Mozambican customs have enabled the state to recover 81.5 million euros between 2021 and 2025, thanks to strengthened border controls and the seizure of 4,119 smuggled goods shipments, according to data provided by the president of the Mozambique Tax Authority, Aníbal Mbalango, during the celebrations of World Customs Day on January 26, 2026.
These results reflect the extent of illicit trade at the country’s borders, as well as the progressive strengthening of customs control mechanisms. For the year 2025 alone, revenue from customs activities amounted to 99.9 million meticais (approximately 1.6 million USD), representing 28% of total tax revenue, confirming the strategic role of customs in mobilizing public resources.
Over the past year, customs authorities have seized over 7,000 kilograms of precious stones and 49 cubic meters of wood, illustrating the intensification of trafficking related to natural resources. These operations also fall within the framework of controlling products protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
In this regard, Aníbal Mbalango specified that controls carried out in 2024 and 2025 led to the seizure of 152 live plant specimens and 796 ivory tusks, thereby strengthening the fight against illegal trafficking of protected species and biodiversity conservation.
Faced with persistent challenges related to smuggling and illicit flows, Mozambican tax authorities advocate for increased modernization of customs administration. The goal is to have a more effective institution capable of protecting the fiscal and financial interests of the state, preserving the national economy, supporting legal international trade, and improving the country’s competitiveness.
Planned reforms include the digitalization of customs systems, strengthening personnel capacities, and improving border infrastructure. Ultimately, these measures aim to accelerate clearance times, reduce costs for importers, optimize resource utilization, and intensify the fight against smuggling.
Authorities also emphasize that these actions not only contribute to securing public revenues, but also to environmental protection and sustainable preservation of Mozambique’s natural resources.
