🇵🇬 Import Customs & Duties: Papua New Guinea
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$50
Packages under $50, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
15%
CIF value + duty. GST at 10% on most imports.
Clearance Time
5-14 days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0-15% | 85 |
| Clothing | 15-40% (protective) | 61-62 |
| Footwear | 15-40% | 64 |
| Food & Beverages | 0-40% (high protection on local produce) | 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-10% | 84 |
| Cosmetics | 15-25% | 33 |
| Books | 0% | 49 |
| Toys & Games | 15-25% | 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Customs Clearance Process
PNG Customs Service under Internal Revenue Commission (IRC). ASYCUDA World system. MSG and PACER Plus trade agreements. GST at 10% on imports. High protective tariffs (up to 40%) on goods competing with local industry. Lae and Port Moresby are the main ports.
What to Actually Expect
Largest Pacific Island nation but with extremely challenging infrastructure. Lae and Port Moresby are the main ports, customs can be very slow, 1-4 weeks for clearance. DHL and TNT available in Port Moresby and Lae only. Postal mail unreliable, 4-8 weeks. Highland regions nearly inaccessible (no roads to many areas). Security concerns in some areas. Corruption is a known issue. Mining sector (LNG, gold, copper) ensures decent logistics for industrial imports. Kina (PGK) currency. Strict biosecurity.
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, used vehicles, certain agricultural products. NAQIA (National Agricultural Quarantine and Inspection Authority) handles biosecurity. Import permits from ICCC for some goods.
Certificate of Origin
MSG certificate for Melanesian trade. PACER Plus for Pacific trade. General certificates from PNG Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
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 Papua New Guinea
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Papua New Guinea?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Papua New Guinea is $50. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Papua New Guinea?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Papua New Guinea is 15%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. GST at 10% on most imports.
How long does customs clearance take in Papua New Guinea?
Typical customs clearance in Papua New Guinea takes 5-14 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Papua New Guinea?
To import into Papua New Guinea, 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 Papua New Guinea?
Papua New Guinea 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.