Country Guide: East Timor (Timor Leste)

Updated: November 24, 2015

Household Goods and Personal Effects

Documents Required

  • Copy of Passport
  • Original Bill of Lading (OBL) / Air Waybill (AWB)
  • Packing list
  • Tax Exemption Certificate (obtained by the shipper’s employer)
  • Employer’s Tax Identification Number (TIN)  Letter of Request for duty-free import (Diplomats, employees of an aid organization)

 

Specific Information

  • Foreigners may import household goods and personal effects into East Timor duty free if having diplomatic status or working for a registered aid organization; if these criteria are met, only one sea and one air shipment are permitted duty free.
  • All foreigners and returning Timorese nationals, who do not have diplomatic status or work for a registered aid organization, may import household goods and personal effects subject to duties. The first USD 300.00 of value is duty free; thereafter duty will apply. The duty amount varies and is often subject to negotiation with the Customs department.
  • While the shipper does not have to be physically present in East Timor during Customs clearance, a copy of his or her Passport must be presented to the East Timor government at the time of clearance. Should any issued arise, it is best if the shipper is in the country to assist.

Motor Vehicles

Documents Required

  • Copy of Passport
  • OBL
  • Letter of Request for duty-free import (Diplomats, employees of an aid organization)

 

Specific Information

  • Only Diplomats or employees of an aid organization may import a vehicle into East Timor duty free. A letter must be sent, similar in format to the one required for household goods, to the Customs Department requesting duty free import.
  • Non-Diplomats, foreigners, and Timorese nationals may import motor vehicles into TimorLeste subject to duties.
  • Cars must be less than 5 years old and be right-hand drive.
  • All motorbikes/motorcycles must be less than 5 years old and have an engine size less than 600 cc.

Pets

Documents Required

  • Vaccination Record / Card
  • Veterinary Health Record

 

Specific Information

  • Most pets, including dogs, cats, and birds, can be brought into East Timor with no quarantine period.
  • The Veterinary health Certificate cannot be issued more than 7 days prior to import.

Restricted/Dutiable Items

  • Fruits and vegetables and byproducts (a Phytosanitary Certificate is required)

Prohibited Items

  • Narcotics
  • Firearms and ammunition
  • Pornographic materials

Consignment Instructions

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

 

 

 

Helpful Website(s):

http://www.timorlesteembassy.org

http://timor-leste.gov.tl/?lang=en http://www.state.gov/p/eap/ci/tt