Quick Answer
Cheapest option
EMS
$35.62/kg
3-7 days
Fastest option
EMS
3-7 days
$35.62/kg
Duty-free under
$50
VAT / Sales Tax: 15%
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Data as of April 2026
Phone / documents (0.5 kg)
$26.72
EMS
3-7 d
Clothing 2kg
$51.67
EMS
Box 5kg
$89.08
EMS
Heavy 10kg
$149.64
EMS
1 results
EMS Express
★ 2.5(340)Delivery Time
3–7 days
Estimated Price
$35.62
Rates are estimates based on published tariffs. Actual rates may vary depending on account type, surcharges, fuel adjustments, and package dimensions. Contact carriers directly for exact quotes.
Estimated arrival
May 14 — 20, 2026
Business days only (excludes weekends and holidays)
Rates aggregated from public carrier data, updated weekly. How we collect data
Below de minimis threshold, no duty!: $50 USD
| Carrier | Included | Premium | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| DHL Express | Yes ($100) | 2.5% | Basic coverage included. Extended up to $50,000 |
| FedEx | Yes ($100) | 2.8% | Declared value coverage. Max $50,000 per package |
| UPS | Yes ($100) | 2.7% | Declared value. Max $50,000. High-value surcharge above $5,000 |
| EMS | Yes ($50) | — | Basic SDR-based compensation only. No premium option |
| USPS | Yes ($5) | 3% | Priority Mail Express includes $100. Extra insurance up to $5,000 |
| Royal Mail | Yes ($50) | 2.5% | Consequential loss cover. Max £2,500 for international |
| Aramex | No | 3% | Optional insurance. Covers damage and loss |
| SF Express | Yes ($30) | 2% | Basic coverage included for declared value |
| DPD | Yes ($520) | — | Standard liability €520. No premium insurance option |
| Japan Post | Yes ($200) | — | Registered mail includes coverage up to 200 SDR |
| Carrier | Previous | Current | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| EMSEMS Express | $35.26 | $35.62 | +1% |
Compared to rates from 30 days ago
Indicative rates for common product categories
| Category | HS Code | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 85 | 0-20% |
| Clothing | 61-62 | 10-20% |
| Footwear | 64 | 10-20% |
| Food & Beverages | 01-24 | 0-20% |
| Machinery | 84 | 0-5% |
| Cosmetics | 33 | 10-20% |
| Books | 49 | 0% |
| Toys & Games | 95 | 10-20% |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on HS code. Use the calculator below for your specific item.
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.
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.
Where to obtain documents
Certificate of origin: PACER Plus for Pacific trade. PICTA for regional preferences. General certificates from Samoa Chamber of Commerce. Import licenses: Required for firearms, alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural products. Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries for biosecurity. Import permits for vehicles.
Limited direct trade data between AO and WS. Most shipping routes go via major logistics hubs in Europe, UAE, or Singapore.
Key imports into WS: Consumer goods, machinery, electronics. Key exports from AO: Crude oil, diamonds, refined petroleum, natural gas, coffee, fish, timber, iron ore. Strict biosecurity. Limited shipping options. Sea freight often the only option for parcels.
Based on shipper reports, delivery from AO to WS takes 7-21 days depending on the service. Express couriers (DHL, FedEx, UPS) offer faster delivery in 3-7 days. Accurate customs declarations are recommended to speed up the process.
| Category | Restrictions |
|---|---|
| Lithium batteries | Only installed in device. Standalone prohibited by air carriers. |
| Alcohol | Restricted or prohibited. Import license typically required. |
| Food | Phytosanitary certificate may be required. Perishables: express only. |
| Medications | Up to 3-month supply with prescription. Commercial import needs license. |
| Art & antiques | Export permit may be needed. Insurance strongly recommended. |
| Electronics | Check voltage. Some countries require CE/FCC certification. |
AO and WS are both members of the following trade agreements: WTO. These agreements may provide reduced or zero customs duties on qualifying goods. Be sure to obtain a certificate of origin to take advantage of preferential tariff rates.
VAT/GST rate: 15% (VAGST). Applies to: CIF value + duty. VAGST at 15% on most imports.