1 Tuvalu Country Profile

1 Tuvalu Country Profile

 

Generic Information

Tuvalu (/ˈtuːvəluː/ TOO-və-loo  (formerly known as the Ellice Islands) is an island country in the Polynesian sub region of Oceania in the Pacific Ocean. Its 9 populated islands are situated about midway between Hawaii and Australia. They lie south of Kiribati, northwest of Samoa and north of Fiji. Tuvalu is composed of three reef islands and six atolls. They are spread out between the latitude of 5° and 10° south and between the longitude of 176° and 180°. They lie west of the International Date Line.  

Tuvalu has a population of approximately 11,000 (10,645- 2017 census. The UN estimates the July 1, 2021 population at 11,931) of which around 6,700 live on Funafuti.  

For a more detailed breakdown of the 2017 census see Annex 5.3 

The total land area of the islands of Tuvalu is 26 square kilometres (10 sq. mi).   

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:

Tuvalu Wikipedia Country information 

Tuvalu IMF Country Information  

Tuvalu Economist Intelligence Unit Information*  (*note - this is a paid service) 

Humanitarian Info

Tuvalu World Food Programme Information  Note there is no separate Tuvalu country page  

Tuvalu UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Information 

Facts and Figures

Tuvalu Wolfram Alpha Information 

Tuvalu World Bank Information 

Tuvalu Population Information

1.1 Tuvalu Humanitarian Background

Disasters, Conflicts and Migration

Tuvalu’s southernmost island of Niulakita is located within the tropical cyclone boundaries of the South-West Pacific. However, this does not exempt the northern eight islands from adverse effects of tropical cyclone and extreme events.  

The wet season of Tuvalu is plagued by tropical depressions that could become tropical cyclones or destructive hurricanes.  

Natural hazards in Tuvalu include tropical cyclones, storm surge, drought, inundation, coastal erosion and pest infestation. 

Each year, one or a combination of natural hazards, adversely affects the livelihood of the people on all of the islands.   

Natural Disasters 

Type 

Occurs 

Comments / Details 

Drought 

Yes 

Drinking water is largely reliant on rainwater harvesting. Droughts are becoming more prevalent  

Earthquakes 

Yes 

Biggest threat posed by Tsunami in the wake of earthquakes in the region. 

Epidemics 

Yes 

Dengue fever, most recent 2019. Covid 2022 

Extreme Temperatures 

Yes 

Extremes are becoming more prevalent as climate changes occur 

Flooding 

Yes 

King tides and rising ocean levels 

Insect Infestation 

Yes 

Yellow Crazy Ant. On Funafuti, the YCA has destroyed crops and attacked animals such as chickens, land crabs, hermit crabs, and coconut crabs, and it threatens seabird populations 

Coconut scale insect which has severely infested the coconut palms, breadfruit, papaya, bananas, and pandanus 

Mudslides 

No 

 

Volcanic Eruptions 

No 

 

High Waves / Surges 

Yes 

King tides and rising ocean levels flood low lying areas also adversely effect subterranean fresh water lenses  

Wildfires 

No 

 

High Winds 

Yes 

The threat of tropical cyclones is ever-present during period Nov.-April 

Other Comments 

 

Man-Made Issues 

Civil Strife 

No 

  

International Conflict 

No 

 

Internally Displaced Persons 

No 

 

Refugees Present 

No 

 

Landmines / UXO Present 

No 

 

Other Comments 

 

 

Due to the low-lying nature of the atolls, rising sea levels arising from climate change compound existing threats. In terms of priority, the greatest disaster threats facing Tuvalu are cyclone, drought and tsunami 

For a more detailed database on disasters by country, please see the Centre for Research on Epidemiology of Disasters  - please note that no data is currently available for Tuvalu

Seasonal Effects on Logistics Capacities

Seasonal Effects on Transport 

Transport Type 

Time Frame 

Comments / Details 

Primary Road Transport 

Wet/cyclone Season Nov - April 

During the period November to April cyclones may present short-term disruption to air and sea transport 

Secondary Road Transport 

Wet/cyclone Season Nov - April 

Rail Transport 

N/A 

Air Transport 

Wet/cyclone Season Nov - April 

Waterway Transport 

Wet/cyclone Season Nov - April 

Seasonal Effects on Storage and Handling 

Activity Type 

Time Frame 

Comments / Details 

Storage 

 N/a 

  

Handling 

Nov. - April 

During the period November to April heavy rains may result in damage during loading/unloading and transporting perishable goods. 

