Cargo shipping is usually more affordable for larger or heavier items.
Routely’s intelligent shipping system helps you compare different shipping routes and options in one place.
To check live shipping rates and currently available shipping options to Mauritania instantly, visit → https://ship.routely.co
You can also check the route details to see whether the selected option already includes customs duty coverage, where applicable.
If you are not sure which shipping option is best for your item, simply start a chat with Routely before shipping.
Shipping into Mauritania is regulated by the Direction Générale des Douanes Mauritaniennes (Mauritanian Customs Authority). Proper declaration and correct documentation are very important because customs officers closely inspect commercial goods, especially fashion items, electronics, and packaged food products.
Clear and honest product descriptions help avoid delays, extra charges, or shipment rejection.
H3 - Will I Pay Customs Charges When Shipping to Mauritania?
All packages except documents are generally dutiable. However, customs charges depend on:
Item type
Declared value
Quantity
Purpose of shipment
Shipping route used
Customs discretion in Mauritania
Some shipments may attract duties while others may pass with minimal charges depending on classification.
If you ship through certain Cargo routes on Routely, customs duties may already be estimated or included where available.
H3 - What Customs Duty or Tax System Does Mauritania Use?
Mauritania uses a customs duty + VAT import system.
Common charges include:
Import duty (varies by product category)
VAT (Value Added Tax, commonly around 16%)
Customs processing fees
Inspection fees for regulated goods
Additional charges on restricted or controlled goods
Import value is usually calculated using CIF (Cost + Insurance + Freight).
H3 - What Is the Likely Customs Duty Amount in Mauritania?
Customs duty rates in Mauritania generally range from 0% to 30%, depending on product category.
VAT is usually around 16% on most imported goods.
Extra charges may apply on:
Alcohol and tobacco products
Luxury goods
High-value electronics
Large commercial shipments
Pharmaceuticals and medical goods
Certain agricultural or animal products
Final charges depend on customs classification and declared value.
H3 - Is There a Low-Value Duty-Free Threshold in Mauritania?
Mauritania does not have a widely applied clear duty-free threshold for all imports. Even low-value items may still be assessed, especially if they are commercial or multiple units.
Small personal packages may sometimes be cleared with reduced charges, but this is fully at customs discretion.
H3 - Are Personal Shipments Treated Differently from Commercial Shipments?
Yes.
Personal shipments may be processed faster if:
They are low value
Clearly marked as personal use
Not for resale
Commercial shipments are more strictly inspected, especially if they include:
Multiple identical items
Business stock
High-value goods
Fashion inventory or cosmetics for resale
H3 - Common Shipments That May Attract Duties
In Mauritania, these items commonly attract customs charges:
Phones and electronics (often 10%–20% duty + VAT)
Cosmetics and skincare products (10%–30% duty + VAT)
Fashion items like clothes, wigs, shoes, bags (10%–25%)
Food products and packaged foods (10%–20%)
Luxury goods (20%–30%+)
Machinery and commercial equipment (5%–20%)
Herbal or medicinal products (subject to approval + duties)
Bulk commercial shipments (varies widely)
This is especially important for Nigerian online vendors shipping items like Ankara fabrics, lace gowns, kaftans, wigs, skincare products, beaded bags, and makeup kits.
H3 - Some Shipments That May Sometimes Pass With Lower or No Duties
Documents
Low-value personal gifts
Personal clothing (small quantity)
Samples for personal use
Used personal items
Even these may still be inspected depending on customs assessment.
H3 - How Strict Is Customs in Mauritania?
Customs in Mauritania is moderately strict, especially for commercial goods.
Key points:
High inspection rate for fashion, cosmetics, and electronics
Food and herbal products may require approval
Undervaluation of goods can lead to penalties
Vague descriptions can delay clearance
Commercial shipments are checked more closely than personal items
Customs may reassess declared value if it looks unrealistic
Clear labeling and accurate documentation are very important.
