French Polynesia

French Polynesia Customs Contacts

Website: http://www.polynesie-francaise.pref.gouv.fr/  

Email: dr-polynesie@douane.finances.gouv.fr  

Address: BP 9006 CTC – 98 715 TAHITI

Tel: (689) 40 50 55 50 

Fax: (689) 40 43 55 45

French Polynesia is an overseas collectivity of the French Republic situated in the South Pacific Ocean. The country is divided into 5 groups of islands: The Society Islands, the Tuamotu Archipelago, the Gambier Islands, the Marquesas Islands and the Austral Islands. French Polynesia is a member of the International Trade Union Confederation, Pacific Islands Forum (associate member) and other international organizations.

Tariffs

Products coming from the European Union are exempted from duties. For other countries duties are calculated on the CIF value of products. Customs duties vary according to the nature of imported goods, which are subject to Customs classification. There is also a number of imported products exempted from customs duties.

French Polynesia applies a normal VAT of 9% on the majority of imported goods, an intermediate VAT of 6% on services and a reduced VAT of 3% on essential foodstuffs and hotel industry. 

Product certification

In order to preserve French Polynesia's unique and fragile environment, the authorities impose strict controls and restrictions on the importation of products that may present a phytosanitary or zoosanitary risk.

These are the main restricted items:

• Fresh fruit, dried fruit and nuts
• Fresh plant produce (food) and grains
• Plants, seeds, etc.
• Plant products (wood, grains, fresh or dried flowers, food, medicines, etc.)
• Soil
• Soiled camping or sports equipment
• Meat
• Eggs and egg products
• Dairy products
• Honey and other apiculture products
• Products of animal origin (wool, feathers, etc.)

If you are importing one or more restricted items, you should have all the necessary sanitary documents (import licence, phytosanitary or veterinary health certificate). 

Sources:

http://www.biosecurite.gov.pf/voyageurs/voyageurs2.php  

http://www.taxfreehaven.info/french-polynesia-tax-rates-5/