🇲🇭 Import Customs & Duties: Marshall Islands
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$50
Packages under $50, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
15%
Gross Revenue Tax at 4% on imports and sales.
Clearance Time
5-14 days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0-8% | 85 |
| Clothing | 5-12% | 61-62 |
| Footwear | 5-12% | 64 |
| Food & Beverages | 0-12% | 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-5% | 84 |
| Cosmetics | 5-8% | 33 |
| Books | 0% | 49 |
| Toys & Games | 5-8% | 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Customs Clearance Process
Marshall Islands Customs Division. Compact of Free Association with US. US dollar is currency. Low tariff rates (0-12%). Import tax and sales tax apply. Manual customs processing, limited electronic systems.
What to Actually Expect
Remote atoll nation in central Pacific. Majuro (capital) and Kwajalein (US military base) are the main entry points. US military presence ensures some logistics infrastructure at Kwajalein. USPS serves Majuro. No international courier services beyond USPS. Cargo ships from Guam/Hawaii every 2-4 weeks. Postal mail 3-6 weeks from US. Duties low but logistics extremely expensive. Major shipping hub for tuna transshipment. Climate change flooding threatens infrastructure.
Required Documents
Commercial Invoice
Item description, quantity, value, sender and receiver details
Packing List
Detailed description of contents in each package
Customs Declaration (CN22/CN23)
Required for postal shipments
Air Waybill (AWB)
Generated by the carrier when booking the shipment
Certificate of Origin
May be required for reduced duties (FTA/preferential rates)
Export/Import License
For restricted goods (electronics, medicines, chemicals)
Import License Requirements
Required for firearms, alcohol, tobacco, and certain agricultural products. Quarantine for food and plant imports. Limited regulatory capacity.
Certificate of Origin
Standard certificate of origin. Compact of Free Association provides some US trade preferences.
Prohibited & Restricted Items
Prohibited
- xNarcotics and illegal drugs
- xExplosives and flammable materials
- xWeapons and ammunition
- xCounterfeit goods
- xCounterfeit currency and documents
Restricted (permit required)
- !Medicines and pharmaceuticals
- !Food and beverages
- !Plants and seeds
- !Electronics (lithium batteries)
- !Perfumes and cosmetics (volume limits)
Useful Links
Popular routes to Marshall Islands
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Marshall Islands?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Marshall Islands is $50. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Marshall Islands?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Marshall Islands is 15%. VAT applies to: Gross Revenue Tax at 4% on imports and sales.
How long does customs clearance take in Marshall Islands?
Typical customs clearance in Marshall Islands takes 5-14 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Marshall Islands?
To import into Marshall Islands, you typically need: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, and customs declaration. Some goods may require a certificate of origin or import license.
What items are prohibited from import into Marshall Islands?
Marshall Islands prohibits the import of narcotics, weapons, counterfeit goods, certain animal products, and hazardous materials. Restrictions may also apply to alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and certain electronics.