Common entry points
Papeete is the capital city where all Governmental institutions are located and most of the business is done.
Getting your product into market
French Polynesia is a relatively open market. Some products need to comply with French and European standards. These include products such as electrical goods, some building and plumbing products and trailers, but most New Zealand products enjoy open access to the market.
Some New Zealand brands are represented by one local company and these brands enjoy a strong position in the market. For brands that are not represented, or for raw materials, products can be supplied from New Zealand without a middle person or a local agent.
Regulatory issues
- Prices and mark ups on dairy products are controlled by the government.
- Carcasses of meat exceeding 40kg are prohibited.
- Labelling must be in French.
Tax
Value added taxes (VAT) are between 5 and 16 percent on most goods and services. An Environment and Agriculture Tax subsidises all environmental and agricultural development projects.
Logistics
Air freight is provided from Auckland on Air New Zealand and Air Tahiti Nui, using a Qantas code share.
There are six direct flights a week.
Five shipping companies service the market from New Zealand, providing an almost weekly service to Papeete.
Opportunities
- There are opportunities for increased New Zealand exports to French Polynesia of high quality food and a full range of structural and non-structural materials, including hotel fit outs as well as cold storage equipment, industrial and pleasure boats.
- Other sectors, such as outdoors and leisure products, 4WD equipment and clothing suitable for a tropical climate are avenues to explore.
The government welcomes foreign investment and offers incentives, especially for investment in tourism infrastructure.
- New Zealand also has a major role to play in the food and beverage sector in the hospitality industry. In addition to beef, other food products such as seafood, fruit and vegetables are in demand by hotels and luxury cruise ships.
- The large number of health-conscious American tourists generates demand for health food products, food supplements, vitamins and skin care products.
- The marine sector enjoys incentives from the local government and many small or mid size projects and fishing companies are being created.
- The housing sector is booming, with approximately 1000 houses or apartments needed annually. The building sector is also requires products such as aluminium profiles, wood and timber, steel and pavement products. Hotel developments need hospitality-related products.
Challenges
- European, but mostly French, standards apply to almost all industries. Exporters should check the conformity of their product with local authorities.
- French Polynesia is composed of 118 islands spread across an area the size of Europe.
Cultural and business tips
- New Zealand citizens can enter as tourists for up to 30 days without a visa, provided their passport is valid for three months after their departure date. A tourist visa can be extended to three months.
- The business world is conservative and individual relationships are very important.
- French and Tahitian are both official languages. English is understood and spoken by many people in the business community.
