1 Micronesia Country Profile
Generic Information
he Federated States of Micronesia abbreviated FSM and also known simply as Micronesia is an independent sovereign island nation and a United States associated state consisting of four states – from west to east, Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei (also known as "Ponape") and Kosrae – that are spread across the Western Pacific Ocean. Together, the states comprise around 607 islands (a combined land area of approximately 702 km2 or 271 sq mi) that cover a longitudinal distance of almost 2,700 km (1,678 mi) just north of the equator. They lie northeast of New Guinea, south of Guam and the Marianas, west of Nauru and the Marshall Islands, east of Palau and the Philippines, about 2,900 km (1,802 mi) north of eastern Australia and some 4,000 km (2,485 mi) southwest of the main islands of Hawaii. While the FSM's total land area is quite small, the country's waters occupy more than 2,600,000 km2 (1,003,866 sq mi) of the Pacific Ocean, giving the country the 14th-largest exclusive economic zone in the world.The sovereign island nation's capital is Palikir, located on Pohnpei Island
The Federated States of Micronesia is governed by the 1979 constitution, which guarantees fundamental human rights and establishes a separation of governmental powers. This constitution constructs the national government to be similar to – but not exactly alike – that of the United States.
Generic country information can be located from sources, which are regularly maintained and reflect current facts and figures. For a generic country overview, please consult the following sources:
Federated States of Micronesia Wikipedia Country Information- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federated_States_of_Micronesia
Federated States of Micronesia IMF
Country Information - http://www.imf.org/en/Countries/FSM
Humanitarian Info
Federated States of Micronesia World Food Programme Information - No Country Office
Federated States of Micronesia UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Information http://www.unocha.org/office-pacific-islands/federated-states-micronesia
Micronesia Economist Intelligence Unit Information* -There is no page for FSM
(*note - this is a paid service)
Facts and Figures
Federated States of Micronesia Wolfram Alpha Information http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=micronesia
Federated States of Micronesia World Bank Information http://www.worldbank.org/en/country/pacificislands/overview
Federated States of Micronesia Population Information https://worldpopulationreview.com/countries/micronesia-population
1.1 Micronesia Humanitarian Background
Disasters, Conflicts and Migration
Natural Disasters |
||
---|---|---|
Type |
Occurs |
Comments / Details |
Drought |
Yes |
Affected as part of the Pacific drought between 2015-2017. |
Earthquakes |
Yes | Earth tremors- No earthquakes have caused any significant damage in the last 2 decades |
Epidemics |
Yes |
Cholera 1999 Dengue Outbreak - October 2016 Influenza A (H1N1) Pandemic - April 2009, August 2022 COVID 19 - July 2022 |
Extreme Temperatures |
No | |
Flooding |
Yes | Isolated usually coincides with King tide and La Nina periods |
Insect Infestation |
No | |
Mudslides |
Yes | Chuuk state Piis Paneau Mudslide 2002, Pohnpei 1998,2007 |
Volcanic Eruptions |
No | |
High Waves / Surges |
Yes | Severe Sea Swell Floods – December - February |
Wildfires |
No | Occur periodically in Chuuk |
High Winds |
Yes | Tropical Cyclones |
Man-Made Issues |
||
Civil Strife |
No |
|
International Conflict |
No | |
Internally Displaced Persons |
No | |
Refugees Present |
No | |
Landmines / UXO Present |
No | Chuuk, Pohnpei |
For a more detailed database on disasters by country, please see the Centre for Research on Epidemiology of Disasters Country Profile.