Capacity and Contacts for In-Country Emergency Response

 GOVERNMENT 

The National Disaster Council is the principal executing body at national level acting on behalf of Cabinet. The NDC is the peak decision-making body during times of disaster, providing advice to Cabinet on strategic decisions e.g. the need for international assistance.  

The Council comprises: 

  • Secretary to Government (Chair) 
  • Commissioner of Police 
  • Secretary – Ministry of Home Affairs and Rural Development 
  • Secretary, Ministry of Finance and Economic Development 
  • Secretary, Ministry of Natural Resources 
  • Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tourism, Trade, Environment and Labour 
  • Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Communications and Transport 
  • Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health 
  • Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Utilities and Infrastructure 
  • Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports 
  • Permanent Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) 
  • Director, Public Works 
  • Secretary, Funafuti Kaupule (traditional assembly of elders on each of the islands of Tuvalu) 
  • General Secretary, Tuvalu Red Cross 
  • Disaster Policy Coordinator (Director NDMO)

On occasion, partner agencies may be invited to sit in NDC meetings as observers. 

When a disaster is declared, Foreign Affairs notifies international partners (governments, humanitarian agencies etc.) if assistance is needed 

The role of the Police during disasters is to act as first responders during emergencies and on the outer islands often take the leadership role during disasters/emergencies in coordination with the Disaster Island Committee and assist in assessment and distribution of relief supplies.   

There is no military force and no defence or civil defence assets, In the event that military aid is supplied from overseas, the Police Commissioner would be the focal point for interaction. 

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link:  4.1 Government Contact List

HUMANITARIAN COMMUNITY 

The Tuvalu Red Cross delivers programmes on Disaster Management, Health and First Aid. It operates from national to community levels in providing disaster preparedness and response support. 

Red Cross has prepositioned NFI stocks in 20’ containers on the islands of Nanumaga, Nanumea, Niu. Nukufetau, Niutao, Nukulaelae, Vaitupu in addition to stocks at the main depot in Funafuti. 

See Annex 5.6 

The Australian High Commission as represented by the Maritime Surveillance Advisor based with the police. The Maritime Surveillance Advisor provides support through the Australian delivered Defence Cooperation Programme. The Advisor provides a number of support activities in areas such as maritime security, border control, search and rescue support. 

The NZ Aid Programme has an office however it is not a fully-fledged High Commission; rather the office manages projects funded by New Zealand as well as any assistance work funded by New Zealand. 

There is a joint UN office in Tuvalu. During crises, the Joint Presence Office (JPO) reports to UNDSS and the UNDP office in Suva.  

UNDP has a permanent staff and ongoing projects including the Tuvalu Coastal Adaption Project (TCAP) aimed at reducing vulnerability and resilience building in relation to climate risks (more information available at https://tcap.tv/about-tcap) for a list of their other ongoing programmes please see Annex 5.2

UNICEF is present and running programmes centring on child welfare in schools, health and immunisation. 

For more information on humanitarian agency contact details, please see the following link: 4.2 Humanitarian Agency Contact List 

 

National disaster risk management structure for Tuvalu (during crisis) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 1.3 Tuvalu Customs Information


Disaster relief is the direct responsibility of the National Disaster Committee with formal requests put through the Ministry of Finance and Economics for exemptions of customs duties. The Ministry then advises Customs that these items will require exemptions from tariffs. There are no formalised arrangements for customs clearance for relief items. 

Tuvalu Red Cross has a Memorandum of Understanding with the Customs Office for exemption of tariffs fees for all relief items. 

Tuvalu Customs had ratified the Revised Kyoto Convention and under this arrangement Customs will provide special treatment and full exemption for all consignments for disaster relief.     

