🇸🇧 Import Customs & Duties: Solomon Islands
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$50
Packages under $50, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
15%
CIF value + duty. Goods and Services Tax 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 | 10-30% | 61-62 |
| Footwear | 10-30% | 64 |
| Food & Beverages | 0-20% | 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-5% | 84 |
| Cosmetics | 10-15% | 33 |
| Books | 0% | 49 |
| Toys & Games | 10-15% | 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Customs Clearance Process
Solomon Islands Customs and Excise Division. ASYCUDA World system. MSG member. Goods tax (GST) at 10% on imports. Import duties 0-30%. SBD (Solomon Islands Dollar) currency. Honiara port (Point Cruz) is the main entry. PACER Plus and MSG trade agreements.
What to Actually Expect
Remote Melanesian island nation. Honiara port (Guadalcanal) is the main entry, small port with limited capacity. Cargo ships from Australia and Fiji every 1-2 weeks. No international courier services to most islands. DHL has limited presence in Honiara only. Postal mail 4-8 weeks. Outer islands (Western Province, Malaita) extremely remote, inter-island cargo boats. Security improved since RAMSI intervention. GST 10% plus duties. Infrastructure very basic. Logging exports subsidize import shipping.
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 some agricultural products. Biosecurity Solomon Islands for quarantine inspection. Import permits for vehicles.
Certificate of Origin
MSG certificate for Melanesian trade. PICTA for Pacific regional trade. General certificates from Solomon Islands 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 Solomon Islands
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Solomon Islands?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Solomon Islands is $50. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Solomon Islands?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Solomon Islands is 15%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. Goods and Services Tax at 10% on most imports.
How long does customs clearance take in Solomon Islands?
Typical customs clearance in Solomon Islands takes 5-14 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Solomon Islands?
To import into Solomon 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 Solomon Islands?
Solomon 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.