G/MA/QR/N/TON/1  
 
15 February  2021 
(21-1245) Page: 1/13 
Committee on Market Access  Original: English  
 
  
NOTIFICATION PURSUANT TO THE DECISION ON NOTIFICATION  PROCEDURE S 
FOR QUANTITATIVE RESTRICTIONS (G/L/59/REV.1)  
TONGA 
The following communication, dated 10 February  2021, is being circulated at the request of the 
delegation of Tonga . 
 
A. Notifying Member : Tonga  
B. Date of notification : 22 January 2021  
C. First time notification:  
 Yes 
 No, last notification was made in (doc. symbol ):  
D. Type of notification:  
 1. Complete (i.e. notification of all quantitati ve restrictions in force ) 
 2. Changes to a notification previously made in (doc symbol  which are of the following 
nature : 
  2.1 Introduction of new restrictions, as listed in Section 1. 
  2.2 Elimination of restrictions, as described in G below . 
  2.3 Modification of a previously notified restriction, as described in Section 1. 
 3. Reverse notification of restrictions maintained by (Member ):  
E. The notification provides information for the follo wing biennial period 
(e.g.  2012 -2014):  2018-2020 and 2020 -2022 and relates to restrictions in force as 
of 22 September  2020. 
F. This notification contains information* relating to:  
 Section  1: List of quantitative restrictions that are currently in force . 
 Section  2: Cross -reference to other WTO notifications with information on quantitative 
restrictions that are currently in force and additional information . 
G. Comments of a general nature, including a description of the elimination of 
restrictions notified under D.2.2 and the date they ceased to be in force.  
  
 
 
* In English  only.  
  G/MA/QR/N/TON/1  
 
- 2 - Section  1: List of quantitative restrictions that are currently in force  
 
QR 
No.  General description 
of the restriction  Type of 
restriction  
   Tariff line code(s)  
affected, based on 
HS(2017)  Detailed Product 
Description  WTO Justification 
and Grounds for 
Restriction, e.g., 
Other 
International 
Commitments  National legal 
basis and entry 
into force  
 Administration, 
modification of  
previously 
notified  
measures, and 
other comments  
1  2  3  4  5  6  7  
1  Import prohibition of 
imitation currency or 
similar legal tenders.  P  Various  Base or counterfeit or 
imitation currency or bank 
note or fictitious postage or 
revenue stamps of any 
country and any dye, plate, 
instrument, or materials 
capable of making any such 
coin, currency or bank note 
or any such revenue or 
postage stamps  Article XX (d) of the 
GATT  
 Customs and 
Excise Management 
Order 2007  
 
Customs and 
Excise Management  
Act 2007   Ministry of Revenue 
and Customs  
 
 
 
2  Import prohibition of 
counterfeit goods  P Various  Any goods discovered upon 
import that they are a 
counterfeit of a genuine 
product protected and 
registered in the Kingdom of 
Tonga.  Article XX(d) of GATT 
1994  
TRIPS Agreement   Customs and 
Excise Management 
Order 2007  
 
Customs and 
Excise Management  
Act 2007  
 
Industrial Property 
Act  Ministry of Revenue 
and Customs  
 
Ministry of Trade 
and Economic 
Development  
 
3  Import prohibition of 
articles which depict 
child pornography   P Various  Indecent or obscene books, 
paintings, drawings, cards, 
lithographic or other  
engravings, photographs, 
prints, films or other indecent 
products which depict  
child pornography  Article XX(a) of GATT 
1994   Customs and 
Excise Management 
Order 2007  
Customs and 
Excise Management  
Act 2007   Ministry of Revenue 
and Customs  
 
4  Import prohibition of 
goods bearing the  P Various  Goods bearing the Royal 
Arms of the Kingdom or arms 
so closely resembling such Article XX(f) of GATT 
1994   Customs and 
Excise Management 
Order 2007   Ministry of Revenue 
and Customs  
  
  G/MA/QR/N/TON/1  
 
- 3 - QR 
No.  General description 
of the restriction  Type of 
restriction  
   Tariff line code(s)  
affected, based on 
HS(2017)  Detailed Product 
Description  WTO Justification 
and Grounds for 
Restriction, e.g., 
Other 
International 
Commitments  National legal 
basis and entry 
into force  
 Administration, 
modification of  
previously 
notified  
measures, and 
other comments  
1  2  3  4  5  6  7  
Royal Arms of the 
Kingdom of Tonga  arms as to be calculated to 
deceive unless the importer 
of such goods hold His 
Majesty’s written authority to 
use them in connection with 
his trade, business, calling or 
profess ion  
Customs and 
Excise Management  
Act 2007  
 
Industrial Property 
Act  
 
 
 
 
Ministry of Trade 
and Economic 
Development  
5  Import prohibition of 
intellectual property 
rights infringing goods   P  Various  All books, written or printed 
matter and sounds and visual 
recordings which the Chief 
Commissioner shall by notice 
declare to be prohibited 
imports on account of any 
copyright or intellectual 
proper ty right laws which 
apply in the Kingdom.  Article XX(d) of GATT 
1994   Customs and 
Excise Management 
Order 2007  
 
Customs and 
Excise Management  
Act 2007  
 
Copyright Act 2008   Ministry of Revenue 
and Customs  
 
Ministry of Trade 
and Economic 
Development  
 
6  Import prohibition of 
goods that are 
Seditious or which 
advocate violence, 
lawlessness or disorder   P  Various   All books and any written or 
printed matter and sound and 
visual recordings which the 
Chief Commissioner shall by 
notice declare to be seditious 
or which advocate violence, 
lawlessness or disorder.  Article XX(a) of GATT 
1994  Customs and 
Excise Management 
Order 2007  
 
Customs and 
Excise Management  
Act 2007   Ministry of Revenue 
and Customs  
 
7  Import prohibition or 
quota on toxic or 
hazardous wastes   P 
GQ 38.24  
38.25  All toxic or hazardous wastes.  Article XX (b) of 
GATT 1994  
Basel Convention  
    Hazardous Wastes 
and Chemicals Act  
 
Customs and 
Excise Management 
Order 2007  
  Ministry of Revenue 
and Customs  
 
Ministry of 
Meteorology, 
Energy, Information, 
Disaster  
Management,  
  G/MA/QR/N/TON/1  
 
- 4 - QR 
No.  General description 
of the restriction  Type of 
restriction  
   Tariff line code(s)  
affected, based on 
HS(2017)  Detailed Product 
Description  WTO Justification 
and Grounds for 
Restriction, e.g., 
Other 
International 
Commitments  National legal 
basis and entry 
into force  
 Administration, 
modification of  
previously 
notified  
measures, and 
other comments  
1  2  3  4  5  6  7  
Customs and 
Excise Management  
Act 2007  Environment, 
Climate Change and 
Communications 
(MEIDECC)  
8  Import prohibition of 
Lamb & Mutton Breast  P  0204.22.10  
0204.22.30  
0204.42.10  
0204.42.30  All meat of lamb and mutton 
breasts  Article XX (b) of 
GATT 1994  Customs and 
Excise Management 
Order 2020  
 
Customs and 
Excise Management  
Act 2007   Ministry of Revenue 
and Customs  
 
9  Non-automatic import 
licensing of Firearms 
and Ammunition  NAL 93.01 - 93.07  Firearms and ammunition 
except with a licence issued 
in accordance with the law Article XXI (b) (ii) of 
GATT 1994    Arms and 
Ammunitions Act  
 
Customs and 
Excise Management 
Order 2007  
 
Customs and 
Excise Management  
Act 2007   Ministry of Revenue 
and Customs  
 
Tonga Police  
10  Non-automatic import 
licensing of Explosives  NAL 36.02 - 36.04  Explosives or all kinds 
including fuses and 
detonators except with a 
licence issued in accordance 
with the law  Article XXI (b) (ii) of 
GATT 1994    Explosives Act  
 
Customs and 
Excise Management 
Order 2007  
 
Customs and 
Excise Management  
Act 2007  
  Ministry of Revenue 
and Customs  
 
Tonga Police  
  
  G/MA/QR/N/TON/1  
 
- 5 - QR 
No.  General description 
of the restriction  Type of 
restriction  
   Tariff line code(s)  
affected, based on 
HS(2017)  Detailed Product 
Description  WTO Justification 
and Grounds for 
Restriction, e.g., 
Other 
International 
Commitments  National legal 
basis and entry 
into force  
 Administration, 
modification of  
previously 
notified  
measures, and 
other comments  
1  2  3  4  5  6  7  
11  Conditional import 
prohibition of n oxious , 
stupefying or tear gas  CP  93.06  Noxious, stupefying or tear 
gas in any form and all 
weapons and instruments or 
appliances for firing or using 
such gases and gas 
containers or cartridges for 
such weapons or other 
instruments for appliances 
except in accordance with the 
law  Article XXI (b) (ii) of 
GATT 1994    Arms and 
Ammunitions Act  
 
