Timor-Leste Import Duties & Taxes Explained

Stackry’s guide to the taxes, duties, and fees involved when shipping from the USA to

Timor-Leste

Overview

When your package arrives in Timor-Leste, you'll typically pay 5% import duty plus 2.5% sales tax on almost all goods, regardless of value. Timor-Leste has no formal de minimis threshold for courier shipments. Taxes are calculated on your item value plus shipping costs. Your carrier may also charge handling fees for customs clearance.

Your Questions Answered

Q1.

What is the import duty in Timor-Leste?

Import duty in Timor-Leste is 5% of your shipment's CIF value (goods plus shipping and insurance). You'll also pay a 2.5% Sales Tax on top of the duty, and there's no de minimis threshold for courier shipments, so all packages are subject to these charges regardless of value.

Q2.

What is the duty free allowance for Timor-Leste?

There is no duty-free allowance for Timor-Leste courier shipments. Your shipment will be subject to Import Duty (5%) and Sales Tax (2.5%) regardless of value.

Q3.

Can I estimate the total cost of taxes before my package arrives?

You can estimate costs by adding 5% duty and 2.5% sales tax to your total CIF value, but final charges depend on the carrier's assessment. Always budget for these fees as they are mandatory for most commercial shipments.

Q4.

Will I be charged extra fees by the carrier for customs clearance?

Yes, carriers like DHL or FedEx often charge a separate Disbursement or Customs Processing Fee for advancing duty payments on your behalf. These handling fees are billed to you upon delivery in addition to government taxes.

Q5.

Who collects the import charges when my package arrives?

The Timor-Leste Customs Authority collects all import duties and taxes directly upon arrival. Your carrier will typically collect these fees from you before releasing the shipment for final delivery.

Helpful Resources

The links below are external references to official Timor-Leste government sources. We recommend reviewing them for the most accurate and up-to-date information on taxes and duties for Timor-Leste.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is intended as a general overview of customs duties, import taxes, and related processes. It is not comprehensive and may not reflect the most current regulations.We recommend checking official customs or government sources to confirm the exact rules, charges, and requirements before making any purchasing or shipping decisions.While we aim to keep information accurate and up to date, we cannot guarantee its completeness and are not responsible for any discrepancies or inaccuracies.