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(Last updated: 8 May 2009)
Business etiquette
Bribery of foreign public officials is a crime. Australian individuals and companies can be prosecuted in Australia for bribing foreign officials when overseas. For more information, go to the Attorney General's Department on foreign bribery. |
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Tariffs and non-tariff barriers
Import regulations similar to those of the USA are employed.
Guam is a free port and therefore no customs duties are levied.
Customs authority contact details:
Acting Chief
Customs and Quarantine Division
590 South Marine Drive, Suite 601
GITC Building
Tamuning, GUAM
Tel: +1 671 646 5841
Fax: +1 671 646 7242
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Product certification, labelling and packaging
Goods should be securely packed, having due regard to the nature of
the goods, means of transport and likely climatic conditions during
transit and delivery.
Use of hay, straw, grass or chaff is prohibited.
Outer containers should show country of origin of the goods and bear
consignee's mark and port mark. They should also be numbered (to accord
with packing list) unless their contents can be otherwise readily
identified.
Labelling of imports follows normal commercial practice:
- Name and address of manufacturer, packer or distributor
- Description of contents, including quantities in acceptable measurements
- Usage and safety labelling when specified
Special certificates
Health certificates issued by the appropriate authorities in the
country of origin are required for live animals, animal products,
plants and plant products. In Australia, this is usually the Australian
Quarantine and Inspection Service, Commonwealth Department of
Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry-Australia or the relevant state
department of agriculture.
Meat and any produce must meet USDA approval, and these are quite
restrictive for Australian products. Meat products must come from a
USDA approved facility in Australia.
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Methods of quoting
Quotes should be in US dollars CIF. Payment is usually by 30-day letter of credit and sight draft. |
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Documentary requirements
Commercial invoice
No prescribed form, however, must include an accurate description of
goods, quantities, etc. Special summary invoices are required for
steel, and cotton and linen fabrics.
Bill of lading/airway bill
'To Order' bills are acceptable. A minimum of four copies is required.
Guam customs require one copy and at least two copies are to be sent to
the consignee at port of destination.
Packing list
Details should be concise and in conformity with details indicated in the commercial invoice.
Public health requirements
US Food and Drug Administration regulations apply and are administered
by the Guam Department of Public Health and Social Service. All food
and drink products must have labels that conform to US Health
Department content, style and size requirements.
Import permits are required for various specified items.
Guam is a rabies-free area and dogs are allowed relatively free access from Australia. Insurance
Normal commercial practice.
Weights and measures
US weights and measures are used. The short tonne of 2000lb is usually
used. If used in documents, etc. the term 'tonne' should be defined.
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Taxation
A gross receipts tax of four per cent, of the FOB price (Incoterms
1990), is levied on the final sale of almost all goods, not just
imports. Imports not intended for re-sale are subject to a four per
cent use tax levied upon entry. Excise tax is levied on spirituous
beverages, tobacco products and diesel fuels.
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