JVK Pacific Ltd.
Nuku’alofa,
Tonga.
Tel: (676) 7746228
E-mail: Please contact branch through the Contact Us page

TONGA
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS

HOUSEHOLD GOODS AND PERSONAL EFFECTS

To import duty free shipper must have a  work permit ( for expatriate) or have resided outside of  Tonga for a minimum 12 months prior to returning to Tonga  and must have owned and used all the personal effects for a minimum 12 months and are all for personal use and not for re-sale. However, all returning national’s shipments are subject to 15% consumption tax on the CIF value. All non-diplomatic shipments will be subject to full examination by customs at the port/airport.

For any shipper that does not fulfil these criteria the entire shipment will be subject to import duty at varying rates.

Diplomats require duty free certificate issued by Ministry of Foreign Affairs whilst UN/NGO/AID employees require duty free certificate issued by their sponsor government department.

All shipments must be ISPM15 compliant. Additional quarantine charges might apply

PROHIBITED AND RESTRICTED GOODS

Never mix personal effects with commercial goods.
Generally pornography, guns, fireworks, narcotics, gambling instruments and subversive or offensive literature are banned as are agricultural products.

MOTOR VEHICLES (AUTOS AND MOTORBIKES)

Cars are complicated to import. Generally only diplomats can import duty free but under certain circumstances individuals can import but the procedure is lengthy and complicated. Most cars will be dutiable at varying rates dependent on age and engine size plus 15% consumption tax on the CIF value. Check with JVK before shipping.

ANIMALS AND PETS

Pets may be imported but a valid Import Permit is required to be issued prior to arrival of the pet. Pets must be forwarded as manifested cargo under an Airway Bill (not hand carried). To apply for an Import Permit we require the general details of the pet (name, sex, breed, age, color). Import Permits can take up to 2 weeks to issue and shipments MUST NOT be forwarded without an Import Permit. When the pet is forwarded it is essential that the rabies vaccination and general vaccination certificates are attached to the Airway Bill. Up to 4 months quarantine is required at an approved quarantine establishment. Length of quarantine depends which country the pet is imported from. Contact JVK for more details.

CONSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS

Please contact the JVK office for consignment instructions.