Tokelau: 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 Tokelau.Lists last checked 2026-11-07 21:01 UTC.

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

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

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On the sanctions lists

No entry on the 7 lists Sanctioni screens names Tokelau.

Latest changes

No new listings or removals naming Tokelau recorded yet.

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Logistics profile

Tokelau: logistics and trade

Remote atoll territory of New Zealand with no port and no airport; full supply by ship from Apia (Samoa)

Tokelau (ISO code: TK) lies in the South Pacific and consists of three atolls north of Samoa, roughly halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii. Politically it is a non-self-governing territory within the Realm of New Zealand, with local administration and limited autonomy in economic and social affairs; its people are New Zealand citizens. The climate is tropical-maritime with consistently high temperatures, high humidity and a wet season from November to April. Economically the islands play almost no role in industry or agriculture; fishing, coconut production and small-scale services are the main activities, while fisheries licence fees and New Zealand budget support are the principal sources of revenue. In external trade Tokelau exports mainly copra and handicrafts and depends entirely on imports for consumer goods, fuel and technology. Logistically there is no port and no airport: all freight arrives by the government vessel from Apia in Samoa and is landed by small boat from offshore anchorage. The currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZD).

Capital: none
Population: 1,647
Area: 12 km²
Currency: New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Continent: Oceania
Region: Polynesia / Pacific
Economic area: Realm of New Zealand (Territory)
Religions: Christianity
Access to the sea: Yes

Transport modes Sea · Road

Current situation: Supply by government ship (MV Mataliki) from Apia, Samoa, roughly every two weeks; landing by dinghy at anchor, as there is no port or airport. Travel time 24-32 hours.
Seasonal conditions: Tropical maritime; rainy and cyclone season from November to April with storm risk. Atolls only 3-5 m above sea level; swell makes landing by dinghy difficult.

Main trade lanes

Apia (Samoa) - Atafu / Nukunonu / Fakaofo

Customs and import

Customs authority Tokelau Administration (customs regime under Tokelau Customs Regulations 1991); processing handled through the Tokelau Apia Liaison Office, SamoaOfficial website ↗

Import customs system: Own customs regime under Tokelau Customs Regulations 1991; manual clearance without an electronic platform. Imports run via Apia (Samoa) and by ship to the atolls.
Export customs system: Hardly any formal export traffic; small quantities of copra and handicrafts. Processing is manual through the Tokelau Apia Liaison Office in Samoa.
Import VAT: No general value added tax/GST based on the New Zealand model. Import duty applies only to certain goods: commercial imports (except goods for the village store), alcohol and tobacco (Tokelau Customs Regulations 1991).
Proofs of origin and trade agreements: No own free trade network; not a party to PACER Plus. As a territory within the Realm of New Zealand, it has no separate preferential origin system.
Restricted and prohibited goods: Import of alcohol and tobacco is subject to customs duties and permits; strict biosecurity for the fragile atoll ecosystems; weapons and dangerous goods are strictly restricted.

Logistics conditions

Customs complexity: Medium
Customs delays: High
Dangerous goods relevance: Low
Pharma and cold chain relevance: Low
E-commerce relevance: Very low

Trade

Top import partners

New Zealand

Top export partners

New Zealand

Top import goods

Food
Fuels
Consumer goods

Top export goods

Copra
Handicrafts

Typical cargo

Food
Fuel
Construction materials
Consumer goods

Logistics questions

Is there a port or airport in Tokelau?

No. Tokelau has neither a deep-water port nor an airport. Ships anchor off the atolls, and cargo and passengers are landed by dinghy. Travel is by ship from Apia in Samoa.

How does cargo get to Tokelau?

By the government ship (MV Mataliki), which sails roughly every two weeks between Apia (Samoa) and the three atolls. The travel time is about 24 to 32 hours, depending on the destination atoll.

Which import duties apply?

There is no general value added tax/GST. Import duty is levied only on certain goods, mainly commercial imports (except goods for the village store), alcohol and tobacco, as regulated in the Tokelau Customs Regulations 1991.

Is Tokelau part of the New Zealand customs territory?

No. Tokelau is a territory within the Realm of New Zealand but operates its own customs regime. New Zealand handles foreign policy, defence and the administration of the economic zone.

Are there free trade agreements with Tokelau?

No. Tokelau is not a party to PACER Plus and has no own preferential or origin system. Trade flows practically receive no benefits from agreements.

Which currency is used in Tokelau?

Exclusively the New Zealand dollar (NZD).

Which goods are imported and exported?

Mainly food, fuel and consumer goods are imported; small quantities of copra and handicrafts are exported. Its importance in international trade is minimal.

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