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Madagascar - Import Regulations & Compliance

Madagascar (MG) Cargo Import Regulations & Pre-Shipment Mandates

Cargo compliance directory for ocean shipments from China to African seaports: mandatory Electronic Cargo Tracking Notes, PVoC conformity inspection schemes, vehicle age limits, and Ocean B/L print rules.

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MG Southern Africa

Madagascar

Accepted Documentation Languages: fr mg
Foreign consignee not accepted Right-hand drive prohibited Vehicle limit: 10 yr BSC required

B/L Print Requirements

Mandatory text on Ocean B/L

  • • BSC Number, 6-digit HS Code, and consignee NIF & STAT mandatory on Ocean B/L and manifest.
  • • Ocean freight must be prepaid.
Line-item requirement

BSC number, consignee NIF, and STAT number must appear on the final B/L and manifest. The exact port of discharge (Toamasina, Mahajanga, Toliara, Antsiranana, or Ehoala) must be explicitly designated.

Inspection & Certificates

Pre-loading inspection & filing

  • • BSC must be validated via GasyNet TradeNet platform prior to vessel departure from origin port.
  • • Commercial invoice, packing list, and bank domiciliation processed through TradeNet.
  • • GasyNet customs processing fee applies at clearance.
Tracking Note Authority: GasyNet / Douanes de Madagascar

Cargo & Standards

Labeling, vehicles & packaging

  • • Passenger vehicles: maximum 10 years from manufacture
  • • Right-hand-drive vehicles are strictly prohibited.
  • • French or Malagasy product labeling mandatory on all retail packaging.
  • • Official Veterinary Health Certificate and prior DSV import permit mandatory for all imported meat products.
  • • Right-hand-drive vehicles strictly prohibited (conversion to LHD required).
  • • Motor vehicles older than 10 years face elevated customs valuation scales.
  • • ISPM 15 wood packaging compliance strictly enforced at Port of Toamasina.
  • • ISPM 15 heat-treated stamp required on all wooden packaging.

Shipper & Consignee

Where this destination differs from standard practice

  • • Foreign consignees are not accepted — a locally-registered entity must be named.

Consignee must be a registered Malagasy legal entity or resident with active NIF and STAT numbers. "To Order" B/Ls are permitted provided the Notify Party is the registered local buyer or licensed transit forwarder with full physical address in Madagascar, local phone number, and NIF/STAT stated on the B/L. PO Box only is rejected.

Universal Vehicle Documentation Mandate: For all motor vehicle and rolling cargo shipments, the 17-character VIN/Chassis Number, Engine Number, Make, Commercial Model, Year of Manufacture, and Gross Weight must be explicitly printed on the Ocean Bill of Lading.

Non-Compliance Risk at Destination

Unvalidated BSC results in customs clearance lockout at GasyNet and a 100% penalty on certificate fees. Discharging cargo without a validated BSC triggers port delivery holds at Toamasina.

Book Shipment to Madagascar →
Operational Workflow

Compliance Timeline for Madagascar

Follow this 3-step sequence from container stuffing through to port clearance.

Stage 1

Before Container Loading

  • ✓ Confirm commercial invoice and packing list accuracy with consignee.
  • ✓ Verify vehicle age against the applicable statutory limit (10 yrs passenger).
  • ✓ Confirm vehicle is NOT right-hand drive before booking.
  • ✓ Confirm consignee is a locally-registered entity — foreign consignees are not accepted at this destination.
  • ✓ Verify ISPM 15 heat-treated stamp on all wooden crates, dunnage, and pallets.
Origin Action Point
Stage 2

Prior to Sailing

  • ✓ Inscribe validated BSC certificate number onto the Ocean B/L text and carrier manifest. (GasyNet / Douanes de Madagascar)
  • ✓ Ensure exact consignee Tax ID / Registration Code and 6-digit HS Code are printed on B/L.
  • ✓ Submit SOLAS Verified Gross Mass (VGM) to loading terminal before yard cutoff.
Documentation Mandate
Stage 3

Port Clearance at Destination

  • ✓ Submit validated BSC electronic tracking note to destination customs authority.
  • ✓ Collect Delivery Order (DO) upon completing Release verification.
Destination Delivery Point
Printable Regulatory Dossier

Download Compliance Guide for Madagascar (PDF)

Generate a practical, print-ready compliance document complete with statutory B/L clauses, ECTN certificate agencies, vehicle age ceilings, and station phone contacts.

Verified Compliance Intelligence

Madagascar - Frequently Asked Questions