Importing a Used Vehicle

Import Procedures

There is an increasing number of people purchasing cars online from overseas and importing them in Papua New Guinea. Although the purchase price of these vehicles may seem cheaper than what you can purchase here in Papua New Guinea there are significant costs associated with importing and getting these vehicles on the road. In addition to freight and insurance costs, there is also import Excise duties which can, depending on the size of the motor, range from 20%-120% of the vehicles import value. On top of this Import GST of 10% is also collected at the time of import. Add to this broker fees, Quarantine clearance fees, port handling fees, car safety inspection fees and registration fees and this can often double the original purchase price of the vehicle.

Please be aware of all the costs associated with purchasing and importing a vehicle from overseas before you make you purchase. If your vehicle is imported and left at a Customs wharf for over 30 days it is forfeited to the Sate of Papua New Guinea and can be sold or auctioned to recover the duty, GST, and other handling and storage fees owing.


Here's an Example

Import of a 2Litre Subaru Forrester
Cost of Vehicle US $6,000.00
Costs of Freight US $3,500.00
Cost of Freight Insurance US $270.00
CIF in USD 9,770.00
Exchange rate (USD) 0.28
CIF in PGK 34,892.85
Import Excise Duty Rate of 20% on cost, insurance and freight: K6,978.57
Import GST K4,187.14
Custa Entry fee K30.00
Total Declaration K11,195.71
Brokerage Costs K1,000.00
Quarantine Costs K187.00
Wharf Handling Costs K1,600.00
Safety Inspection/Sticker K60.00
MVIL Registration K600.00
TOTAL COST TO IMPORT A VEHICLE K49,535.56