H3 - Receiver Responsibility
In most cases, the receiver in Mauritania must pay:
Customs duties
Import taxes (VAT)
Clearance fees
Any inspection charges
Customs may contact the receiver directly for:
Payment
ID verification
Proof of item value
Additional documentation
H3 - Learn More About Customs Rules in Mauritania
Please note that customs duties, taxes, and import regulations in Mauritania are controlled by local authorities and may change without notice.
For the latest updates, visit the official customs website:
https://www.douanes.gov.mr
H3 - Generally Required Documents
Commercial Invoice or Proforma Invoice
Packing List, Waybill or Bill of Lading
These are automatically generated when you create a shipment on https://ship.routely.co
H3 - Shipment-Specific Required Documents
Food and agricultural goods → Health/Phytosanitary certificates
Medicines → Import permits or approvals
Cosmetics and skincare → Regulatory checks may apply
Electronics → Compliance documents may be requested
Commercial goods → Business invoices and declarations
Animal products → Veterinary certificates
H3 - General Required Information
Sender and receiver full details
Clear item description (e.g. “Ankara female dress”, not “gift”)
Correct declared value
Country of origin
Purpose of shipment
Payment responsibility for duties
Incorrect descriptions can cause delays or seizure.
You can ship many types of goods from Nigeria to Mauritania through Routely.
Common items Nigerian vendors send include:
Fashion items: Ankara dresses, lace gowns, kaftans, abayas, shoes, handbags
Beauty products: skincare, black soap, lotions, oils, makeup kits
Hair products: wigs, human hair bundles, braids, extensions
Accessories: beaded bags, fascinators, jewelry
Food items: packaged Nigerian spices, dried foodstuff, snacks
Electronics: phones, accessories, small gadgets
Handmade crafts and artworks
Herbal and wellness products (subject to approval)
H3 - 🚫 Items That Cannot Be Shipped
Illegal drugs or narcotics
Firearms or weapons
Explosives
Counterfeit goods
Pornographic materials
Highly restricted chemicals
Certain unapproved medical substances
H3 - ⚠️ Items That May Require Extra Checks
Skincare and cosmetic products
Herbal mixtures and supplements
Food products
Electronics and communication devices
Bulk commercial fashion shipments
Mauritania applies strict inspection on regulated consumer goods.
Use strong, sealed cartons
Wrap fragile items properly
Label clearly
Do not mix restricted items
Declare everything correctly
Avoid overstuffing packages
Poor packaging may lead to inspection delays or damage.
Routely also provides guidance and handling support to reduce packaging errors.
H3 - Express Shipments
Typically 3–6 business days
H3 - Cargo Shipments
Air Cargo: 7–14 business days
Sea Cargo: 6–10 weeks (where available)
Delays may occur due to customs, weather, or routing via transit countries.
Check live timelines here → https://ship.routely.co
Yes.
Routely allows tracking from pickup to delivery.
However:
Customs may pause updates during inspection
Receiver may be contacted for clearance
Tracking speed depends on route and carrier
Before shipping:
Be very clear with product descriptions
Always declare correct value
Expect inspection for fashion and cosmetics
Ensure receiver phone number is active
Prepare for customs duties on arrival
Mauritania often inspects commercial goods carefully, so accuracy is important.
Yes.
You can also import goods from Mauritania to Nigeria using Routely.
Common imports include:
Fashion items
Personal packages
Documents
Business goods
Electronics
Handicrafts and cultural items
To check shipping options → https://ship.routely.co
H3 - Common Questions About Importing from Mauritania to Nigeria
Can I receive packages from Mauritania in Nigeria?
Can businesses import goods from Mauritania?
Can I import fashion items or textiles?
Can I receive personal gifts or documents?
Can suppliers in Mauritania ship to Nigeria?
Yes. Routely supports both import and export routes depending on availability.
Shipping with Routely is simple, smooth, and stress-free.
Go to → https://ship.routely.co to ship anything from anywhere in Nigeria to Mauritania or from Mauritania to your doorstep anywhere in Nigeria.