Ministerial Order No. 31/2026 approving the Mechanism and Operational Procedures for the Importation of Rice and Wheat.

This Ministerial Order establishes a regulatory framework governing the importation of rice and wheat in Mozambique, with the primary objective of organizing and strengthening the coordination, planning, and monitoring of these imports. It introduces a centralized coordination mechanism led by the Mozambique Cereals Institute (Instituto de Cereais de Moçambique - ICM, IP), while maintaining decentralized execution by authorized private operators. The decree aims to ensure stability of domestic prices, reinforce State oversight over import processes, and guarantee a regular and reliable supply of these staple cereals to the national market. It aims to ensure food security and market efficiency through structured procedures and institutional responsibilities. It establishes detailed rules for importer registration, authorization of import orders, financing, logistics, and monitoring, while promoting transparency, regulated competition, and price reference mechanisms based on international markets. The regime also seeks to ensure the maintenance of strategic reserves, prioritize domestic production where feasible, and support national economic development by improving supply chains, encouraging investment, and reducing logistical costs, while providing for enforcement measures and sanctions to ensure compliance.