Ships

Customs and Shipping Guidelines
Regional Operations Border Security Sea Travel Ships

Masters and importers must provide advance notice of all cargo and are legally required to answer all Customs inquiries truthfully to the best of their knowledge and belief.

Chapter 101, Customs Act
PNG Customs vessel boarding officer at ship's berthing point

First Port Arrivals & Pre-Arrival Reporting

The Master, Owner, or Agent of a ship must notify Customs of their impending arrival.

  •   Impending Arrival Report: This must include the estimated arrival date at the first PNG port and any subsequent ports.
  •   48-Hour Rule: Generally, reports must be submitted 48 hours before arrival.
  •   24-Hour Exception: If the journey from the last port is less than 48 hours, the report is due 24 hours before arrival.
  •   Cargo Reports (Manifests): Ships carrying cargo must submit a manifest via the ASYCUDA system or to a Customs office 48 hours before arrival.
Required Documents on Arrival

Aside from the cargo manifest, ships must produce the following:

  • Clearance from the last port of call.
  • Inwards Manifest and the vessel's itinerary/voyage details.
  • Consumption List and Articles in Possession.
  • Crew List Appendix and Passenger List.
  • Transires: Required when reporting from another port within PNG.
  • Collector’s Permit and an application for clearance with a guarantee to pay duty.
  • Certificate of Pratique (issued by the National Department of Health).
  • List of Ship’s Stores and Ship’s Bunkers.
  • Ship’s Articles (if requested by a Customs Officer).
Key Note: Vessel searches may be conducted if movement is deemed suspicious of illegal activities.

Last Port Outwards

When departing PNG, the master or owner must provide a notice of impending departure.

The report is required 24 hours before the nominated departure date from the last PNG port.
Required Departure Reports
  • Ship's Outward Report.
  • Passenger and Crew Report.
  • Report of Stores/Bunker Outwards.

Cargo and Goods

When departing PNG, the master or owner must provide a notice of impending departure.

General and Temporary Imports
  • General Imports: Commercial goods brought into PNG for sale are subject to standard duty and tax rates.
  • Temporary Imports: Commercial or personal goods brought in temporarily may be admitted under bond (without immediate duty/tax payment) subject to specific conditions.
Transhipments
  • Reporting: Goods being moved through PNG to another destination must be reported on a cargo report.
  • Tracking: Customs will provide a transaction number that is reconciled once the consignment is exported.

Crew and Passengers

Crew Entitlements and Changes
  • Duty-Free Allowance: At the first port, each crewmember is allowed 250 cigarettes (or equivalent tobacco) and one bottle of spirits (up to 1.125 litres) per month.
  • Signing Off: Crew need Customs approval to sign off a vessel, which requires a letter from the Master guaranteeing their departure and a valid travel document.
  • Joining a Vessel: Non-PNG crew joining a vessel must obtain a visa that allows them to sign on within 72 hours of arrival.
  • Absent Crew: On departure, the Master must report any crewmembers who were present on arrival but are now absent, with or without leave. Failure to do so can result in a large fine.
Passenger Requirements
  • Visas: All non-citizens must have a valid passport and visa before arrival.
  • Border Visas: Those arriving without a visa must apply for a 30-day Border Visa through Immigration. Because Immigration officers are not always at ports, this can cause significant delays.
  • Documentation: Every passenger must present a valid passport and a completed Incoming Passenger Card to the clearance officer.
Stowaways

A stowaway is any person on board who is not listed as crew, a crew dependent, or a passenger.

  • Notification: The Master or Agent is legally required to notify Customs of any stowaways at the first port of arrival.
  • Liability: All costs for the detention and removal of a stowaway are the responsibility of the carrier.

⚠️ Penalties for non-compliance with PNG border legislation can be severe. If you are unsure about permits or conditions, contact PNG Customs immediately for information.

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