Seasonal Effects on Logistics Capacities
Seasonal Effects on Transport |
||
---|---|---|
Transport Type |
Time Frame |
Comments / Details |
Primary Road Transport |
Nov - Apr |
Cyclone season can affect island roads or access tracks where causeways have been constructed to allow travel between and around islands. During the cyclone season high winds associated with high seas and especially king tides can affect causeway access and have caused damage especially on atolls. This damage often limits the passage or results impassable roads. |
Secondary Road Transport |
NA | |
Rail Transport |
NA | |
Air Transport |
Yes | Storm and cyclone season can affect scheduled flights however these are mostly between the four main states capital serviced by larger aircraft. Most islands are not serviced by air. |
Waterway Transport |
Yes | Inter-island transport from Pohnpei and other state capitals forms the critical supply link to the outer islands. During the Storm season, November to April, inter-island transport is affected by high seas which will delay deliveries to islands. All atolls, having a lagoon can, in almost all cases, receive vessels for re-supply assuming reef depth is sufficient. |
Seasonal Effects on Storage and Handling |
||
---|---|---|
Activity Type |
Time Frame |
Comments / Details |
Storage |
All year |
The climate in FSM is hot and humid with the Island of Pohnpei, central and southern islands receiving the most rainfall. The northern islands tend to be drier. Climate influences do not severely affect the storage of local goods. |
Handling |
All year | Cyclone season occurs between November and April. During this time and although cyclones are not as prevalent in the North-East Pacific, high seas with the increase in the easterly trade winds can cause issues with inter-island transport. Wetter weather can cause handling issues especially in exposed dock areas and transshipment of goods to smaller tenders when in the Outer Islands. |
Capacity and Contacts for In-Country Emergency Response
GOVERNMENT
Emergency response operates nationally through the Department of Environment Climate Emergency Management (DECEM) in Palikir. Disaster coordination offices are present in each of the state capitals and have designated Disaster Coordination Officers (DCO). The DECEM provides the coordination and framework for Emergency response. The DCO at state level coordinates operational response in their respective regions. The cluster structure has not been established however it remains an organisational goal at DECEM to see its implementation. Outside major emergency responses DECEM and DCO are responsible for coordinating Sea Search and Rescue Operations in conjunction with US Coast guard based in Guam.
FSM Government relies significantly on international assistance during normal times and emergency situations. While DECEM is recognised as the emergency response structure mechanism nationally, state disaster coordination offices are in a capacity development phase and will need to be provided support to develop more effective responses at state level. FSM will continue to rely on outside sources in the case of larger emergencies. FEMA provide funding for disaster response if the assessed cost of a disaster is over USD 1m, under this figure, funding relies on the FSM Government’s own resources. FEMA funding is channeled through USAID to their implementing partners, IOM provide the response mechanism on the ground. To trigger this level of aid the Presidents of FSM and the USA must declare it a state of emergency.
Due to a limitation of resources, established businesses operating in the states’ capitals often assist small vulnerable groups where possible. The National Oceanic Resources Management Authority (NORMA, the Government agency responsible for managing the FSM’s fisheries resources) will also respond by communicating to the fishing fleets in FSM waters.
The US Coast Guard provides surveillance aircrafts for search and rescue, but military involvement in disaster response has been minimal and ad-hoc. Military (external) response assistance is not a part of any response planning and there are no formal frameworks.
For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Micronesia Government Contact List
HUMANITARIAN COMMUNITY
IFRC have a National office in Kolonia and are represented in the four states with prepositioned emergency NFI in container storage in each state (200 x family packs in Pohnpei and Chuuk, 100 x family packs in Yap and Kosrae). They work closely with UNICEF and IOM and sit on the National Disaster Response Committee. USAID have a strong presence in the region and have provided funding for UNDP, UNICEF and IOM who have ongoing programs throughout the region focused on disaster resilience and capacity building, prepositioning emergency stocks, education, water sanitation, health and nutrition, COVID responses and child protection.
For more information on humanitarian agency contact details, please see the following link: 4.2 Humanitarian Agency Contact List
1.2 Micronesia Regulatory Departments and Quality Control
The politics of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) takes place in a framework of a federal representative democratic republic. The President of the Federated States of Micronesia is both head of state and head of government. Executive power is exercised by the president and his cabinet, while legislative power is vested in both the president and the congress. The judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature.
FSM operates on two separate regulatory levels: national bodies under the FSM Government and at the state level for Pohnpei Chuul, Yap and Kosrae.
At the National level the following departments are responsible for the listed regulatory functions
- Office of the President
- Department of Foreign Affairs official requests to the international community for disaster assistance
- Department of Resource & Development oversees the Division of Agriculture under which lays Bio Security and Quarantine and Food Quality, energy, trade and investment
- Department of Transportation, Communication, and Infrastructure is responsible for all air and Maritime Activity including Ports Airports and shipping regulations and includes ownership of Government ships in each State
- Department of Finance and Administration oversees the division of Customs and Tax Administration. The responsibility of the division is to regulate and collect tax revenue and authorise Tax and Duty exemptions on imported goods
- Department of Health and Social Affairs
- Department of Justice
- Department of Education
- Department of Environment, Climate Change & Emergency Management (DECCEM) is responsible for the preparedness and Disaster response for all National Emergencies
- Office of Public Defender
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a laboratory for quality testing of food and water. Testing of items such as fuel are undertaken by SGS in Guam.