Customs and 
Excise Management 
Order 2007  
 
Customs and 
Excise Management  
Act 2007   Ministry of Revenue 
and Customs  
 
Tonga Police  
 
Permits for 
importation may be 
granted by the 
Minister of Poli ce in 
accordance with 
requirements of the 
Arms and 
Ammunitions Act  
13 Export prohibition of 
articles with 
importance to  Tongan 
cultural heritage  P-X 4421.99.00 ex Fala Fatu  
Fala Vala  
Falevatu (axe)  
Kaufana (bow)  
Kolo (throwing club)  
Likuvalu (‘Akau Ta Tapavalu) 
(club)  
Makata (club)  
Malumulekeleka (Kolo) 
(throwing club)  
Meleihe (‘Akau Ta) (short 
stick)  
Mo’ungalaulau (club)  
Ngahau (arrow)  
Paletu’a (shield)  
Povai (club)  
Soki (spikes in ground)  
Tao (Spear)  
Tao Ngututokotoko (bayonet)  Article XX(f) of GATT 
1994 Customs and 
Excise Management 
Order 2007  
 
Customs and 
Excise Management  
Act 2007  Ministry of Revenue 
and Customs  
  
  G/MA/QR/N/TON/1  
 
- 6 - QR 
No.  General description 
of the restriction  Type of 
restriction  
   Tariff line code(s)  
affected, based on 
HS(2017)  Detailed Product 
Description  WTO Justification 
and Grounds for 
Restriction, e.g., 
Other 
International 
Commitments  National legal 
basis and entry 
into force  
 Administration, 
modification of  
previously 
notified  
measures, and 
other comments  
1  2  3  4  5  6  7  
Tao Niu (spear of cocon ut) 
Tao-Fotoi /Tao Foto’i Fai 
(barbed spear)  
Tokotoko (club)  
Tui (club)  
Tuipapanu (club)  
Tuitapavalu (‘Akau Ta -
Tapavalu mo eni) (club)  
Tutanga’akau (Pota’i ‘Akau 
Ta) (club)  
Ualulu (club) (Tao uluilulu) 
(spear with owl’s head)  
Vulaono (axe)  
14 Conditional export 
prohibition of r aw coral CP-X 0508.00.11  Raw coral (including 
unprocessed black coral) 
except with the written 
permission of the Chief 
Commissioner following 
approval by Cabinet  Article XX(g) of GATT 
1994   Customs and 
Excise Management 
Order 2007  
 
Customs and 
Excise Management  
Act 2007  Ministry of Revenue 
and Customs  
 
Ministry of Fisheries  
15 Non-automatic import 
licensing of 
Sandalwood  NAL 1211.90.30  A person who intends to 
export sandalwood from 
Tonga shall first apply for a 
Sandalwood Export License 
from the Chief Executive 
Officer except in situations 
there is a written directive by 
Cabinet in relation to the 
sustainable management of 
the sandalwood  resource in 
Tonga or of its export the Article XX(g) of GATT 
1994  Sandalwood 
Regulations 2016  
 
Forest Act  Ministry of 
Agriculture, Food 
and Forests   
  G/MA/QR/N/TON/1  
 
- 7 - QR 
No.  General description 
of the restriction  Type of 
restriction  
   Tariff line code(s)  
affected, based on 
HS(2017)  Detailed Product 
Description  WTO Justification 
and Grounds for 
Restriction, e.g., 
Other 
International 
Commitments  National legal 
basis and entry 
into force  
 Administration, 
modification of  
previously 
notified  
measures, and 
other comments  
1  2  3  4  5  6  7  
export license will not be 
granted.  
16 Non-automatic import 
licensing of w ild live 
rock P-X 
NAL -X 0508.00.19  
 
2513.20.00  
6810.99.00  Coral and similar articles,  
other 
Other natural abrasives  
Other artificial stone  
 
 Article XX(g) of GATT 
1994 Fisheries 
Management 
(Conservation) 
Regulations 2008  
 
Fisheries 
Management Act  
2002 
 
Tonga Marine 
Aquarium Fishery 
Management and 
Development Plan  The export of live 
rock shall only be 
permitted for 
artificially 
manufactured and 
seasoned live rock. 
An export permit 
and other relevant 
documentation 
issued by Ministry of 
Fisheries is requir ed 
for lawful export.  
 
Ministry of Fisheries  
17 Non-automatic import 
licensing of w ild giant 
clam P-X 
NAL -X 1605.56.00  Wild giant clam   Article XX(g) of GATT 
1994 Fisheries 
Management 
(Conservation) 
Regulations 2008  
 
Fisheries 
Management Act  
2002 
 
Tonga Marine 
Aquarium Fishery 
Management and 
Development Plan  Harvesting and/ or 
export of wild giant 
clam is prohibited.  
The export of giant 
clams is permitted 
for specimens that 
were grown from 
brood stock (i.e. 
grown -out spat 
obtained from 
brood -stock)  from 
registered 
aquaculture 
operations. An 
export permit and 
other relevant  
  G/MA/QR/N/TON/1  
 
- 8 - QR 
No.  General description 
of the restriction  Type of 
restriction  
   Tariff line code(s)  
affected, based on 
HS(2017)  Detailed Product 
Description  WTO Justification 
and Grounds for 
Restriction, e.g., 
Other 
International 
Commitments  National legal 
basis and entry 
into force  
 Administration, 
modification of  
previously 
notified  
measures, and 
other comments  
1  2  3  4  5  6  7  
documentation 
issued by Ministry of 
Fisheries is required 
for lawful export  
 
Ministry of Fisheries  
18 Export prohibition of 
cetaceans  and 
products thereof  P -X 0106.12.00  
0210.92.00  Cetaceans  
Cetaceans  meat and edible 
offal, salted, in brine, dried or 
smoked; edible flours and 
meals of meat or meat offal  Article XX(g) of GATT 
1994 Fisheries 
Management 
(Conservation) 
Regulations 2008  
 
Fisheries 
Management Act  
2002 
 
Tonga Marine 
Aquarium Fishery 
Management and 
Development Plan  Harvesting of 
cetaceans as per 
section 16 of the 
Fisheries 
(Conservation) 
Regulations 2008 
(the Conservation 
Regulations) is 
prohibited. The 
export of these 
species is also  
prohibited  
 
Ministry of Fisheries  
19 Export prohibition of 
bumphead parrot fish , 
bumphead wrasse  
 
 P -X 0301.99.00 ex 
0302.89.00 ex 
0303.89.00 ex 
0304.89.00 ex 
0305.69.00 ex giant grouper (Epinephelus 
lanceolatus) , bumphead 
parrot fish (Bolbometopon 
muricatum) , 
humphead wrasse (Cheilinus 
undulatus)  in the form of:  
 
live fish  
fresh or chilled  
frozen  
fillets or other meat  Article XX(g) of GATT 
1994 Fisheries 
Management 
(Conservation) 
Regulations 2008  
Fisheries 
Management Act  
2002 
 
Tonga Marine 
Aquarium Fishery 
Management and 
Development Plan  Harvesting or 
exporting giant 
grouper 
(Epinephelus 
lanceolatus) , 
bumphead parrot 
fish (Bolbometopon 
muricatum) , 
humphea d wrasse 
(Cheilinus 
undulatus) is 
prohibited.   
  G/MA/QR/N/TON/1  
 
- 9 - QR 
No.  General description 
of the restriction  Type of 
restriction  
   Tariff line code(s)  
affected, based on 
HS(2017)  Detailed Product 
Description  WTO Justification 
and Grounds for 
Restriction, e.g., 
Other 
International 
Commitments  National legal 
basis and entry 
into force  
 Administration, 
modification of  
previously 
notified  
measures, and 
other comments  
1  2  3  4  5  6  7  
dried, salted, or in brine; 
smoked; flours, meals and 
pellets of fish   
Ministry of Fisheries  
20 Export prohibition of 
Sharks  
 P -X 0301.99.00 ex 
0302.81.00 ex 
0303.81.00 ex 
0304.47.00 ex 
0304.56.00 ex 
0304.88.00 ex 
0304.96.00 ex Sharks  Article XX(g) of GATT 
1994 Fisheries 
Management 
(Conservation) 
Regulations 2008  
 
Fisheries 
Management Act  
2002 
 
Tonga Marine 
Aquarium Fishery 
Management and 
Development Plan  Harvesting or 
exporting sharks is 
prohibited.  
 
Ministry of Fisheries  
21 Export prohibition of 
Rays 
 P -X 0301.99.00 ex 
0302.82.00 ex 
0303.82.00 ex 
0304.48.00 ex 
0304.57.00 ex 
0304.88.00 ex 
0304.97.00 ex Rays Article XX(g) of GATT 
1994 Fisheries 
Management 
(Conservation) 
Regulations 2008  
 
Fisheries 
Management Act  
2002 
Tonga Marine 
Aquarium Fishery 
Management and 
Development Plan  Harvesting or 
exporting rays, is 
prohibited.  
 
Ministry of Fisheries  
22 Export prohibition of 
Triton  
 P -X 1605.58.00 ex 
 Triton  Article XX(g) of GATT 
1994 Fisheries 
Management 
(Conservation) 
Regulations 2008  Harvesting or 
exporting of triton  is 
prohibited . 
  
