New Caledonia Import Restrictions

by countryaah · Published June 2, 2019 · Updated February 13, 2025

In order to enter New Caledonia, certain goods are subject to specific controls and, regardless of their value and quantity, they require the consent of New Caledonia government, preferably, license must be obtained prior to passage through the customs, preventing the goods from being retained. On this page, you will see what kinds of items are prohibited from entering the New Caledonia, and which items need special documentation before exporting to New Caledonia.

New Caledonia, a special collectivity of France located in the southwest Pacific Ocean, maintains a unique set of import regulations to protect its environment, public health, and local economy. The country’s position as a French overseas territory allows it to benefit from France’s membership in the European Union and other international trade agreements. However, New Caledonia enforces specific local import restrictions that reflect its own needs, priorities, and the particular challenges posed by its isolated location and delicate ecosystem.

The Customs Administration of New Caledonia, which operates under the French Customs and Excise Department, is responsible for overseeing and enforcing the importation of goods into the territory. Other important authorities, such as the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Environmental Protection Authority, regulate goods that may impact public health, safety, and the environment. These regulations ensure that goods entering the territory comply with national standards and do not pose threats to its population or ecosystems.

For businesses and individuals wishing to engage in trade with New Caledonia, understanding the import restrictions is vital. Complying with these laws will help prevent delays, fines, or confiscation of goods at customs. The following sections explore the goods that are prohibited from entering the country and those that require an import license, outlining the restrictions that need to be adhered to.

Prohibited Items for Import into New Caledonia

New Caledonia enforces several import bans to prevent the entry of goods that could harm public health, the environment, or the economy. These restrictions are aligned with both domestic priorities and international commitments, helping to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens.

Products Harmful to Public Health and Safety

New Caledonia takes the health and safety of its population seriously and imposes strict controls on certain goods that could pose risks. These products include illicit drugs, counterfeit goods, and unsafe health-related products.

Illicit Drugs and Narcotics: New Caledonia follows stringent laws regarding the importation of narcotics and illegal drugs. The territory adheres to French and international drug control laws, including the United Nations Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, to prevent the smuggling of illicit drugs. The import of substances such as heroin, cocaine, methamphetamines, and synthetic drugs is strictly prohibited. The Customs Administration of New Caledonia works with the French Border Police and other law enforcement agencies to monitor and intercept shipments of illegal drugs at the borders. Any attempt to import such substances is met with severe penalties, including long prison sentences and significant fines. The primary goal is to ensure that New Caledonia remains free from drug-related issues that could impact public health and safety.
Counterfeit Medicines and Hazardous Health Products: The importation of counterfeit medicines and other unsafe health-related products is prohibited in New Caledonia. The French National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety (ANSM), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health of New Caledonia, monitors the import of pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Counterfeit medicines, which may be ineffective or harmful to consumers, are a major concern and are strictly banned. Similarly, medical devices that do not meet local safety standards or have not been approved by health authorities are prohibited. The Ministry ensures that all medical products imported into New Caledonia meet safety, efficacy, and quality standards. Any imported health-related goods that fail to meet these standards are rejected at customs, and the importer may face penalties.

Environmentally Harmful Goods

New Caledonia is committed to preserving its fragile environment and unique biodiversity. The territory’s strict import restrictions on environmentally harmful goods reflect its efforts to maintain ecological sustainability and protect natural resources.

Hazardous Waste and E-Waste: In accordance with international agreements such as the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, New Caledonia prohibits the importation of hazardous waste, including e-waste (electronic waste), medical waste, and industrial waste. E-waste, which includes discarded electronics such as mobile phones, computers, and televisions, contains toxic materials such as mercury, lead, and cadmium. If improperly disposed of, these materials can pollute the environment and pose significant health risks. The New Caledonian Environmental Protection Authority enforces these regulations by monitoring waste imports and ensuring that only properly disposed of and non-toxic materials are allowed into the territory. Violations of these rules can result in fines and the destruction of hazardous goods.
Products Derived from Endangered Species: New Caledonia is committed to international efforts to protect endangered species and preserve biodiversity. As part of this commitment, the territory has implemented regulations that prohibit the importation of products derived from endangered species. These include ivory, animal pelts, rare plants, and other wildlife products that are part of illegal wildlife trade. New Caledonia adheres to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which regulates the international trade of endangered species. The Ministry of Environment works closely with customs officials to monitor and prevent the importation of such goods, which can threaten global biodiversity. Any attempts to import these products are subject to severe penalties, including confiscation and legal prosecution.

