🇹🇻 Import Customs & Duties: Tuvalu
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$50
Packages under $50, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
15%
No VAT or sales tax. Revenue from import duties, fishing licenses, and .tv domain licensing.
Clearance Time
7-21 days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0-40% | 85 |
| Clothing | 10-40% | 61-62 |
| Footwear | 10-40% | 64 |
| Food & Beverages | 0-40% | 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-5% | 84 |
| Cosmetics | 10-40% | 33 |
| Books | 0% | 49 |
| Toys & Games | 10-40% | 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Customs Clearance Process
Tuvalu Customs under Ministry of Finance. Australian dollar is currency. Manual paper-based system. Import duties 0-40%. No VAT or GST. Funafuti (capital atoll) is the only real port. World's 4th smallest country by area (26 km2). ~12,000 population.
What to Actually Expect
AMONG THE WORLD'S MOST REMOTE DESTINATIONS and 4th smallest country. Tiny nation (~12,000 people on 26 km2 of coral atolls). Funafuti has a small wharf, cargo ships from Fiji every 3-4 weeks. NO international courier services. Fiji Airways provides limited air service. Postal mail 6-12 weeks. No VAT, import duties are major government revenue. No internet-based customs system. Outer atolls, delivery only by inter-island boat. Rising sea levels threaten the entire nation's existence. The .tv internet domain provides significant national revenue. Everything must be imported. Australian dollar is currency.
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, and certain controlled goods. Quarantine for all food and plant imports. Very basic regulatory system.
Certificate of Origin
Standard certificate of origin. PICTA member. Very limited trade agreements.
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 Tuvalu
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Tuvalu?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Tuvalu is $50. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Tuvalu?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Tuvalu is 15%. VAT applies to: No VAT or sales tax. Revenue from import duties, fishing licenses, and .tv domain licensing.
How long does customs clearance take in Tuvalu?
Typical customs clearance in Tuvalu takes 7-21 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Tuvalu?
To import into Tuvalu, 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 Tuvalu?
Tuvalu 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.