Mongolia International Trade & Customs
Comprehensive guide to Treaties, Import/Export Procedures, and Tariff Exemptions.
* MFN (Most-Favored Nation): Normal non-discriminatory tariff charged on imports (excludes preferential tariffs under free trade agreements and other schemes or tariffs charged inside quotas).
** MOP (Margin of Preference): Percentage of tariffs by which tariffs are reduced on imports from one contracting party to another as a result of preferential treatment.
International Trade Treaties
Mongolia is a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the World Customs Organization (WCO). As a member of the WTO, Mongolia applies Most-Favored Nation (MFN)* tariffs to WTO member states and other countries with international treaties.
Japan-Mongolia EPA
Entered into force: June 7, 2016.
The Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) contains 11 chapters focusing on trade facilitation, investment protection, and non-tariff barrier reduction.
- Mongolia reduces tariffs on 5,700 types of goods.
- Japan reduces tariffs on 9,300 goods from 97 groups.
- Promotes tech transfer and Japanese investment.
EU GSP+ Status
Granted: 2005
Granted based on the ratification of international conventions on human rights, labor, environment, and good governance.
- Preferential rate on trade/tariff from 37 developed countries.
- Main exports to EU: Apparel (95% of exports), furniture, toys, wool, and fish.
Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA)
Mongolia ratified the APTA on December 12, 2019, coming into force on January 1, 2021. According to Mongolia's offer list, an MFN duty of 5% and Margin of Preference (MOP)** of 10% – 30% apply for 366 types of products.
Listed Product Groups
- 🐟 147 different types of fishes and other seafoods
- 🍫 Cocoa powder and 6 other products containing cocoa
- 🍁 Maple sugar, maple syrup and other fructose syrup containing products
- ⛽ Natural gas
- ⛏️ 10 different types of Mining products including gold, silver, nickel and lead ores
- 🪵 Different types of wood and wooden products
- ✈️ Airplanes and other aircrafts, of an unladen weight exceeding 15.7 kg
- 🚜 Listed heavy machineries
Customs Clearance & Duties
The Law of Mongolia on Customs regulates the export and import clearance procedure. Customs declarations are processed through the Customs Portal (gaali.mn), but supporting documents must be submitted in hard copies.
Customs Brokers: Clearance may be delegated to a customs broker or specialist on a contractual basis. There are currently 48 licensed customs broker companies.
Customs Duties: Import duties are generally levied on the purchase price of imported goods plus transportation costs. Export duties apply only to certain goods like unprocessed wool and wood. Customs duty varies from 5% – 20% depending on the good.
Clearance Procedures
Select a procedure below to view the step-by-step process required by Mongolian Customs.
Preparation for import declaration requirement
The declarant or customs broker shall prepare and file for clearance requirements.
- A contract, or an invoice
- Transportation documents, packing list, technical specs
- Certificate of origin
- Licenses, permits, certificates by relevant agencies (if applicable)
- Laboratory testing results (if applicable)
Import declaration
The declarant or customs broker submits an import declaration application with the required documents to the Customs Office.
Reviewing application
The Customs office shall review the application documents and if necessary conduct an inspection of goods.
Payment of customs duty
Declarant shall pay customs duty, taxes, and fees.
Acceptance of declaration
Customs clearance is accepted when payment is settled. The Customs inspector stamps the clearance document.
Handover goods
Handover goods to the declarant or transfer goods to another customs clearance procedure.
Obtaining a Certificate of Origin
The Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI) issues Certificates of Origin from electronically filled applications.
- Name/address of declarant
- Number/date of agreement and invoice
- HSN code and description of goods
- Quantity of goods and agreement amount
- Transport type, route, and destination
Preparation for export declaration requirement
The declarant or customs broker prepares and files clearance requirements.
Acceptance of declaration
Customs clearance shall be accepted if there are no issues. Inspector stamps the document.
Transport
Goods are moved to the designated transport vehicle/vessel.
Shipment
Goods exit the border.
Customs Duty Exemptions
According to the Customs Law, the following goods, among others, are entirely exempt from import tariffs: