Shipping to Timor-Leste

Taxation

Shipping to Timor-Leste requires careful attention to local customs regulations, taxation, and shipping requirements. This guide provides everything you need for successful and compliant international shipping.

Taxation & Import Duties

Shipping costs and taxes to Timor-Leste are determined by the item’s category, declared value, and the chosen shipping method.

Key Taxation Details

Import Duty: 5% of the customs value of the goods.
Sales Tax: 2.5% of the total customs value, import duty, and any excise duty paid.
Excise Tax: Applied at varying rates depending on the type of goods.
Calculation Method: CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight)
- CIF: Taxes are calculated on customs value + shipping cost + insurance.
- FOB: Taxes are based solely on the customs value of the goods.

Import Duties by Category

Different product categories have specific duty rates:

Electronics (Mobiles, Tablets, Laptops) – 20%
Fashion & Watches – 20%
Jewelry – 6%
Books & Collectibles – 1%
Gaming Consoles – 6%
Dry Food & Supplements – 14%
Pet Accessories – 12%
Health & Beauty Products – 20%

Restrictions

The list of restricted items changes frequently, so it’s always best to check the official customs page prior to sending your goods.

Restricted Items

Certain goods require special conditions or permissions for import:

Fresh food

Plants and seeds

Chemicals

Machinery, equipment, and used vehicles (require an import license)

Prohibited Items

The following items are banned from import into Timor-Leste:

Counterfeit goods

Firearms and ammunition

Narcotics and illegal drugs

Explosives

Money and counterfeit currency

Shipping Documents

Shipping to Timor-Leste involves generating accurate documentation to ensure smooth customs clearance.

Key Documents Include:

Commercial Invoice – Must be issued from the seller to the purchaser.
Import Declaration (DAU) – Processed electronically using the ASYCUDA World system.
Tax Identification Number (TIN) – Required for individuals and businesses engaged in import activities.
Battery Statement – Needed for shipments containing batteries.
Shipping Labels – Automatically generated through Easyship.

With the right documents in place, your shipments will move seamlessly through customs.

Additional Information

Remote Delivery Areas

Shipments to rural or remote areas in Timor-Leste may incur additional courier surcharges due to higher operational costs.

Non-Working Days & Public Holidays

Shipments may experience delays on:

Saturdays and Sundays
Public holidays

Plan accordingly to avoid unexpected delays.

Enhance Efficiency with Blind Shipping

Blind shipping is an ideal solution for businesses looking to optimize confidentiality and efficiency:

Deliver products directly to customers without disclosing your supplier’s identity.
Minimize handling delays for faster deliveries.

Learn more about Blind Shipping Solutions.

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