Products Requiring Import Licenses

While many goods are prohibited from entering New Caledonia, other products can only be imported with the appropriate licenses. These goods require approval from the relevant authorities to ensure they meet national regulations, and the licensing system helps control the flow of these goods into the territory.

Goods Subject to Import Licensing

Several categories of goods require an import license in New Caledonia. These goods are typically regulated due to their potential impact on public health, safety, or the environment. The import license system helps ensure that these goods comply with local regulations and standards before they are allowed to enter the market.

Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices: The Ministry of Health and ANSM regulate the importation of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and other health-related products into New Caledonia. Importers must obtain an import license for these products, and they must meet the necessary safety, efficacy, and quality standards. Pharmaceuticals and medical devices must undergo extensive testing and receive approval from relevant health authorities before they can be imported into New Caledonia. Importers are required to submit detailed documentation about the products’ composition, their manufacturing processes, and certifications from recognized international bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO) or European Medicines Agency (EMA). This ensures that only safe and effective products are available for use in the territory. Counterfeit or substandard products are rejected at customs.
Agricultural Products and Livestock: The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock in New Caledonia regulates the importation of agricultural products, including seeds, fruits, vegetables, grains, livestock, and animal products. These goods require an import license to ensure they meet the territory’s health, safety, and environmental standards. The Ministry works to protect local agriculture and livestock from diseases, pests, and other biological threats that could harm domestic industries. Agricultural goods, such as fruits and vegetables, must be free from pests and contaminants. Livestock imports must meet veterinary health standards to ensure they do not introduce diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease or avian influenza. The Ministry also monitors the importation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and these products require special permits to ensure they meet local regulations and do not negatively affect the environment or local agriculture.

Environmentally Regulated Goods

Given New Caledonia’s focus on environmental sustainability, the country enforces a system of import licenses for products that could pose a risk to its natural environment. These goods are subject to approval to ensure they do not cause pollution or harm to the ecosystem.

Chemicals and Hazardous Substances: The Environmental Protection Authority and the Ministry of Environment regulate the importation of chemicals and hazardous materials to prevent environmental contamination and safeguard human health. These substances can include industrial chemicals, solvents, fertilizers, pesticides, and other substances that, if improperly handled, can damage the environment or pose risks to public health. Importers must provide detailed information about the chemical composition, the intended use of the product, and any potential risks to human health or the environment. These chemicals are subject to an import license approval process, which helps monitor their entry into the territory and ensures that they comply with local environmental protection laws. The importation of certain hazardous materials may require special handling procedures and environmental impact assessments to ensure that they do not contribute to pollution.
Plastic and Packaging Materials: In response to the global issue of plastic pollution, New Caledonia has introduced regulations to control the importation of plastic products, especially those that contribute to waste and environmental harm. The Ministry of Environment regulates the import of plastic goods and packaging materials to ensure that they meet recycling standards and do not contribute to the growing plastic waste problem. Importers must obtain a license for plastic products, particularly non-recyclable plastics or single-use plastics, to demonstrate that they comply with New Caledonia’s sustainability policies. The government promotes the use of biodegradable, recyclable, or eco-friendly alternatives, and products that do not meet these criteria may be subject to additional tariffs or restrictions. Import licenses for plastic products ensure that only goods that support New Caledonia’s waste management and recycling goals are allowed to enter the country.

Regulated Consumer Goods

In addition to pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and environmentally sensitive goods, New Caledonia also regulates the importation of certain consumer goods. These items typically include motor vehicles, electronics, and household appliances, which must meet local safety and quality standards before they can be sold in the territory.

Motor Vehicles and Spare Parts: The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport regulates the importation of motor vehicles, including used cars, to ensure that they comply with safety and emissions standards. Vehicles must undergo inspection and certification to ensure they are roadworthy and meet environmental regulations, particularly with regard to air quality and emissions. Importers of motor vehicles must obtain a license to bring these vehicles into New Caledonia, and used vehicles are subject to additional checks to ensure they meet local standards. Similarly, spare parts for motor vehicles are subject to import licensing and must meet safety and quality standards to ensure they are compatible with local vehicles and comply with safety regulations.
Electronics and Household Appliances: The Ministry of Consumer Affairs regulates the importation of electronics and household appliances, such as refrigerators, televisions, and washing machines, to ensure they meet safety and energy efficiency standards. Electronics must comply with International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards or similar recognized regulations to ensure they are safe for use by consumers. Importers must submit certification proving that their products meet these standards, and failure to comply with safety regulations can result in the rejection of goods at customs. Additionally, these products must meet New Caledonia’s energy efficiency standards to help reduce the environmental impact of electrical consumption in the territory.