- kingsoftrucksfactory.com

How to Import Chinese Trucks to Mozambique: Complete 2026 Guide

March 21, 2026 16 min read by Kings Truck Team

Learning how to import Chinese trucks to Mozambique is essential for transporters serving the growing mining and logistics sectors in Southern Africa. With major ports at Maputo and Beira serving as gateways for Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Malawi, and parts of South Africa, understanding AT (Autoridade Tributária de Moçambique) regulations is crucial. This comprehensive guide covers import requirements, duty calculation, port options, and the clearance process for 2026.

Mozambique Import Regulations at a Glance

Steering side: Left-hand drive (LHD) standard, RHD permitted but not common
Age limit: Used trucks must be ≤5 years old for commercial vehicles
Emissions: Euro 3 minimum, Euro 5 preferred
Inspection: Pre-shipment inspection by Intertek or SGS required
HS Codes: 8704.23 (dump trucks), 8701.20 (tractors)
Main ports: Maputo (south), Beira (central), Nacala (north)

Port Options for Importing to Mozambique

Maputo Port – Southern Mozambique

Best for: Trucks destined for Maputo, southern Mozambique, and cross-border to South Africa, Eswatini.

Shipping from China to Maputo:

RORO: $4,800 – $6,200, 28-40 days
Container: $5,500 – $7,200, 32-45 days

Advantages: Modern port, good infrastructure, direct access to South African market.

Beira Port – Central Mozambique

Best for: Trucks destined for central Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Zambia.

Shipping from China to Beira:

RORO: $5,200 – $6,500, 32-45 days
Container: $5,800 – $7,500, 35-48 days

Advantages: Serves landlocked countries via Beira Corridor, less congested than Maputo.

Nacala Port – Northern Mozambique

Best for: Trucks destined for northern Mozambique, Malawi (via Nacala Corridor).

Shipping from China to Nacala:

RORO: $5,500 – $7,000, 35-50 days
Container: $6,200 – $8,000, 40-55 days

Advantages: Growing port, serves Malawi effectively.

Step 1: Choose the Right Truck for Mozambique

Popular Chinese trucks in Mozambique include:

HOWO 6×4 Tractor (LHD): For container haulage from ports to landlocked countries
HOWO 6×4 Dump Truck (LHD): For mining and construction (coal, heavy mineral sands)
HOWO 8×4 Dump Truck (LHD): Heavy-duty for large-scale mining
HOWO 6×4 Concrete Mixer: For construction sector
Shacman X3000 6×4 Tractor (LHD): Growing presence
Water trucks (15,000-20,000L): For dust suppression in mining

Step 2: Pre-Shipment Inspection

All trucks imported to Mozambique require pre-shipment inspection:

Intertek or SGS inspection in China
Inspection verifies vehicle specifications, value, and condition
Certificate must accompany shipping documents
Cost: $400-700 per truck

Step 3: Required Documents for AT Customs

Bill of Lading (original)
Commercial Invoice (Portuguese translation recommended)
Packing List
Certificate of Origin
Pre-shipment Inspection Certificate
Declaração Única de Mercadorias (DU) – single goods declaration
Número Único de Identificação Tributária (NUIT) – tax ID
Import license (if applicable)

Step 4: Import Duty Calculation for Trucks in Mozambique

Mozambique uses the SADC tariff structure:

Component	Rate	Calculated On
Import Duty	7.5-25%	CIF Value (trucks typically 7.5-15%)
VAT (IVA)	17%	CIF + Duty
Statistical Fee	0.5%	CIF Value
SADC Levy	0.5%	CIF Value

Sample Calculation: HOWO 6×4 Tractor (CIF $55,000) via Maputo

Import Duty (10% average): $5,500
Statistical Fee (0.5%): $275
SADC Levy (0.5%): $275
Subtotal for VAT: $55,000 + $5,500 + $275 + $275 = $61,050
VAT (17%): $10,378
Total Taxes Payable: $16,428
Plus port charges: approx. $1,200-1,800
Total Landed Cost: $55,000 + $16,428 + $1,500 = $72,928

Step 5: Engage a Licensed Clearing Agent

You must use a clearing agent registered with AT. They will:

Process all customs declarations via JUROS system
Arrange for physical inspection
Pay duties on your behalf
Arrange transport from port

Clearing agent fees: MZN 15,000-30,000 ($250-500).

Step 6: Customs Inspection Process

Mozambique customs uses risk-based assessment. Your shipment may be selected for:

Canal Verde (Green): No inspection – quick release
Canal Amarelo (Yellow): Document review only
Canal Vermelho (Red): Physical inspection – common for used vehicles

Inspection includes verification of chassis number, engine number, and vehicle specifications.

Step 7: Vehicle Registration and Number Plates

After customs clearance, register with the Instituto Nacional dos Transportes Terrestres (INATTER):

Visit INATTER with customs clearance, invoice, DU
Pay registration fees (based on vehicle value)
Obtain number plates
Complete roadworthiness test
Obtain transport operators license (Título de Transportador)

Step 8: Mining Industry Requirements

Mozambique has significant mining operations (coal in Tete, heavy mineral sands, graphite):

Coal mining (Tete): Requires heavy-duty 8×4 dump trucks with reinforced bodies
Mineral sands: 6×4 articulated dump trucks often preferred
Mining contracts: Often require specific safety equipment (fire suppression, GPS tracking)
Local content: Some contracts require local subcontracting

Step 9: Popular Routes in Mozambique

Maputo-Johannesburg (N4): Major freight corridor (550km) – toll road
Maputo-Beira (EN1): Coastal route (1,200km) – variable road conditions
Beira-Zimbabwe (Beira Corridor): To Mutare border (300km) – vital for landlocked
Nacala-Malawi (Nacala Corridor): To Malawi border (800km) – growing route
Tete-Moatize: Coal mining region

Mozambique Logistics Tip: The N4 toll road from Maputo to Johannesburg is excellent, but security can be an issue in certain areas. Use secure parking facilities and avoid night driving on remote stretches.

                ✅ Ready to import to Mozambique? Contact us for LHD trucks suitable for your operation. We can recommend trusted clearing agents in Maputo, Beira, and Nacala.
            