Advice for Importers
Imports into Norfolk Island can be placed into two categories, the first being a "Commercial Importation" the second being "Personal Importation".
A commercial importation could be classed as an item imported to Norfolk Island for the purposes of sale, trade or exchange - such as merchandise, stationery, letterheads, shop fittings, samples, etc.
A personal importation could be classed as an importation of a personal item for personal use, which will not be used for sale, trade or exchange - such as clothing, computer games, books, food items, for personal use or for use by members of the family. The importer must satisfy Customs that the goods imported "are not for sale, exchange or trade".
Customs Duty is payable,
Commercial goods – where the assessed duty amount is $AUD3.00 or more.
Personal Imports – where the assessed duty amount is $AUD30.00 or more.
Goods imported to Norfolk Island by air, sea or parcel post are subject to Customs control until cleared. You may be required to call at Customs and pay customs duty before the goods are released to you.
To facilitate clearance and collection of goods you would be advised to have Original invoices, receipts and any supporting documentation to assist in the assessment of the imported goods. If the documentation presented does not meet with Customs requirements, you could be asked to supply, bank statements, copies of the order or any other documentation that may support the importation. Remember that the value of the goods will be assessed as per the Customs Act 1913.
Value of goods.
The Customs Act 1913 sets out the basis for determining the value of goods. For further information on valuation contact Norfolk Island Customs direct.
Goods sent as gifts will be subject to Customs assessment and valuation, and may attract customs duty. The importation of tobacco products will attract high level of customs duty.
Restrictions apply to the importation of alcohol. This includes sending a bottle of wine as a gift. Permission to import alcohol can be obtained, but must be obtained before importation. For more information on "Alcohol Imports", contact Norfolk Island Customs direct
Clearance of Imports
Goods imported by ship
An import entry is to be lodged within14 days of receipt of the goods. Goods imported by ship are in Customs control until an entry has been lodged and passed for home consumption. Any import, imported by ship may be intercepted at any time and be held at Customs pending further examination. If there is any reason why an import entry can not be lodged in the 14-day period, an extension of time to submit an entry may be requested, by writing to the Collector of Customs.
Goods imported by Air
Goods imported by air, may be examined by Customs and duty assessed. The freight agent will hold any goods that attract customs duty or require further examination and assessment. The agent may release goods that Customs have marked "Screened Free". Imports that attract duty or require further examination can only be released, once the importer has obtained a release slip from Norfolk Island Customs.
Goods Imported by Parcel Post
Goods imported by parcel post are examined by Norfolk Island Customs, before being released to the Post Office. The Post Office will then notify the importer of the need to contact Customs, either to pay customs duty or to provide further information, or documentation. The imported goods will not be released until Customs have given postal staff permission to do so. Goods that are marked "Screen Free" or "May be Delivered" will be released by postal staff as per regular postal service.
NOTE:
All mail including regular mail, may be inspected or xrayed by Norfolk Island Customs.
DO NOT SEND ILLICIT OR PROHIBITED ITEMS THROUGH THE POST. HEAVY PENALTIES COULD BE IMPOSED ON THE RECIPIENT AND/OR THE SENDER.
Goods subject to Quarantine inspection may be destroyed or fumigated. Charges may apply for fumigation. Contact either Customs or Health and Quarantine direct, for further information.
Customs House Taylors Road Norfolk Island 2899
Ph (Int+) 6723 22140 | Fax (Int+) 6723 23260 | E-mail customs@admin.gov.nf