Samoa
WS · WSM
As of: 6/28/2026
Pazifischer Inselstaat, See- und Luftfracht-abhängig
Capital: Apia
PACER Plus / Pacific Islands ForumSeaAirRoadImport VAT: VAGST (Value Added Goods and Services Tax) 15 Prozent auf den eingeführten Warenwert (Landed Cost)Customs: mittelRisk: mittelPharma/Cold Chain: geringDangerous Goods: gering bis mittelE-Commerce: gering bis mittel
Overview
Samoa (ISO code: WS) is an island state in the South Pacific, east of Fiji and west of American Samoa. It is a parliamentary democracy and a member of the Commonwealth and the United Nations. The climate is tropical, with high temperatures year-round, high humidity and a pronounced rainy and cyclone season from November to April. The economy is small-scale and relies heavily on agriculture, fisheries, tourism and remittances from abroad. Because of its island location, Samoa depends strongly on sea and air freight, with the Port of Apia playing the central role. Exports are dominated by agricultural produce, fishery products and processed foods, while import dependence is high, especially for fuels, machinery, vehicles and consumer goods. There is no significant transit function, but Samoa serves as a regional hub for inter-island cargo. The national currency is the Samoan Tala (WST).
Mentioned countries
Area2,842 km²
Population218,019
CurrencySamoan Tala (WST)
Economic areaPACER Plus / Pacific Islands Forum
ContinentOceania
ReligionsChristentum
ISO codeWS / WSM
Customs & Import/Export
Customs authority
Ministry for Customs and Revenue (Zoll- und Steuerbehörde)Import system
Elektronische Abfertigung über ASYCUDA World (asyworld.revenue.gov.ws); Einfuhranmeldung per Customs Import Entry durch lizenzierte Zollagenten.
Export system
Ausfuhranmeldung (Customs Export Entry) ebenfalls über ASYCUDA World beim Ministry for Customs and Revenue.
Import VAT
- VAGST (Value Added Goods and Services Tax) 15 Prozent auf den eingeführten Warenwert (Landed Cost)
- Grundnahrung und Medizinprodukte null-bewertet oder befreit.
Customs complexitymittel
Import documents
- Handelsrechnung
- Packliste
- Bill of Lading / Airway Bill
- Ursprungszeugnis
- Customs Import Entry (ASYCUDA)
Export documents
- Handelsrechnung
- Packliste
- Customs Export Entry
- Ursprungszeugnis / Ursprungserklärung
- ggf. Phytosanitär-/Gesundheitszertifikat
Origin proofs / FTA
Präferenzen über PACER Plus, PICTA und EU-Pazifik-Interims-EPA (EU-Marktzugang zoll- und kontingentfrei); Nachweis per Ursprungszeugnis bzw. Ursprungserklärung.
Restricted & prohibited goods
Einfuhrverbote/-beschränkungen u.a. Waffen, Munition, Drogen, gefährdete Arten (CITES); strenge Biosicherheit für Tiere, Pflanzen und Lebensmittel (Quarantäne MAF).
Export controls & sanctions
Keine eigenen umfassenden Sanktionsregime; Samoa setzt UN-Sicherheitsrats-Sanktionen um. Keine OFAC-/EU-Listung des Landes.
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
Sea
highAir
mediumRoad
lowRail
n/aInland Waterway
n/aCargo airports
- Faleolo International Airport (APW), Upolu
Seaports / access ports
- Hafen Apia / Matautu (APW), Upolu - Haupthafen
- Asau (Savaii)
- Salelologa (Savaii)
Road corridors & border crossings
- Apia - Faleolo (Upolu)
- Faehrverbindung Mulifanua (Upolu) - Salelologa (Savaii)
Top trade lanes
- Neuseeland - Samoa
- Australien - Samoa
- Fidschi/Pazifik-Transhipment - Samoa
- China - Samoa
Risk & Operational Notes
Logistics riskmittel
Customs delay riskmittel
Port congestion riskgering bis mittel
Risk notes
Hohe Importabhängigkeit und Insellage; lange Seetransitzeiten, niedrige Frachtfrequenz. Umschlag fast ausschliesslich über Apia; Engpassrisiko bei Schiffsausfällen.
Seasonal & weather risks
Zyklon- und Regenzeit November bis April mit Risiko von Hafenschliessungen und Lieferverzögerungen; tropisch-feuchtes Klima ganzjährig.
Current logistics notes
Seefracht überwiegend via Transhipment-Hubs (Auckland, Fidschi/Suva); Linien u.a. von Neuseeland und Australien. Stand Juni 2026.
As of: 2026-06-28
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: 2026-06-28
Official sources
- revenue.gov.ws
- spasamoa.ws
- sbs.gov.ws
- mfat.gov.ws
Source references without warranty. For legal/tax decisions consult official authorities.
FAQ
What import tax applies in Samoa?
Imported goods are subject to a 15 percent VAGST (Value Added Goods and Services Tax) on the landed-cost value. Certain basic foods and medical supplies are zero-rated or exempt.
How high are import duties?
Import duties under the Customs Tariff Act 1975 are mostly between 0 and 20 percent (ad valorem), sometimes supplemented by specific or compound rates. Higher rates and excises apply to items such as tobacco, alcohol and fuels.
Which customs authority is responsible and how is clearance handled?
The Ministry for Customs and Revenue is responsible. Clearance is electronic via ASYCUDA World; import and export declarations are usually filed through licensed customs brokers.
Which ports and airports handle freight?
Almost all international freight runs through the Port of Apia (Matautu) on Upolu. Air cargo is handled at Faleolo International Airport (APW). Savaii is served via Salelologa and the Mulifanua-Salelologa ferry.
Which trade agreements does Samoa use?
Samoa is a party to PACER Plus (in force since December 2020) and PICTA and has applied the EU-Pacific interim EPA since December 2018, which grants duty-free and quota-free access for Samoan goods to the EU market.
Which import restrictions apply?
Strict biosecurity and quarantine rules apply to animals, plants and food. Weapons, ammunition, drugs and protected species (CITES) are prohibited or require a permit.
What logistics risks should be considered?
The island location means long sea transit times, low shipping frequency and near-total reliance on the Port of Apia. During the cyclone and rainy season (November to April) port closures and delays are possible.
Which trade partners are important for Samoa?
Which logistics terms are especially relevant for Samoa?
For international shipments, these terms are a good quick start:
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