Further information is available at https://gov.fm/#:~:text=STATE%20GOVERNMENT,includes%20seven%20major%20island%20groups.
The Compact of Free Association (COFA) is an international agreement establishing and governing the relationships of free association between the United States and the three Pacific Island sovereign states of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), and the Republic of Palau. Under the compact, the US federal government provided guaranteed financial assistance over a 15-year period administered through its Office of Insular Affairs in exchange for full international defence authority and responsibilities. Negotiators initiated the Compact of Free Association in 1980. In 2003, the compacts with the RMI and FSM were renewed for 20 years and provided USD 3.5 billion in funding for both countries. An extension of economic provisions under the compact is under negotiation.
For more information on regulatory departments and quality control laboratories’ contact details, please see the following links: 4.1 Micronesia Government Contact List and 4.3 Laboratory and Quality Testing Company Contact List.
1.3 Micronesia Customs Information
For contact information regarding government custom authorities, please follow the link below: 4.1 Micronesia Government Contact List
Customs policy, procedures, rules and regulations are the responsibility of the Division of Customs and Taxation Administration (DCTA) of the Department of Finance and Tax Administration. (DFTA)
While each State maintains various departments, at state level customs is regulated and controlled nationally with an office in each of the four states.
Duties and Tax Exemption
Duties and tax exemption can be applied for all goods that are part of a foreign aid program and for all goods that are used for humanitarian purposes. Tax exemption requests must be agreed to and approved by the Secretary of the Department of Finance and Tax Administration.
Applications are made on a consignment or case by case basis and organisations are not given a blanket exemption based on the organisation’s activities.
All goods which are classified as being goods that fall under the import category of Foreign Aid and also for use in Humanitarian Aid are tax exempted. However, any of these goods being imported under such classification and subsequently sold will attract all taxes. Imported goods that are donated are not taxed. (Source: Department of Customs and Tax Administration (Palikir).
Emergency Response
[Note: This section contains information that is related and applicable to 'crisis' times. These instruments can be applied when the Government officially declares an emergency. When this occurs, there is usually a streamlined process to import goods duty and tax-free.]
Agreements / Conventions Description |
Ratified by Country? (Yes / No) |
---|---|
WCO (World Customs Organization) member |
No |
Annex J-5 Revised Kyoto Convention |
No |
OCHA Model Agreement |
No |
Tampere Convention (on the Provision of Telecommunication Resources for Disaster Mitigation and Relief Operations) |
No |
Regional Agreements (on emergency/disaster response, but also customs unions, regional integration) |
Public Law 15-58 section Compact of Free Association with United States |
Exemption Regular Regime (Non-Emergency Response)
Duties and tax exemption fall under Section 222 of title 54 1 of the Code of the 2 Federated States of Micronesia Amendment 15-118. Specifically section 6 Refers to the exemption for goods imported for foreign aid projects and Section 9 refers to good used for humanitarian purposes.
The procedures and polices do not change with the enactment of a state of disaster or emergency.
The official process to be followed for taxes exemption is the same.
While an organisation can directly apply for tax exemption directly to the DFTA during non-disaster times, during a national state of emergency they should channel duty and tax exemption requests through the Department of Environment, Climate Change, and Emergency Management (DECEM) who are the national focal point and cluster coordination focal point and will be able to expedite exemption requests directly to the Secretary.
