Step-by-step instructions for importing to Timor-Leste

How do I import to Timor-Leste? What are Timor-Leste's import processes for moving goods?  Explain the import registration procedure, cargo flow to Timor-Leste from other countries, import delivery in Timor-Leste, and so on.  Describe the import procedure in Timor-Leste.


This page covers the step-by-step processes that must be completed with Timor-Lest government authorities prior to importation into Timor-Leste.

The importer must get a business certificate from the Ministry of Tourism, Industry, and Trade before entering Timor-Leste. This is a permit to conduct business in Timor-Leste.


The importer will also require a TIN (Tax Identification Number) from the National Directorate of Revenue.


The new Customs Authority is in charge of appropriate tax collection, ensuring that illicit and dangerous commodities, such as firearms and narcotics, do not enter the nation, promoting commerce and thereby contributing to economic progress.


The importer should ensure that they have completed all of the necessary import documentation in order to clear customs formalities and fulfil all compliance and requirements. The effectiveness of the Customs Clearance process is dependent on possessing valid papers, the quality of the information presented in the documents, and the promptness with which the documents are submitted and the requisite applications for Customs Clearance are filed.


Import requires a licence

Import documentation is necessary

Customs Procedures for Imports


The following are the top three most frequently imported items entering Timor-Leste:

Petroleum that has been refined. Timor-Leste is a small nation with low indigenous oil production, hence the majority of its petroleum needs are imported. Refined petroleum accounted for around 12% of Timor-Leste's total imports in 2022.


Briquettes of coal. Briquettes of coal are a form of solid fuel used for cooking and heating. They are a reasonably affordable and efficient fuel source that is gaining popularity in Timor-Leste. Coal briquettes accounted for around 4% of Timor-Leste's total imports in 2022.


Rice. Timor-Leste's basic diet is rice, and the country imports around half of its rice needs. Rice accounted for around 3% of Timor-Leste's total imports in 2022.



Other items often imported into Timor-Leste include:
  • Vehicles and components
  • Equipment and machinery
  • Building materials
  • Food and drinks
  • Pharmaceuticals

Timor-Leste's largest clothing and footwear import partners are China, Indonesia, Singapore, Australia, and India.


The Timor-Leste Customs Authority website contains official government of Timor-Leste information on import and export. The URL for the website is


The following topics are covered on the website:

  • Regulations for import and export
  • Procedures for import and export
  • Documentation for import and export
  • Taxes and levies on imports and exports
  • Statistics on imports and exports
  • Timor-Leste Customs Authority contact information

Timor-Leste's entrance points are as follows:


  • Timor-Leste's major port of entry and exit is Dili. It is situated in Dili, the capital city.
  • Tibar Bay Port, which opens in 2022, is a new port. It is roughly 15 km from Dili in the Tibar district.
  • Com harbour is a minor harbour in the Com area, approximately 100 km from Dili.
  • Atauro Port is a tiny port on the island of Atauro, some 20 kilometres off Timor-Leste's coast.
  • Suai Port is a minor port in the Suai region of Timor-Leste's south.


The following information further clarifies:


How do you import into Ocussi?  Formalities for Viveque import.  Import to Viveque procedure.  Registration requirements for importing into Baucau.  Importing requires registration in Dili. Importing to Atauro necessitates registration.   Explain to Suai how to import.  Data to be imported into Baucau.  Step-by-step instructions for importing into Viveque.  Customs clearance in Atauro. Import to Atauro procedure.  Customs requirements for importing into Atauro.  Assist with importation to Baucau.   Procedures for importing into Dili.   Import requirements for Maliana.  Import paperwork is required at the Suai port.  Documents necessary for importation with Baucau Customs. How do I import into Dili? What need I do in order to import to Maliana? 


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