Vanuatu Tariff 2026: Stay Compliant, Reduce Costs
A comprehensive guide to understanding Vanuatu Tariff rates, import duties, and classification rules to help you trade smarter and stay compliant.

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Types of Customs Duties
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Import Duty
Value Added Tax (VAT)
Excise Tax
Surcharge
Customs Overview: Vanuatu utilizes the Harmonized System (HS) for tariff classification, applying duties primarily on the CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) value of imports. The customs structure is designed to generate revenue and protect nascent local industries, consisting mainly of import duties, a standard Value Added Tax (VAT), and a customs service tax. SME importers should verify specific HS codes as rates vary significantly between essential goods and luxury or locally competing items.
| Duty/Tax Type Name | Standard Rate or Rate Range |
|---|---|
| Import Duty (Ad Valorem) | 0% – 55% (Average approx. 15-20%) |
| Value Added Tax (VAT) | 15% |
| Customs Service Tax (Surcharge) | 5% (on CIF value) |
| Excise Tax (Specific/Compound) | Varies (Alcohol, Tobacco, Fuel) |
| Antidumping / Countervailing | Case-by-case basis (Rare) |
| Section 301 / MPF / HMF | N/A (US-Specific Fees, not applicable to Vanuatu imports) |
Key Duty Definitions:
- Ad Valorem Duty: The most common tariff assessed as a percentage of the CIF value; rates escalate for luxury goods or items competing with domestic production.
- Specific & Compound Duties: Primarily applied to excise goods (like spirits or tobacco), where tax is calculated based on physical quantity (e.g., per liter) or a combination of value and quantity.
- Value Added Tax (VAT): A flat 15% tax applied to the duty-paid value (CIF + Import Duty + Excise + Service Tax) of the goods at the point of entry.
- Customs Service Tax: A 5% surcharge levied on the CIF value of most imported goods intended for home consumption, acting as a statistical or processing fee.
- Trade Defense (Antidumping): While Vanuatu has provisions for antidumping measures to counter unfair trade practices, they are not frequently applied compared to larger economies.
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