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 restrictions
All goods imported must be entered and cleared with customs. The warrant for the release of imported goods is only issued after all statutory requirements have been complied with. Goods may be entered by the importer or his authorised agent.
When entering goods, full disclosure of all matters is required. Customs may call for additional information including supporting evidence to substantiate declarations made.
The average processing time varies from a couple of hours to 24 hours after lodgement; if documents are complete and accurately raised, processing times may be considerably reduced.
Requests for speedier clearances may be made to address emergencies or special needs (approvals are issued on a case by case basis, subject to appropriate security).
Special procedures and requirements apply in the case of temporary imports, goods without proper documentation, short shipments, wrong supplies, requests for duty refund or drawback, warehousing etc.
Importation of fresh fruit, vegetables and meat require:
- Prior import permit from quarantine authorities in Apia before importation
- Phytosanitary certificate from country of origin
Importation of fresh fruit and vegetables from certain places such as Brisbane and Australian Northern Territories are prohibited (further details may be obtained from the Quarantine division of the Ministry of Agriculture).
Motor vehicles, arms and ammunition and liquor are also subject to import licence. Foreign exchange is controlled by the Central Bank of Samoa - allocation is made upon submission of import documents.
Tariff
Samoa use the Harmonised Tariff System. Current based on the Customs Co-operation Council Nomenclature. Non discriminatory tariff (same rates apply to goods irrespective of source country). Import duties are predominantly ad valorem (however, certain commodities may attract a specific rate or an alternative higher ad valorem/specific rate).
Import duty is levied on the CIF basis determined in accordance with the Brussels Definition of Value Principles (BDV). Import duty rates vary from zero per cent to 60 per cent, however, the predominant rate is 35 per cent.
Generally, basic foodstuffs attract zero or low duty rates, raw material (intermediate rates) and finished goods higher rates.
Customs authority contact details:
Comptroller of Customs
Customs Department
PO Box 44
Apia, Samoa
Tel: +685 21 561
Fax: +685 21 563
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 second-hand sacks, bags, bales and other containers made entirely or predominantly of material of vegetable origin is restricted.
Outer containers should bear consignee’s mark and port mark and should also be numbered (to accord with packing list) unless their contents can be otherwise readily identified.
Packages containing poisonous substances require special marking and effective packaging- All goods should be clearly marked with the country of origin.
Specific regulations govern the labelling of wool products and most clothing.
Weights and measures
The metric system.
Insurance
Normal commercial practice.
Methods of quoting and payment
Quotations in any of the major trading currencies CIF, CIF import payments:
- Payment in advance – up to WS$3000
- Open account – up to WS$10,000
- Sight drafts – up to WS$30,000
- Letter of credit - WS$30,000
- Approvals for payments over WS$30,000 are subject to specific application to the Central Bank of Samoa
Public health requirements
Livestock, animal and vegetable products are subject to strict quarantine and health requirements (see also 'Special certificates').
Documentation
Fax signatures are not permitted.
Commercial invoice
No prescribed form. A minimum of two copies with the original copy is required by customs. The invoice must indicate the usual details including both CIF (Incoterms 2000) and current domestic values:
- Net and gross weights
- Unit quantities
- Packing details
- Country of origin
Bill of lading
No special requirements. Gross weight of each package must be shown on the non-negotiable copies. 'To Order' bills are acceptable.
Special certificates
Livestock and animal products must be accompanied by sanitary certificates issued by the approved authority in the country or origin. In Australia this is usually the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service, Commonwealth Department of Primary Industries and Energy, the State Department of Agriculture.
Vegetable products require phytosanitary certificates issued by the approved authority in the country of origin.
Whisky imports must be accompanied by a customs certificate of age (minimum five years in wood).
Taxation
The following taxes are levied on imports:
- Import duty – majority of items
- Import excise – certain items only
- Import VAGST – all goods
- Beverage container tax – carbonated beverages (excluding wine)
- Accident Compensated Levy – petroleum fuel only
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