Who We Are
The Papua New Guinea Customs Service (“we,” “our,” or “us”) operates the https://customs.gov.pg official website. We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information with transparency and security. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website and use our online services.
Scope
This policy applies to information we collect:
- On this Website.
- In email, text, and other electronic messages between you and this Website.
- Through mobile and desktop applications you download from this Website, which provide dedicated non-browser-based interaction.
- When you interact with our advertising and applications on third-party websites and services, if those applications or advertising include links to this policy.
Information We Collect
Personal Information: We may collect personally identifiable information that you voluntarily provide, such as:
- Name, contact details (email, phone, address).
- Business identification details (e.g., Importer/Exporter Code, Company Registration Number).
- Transactional data related to customs declarations, permits, and payments.
- Correspondence and feedback you submit.
Automated Data Collection: When you browse the Website, we may automatically collect:
- Technical Data: IP address, browser type, operating system, device information.
- Usage Data: Pages visited, links clicked, time spent on pages, date/time stamps, referring/exit pages.
- Cookies & Tracking Technologies: We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance user experience, analyze site traffic, and personalize content. You can control cookie settings through your browser.
How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect for lawful purposes, including:
- To provide, operate, and maintain our Website and e-services.
- To process and manage customs declarations, duties, taxes, and permits.
- To verify your identity and authenticate your access to secure services.
- To communicate with you, including sending service-related notices, updates, and support messages.
- To improve our Website, services, and user experience.
- For compliance with our legal and regulatory obligations under Papua New Guinea’s Customs Act and other laws.
- To prevent, detect, and investigate fraud, security breaches, or other prohibited activities.
Legal Basis for Processing
We process your personal information based on one or more of the following legal grounds:
- Performance of a Public Task: Processing is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the PNG Customs Service.
- Legal Obligation: Processing is necessary for compliance with a legal obligation to which we are subject.
- Consent: In specific instances where no other legal basis applies, we may seek your explicit consent (e.g., for certain newsletters or surveys).
How We Share and Disclose Information
We do not sell your personal information. We may share it only in the following circumstances:
- With Government Agencies: As required by law, to other PNG government agencies (e.g., IRC, IPA, Health Department) for legitimate regulatory and statutory purposes.
- With Service Providers: With trusted third-party vendors who assist us in operating the Website and providing services (e.g., hosting, analytics, payment processing), under strict confidentiality agreements.
- For Legal Reasons: To comply with a court order, law, or legal process; to protect the rights, property, or safety of PNG Customs, our users, or the public.
- With Your Consent: For any other purpose disclosed by us when you provide the information, with your consent.
Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures designed to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no internet transmission or electronic storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
Data Retention
We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, comply with our legal obligations (including record-keeping requirements under customs law), resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements.
Your Rights
Depending on applicable Papua New Guinea law, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information, which may include:
- The right to access the personal information we hold about you.
- The right to request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information.
- The right to object to processing or request restriction of processing.
- The right to withdraw consent (where processing is based on consent).
To exercise these rights, please contact our Data Protection Officer using the details in Section 12.
Third-Party Links
Our Website may contain links to other sites (e.g., other government portals, trade bodies). We are not responsible for the content or privacy practices of such other sites. We encourage you to read their privacy policies.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new policy on this page with an updated “Effective Date.” Your continued use of the Website after such changes constitutes your acceptance of the new policy.