The Mauritian government has reaffirmed its ambition to place the country’s customs among the top half of the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index (WBLPI). During the celebrations marking International Customs Day 2025 at the Integrated Customs Clearance Centre (ICCC), Junior Finance Minister Mr. Dhaneshwar Damry announced the launch of four new projects by the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA). These initiatives aim to transform customs operations through digitization and innovation.
Four Initiatives for Modern and Transparent Customs
In his speech, Mr. Damry unveiled the four flagship projects of the MRA:
- The electronic tariff platform, to simplify access to customs tariff information.
- The electronic certificate of origin, aimed at accelerating export processes and facilitating international trade.
- Mobile customs payments, enabling faster and more secure transactions.
- The e-Courier public interface, to enhance tracking and management of international shipments.
These initiatives are designed to increase efficiency, transparency, and revenue collection while supporting the country’s economic development.
An Ambitious Goal: Improving Mauritius’ Ranking
Currently ranked 90th out of 139 countries in the WBLPI report, Mauritius aims to become a leader through these reforms. Junior Minister Damry emphasized the importance of digital transformation and human resource development as key pillars of this ambition. “Our mission is to restore public and investor confidence, reduce public debt, and lay the foundation for sustainable economic growth,” he said.
Mr. Damry also highlighted the role of customs in combating drug trafficking and other illicit activities. He assured customs officers of the government’s full support in their efforts to strengthen institutional integrity while respecting the rule of law.
MRA’s Support and Future Prospects
MRA Director General Mr. Sudhamo Lal commended the progress made in revenue collection and efforts to modernize customs. He also highlighted achievements in combating drug trafficking and advancing economic reforms. According to him, the new projects will help improve services to economic operators, facilitate legitimate trade, and strengthen controls against illicit activities.
During the event, the efforts of customs officers were recognized with the awarding of the 2025 World Customs Organization Merit Certificates, acknowledging their key role in transforming Mauritius’ customs.
Towards an Inclusive and Prosperous Mauritius
Minister Damry encouraged customs officers to fully embrace digitization for increased efficiency and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building an inclusive and sustainable economy. “With these projects, we take another step toward a modern, prosperous, and fair Mauritius,” he concluded.
The International Customs Day 2025 celebrations, themed “Customs Bolstering Efficiency, Security, and Prosperity,” marked an important milestone in the transformation of Mauritian customs.
