Moving to French Polynesia

Used Household Goods and Personal Effects

Documents Required

  • Packing List
  • Copy of valid passport
  • Original bill of lading (OBL) (no express release) / AWB
  • Original inventory in French, dated, valued, and signed by the owner of the goods
  • Invoices for electrical / hi-fi appliances (must include any items bought less than 6 months prior to the shipment’s arrival)
  • Resident / working permit / letter of employment
  • Non-sale certificate 

Specific Information

  • The resident / working permit / letter of employment must explain that the owner of the goods is starting a new contract in French Polynesia.
  • Every item that has been owned by the owner of the goods for less than 6 months is subject to tax based on CIF value.
  • Telephone, telex, fax, and every kind of transmitter-receiver must have the EEC approval.
    • These must all be submitted to an authorization in order to be used on the territory.
    • The delay to obtain the shipment is about 2 days following the EEC approval.
    • Without an authorization, Customs may destroy or dispose of the equipment.

Motor Vehicles

Documents Required

  • Original registration card
  • Copy of the owner of the goods’ driver’s license
  • Original purchase invoice
  • Non-sale certificate
  • EUR 1 if vehicle is of EU origins

Specific Information

  • Contact destination agent for more details.

Pets

  • The entry of pets and animals is very regulated.
  • Contact destination agent prior to shipping pets / animals to French Polynesia.

Restricted/Dutiable Items

  • Firearms and ammunitions (must obtain special permit)
  • Telephone, telex, fax, transmitter-receivers must have EEC approval in order to be used in French Polynesia.

Prohibited Items

  • Firearms and ammunitions are submitted to authorization from the territorial administration.
  • Unlawful drugs

Consignment Instructions

Recommended: Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea shipments. 

Cultural and Other Information