Cook Islands: sanctions and trade risk

No elevated indicator

As of 7 November 2026, the screened UN, EU, UK, Swiss and US sanctions lists contain 0 companies, organisations, vessels and aircraft linked to Cook Islands.Lists last checked 2026-11-07 21:01 UTC.

Logistics profile: ports, airports, customs, documents, holidays, news ↓

No elevated country indicator for Cook Islands in the route rules Sanctioni uses. That is not a clearance: goods may still be export-controlled, and parties in Cook Islands may still be on a list.

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On the sanctions lists

No entry on the 7 lists Sanctioni screens names Cook Islands.

Latest changes

No new listings or removals naming Cook Islands recorded yet.

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Logistics profile

Cook Islands: logistics and trade

Pacific island logistics, heavily import-dependent (transit via New Zealand)

The Cook Islands (ISO code: CK) are a nation in the South Pacific, located approximately midway between New Zealand and Hawaii. Politically, they are a self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand, having their own administration and parliamentary structure. The climate is tropical-maritime, characterized by warm temperatures, high humidity, and distinct wet and dry seasons. Economically, the Cook Islands are heavily geared towards services, tourism, and fishing, with agriculture and small trade playing a complementary role. Foreign trade is limited, and the country is highly dependent on imports, particularly for food, fuel, and consumer goods. Logistically, the islands have several ports and an international airport that provide important transit functions for regional shipping and air traffic. The currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZD), supporting economic stability and international trade transactions. Due to the geographical location and limited production capacities, integration into regional supply chains and maritime routes is central to supply and trade. The Cook Islands combine natural appeal for tourism with strategic importance for Pacific trade.

Capital: Avarua
Population: 15,040
Area: 236 km²
Currency: New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Continent: Oceania
Region: Pacific
Economic area: PICTA / PACER Plus
Religions: Christianity
Access to the sea: Yes

Transport modes Sea · Air

Current situation: Avatiu Harbour on Rarotonga handles around 90 percent of imports and all fuel; after the 2013 expansion, ships up to 200 m are possible.
Seasonal conditions: South Pacific cyclone season from November to April can delay sea and air freight.

Main seaports

Avatiu
Avatiu (CK AVA), the Cook Islands' only deep-water port on Rarotonga, handles ~90% of containers, all fuel and food imports; served by Matson and Reef Shipping.

Main cargo airports

Rarotonga International AirportRAR
Rarotonga Airport (RAR): the Cook Islands' only international airport, tourism-led, bellyhold only; sea supply via Avatiu, freight consolidated through Auckland (AKL).

Main trade lanes

New Zealand - Rarotonga (sea)
New Zealand - Rarotonga (air)
Australia - Rarotonga (sea)

Customs and import

Customs authority Cook Islands Customs Service (MFEM)Official website ↗

Import customs system: Customs clearance via the ASYCUDA World online system of the Cook Islands Customs Service; import declarations are submitted by licensed customs agents or declarants.
Export customs system: Export declaration before the goods depart, via the ASYCUDA online system; only by approved customs agents or declarants.
Import VAT: VAT 15 percent; import VAT and duty apply only to consignments with a value above 750 NZD.
Proofs of origin and trade agreements: PICTA: a Cook Islands Certificate of Origin is required. PACER Plus: simple origin declaration by the producer or exporter.
Restricted and prohibited goods: Prohibited or subject to permit: weapons, illegal drugs, offensive publications, medicines; alcohol and tobacco above the duty-free allowance.

Typical import documents

Commercial invoice
Bill of Lading / Air Waybill
Packing list
Import entry (ASYCUDA)

Typical export documents

Export entry (ASYCUDA)
Commercial invoice
Certificate of origin (PICTA)
Packing list

Logistics conditions

Customs complexity: Low to medium
Customs delays: Low to medium
Port congestion: Low
Dangerous goods relevance: Low
Pharma and cold chain relevance: Low to medium
E-commerce relevance: Medium

Trade

Top import partners

New Zealand Australia China United States Japan

Top export partners

New Zealand Japan Australia United States China

Top import goods

Food
Petroleum products
Vehicles
Machinery
Construction materials

Top export goods

Fish
Pearls
Agricultural products
Services

Typical cargo

Food
Fuel
Consumer goods
Construction material
Fish
Pearls

Logistics questions

Which customs system do the Cook Islands use?

The Cook Islands Customs Service handles imports and exports through the ASYCUDA World online system. Declarations are submitted by licensed customs agents or declarants.

What is the import tax (VAT) rate?

VAT is 15 percent. Import VAT and duty only apply to consignments with a value above 750 NZD; below that, the consignment is duty-free.

Which currency is used in the Cook Islands?

The legal tender is the New Zealand dollar (NZD). In addition, Cook Islands coins are in circulation, pegged 1:1 to the NZD.

Through which ports and airports does freight move?

Sea freight runs almost entirely through Avatiu Harbour on Rarotonga (about 90 percent of imports). Air freight is handled through Rarotonga International Airport (RAR).

Which goods are prohibited or subject to permit?

Prohibited items include weapons, illegal drugs and offensive publications, among others. Medicines are subject to permit; alcohol and tobacco above the duty-free allowance must be subject to duty.

Are there free trade agreements for exports?

Yes. The Cook Islands are a party to PICTA and PACER Plus. For PICTA, a Cook Islands Certificate of Origin is required; for PACER Plus, an origin declaration from the exporter is sufficient.

What seasonal risks exist?

The South Pacific has a cyclone season from November to April. During this time, sea and air freight may experience delays.

Full logistics profile on Freight Academy ↗