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Trade facilitation · Papua New Guinea
Plain-language guidance on registering a business, clearing goods through Customs, meeting biosecurity and standards rules, and reaching export markets — with every agency you will deal with in one place.
Compiled from the National Trade Office and agency portals · checked 29 October 2026
Whether you sell coffee to Japan or import machinery from Australia, the path is the same: know the rules, be registered, and hold the right approvals before your goods move.
Understand demand, competitors, tariffs and the import or export regulations that apply to your goods — in PNG and at destination.
Register the company or business name with the IPA and obtain a Tax Identification Number from the IRC.
Some goods need a permit, certificate or inspection from a regulating agency before Customs will clear them.
Most PNG businesses are small and locally owned. These are the registrations and decisions you will meet, in order. Source
Sole trader, partnership or limited liability company. Take legal and financial advice — requirements differ by type and location.
The Investment Promotion Authority's Companies Office registers companies and business names under the Companies Act and Business Names Act. Foreign investors also obtain IPA certification.
Register with the Internal Revenue Commission for a Tax Identification Number, then for income tax and GST as they apply to you.
Each commercial bank sets its own requirements — have your IPA certificate and TIN ready and check with the bank first.
National agencies license foreign exchange, customs, mining, petroleum, agriculture, fisheries, forestry and industrial activity; provincial and urban authorities issue local licences.
Follow employment law on minimum wage, leave and employee protection, and insure the business and its assets.
All imports are declared to PNG Customs through ASYCUDA World by a licensed Customs broker, who also coordinates with biosecurity and other border agencies. Source
Authorise the broker in writing on Customs Form G26. Only a licensed broker can lodge your entry.
The broker lodges Form 15 in ASYCUDA World up to 5 clear working days before arrival and no later than 5 clear working days after the vessel's inwards report.
Copies go into ASYCUDA World; Customs may ask for printed copies at a designated office.
Documents, tariff classification, declared value and duty rate are verified, and the goods are screened for prohibitions and restrictions.
Customs may examine goods at any time before release from a Customs Controlled Area, based on risk.
Pay the notice of assessment within 5 clear working days — electronically or by EFTPOS. Cash is not accepted.
Once all approvals are in place and duties are paid, the goods are released.
Firearms, illicit drugs, pornographic material and counterfeit goods are prohibited or restricted under the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1973. See the prohibited and restricted list.
Exports by sea, air or land must be declared to Customs. Commodity exports usually also need an approval or certificate from the relevant board. Source
Research demand, competitors and the destination's import rules and tariffs.
Commodity approvals (coffee, cocoa, copra, timber, fish), phytosanitary certificates, and a certificate of origin where a trade agreement applies.
Use agents, distributors, trade shows or online platforms; price for production cost, demand and destination duties.
Lodge in ASYCUDA World up to 3 clear working days before departure and no later than 3 after the outward report. Include the owner's name, address and tax number.
Classification, value, duty rate and restrictions are checked; goods may be examined before release.
Pay within 5 clear working days, then hand over to your freight or logistics provider.
| Product | 2019 export value (USD) | Main destinations |
|---|---|---|
| Oil | 3.5 billion | Japan, China, South Korea |
| Gold | 1.6 billion | China, India, Thailand |
| Copper | 1.5 billion | China, Japan, South Korea |
| Crude petroleum | 1.1 billion | Japan, South Korea, Thailand |
| Coffee | 118 million | Japan, South Korea, Taiwan |
| Palm oil, cocoa, timber, rubber, seafood | — | Mainly Asian markets |
Figures as published by the NTO citing World Bank data. Source
The agencies you are most likely to deal with, what they handle and how to reach them.
Clears all imports and exports, collects duties and taxes, and enforces border rules through the ASYCUDA World system.
Protects PNG from exotic pests and diseases by regulating agricultural imports and exports.
Sets and applies product standards so goods traded in and out of PNG are safe and fit for purpose.
Registers companies and business names and promotes and facilitates domestic and foreign investment.
Issues Tax Identification Numbers and administers income tax and GST under the Internal Revenue Act 2014.
Leads development of agriculture and livestock, supporting smallholders to raise productivity and competitiveness.
Coordinates PNG climate policy, emissions reduction and access to international climate finance.
Regulates and promotes the cocoa industry, including export approvals.
Regulates and develops the coffee industry, including export inspection and permits.
Regulates the coconut and copra industry, including export licences and certificates of inspection.
Supports growers and traders of fresh fruit and vegetables.
Manages PNG fisheries and issues export and catch certification for seafood.
Manages forest resources and regulates timber and log exports.
No agencies match. Try another word.
Trade agreements can lower or remove duties on PNG goods abroad — usually only with a valid certificate of origin. The NTO's Market Access & Trade Agreements Division advises on what applies to your product.
Regional trade arrangement between Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands.
SourceGradual liberalisation of trade between Pacific Islands Forum members and the MSG, as listed by the NTO.
SourceGradual liberalisation of trade between ASEAN and the MSG, as listed by the NTO. Asia is the main destination for PNG exports.
SourceTrade and development cooperation with the European Union, supported by the EU Trade-Related Assistance programme (EU-TRA-2).
SourcePNG applies WTO rules, including the Trade Facilitation Agreement behind this Single Window, and the NTO coordinates APEC trade work on tariffs, non-tariff measures and services.
SourceStatus and coverage of each agreement change over time — confirm with the NTO Market Access & Trade Agreements Division on (675) 301-6625 before relying on a preference.
The NTO was established by NEC decisions (2017–2020) to coordinate implementation of the National Trade Policy 2017–2032, linking every trade regulator and practitioner. Source
Make trade a strategic tool for PNG's economy and prosperity.
Lead by linking all trade regulators and practitioners, and oversee the National Trade Policy.
| NTO division | Direct line |
|---|---|
| Executive | (675) 301-6602 |
| Trade Policy Coordination & Facilitation | (675) 301-6608 |
| Trade Development & Compliance | (675) 301-6618 |
| Market Access & Trade Agreements | (675) 301-6625 |
| Corporate Services | (675) 301-6645 |
This page summarises public information from the National Trade Office and agency portals for convenience. Laws, fees and procedures change — always confirm with the responsible agency before acting.
