Import Procedures

Lodging an import declaration:

The first stage of the import clearance procedure is to lodge an entry (Customs Form 15) through the Direct Trader Input (DTI) system. The entry can only be lodged by a licensed customs agent authorized in writing by the owner of the goods to act on his/her behalf. The customs agent will deal with all the requirements needed to clear the goods through Customs and Quarantine formalities.

Documents to Be Submitted:

The second stage is for the customs agent to print a hard copy of the entry and produce it to Customs at a designated Customs office with the following documents. (This process is only interim while awaiting all Agents to go online. At a future date, only nominated entries will require printing and producing with supporting documents.)

Check the Declaration and Supporting Documents:

The third stage is the checking and verification of the declaration and the attached documents submitted to ensure the goods have been correctly classified using the Customs tariff, the correct value of the goods has been calculated and declared and the correct rate of duty has been applied. (At a future date, this check will only be required on nominated entries as all other will be electronically cleared.)

Payment of Duties and Taxes:

The fourth stage is payment of applicable duties and taxes as detailed on the notice of assessment. There are currently two means for payment of import duties and taxes; these are by cash or by approved company or Bank cheques, payable at a Customs office. (At a future date, Electronic Funds Transfer will be a third payment option.)

Once payment has been made to Customs, the owner of the goods may only take possession of the imported goods once all transport, wharfage and other fees have been paid. Goods remain under the control of Customs until they are lawfully removed from a Customs Controlled Area.

Inspect and Release Cargo:

At any time up to the release of cargo from a Customs Controlled Area, Customs has the right to examine the imported goods to determine the nature, origin, condition, quantity, and value of the goods declared to Customs. Customs may also examine consignments where intelligence and risk assessment indicate they may contain prohibited or restricted imports.

Required Import Documents

• Airway Bill (Air shipments) or Bill of Lading (Surface shipments)
• Commercial Invoice containing correct value of the imported items
• Packing List/Inventory List containing detailed description of the imported items
• Customs Valuation Declaration/Customs Entry (Form15)

Import permits/Licenses (import of some goods is restricted in that they may only be imported under the authority of a permit or license without which the goods are prohibited).

This information is extracted from the PNG Customs website. Detailed information is available at:  https://customs.gov.pg (website is currently being rebuilt).