Mauritania is developing its product compliance system, focusing on import controls, consumer safety, and health regulations, particularly for food, pharmaceuticals, and electronic products. The country aligns some of its standards with ISO, Codex, and African regional standards (ARSO, ECOWAS), though enforcement varies by sector.

Key Authorities:

• Ministère du Commerce, de l’Industrie, de l’Artisanat et du Tourisme – Oversees national trade policy, consumer protection, labeling, and standardization.

• Institut Mauritanien de Normalisation et de la Propriété Industrielle (IMNPI) – National standards body responsible for developing Mauritanian Standards, generally based on international norms.

• Ministry of Health (Ministère de la Santé) – Regulates pharmaceuticals, food products, cosmetics, and medical devices; manages product registration and licensing.

• Autorité de Régulation (ARE) – Manages telecom equipment approval, licensing, and frequency spectrum use.

• Mauritanian Customs (Douanes) – Verifies documentation and enforces import regulations.

Key Compliance Elements:

• Standards and Certification:

  • Mauritania currently does not have a national conformity mark, but regulated goods must comply with Mauritanian or international standards.

  • Testing may be required for electrical products, food, or construction materials.

  • Imported goods may undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI) depending on the category.

• Product Registration:

  • Mandatory for:

    • Pharmaceuticals and vaccines

    • Medical devices

    • Cosmetics and food supplements

  • Registration is handled by the Ministry of Health, requiring:

    • Product dossier

    • Test certificates or clinical data

    • Labeling in French or Arabic

    • Manufacturer and GMP details

• Telecom Type Approval (ARE):

  • All wireless and telecom equipment must receive type approval.

  • CE/FCC test reports may be used to support the application, but local approval is required before importation or sale.

• Labeling Requirements:

  • Labels must be in French and/or Arabic, and include:

    • Product name

    • Country of origin

    • Manufacturer/importer name

    • Instructions for use and safety warnings

    • Expiry date or lot number (if applicable)

    • Registration or approval ID (for regulated goods)

• Import Oversight:

  • Required documents:

    • Invoice and packing list

    • Certificate of origin

    • Import license (for restricted goods)

    • Product registration or type approval (as applicable)

    • Certificate of conformity or test report (for some goods)

• Market Surveillance:

  • Carried out by customs and sectoral authorities (e.g., Ministry of Health) to identify counterfeit, expired, or substandard goods.