🇳🇨 Import Customs & Duties: New Caledonia
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$50
Packages under $50, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
15%
CIF value + duty. TGC (Taxe Générale sur la Consommation) at 11% on most imports. Some basic goods at reduced rates or exempt.
Clearance Time
3-7 days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0-10% | 85 |
| Clothing | 5-30% | 61-62 |
| Footwear | 5-30% | 64 |
| Food & Beverages | 0-30% | 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-5% | 84 |
| Cosmetics | 5-20% | 33 |
| Books | 0% | 49 |
| Toys & Games | 5-15% | 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Customs Clearance Process
Direction des Douanes de Nouvelle-Calédonie. French special collectivity, NOT part of EU customs territory. Own customs tariff (tarif douanier NC). TGC (Taxe Générale sur la Consommation) at 11% on imports. Protective tariffs for local industry. CFP franc (XPF) currency, pegged to euro.
What to Actually Expect
French territory with its own customs regime (not EU). Well-organized French administrative system. TGC at 11%. Protective tariffs (up to 30%) on goods competing with local industry. Nouméa port is modern. DHL, Chronopost available. Postal service via OPT NC, 1-2 weeks from France, 2-4 weeks from elsewhere. Nickel mining industry means good cargo infrastructure. Most imports from France, Australia, and China. High cost of living. Biosecurity is strict (island ecosystem protection).
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, pharmaceuticals, certain food products, and chemicals. Strict biosecurity for agricultural imports (DAVAR). Import quotas on some goods to protect local producers.
Certificate of Origin
OCT (Overseas Countries and Territories) status with EU. PACER Plus member. Standard certificates issued by Chambre de Commerce et d'Industrie (CCI).
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 New Caledonia
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for New Caledonia?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into New Caledonia is $50. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to New Caledonia?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to New Caledonia is 15%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. TGC (Taxe Générale sur la Consommation) at 11% on most imports. Some basic goods at reduced rates or exempt.
How long does customs clearance take in New Caledonia?
Typical customs clearance in New Caledonia takes 3-7 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into New Caledonia?
To import into New Caledonia, 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 New Caledonia?
New Caledonia 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.