The Mozambique Cereals Institute (ICM) launched on Wednesday (21) a new mandatory pre-registration mechanism for all economic operators interested in importing rice and wheat, under Ministerial Decree No. 132/2025 of December 31.
According to the call issued by the ICM, the measure aims to enhance transparency and efficiency in supplying the domestic market, ensuring greater institutional control over import flows of the two main cereals consumed in Mozambique. Pre-registration is an essential condition for any operator wishing to access the new import licensing model.
Expressions of interest must be formalized by January 30, 2026, by delivering a letter addressed to the director-general of the ICM in person at the institution’s headquarters in Maputo, or electronically via info.icm.gov.mz.
The documentation required for pre-registration includes: a valid commercial registration certificate, articles of association published in the Boletim da República (Official Gazette), an importer’s card, a commercial or industrial activity license, an order list with technical specifications of the products and expected quantities, an annual import plan, and identification of the rice brand represented in the national territory.
This measure is part of the new regulatory framework established by the Government, which determines the progressive centralization of rice and wheat imports under the exclusive management of the Mozambique Cereals Institute, starting in February and May 2026, respectively.
The pre-registration now required of operators is the first operational step in this model, which aims to strengthen institutional control over the supply chain, combat under-invoicing practices, prevent the illegal outflow of foreign exchange, and ensure price stabilization in the domestic market.
The initiative also comes in response to concerns from the private sector, with a dialogue commission having been set up between the Executive and economic operators to mitigate any constraints during the transition to the new regime.