For full details on CUSTOMS REVENUE AND BORDER PROTECTION ACT 2014 please use the following link: https://tuvalu-legislation.tv/cms/images/LEGISLATION/PRINCIPAL/2014/2014-0015/CustomsRevenueandBorderProtectionAct2014_1.pdf 

Duties and Tax Exemption 

For contact information regarding government custom authorities, please follow the link below:  

4.1 Tuvalu Government Contact List

Emergency Response: 

The following table states which of the following agreements and conventions apply to the country and if there are any other existing ones 

Agreements / Conventions Description 

Ratified by Country? 

(Yes / No)  

WCO (World Customs Organization) member 

Yes 13/5/2019 

Annex J-5 Revised Kyoto Convention 

Yes.13/5/2019 

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 integr

ation) 

Pacific Islands Trade Agreement 

Follow this link to a full list of Tuvalu’s treaties: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Treaties_of_Tuvalu  

Exemption Regular Regime (Non-Emergency Response):  

 All applications for exemptions should be made to Tuvalu Revenue & Customs Department Commissioner of Revenue & Customs email: steisini@gov.tv / trcd@gov.tv 

Organizational Requirements to obtain Duty Free Status 

United Nations Agencies 

 Regional organization 

Non Governmental Organizations 

 Private and individual donation 

Exemption Certificate Application Procedure:  

Duties and Taxes Exemption Application Procedure 

Generalities (include a list of necessary documentation) 

1.certifiied invoice 

2.Bills of Lading\Airway Bills 

3.Letter from donor partner/individual 

Process to be followed (step by step or flowchart) 

 


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 

original 

1 copy 

 

  

 

Yes 

original 

1 copy 

 

  

 

Yes 

original 

1 copy 

 

  

 

Yes 

original 

1 copy 

 

  

 

Yes 

original 

1 copy 

 

  

 

Yes 

original 

1 copy 

 

  

AWB/BL/Other Transport Documents 

 

Yes 

original 

1 copy 

 

  

 

Yes 

original 

1 copy 

 

  

 

Yes 

original 

1 copy 

 

  

 

Yes 

original 

1 copy 

 

  

 

Yes 

original 

1 copy 

 

  

 

Yes 

original 

1 copy 

 

  

Donation/Non-Commercial Certificates 

 

Yes 

original 

1 copy 

 

  

 

Yes 

original 

1 copy 

 

  

 

Yes 

original 

1 copy 

 

  

 

Yes 

original 

1 copy 

 

  

 

Yes 

original 

1 copy 

 

  

 

Yes 

original 

1 copy 

 

  

Packing Lists 

 

Yes 

original 

1 copy 

 

  

 

Yes 

original 

1 copy 

 

  

 

Yes 

original 

1 copy 

 

  

 

Yes 

original 

1 copy 

 

  

 

Yes 

original 

1 copy 

 

  

 

Yes 

original 

1 copy 

 

  

Other Documents 

Nil 

Nil  

Permit 

Cancellation 

Certificate for 2nd hand cars 

Nil 

Nil 

Customs Clearance 

General Information  

Customs Information 

Document Requirements  

Temporary import needed to clear on im6 without deposit 

Embargoes 

None 

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 

Original 

1 copy 

applies to both UN and NGO 

 

Yes 

Original 

1 copy 

applies to both UN and NGO 

 

Yes 

Original 

1 copy 

applies to both UN and NGO 

 

Yes 

Original 

1 copy 

applies to both UN and NGO 

 

Yes 

Original 

1 copy 

applies to both UN and NGO 

 

Yes 

Original 

1 copy 

applies to both UN and NGO 

 

Invoice 

Yes 

Original 

1 copy 

applies to both UN and NGO 

 

Yes 

Original 

1 copy 

applies to both UN and NGO 

 

Yes 

Original 

1 copy 

applies to both UN and NGO 

 

Yes 

Original 

1 copy 

applies to both UN and NGO 

 

Yes 

Original 

1 copy 

applies to both UN and NGO 

 

Yes 

Original 

1 copy 

applies to both UN and NGO 

 

