The Customs and Inland Revenue (CIR) is the government agency with the job of protecting the community from potential risks arising from international trade and travel, while facilitating the legitimate movement of people and goods across the border.
We do this by:
- Intercepting contraband (such as illegal drugs);
- Checking travellers and their baggage, cargo and mail;
- Assessing and collecting Customs duties, Value Added Tax (VAT), and other taxes applicable by law;
- Protecting Vanuatu businesses against illegal trade;
- Enforcing import and export restrictions and prohibitions;
- Collecting accurate import and export data.
As Vanuatu's gatekeepers, we use intelligence and risk assessment to target our physical checks of containers, vessels or travelers. We also conduct investigations and audits, and prosecute offenders.
We work closely with the other border agencies, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Quarantine Service and the Immigration Service. We also work closely with community leaders and the Police Force.