  G/MA/QR/N/TON/1  
 
- 10 - QR 
No.  General description 
of the restriction  Type of 
restriction  
   Tariff line code(s)  
affected, based on 
HS(2017)  Detailed Product 
Description  WTO Justification 
and Grounds for 
Restriction, e.g., 
Other 
International 
Commitments  National legal 
basis and entry 
into force  
 Administration, 
modification of  
previously 
notified  
measures, and 
other comments  
1  2  3  4  5  6  7  
 
Fisheries 
Management Act  
2002 
 
Tonga Marine 
Aquarium Fishery 
Management and 
Development Plan  Ministry of Fisheries  
23 Export prohibition of  
Turtles  P -X 0106.20.00 ex 
0210.93.00 ex Turtles  Article XX(g) of GATT 
1994 Fisheries 
Management 
(Conservation) 
Regulations 2008  
 
Fisheries 
Management Act  
2002 
 
Tonga Marine 
Aquarium Fishery 
Management and 
Development Plan  
 Harvesting or 
exporting of turtles 
is prohibited.  
 
Ministry of Fisheries  
 
   
  G/MA/QR/N/TON/1  
 
- 11 - Section  2: Cross -reference to other WTO notifications with information on quantitative restrictions that are currently in force  
 
This section shall be filled by Members in case a notification made pursuant to another notification requirement (e.g. set in  the Agreemen t on Agriculture, 
Agreement on Balance of Payments, Agreement on Safeguards, and the Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures, etc.) contains i nformation on a quantitative 
restriction in force and which is not listed in Section 1.   
 
1.  Agreement on Agriculture  
 
A.  Was a notification made with information on a quantitative restriction?   Yes     No   
B.  If yes, then list below the relevant document symbol and include any information element missing in the notification:  
 
Document 
symbol of 
notification  General 
description  Type of 
restr.  
 Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, based 
on HS(      ) Detailed 
Product 
Description  WTO Justification and 
Grounds for 
Restriction, e.g., Other 
International 
Commitments  National legal 
basis and entry 
into force   
 Administration; 
modification of 
prev. notified 
measures; and 
other comments  
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 
G/AG/N/         
 
2.  Agreement on Balance of Payments  
 
A.  Was a notification made with information on a quantitative restriction?   Yes     No   
B.  If yes, then list below the relevant document symbol and include any information element missing in the notification:  
 
Document 
symbol of 
notification  General 
description  Type of 
restr.  
 Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, based 
on HS(      ) Detailed 
Product 
Description  WTO Justification and 
Grounds for 
Restriction, e.g., Other 
International 
Commitments  National legal 
basis and entry 
into force   
 Administration; 
modification of 
prev. notified 
measures; and 
other comments  
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 
WT/BOP/N/         
  
  G/MA/QR/N/TON/1  
 
- 12 - 3. Agreement on Safeguards  
 
A.  Was a notification made with information on a quantitative restriction?   Yes     No    
B.  If yes, then list below the relevant document symbol and include any information element missing in the notificat ion: 
 
Document 
symbol of 
notification  General 
description  Type of 
restr.  
 Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, based 
on HS(      ) Detailed 
Product 
Description  WTO Justification and 
Grounds for 
Restriction, e.g., Other 
International 
Commitments  National legal 
basis and entry 
into force   
 Administration; 
modification of 
prev. notified 
measures; and 
other comments  
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 
G/SG/N/         
 
4.  Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures (non -automatic licences)  
 
A.  Was a notification made with information on a quantitative restriction?   Yes     No   
B.  If yes, then list below the relevant document symbol and include any information element missing in the notification:  
 
Document 
symbol of 
notification  General 
description  Type of 
restr.  
 Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, 
based on 
HS(2007)  Detailed 
Product 
Description  WTO Justification and 
Grounds for 
Restriction, e.g., Other 
International 
Commitments  National legal 
basis and entry 
into force   
 Administration; 
modification of 
prev. notified 
measures; and 
other comments  
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 
G/LIC/N/         
 
  
  G/MA/QR/N/TON/1  
 
- 13 - 5. Other notifications  
 
A. Was a notification made with information on a quantitative restriction in other notifications?   Yes     No    
B. If yes, then list below the relevant document symbol and include any information element missing in the notification:  
 
Document 
symbol of 
notification  General 
description  Type of 
restr.  
 Tariff line 
code(s) 
affected, based 
on HS(      ) Detailed 
Product 
Description  WTO Justification and 
Grounds for 
Restriction, e.g., Other 
International 
Commitments  National legal 
basis and entry 
into force   
 Administration; 
modification of 
prev. notified 
measures; and 
other comments  
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 
             
 
 
__________