AWB/BL/Other Transport Documents 

Yes 

Original 

1 copy 

applies to both UN and NGO 

 

Yes 

Original 

1 copy 

applies to both UN and NGO 

 

Yes 

Original 

1 copy 

applies to both UN and NGO 

 

Yes 

Original 

1 copy 

applies to both UN and NGO 

 

Yes 

Original 

1 copy 

applies to both UN and NGO 

 

Yes 

Original 

1 copy 

applies to both UN and NGO 

 

Donation/Non-Commercial Certificates 

Yes 

Original 

1 copy 

applies to both UN and NGO 

 

Yes 

Original 

1 copy 

applies to both UN and NGO 

 

Yes 

Original 

1 copy 

applies to both UN and NGO 

 

Yes 

Original 

1 copy 

applies to both UN and NGO 

 

Yes 

Original 

1 copy 

applies to both UN and NGO 

 

Yes 

Original 

1 copy 

applies to both UN and NGO 

 

Packing Lists 

Yes 

Original 

1 copy 

applies to both UN and NGO 

 

Yes 

Original 

1 copy 

applies to both UN and NGO 

 

Yes 

Original 

1 copy 

applies to both UN and NGO 

 

Yes 

Original 

1 copy 

applies to both UN and NGO 

 

Yes 

Original 

1 copy 

applies to both UN and NGO 

 

Yes 

Original 

1 copy 

applies to both UN and NGO 

 

Phytosanitary Certificate 

Yes 

Original 

1 copy 

applies to both UN and NGO 

 

If requested 

If requested 

If requested 

If requested 

If requested 

Other Documents 

Freight Breakdown 

Freight Breakdown 

Freight Breakdown 

Freight Breakdown 

Freight Breakdown 

Freight Breakdown 

Additional Notes 

Tuvalu does not accept proforma invoice, need to provide cost, insurance & freight (CIF) 

Transit Regime 

N/A. Tuvalu is not a transit destination. No transit regime 



1.2 Tuvalu Regulatory Departments & Quality Control 

Tuvalu is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy. Effective executive power resides in the cabinet. The cabinet consists of the Prime Minister, who is elected by parliament, and up to four members of parliament The unicameral parliament has 15 elected members. Seven islands send two members, and one, Nukulaelae, sends one, Local government consists of a Town Council on the main island of Funafuti, and Island Councils on seven other islands. 

  • Ministry of Justice, Communication and Foreign Affairs 
  • When a disaster is declared, Foreign Affairs notifies international partners (governments, humanitarian agencies etc.) if assistance is needed. Sits on National Disaster Committee 
  • Will facilitate entry for humanitarian personnel during emergencies if alerted in advance 
  • Ministry of Finance and Economic Development 
  • Disaster relief is the direct responsibility of the National Disaster Committee with formal requests put through the Ministry of Finance and Economics for exemptions of customs duties. 
  • Ministry of Local Government and Agriculture 
  • Ministry of Fisheries and Trade 
  • Sits on National disaster Committee 
  • Ministry of Health, Social Welfare and Gender Affairs 
  • Sits on National disaster Committee 
  • Ministry of Transport, Energy and Tourism 
  • Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports 
  • Ministry Of Fisheries and Trade 
  • Sits on National disaster Committee 
  • Ministry of Justice, Communications and Foreign Affairs 
  • Sits on National disaster Committee 
  • Ministry of Home Affairs and Rural Development, Agriculture 
  • Sits on National disaster Committee 
  • Office of the Prime Minister 
  • Convenes the National Disaster Committee in an emergency Regional Trade Agreements 
  • Tuvalu is a member of the Pacific Island Countries Trade Agreement (PICTA)   
  • The South Pacific Regional Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreement (SPARTECA). 
  • Member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO)   
  • The Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations  Agreement (PACER) 
  • General Scheme of Preference (GSP) 
  • Everything But Arms (EBA) 
  • The Cotonou Agreement 

For more information on regulatory departments and quality control laboratories’ contact details, please see the following links:4.1 Government Contact List and 4.3 Laboratory and Quality Testing Company Contact List