🇼🇸 Import Customs & Duties: Samoa
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$50
Packages under $50, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
15%
CIF value + duty. VAGST at 15% on most imports.
Clearance Time
3-7 days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0-20% | 85 |
| Clothing | 10-20% | 61-62 |
| Footwear | 10-20% | 64 |
| Food & Beverages | 0-20% | 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-5% | 84 |
| Cosmetics | 10-20% | 33 |
| Books | 0% | 49 |
| Toys & Games | 10-20% | 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Customs Clearance Process
Samoa Ministry for Revenue, Customs Division. ASYCUDA World system. PACER Plus member. VAGST (Value Added Goods and Services Tax) at 15% on imports. Duties 0-20%. Tala (WST) currency. Apia port (Matautu Wharf) is the main entry. WTO member since 2012.
What to Actually Expect
Small Polynesian nation (~200,000 people). VAGST at 15% plus duties up to 20%. Apia port handles cargo from NZ, Australia, Fiji, and American Samoa. DHL has limited service. Postal mail 2-4 weeks from NZ. Cargo ships every 1-2 weeks. Strong remittance economy from NZ/Australia/US diaspora drives personal imports. Customs reasonably organized with ASYCUDA World. Strict biosecurity. Cyclone season (Nov-Apr) disrupts shipping. Faleolo Airport for air cargo. WTO member since 2012.
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, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural products. Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries for biosecurity. Import permits for vehicles.
Certificate of Origin
PACER Plus for Pacific trade. PICTA for regional preferences. General certificates from Samoa Chamber of Commerce.
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 Samoa
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Samoa?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Samoa is $50. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Samoa?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Samoa is 15%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. VAGST at 15% on most imports.
How long does customs clearance take in Samoa?
Typical customs clearance in Samoa takes 3-7 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Samoa?
To import into Samoa, 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 Samoa?
Samoa 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.