Country profile
Saint Pierre and Miquelon
PM · SPMAs of: 6/28/2026Island supply / Fisheries export (North Atlantic)
Saint-Pierre and Miquelon is a French overseas territory (PTOM) in the North-West Atlantic off Newfoundland. It lies outside the EU customs union and the EU VAT area, but uses the euro. There is no VAT; imports are taxed according to the local customs tariff. Supply runs by sea freight from Halifax (Canada) and Le Havre, and by air freight via Air Saint-Pierre. The main export is fish.
Overview
Saint Pierre and Miquelon (ISO code: PM) is a French overseas collectivity in the Northwest Atlantic, just south of the Canadian island of Newfoundland. It enjoys broad autonomy and, as an Overseas Country and Territory (OCT) associated with the EU, lies outside the EU customs union, the EU VAT area and the Schengen zone, while still using the euro and granting its residents EU citizenship. The territorial council holds full customs and fiscal autonomy, so virtually all goods entering the archipelago are taxed under a local customs tariff; there is no VAT. The subarctic maritime climate brings cold, snowy winters and frequent fog. The economy rests on fisheries, services and tourism, and the islands depend heavily on imports for food, fuel, consumer goods and construction materials. Logistically the territory is served by the port of Saint-Pierre, with a state-supported maritime freight link to Halifax (Canada) and a European service from Le Havre, and by Saint-Pierre Pointe-Blanche Airport, where Air Saint-Pierre operates passenger and cargo flights to Canada.
Mentioned countries
Glossary terms
Customs & Import/Export
Customs authority
Directorate-General for Customs and Indirect Duties (DGDDI) – Customs of Saint-Pierre-et-MiquelonImport system
Own customs territory outside the EU customs union; full customs and tax autonomy of the territorial authority. Imports are cleared according to the local customs tariff.
Export system
Export clearance via the French customs administration. Originating goods from the OCT enter the EU duty-free (non-reciprocal Overseas Association regime).
Import VAT
- No VAT (no French TVA, outside the EU VAT area). Imports are subject to local customs duties and local consumption taxes.
Import documents
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Transport document (B/L or AWB)
- Local customs declaration
Export documents
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Transport document
- Proof of origin EUR.1 for EU access
- Health and catch certificate for fish
Origin proofs / FTA
OCT-originating goods receive duty-free EU market access (overseas association). Preferential proof via movement certificate EUR.1 or origin declaration.
Restricted & prohibited goods
French and internationally common prohibitions and restrictions apply (weapons, narcotics, species protected under CITES). Sanitary controls for food and animals.
Export controls & sanctions
France applies the EU and UN sanctions and export control regimes; no territory-specific sanctions against Saint-Pierre and Miquelon.
Without warranty — always verify with freight forwarder/customs agent and official authorities.
Customs / Import / Export (Rest) — General process
Quick operational overview for international shipments. Depending on the destination (Oceania, Middle East, or other regions), steps, pre-filings and documents may differ.
Documents (typical)
- Commercial invoice (description, value, Incoterms)
- Packing list (weights, dimensions, packages)
- HS code / tariff classification
- Proof of origin / preference docs (where relevant)
- Transport documents (AWB / Bill of Lading) depending on mode
Process (simplified)
- Prepare export (docs, HS code, origin)
- Import clearance in destination country (declaration, possible checks)
- Release and delivery; duties/taxes according to classification and value
Important: Requirements depend on goods, origin, Incoterms, value, and consignee. When in doubt, confirm with your broker/forwarder and official sources.
Official links
Note: regional/general sources. Country-specific authority links will be added iteratively.
Trade
Freight Infrastructure & Transport Network
Transport relevance
Cargo airports
- Saint-Pierre – Pointe-Blanche (FSP / LFVP)
Seaports / access ports
- Port of Saint-Pierre
- Port of Miquelon
Road corridors & border crossings
- Local road network Saint-Pierre
- Local road network Miquelon-Langlade
Top trade lanes
- Saint-Pierre – Halifax (CA, sea freight)
- Saint-Pierre – Le Havre (FR, sea freight)
- Saint-Pierre – St. John's / Montreal (CA, air freight)
Risk & Operational Notes
Risk notes
Main risks: weather (storms, dense fog, snow and ice) with flight and ferry cancellations; high import dependence; small market volume; transshipment via Canadian ports (Halifax).
Seasonal & weather risks
Subarctic-maritime: harsh winters with snow and ice, frequent dense fog (especially early summer), autumn storms (including remnants of tropical cyclones). Delays in air and sea transport.
Current logistics notes
Main sea freight line to Halifax (Canada) under a state-supported public service concession (DSP); Europe connection from Le Havre. Air freight via Air Saint-Pierre from Pointe-Blanche.
As of: 2026-06-28
Operational notes – no claim to completeness. Verify with your freight forwarder and official sources.
Airports in this country
Latest News
No news for this country yet.
View all news →Sources & Data Confidence
Official sources
- douane.gouv.fr
- douane975.fr
- insee.fr
Source references without warranty. For legal/tax decisions consult official authorities.
FAQ
Is there VAT on imports into Saint Pierre and Miquelon?
No. The territory lies outside the EU VAT area and levies no VAT. Instead, imports are taxed under a local customs tariff and local consumption duties.
Is Saint Pierre and Miquelon part of the EU customs union?
No. As an EU-associated Overseas Country and Territory (OCT) it is not part of the EU customs union or the Schengen area. The territorial council has full customs and fiscal autonomy.
What currency is used?
Legal tender is the euro (EUR). In practice the Canadian dollar is also used in some cross-border dealings with Canada.
How is the archipelago supplied by sea?
The main maritime freight line connects the port of Saint-Pierre with Halifax (Canada) under a state-supported public service delegation. There is also a service from Le Havre (France).
Are there air cargo connections?
Air Saint-Pierre serves destinations in Canada such as Montreal, Halifax and St. John's from Saint-Pierre Pointe-Blanche Airport (FSP) and offers air cargo. The runway was extended to about 2,100 metres in 2006.
Do goods from Saint Pierre and Miquelon enter the EU duty-free?
Goods originating in the OCT receive duty-free access to the EU market (overseas association, non-reciprocal). A proof of origin such as the EUR.1 movement certificate is required.
What weather-related logistics risks exist?
The subarctic maritime climate brings harsh winters with snow and ice, frequent dense fog and autumn storms. Air and ferry connections can be cancelled, so buffer time should be planned.
Which trade partners are important for Saint Pierre and Miquelon?
Which logistics terms are especially relevant for Saint Pierre and Miquelon?
For international shipments, these terms are a good quick start:
Next steps
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