Official Guide for Applying to Become a Certified Customs House Broker in Mauritius
The Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) has issued an official notice inviting qualified individuals to apply for authorization to act as Customs House Brokers. This process involves a structured application, followed by written and oral examinations, to ensure candidates meet the necessary legal and professional standards to operate within Mauritius’s customs framework. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the application process, eligibility criteria, and key procedural steps for prospective applicants.
Scope and Purpose of the Application
The primary purpose of this application process is to select suitable candidates to participate in the Customs House Brokers examination. Successful candidates who pass both the written and oral assessments will be authorized to act as licensed Customs House Brokers, enabling them to facilitate import and export procedures on behalf of clients, ensuring compliance with Mauritian customs regulations.
This process is part of the broader regulatory framework managed by the Mauritius Revenue Authority, which aims to uphold transparency, professionalism, and legal compliance within the customs brokerage sector.
Eligibility and Entry Requirements
Applicants must meet specific criteria to be eligible to apply. These include:
- Age: Applicants must be over 18 years old.
- Educational and Experience Qualifications: Candidates should satisfy one of the following:
- Hold a School Certificate or General School Certificate with credits in at least three subjects, including English Language and Mathematics or Principles of Accounts, combined with a minimum of five years of relevant work experience in a customs-related environment such as a customs broker, freight forwarding agent, importer, or exporter.
- Have at least ten years of relevant work experience in customs operations or related fields, such as customs clerking or goods clearance activities.
- Possess any other qualification deemed equivalent and acceptable by the Director-General of the Mauritius Revenue Authority.
- Proof of Experience: Applicants must provide verifiable documentation supporting their work experience.
- Good Character Certificate: A certificate issued within the last six months confirming the applicant’s good character is required.
Application Submission Procedure
Interested individuals must complete the official application form, designated as MRA/CUS/TFCC/REG/APP BRO, which is available for download on the Mauritius Revenue Authority’s official website (www.mra.mu). The application must be submitted along with all supporting documents, including photocopies of:
- National Identity Card
- Academic certificates
- Proof of working experience
- Certificate of good character
All applications must be sent by registered post to the following address:
Mauritius Revenue Authority Customs Department Custom House, Mer Rouge Port Louis, Mauritius
To ensure proper handling, the envelope must be clearly marked with the phrase “Application for Customs House Broker” at the top left corner. The deadline for submission is 14:30 hours on 30 April 2019. Applications received after this deadline will not be considered.
Selection Process and Examination Details
Eligible candidates will be invited to undertake a written examination, the details of which are available on the MRA website. Successful candidates in the written test will then proceed to an oral examination. Both stages are designed to assess the candidate’s knowledge of customs procedures, legal requirements, and professional competence.
Prior to the written examination, candidates are required to pay a fee, the amount of which will be communicated by the MRA. Payment must be made at the Customs Department, and proof of payment will be necessary to sit for the exam.
Additional Requirements and Considerations
If an applicant does not possess a certificate of good character at the time of application, they may submit proof of their application for such a certificate. The actual certificate must be submitted either at the time of examination fee payment or within a period determined by the Director-General of the Mauritius Revenue Authority.
This structured process ensures that only qualified and reputable individuals are authorized to act as Customs House Brokers, maintaining the integrity of Mauritius’s customs operations.
Contact and Further Information
For further details regarding the examination syllabus, application procedures, or any other inquiries, candidates can contact the Mauritius Revenue Authority’s Customs Department at +230 202 0500 or via email at customs@mra.mu. Additional information and updates are regularly posted on the official MRA website (www.mra.mu).
