Tuvalu
TV · TUV
As of: 7/1/2026
Insel-Importmarkt / periphere Pazifik-Endstelle
Capital: Funafuti
PACER Plus / PICTA / SPARTECASeaAirRoadImport VAT: Consumption Tax (TCT) 3 Prozent auf steuerbare Einfuhren (Consumption Tax Regulations 2009Customs: niedrig bis mittelRisk: mittel bis hochPharma/Cold Chain: niedrigDangerous Goods: niedrigE-Commerce: niedrig
Overview
Tuvalu (ISO code: TV) lies in the Pacific Ocean roughly midway between Hawaii and Australia and consists of nine low-lying atolls and reef islands. It is a constitutional monarchy within the Commonwealth. The climate is tropical-maritime with a wet season from November to April. The economy rests on fishing, copra, licence fees, remittances and development aid; tourism is marginal. Tuvalu depends heavily on imports of food, fuel, consumer goods and building materials while exporting mainly fish and coconut products. Logistically the atolls have only small harbours, a single daytime airport and rudimentary roads, so the country plays almost no transit role. The currency is the Australian dollar (AUD).
Mentioned countries
Area26 km²
Population10,643
CurrencyAustralian Dollar (AUD)
Economic areaPACER Plus / PICTA / SPARTECA
ContinentOceania
ReligionsChristentum
ISO codeTV / TUV
Customs & Import/Export
Customs authority
Tuvalu Revenue and Customs Department, Ministry of Finance and Economic DevelopmentImport system
Elektronische Zollabwicklung über ASYCUDAWorld (tuvalu.asycuda.org); Rechtsgrundlage Customs Revenue and Border Protection Act 2014. Zollwert nach CIF.
Export system
Ausfuhrabfertigung ebenfalls über ASYCUDAWorld; Ausfuhrbewilligungen und phytosanitäre Zertifikate über die zuständigen Ministerien (Agrar/Fischerei).
Import VAT
- Consumption Tax (TCT) 3 Prozent auf steuerbare Einfuhren (Consumption Tax Regulations 2009
- gesetzlicher Rahmen 3 bis 10 Prozent).
Customs complexityniedrig bis mittel
Import documents
- Handelsrechnung
- Packliste
- Konnossement oder Luftfrachtbrief
- Einfuhrbewilligung (Tiere/Pflanzen/Lebensmittel)
- Consumption-Tax-Erklärung
Export documents
- Handelsrechnung
- Packliste
- Ausfuhrbewilligung/Export Permit
- Phytosanitäres Zertifikat (Agrar- und Fischprodukte)
Origin proofs / FTA
Ursprungsnachweise im Rahmen von PACER Plus, PICTA und SPARTECA; präferenzieller Marktzugang vor allem nach Australien und Neuseeland.
Restricted & prohibited goods
Einfuhrbewilligung für Tiere, Pflanzen und deren Produkte; Kontrolle von Waffen, Suchtstoffen, ozonschichtschädigenden Stoffen und CITES-Arten; hohe Abgaben auf Tabak.
Export controls & sanctions
Ausfuhrkontrolle über den Customs Revenue and Border Protection Act 2014; kein dokumentiertes eigenständiges Sanktionsregime. Als UN-Mitglied gelten die UN-Sicherheitsrats-Vorgaben.
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)
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
Seefracht
n/aLuftfracht
n/aStrasse
n/aSchiene
n/aCargo airports
- Funafuti International Airport (FUN / NGFU) - einziger Flughafen, nur Tagbetrieb, Fiji Airways ATR 72 ab Suva und Nadi, begrenzte Beiladefracht
Seaports / access ports
- Port of Funafuti (Fongafale / Vaiaku Wharf) - einziger internationaler Hafen, monatlicher Containeranlauf, keine spezialisierten Containeranlagen
Road corridors & border crossings
- Innerinsulare Strasse auf Fongafale (Funafuti) - kurzes lokales Netz, keine überregionalen Korridore
Top trade lanes
- Suva (Fidschi) - Funafuti (Seefracht, monatlicher Containerdienst)
- Nadi/Suva - Funafuti (Luftfracht Beiladung)
- Australien/Neuseeland - Funafuti (Zulieferung über Fidschi)
Risk & Operational Notes
Logistics riskmittel bis hoch
Customs delay riskmittel
Port congestion riskniedrig
Risk notes
Versorgung hängt an wenigen monatlichen Schiffsanläufen und Tagflug-Verbindungen; hohe Abhängigkeit von Fidschi als Umschlagpunkt. Zyklone und steigender Meeresspiegel gefährden die niedrig liegenden Atolle.
Seasonal & weather risks
Zyklonsaison von November bis April; Springfluten (King Tides) und Überflutungen der flachen Atolle; Regenzeit mit hoher Luftfeuchtigkeit.
Current logistics notes
Ein internationaler Containerdienst pro Monat (Neptune Pacific Direct Line) mit rund 80 Containern; Funafuti International Airport nur bei Tageslicht betrieben.
As of: 2026-07-01
Operational notes – no claim to completeness. Verify with your freight forwarder and official sources.
Airports in this country
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Sources & Data Confidence
hochVerified: 2026-07-01
Official sources
- finance.gov.tv
- stats.gov.tv
- tuvalu-legislation.tv
- tuvalu.asycuda.org
Source references without warranty. For legal/tax decisions consult official authorities.
FAQ
What import tax applies in Tuvalu?
A 3 percent consumption tax (TCT) applies to taxable imports (Consumption Tax Regulations 2009). Customs duties under the Customs Revenue and Border Protection Act 2014 may apply on top.
How does cargo reach Tuvalu?
Through the Port of Funafuti, called roughly once a month by a container vessel (Neptune Pacific Direct Line), and in small volumes as belly cargo on Fiji Airways flights from Suva and Nadi.
Which customs system does Tuvalu use?
Tuvalu processes imports and exports electronically via ASYCUDAWorld (tuvalu.asycuda.org). The Tuvalu Revenue and Customs Department in the Ministry of Finance is responsible.
What currency is used in Tuvalu?
The legal tender is the Australian dollar (AUD). Tuvalu also mints its own coins pegged 1:1 to the AUD.
Is there an airport for air cargo?
Funafuti International Airport (FUN) is the only airport. It operates in daylight only and is served by Fiji Airways with ATR 72 aircraft; cargo capacity is limited to belly loads.
What does Tuvalu import and export?
Imports are mainly food, fuel, building materials and consumer goods. Exports are chiefly fish and coconut products (copra), complemented by fishing licence revenue.
What are the supply-chain risks?
Supply depends on a few monthly sailings and daytime flights via Fiji. Cyclones (November to April), king tides and rising sea levels threaten the low-lying atolls.
Which trade partners are important for Tuvalu?
Which logistics terms are especially relevant for Tuvalu?
For international shipments, these terms are a good quick start:
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