Papua New Guinea Import Restrictions

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

In order to enter Papua New Guinea, certain goods are subject to specific controls and, regardless of their value and quantity, they require the consent of Papua New Guinea 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 Papua New Guinea, and which items need special documentation before exporting to Papua New Guinea.

Papua New Guinea (PNG), located in Oceania, is a resource-rich nation with a developing economy. It relies heavily on imports for goods ranging from food and medicine to machinery and chemicals. However, due to its geographical location and the need to protect its local economy, environment, and public health, Papua New Guinea has established a range of import regulations and restrictions. These regulations are designed to ensure that imported goods comply with the country’s health, safety, and environmental standards.

The Papua New Guinea Customs Service is responsible for monitoring and enforcing import regulations. This agency works closely with other government bodies such as the Department of Health, the Department of Agriculture and Livestock, and the Environment and Conservation Authority, to ensure that products entering the country do not pose risks to its population, natural resources, or local industries. For businesses and individuals engaging in international trade, understanding these import restrictions is crucial to avoid delays, fines, or confiscation of goods. This article covers the types of products that are prohibited from entering Papua New Guinea and those that require an import license.

Prohibited Items for Import into Papua New Guinea

Certain goods are entirely prohibited from being imported into Papua New Guinea. These prohibitions are based on various concerns, including public health, national security, and environmental protection. These items are restricted either because they are deemed harmful to the population or environment or because they are illegal under national or international laws.

Products Harmful to Public Health and Safety

Public health and safety are major concerns for the government of Papua New Guinea, and this is reflected in the stringent controls on certain goods. The prohibition of specific products is aimed at reducing the risk of health hazards and maintaining the safety of consumers.

Illicit Drugs and Narcotics: The importation of illegal drugs and narcotics is strictly prohibited under Papua New Guinea’s national drug control laws. This includes substances such as heroin, cocaine, methamphetamines, and synthetic drugs. Papua New Guinea adheres to international conventions such as the United Nations Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs and the UN Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. The Papua New Guinea Customs Service and local law enforcement agencies work closely to monitor imports and prevent the entry of narcotics. Any attempt to import illicit drugs into the country is met with severe legal consequences, including long prison sentences and heavy fines. The goal is to protect the public from the harms caused by drug trafficking and substance abuse.
Counterfeit Medicines and Unsafe Health Products: The importation of counterfeit medicines and unsafe health-related products is another key area of concern in Papua New Guinea. The Department of Health regulates the importation of pharmaceuticals and medical devices to ensure that only safe, approved products enter the market. Counterfeit medicines, which may be ineffective or dangerous, pose significant health risks. As such, they are strictly prohibited. In addition to counterfeit medicines, the importation of unapproved medical devices that have not met safety standards is also banned. The Department of Health ensures that all imported health-related products undergo proper testing and certification to protect the population from substandard or harmful products.

Environmentally Harmful Goods

Papua New Guinea places a high priority on environmental protection, and as such, certain products that could negatively impact its fragile ecosystems are prohibited from entering the country. These restrictions are particularly important given the country’s biodiversity and the potential harm that certain goods can cause to the environment.

Hazardous Waste and E-Waste: Papua New Guinea is a party to the Basel Convention, which regulates the international movement of hazardous waste. As part of its commitment to environmental protection, the country has strict regulations on the importation of hazardous waste, including medical, industrial, and electronic waste (e-waste). E-waste, which includes discarded electronic products such as computers, phones, and televisions, often contains hazardous substances like mercury, lead, and cadmium. These materials can contaminate the environment if not disposed of properly. The Papua New Guinea Environment and Conservation Authority enforces these regulations to prevent the import of harmful waste. The import of hazardous waste into the country is banned, and violators face severe fines and penalties.
Products Derived from Endangered Species: Papua New Guinea is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and as such, it has regulations in place to prevent the importation of goods derived from endangered species. These goods include items such as ivory, animal skins, and certain plants that contribute to the illegal wildlife trade. The Department of Environment and Conservation works closely with international organizations to ensure that trade in endangered species is tightly controlled. Goods that violate CITES regulations are prohibited from entering the country, and any attempt to import such products is met with significant penalties, including fines and the confiscation of the goods.