Organizational Requirements to obtain Duty Free Status |
---|
United Nations Agencies |
All UN Organisations are exempt from duties and taxes if the goods are for the use in humanitarian programs assessed on a case by case or individual consignment bases |
Non Governmental Organizations |
All Non-Government Organisations are exempt from duties and taxes if the goods are for the use in humanitarian programs assessed on a case by case bases individual consignment basis. |
Note: Organisations cannot get a blanket exemption based on the organisation activities. (source Assistant Secretary to DCTA)
Exemption Certificate Application Procedure
Duties and Taxes Exemption Application Procedure |
---|
Generalities (include a list of necessary documentation) |
The Tax exemption process requires only standard transport and shipping documentation to request the exemption. Documentation Required
|
Process to be followed (step by step or flowchart) |
2. Obtain Dispatch Documents from Point of Origin
3. Send Original Documents
4. Arrival of documents a. Obtain Request for Tax exemption letter from Government Dept. or Organisation to complete 5. Submit to DECEM
6. DCTA Approval
|
Exemption Certificate Document Requirements
Duties and Taxes Exemption Certificate Document Requirements (by commodity) |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Food |
NFI (Shelter, WASH, Education) |
Medicines |
Vehicle & Spare Parts |
Staff & Office Supplies |
Telecoms Equipment |
Invoice |
Yes, 1x copy |
Yes, 1x copy |
Yes, 1x copy |
Yes, 1x copy |
Yes, 1x copy |
Yes, 1x copy |
AWB/BL/Other Transport Documents |
Yes, 1x copy |
Yes, 1x copy |
Yes, 1x copy |
Yes, 1x copy |
Yes, 1x copy |
Yes, 1x copy |
Donation/Non-Commercial Certificates |
Yes Letter of Donation 1x copy |
Yes Letter of Donation 1x copy |
Yes Letter of Donation 1x copy |
Yes Letter of Donation 1x copy |
Yes Letter of Donation 1x copy |
Yes Letter of Donation 1x copy |
Packing Lists |
Yes, 1x copy |
Yes, 1x copy |
Yes, 1x copy |
Yes, 1x copy |
Yes, 1x copy |
Yes, 1x copy |
Other Documents |
Letter of Duty and Taxes Exemption Request Original |
Letter of Duty and Taxes Exemption Request Original |
Letter of Duty and Taxes Exemption Request Original |
Letter of Duty and Taxes Exemption Request Original |
Letter of Duty and Taxes Exemption Request Original |
Letter of Duty and Taxes Exemption Request Original |
Additional Notes |
||||||
Medical Items- There are no specific requirement for import of medical items other than outlined above Vehicles- There are no specific documentation requirement for the import of vehicles for use in humanitarian or disaster programs Communications Equipment- There are no specific requirements for the importation of Satellite phones / VHF or HF radios (Source :Assistant Secretary -Division of Customs and Tax Administration Palikir) |
Customs Clearance
General Information
Customs Information |
|
---|---|
Document Requirements |
As Outlined Above |
Embargoes |
None |
Prohibited Items |
Firearms, illegal drugs |
General Restrictions |
There are no general restrictions |
Customs Clearance Document Requirements
Customs Clearance Document Requirements (by commodity) |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Food |
NFI (Shelter, WASH, Education) |
Medicines |
Vehicles & Spare Parts |
Staff & Office Supplies |
Telecoms Equipment |
D&T Exemption Certificate |
Yes 1 x original |
Yes 1 x original |
Yes 1 x original |
Yes 1 x original |
Yes 1 x original |
Yes 1 x original |
Invoice |
Yes 1 x original |
Yes 1 x original |
Yes 1 x original |
Yes 1 x original |
Yes 1 x original |
Yes 1 x original |
AWB/BL/Other Transport Documents |
Yes 3 x original |
Yes 3 x original |
Yes 3 x original |
Yes 3 x original |
Yes 3 x original |
Yes 3 x original |
Donation/Non-Commercial Certificates |
Yes Letter of Donation 1x Original 1x Copy |
Yes Letter of Donation 1x Original 1x Copy |
Yes Letter of Donation 1x Original 1x Copy |
Yes Letter of Donation 1x Original 1x Copy |
Yes Letter of Donation 1x Original 1x Copy |
Yes Letter of Donation 1x Original 1x Copy |
Packing Lists |
Yes 1 x original |
Yes 1 x original |
Yes 1 x original |
Yes 1 x original |
Yes 1 x original |
Yes 1 x original |
Phytosanitary Certificate |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Additional Notes |
||||||
Used clothing For the import of used clothing items no phytosanitary certificate is required to facilitate the import. However such goods will be inspected by quarantine. Should there be identifiable contamination the container will be decontaminated at cost to the consignee. |
Transit Regime
No ports in Micronesia have bonded facilities but can however store full containers for goods in transit.