Business opportunities
The Opportunities Online website may be a useful addition to your information sources. The database established by Austrade aims to deliver international sales leads ('export opportunities'), including tenders, generated by our overseas network to Australian businesses.
Registering is simple and once this is done you will have the option of accessing a weekly newsletter featuring the most recent opportunities uploaded onto the system in industry sectors of interest to you. Another feature is the ability to view, and also print, the complete page of opportunity details.
For general inquiries concerning Austrade’s services, please contact Austrade Direct on 13 28 78.
Business etiquette
Please note: 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.
Tariffs and regulations
Import regulations
Import regulations similar to those of the USA are employed.
Tariff
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
Packing, marking and labelling
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
Weights and measures
US weights and measures are used. The short tonne of 2000 lb is usually used. If used in documents, etc. the term 'tonne' should be defined.
Insurance
Normal commercial practice.
Methods of quoting and payment
Quotes should be in US dollars CIF. Payment is usually by 30-day letter of credit and sight draft.
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.
Documentation
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.
Certificate of origin
Required only for a few specific commodities.
Bill of lading
'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.
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.
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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