CUSTOMS DUTIES: SOUTH AFRICA TO MALI

Overview of Customs Duties from South Africa to Mali

Trade between South Africa and Mali is governed by Mali's membership in the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) and the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). As a non-WAEMU member, South Africa is classified as an extra-regional trading partner and is subject to Mali's Common External Tariff (CET) regime, which has been in effect since January 2020. Understanding Mali's customs regulations is essential for South African exporters to ensure compliance and accurate duty calculations.

Mali distinguishes between intra-regional trade with preferential tariffs and extra-regional trade subject to the WAEMU Common External Tariff. South African exporters should be aware that additional levies and taxes apply beyond the base tariff rates, including community levies and AfCFTA-related charges.

General Duty Rates and Additional Levies

Tariff Component	Rate	Notes
WAEMU Common External Tariff (CET)	Varies by HS code	Progressive rates applied to essential goods, inputs/intermediate goods, and consumer goods. Contact customs authorities for specific product classification.
AES Community Levy	0.5%	Adopted in March 2025 on imports from non-AES countries. Does not apply to other WAEMU members.
AfCFTA Additional Tax	0.2%	Required by the African Continental Free Trade Agreement for non-African Union countries.
Solar and Renewable Energy Equipment	Reduced rates	Mali provides tax incentives for renewable energy imports. Consult customs for specific eligible items.
Cultural Goods (Books)	Low rates	Mali applies preferential low tax rates to cultural goods including books.

Important: The exact WAEMU CET rates vary by Harmonized System (HS) code and product category. Exporters must contact Mali's Customs Office or consult the Mali Trade Portal for precise tariff classifications before shipment.

Required Documentation

• Commercial Invoice - Detailing goods description, quantity, unit price, and total value
• Packing List - Specifying contents and weight of each package
• Bill of Lading or Airway Bill - Proof of shipment and transport details
• Certificate of Origin - Required for preferential trade agreement eligibility claims
• Import Declaration Form - Completed in accordance with WAEMU requirements
• Product-Specific Certificates - Such as health certificates, quality certificates, or safety compliance documents depending on goods classification
• Proof of Payment - Evidence of duty payment or arrangements
• Insurance Documents - If applicable to the shipment

Important Regulations

No Country-of-Origin Discrimination: Mali applies its tax policy without discrimination based on country of origin. South African goods are treated the same as goods from other non-WAEMU countries.

WAEMU Membership Impact: As a WAEMU member, Mali operates under a unified customs framework. The AES community levy (0.5%) applies to imports from non-AES countries but does not affect other WAEMU members.

AfCFTA Compliance: The 0.2% additional tax applies to imports from non-African Union countries. South Africa, as an African Union member, may benefit from AfCFTA provisions, though specific eligibility should be verified.

Prohibited and Restricted Items: Certain goods may be prohibited or restricted. Exporters must verify product eligibility through Mali's Customs Office before shipping.

Trade Agreements

West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU): Mali's primary trade framework applies preferential tariffs to member states and the Common External Tariff to non-members like South Africa.

African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA): Mali ratified the AfCFTA, which includes a 0.2% additional tax requirement. This agreement promotes intra-African trade but includes specific provisions for non-African Union countries.

World Trade Organization (WTO): Mali's WTO membership ensures most-favored-nation treatment principles apply to trade partners.

Recommended Resources: For detailed tariff information, consult the Mali Trade Portal (https://tradeportal.ml/) or contact Mali's Customs Office (https://douanes.gouv.ml/). These official sources provide current rates and regulatory updates.