Notifying Member

Samoa

Details of the notified legal text

Title

CUSTOMS ACT 2014

Subject matter

Enforcement; Other

Nature of notification

[  ]    Main dedicated intellectual property law or regulation_

[X]     Other law or regulation_

Link to legal text[*]

https://ip-documents.info/2025/IP/WSM/25_07248_00_e.pdf

Notification status

[X]     First notification

[  ]    Amendment or revision to notified legal text

[  ]_    Replacement or consolidation of notified legal text(s)

Previous notification(s) referred to

Not applicable

Brief description of the notified legal text

The Customs Act 2014 establishes the legal framework for regulating and administering customs operations in Samoa, including the import and export of goods, collection of duties, border security, and trade facilitation. It vests authority in the Samoa Customs Service to enforce compliance, prevent unlawful trade, and protect fiscal and border interests. Under Part 18, Division 1, the Act also provides for the suspension of customs clearance for goods suspected of infringing intellectual property rights, including copyright, trademarks, and designs. Key provisions allow IP owners to notify the Comptroller to detain suspected goods (s.307), permit inspection and sampling for testing (s.311), maintain detention until revocation, court order, or abandonment of proceedings (s.312), and authorize forfeiture or destruction of infringing goods (ss.313–314), with small non-commercial consignments exempted (s.315). These measures safeguard intellectual property and prevent the importation of infringing goods.

Repeals the following Act:

Customs Act 1977

Language(s) of notified legal text

English

Entry into force

25 August 2014

Other date

Adoption: 25 August 2014

Notification details

Submission date of notification

28 October 2025

Other information

Agency or authority responsible

Administered by the Ministry of Customs and Revenue

Ministry of Customs and Revenue

P.O. BOX 1877

Apia, Samoa

Website: www.revenue.gov.ws