Products Requiring Import Licenses

In addition to prohibited goods, there are products that can only be imported into Papua New Guinea if the importer obtains an appropriate license. These licenses ensure that certain goods meet national health, safety, and environmental standards before they are allowed into the market. Import licenses are required for goods that may pose potential risks or are subject to strict regulations for public health, environmental protection, or economic reasons.

Goods Subject to Import Licensing

Several categories of goods are subject to import licensing in Papua New Guinea. These goods require approval from the relevant authorities to ensure that they do not negatively impact the country’s public health, economy, or environment.

Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices: The Department of Health regulates the importation of pharmaceutical products and medical devices to ensure that only safe, effective, and high-quality products enter the country. An import license is required for all pharmaceutical products, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, as well as medical devices such as diagnostic tools, surgical instruments, and other health-related equipment. The Department requires that all imported products be certified by recognized health authorities, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) or the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Importers must provide documentation that demonstrates the products meet the required safety standards and have been tested for efficacy. The goal is to protect the population from counterfeit, substandard, or unapproved medical products.
Agricultural Products and Livestock: The Department of Agriculture and Livestock regulates the importation of agricultural products, including seeds, fruits, vegetables, livestock, and animal products. The department requires import licenses to ensure that these products meet the country’s health, safety, and environmental standards. This is particularly important to prevent the introduction of pests, diseases, and invasive species that could damage local agriculture. Livestock, such as cattle, sheep, and poultry, must undergo veterinary inspection to ensure that they are free from diseases like foot-and-mouth disease or avian influenza. Agricultural products, such as fruits and vegetables, must be certified as free from pests and contaminants. The importation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is also regulated, and special licenses are required for such products.

Environmentally Regulated Goods

Papua New Guinea is committed to preserving its rich biodiversity and protecting its fragile ecosystems. As such, several environmentally sensitive goods require import licenses to ensure that they comply with the country’s environmental protection laws and do not contribute to pollution or ecological degradation.

Chemicals and Hazardous Materials: The Environment and Conservation Authority regulates the importation of chemicals and hazardous materials, including pesticides, fertilizers, industrial solvents, and other substances that may pose a risk to the environment or human health. These materials require import licenses to ensure they are handled and disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner. Importers must provide detailed information about the chemical composition, intended use, and safety protocols associated with these products. The government aims to minimize the impact of hazardous chemicals on the environment and public health by ensuring that these substances are used safely and responsibly. Chemicals that do not meet the country’s safety standards may be denied entry.
Plastic and Packaging Materials: Due to growing concerns about plastic waste and environmental pollution, Papua New Guinea has introduced regulations to control the importation of plastic goods, particularly non-biodegradable plastics and single-use plastic products. The Department of Environment and Conservation has developed policies to reduce plastic waste, and the importation of plastic products is subject to an import license to ensure compliance with these policies. Importers must demonstrate that their products meet recycling and sustainability standards. Non-recyclable or harmful plastic products are subject to additional regulations, and importers may face additional duties or restrictions for bringing such goods into the country. The government encourages the importation of recyclable, biodegradable, or eco-friendly alternatives and promotes sustainable practices in waste management.

Regulated Consumer Goods

Apart from pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and environmentally sensitive goods, Papua New Guinea also regulates the importation of certain consumer goods. These goods are generally subject to safety and quality standards to ensure that they do not pose risks to the population or environment.

Motor Vehicles and Spare Parts: The importation of motor vehicles and vehicle spare parts is regulated by the Department of Transport. Importers must obtain an import license for all vehicles, particularly used vehicles, which are subject to stricter regulations. Vehicles must meet safety, emissions, and environmental standards before they can be sold in Papua New Guinea. The Department of Transport ensures that vehicles are roadworthy and do not contribute to air pollution or environmental harm. Importers must provide certification proving that the vehicles comply with local emissions standards and safety regulations. Similarly, spare parts for vehicles must meet the necessary safety and quality standards.
Electronics and Household Appliances: The National Standards and Compliance Authority regulates the importation of electronics and household appliances to ensure that they meet safety standards. These products, such as refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines, and televisions, must be tested and certified to comply with local electrical safety requirements. Importers must demonstrate that their products meet International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards and are safe for use in Papua New Guinea. Furthermore, products must meet energy efficiency standards to reduce electricity consumption. Non-compliant electronics and appliances may face delays in customs or may be rejected. Importers must submit documentation showing that the products are certified for use in the country.