VI. Trade Regulations and Standards

 Tariffs and Import Taxes:

 Export taxes were eliminated in 1990 except for a three percent
 fee on cotton and gold exports.  Import taxes on many goods
 were reduced or eliminated in 1994.

 Customs Valuation:

 Valuation is based on a cost/insurance/ocean marine/inland
 marine formula (the "caf" system).  Customs duties are expected
 to be  Harmonized with other members of the francophone
 Economic and Monetary Union of West Africa (UEMOA).

Import Licenses: Required.

Obtained normally within a month by individuals on presentation
of a "nationality certificate" and "judiciary record", and by
firms on presentation of a  "Company status" document.

Export Controls:

Bulls under five years of age and cows of reproductive age cannot
be exported except under special agreements for breeding
purposes.  Live animal, meat and plant exports requires sanitary
certificates.  Handicraft exports require authorization from the
ministry of culture and tourism issued through the National
Museum.  Mali concluded a cultural protection agreement with the
United States this year to discourage export of Malian
antiquities.

Import/Export Documentation:

Importers should submit a declaration of intent to import and
present an import/export license to the national directorate for
economic affairs.  Exporters should present an import/export
license.

Temporary Entry:

Goods and equipment may be granted temporary entry for display at
trade shows, use on construction projects or for other temporary
purposes.

Labeling/Marking Requirements: none

Prohibited Imports:

Narcotics, or foreign products labeled as originating in Mali.
Medicines, veterinary products, vehicles larger than sedans, arms
and ammunition, tobacco products and fishing nets with holes
under 50mm in diameter require prior approval from the concerned
ministries.

Free Trade Zones/Warehouses:

None except for bonded customs warehouses for goods in transit.

Membership in Free Trade Arrangements:

The Francophone West African Monetary Union (UMOA) was replaced
by an Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) in April of this year.
Member states include all francophone West African nations except
Guinea.   The union aims to eliminate barriers to the free
movement of goods, capital and labor among member countries and
harmonize standards, insurance, accounting, commercial law and
tax and tariff policies.