LAWS OF THE REPUBLIC OF VANUATU
CONSOLIDATED EDITION 2006

Commencement: 12 August 1921

CHAPTER 7
IMMATURE WHISKEY (PROHIBITION)

JR 1 of 1921

ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS

1.	Importation of immature whiskey prohibited
2.	Certificates of storage in wood required
3.	Seizure of uncertified whiskey
4.	Penalties
5.	Additional penalties

IMMATURE WHISKEY (PROHIBITION)

To prohibit the importation of immature whiskey into Vanuatu.

1. Importation of immature whiskey prohibited

No whiskey or spirits purporting to be whiskey shall be imported into Vanuatu for human consumption unless the Director of Customs is satisfied that such whiskey has been matured by storage in wood for a period of not less than 3 years.

2. Certificates of storage in wood required

As proof of age the Director of Customs shall require from the importers of the whiskey aforesaid a certificate from a Government excise or customs officer of the country of export to the effect that the whiskey has been matured in wood for a period of not less than 3 years and the importation of any whiskey unaccompanied by a certificate, hereinafter called immature whiskey, shall be an offence against this Act and shall be dealt with accordingly.

3. Seizure of uncertificated whiskey

Any immature whiskey imported into Vanuatu in contravention of the provisions of this Act shall be re-exported at the importer’s expense by the first opportunity and if not so re-exported shall be seized by the Director of Customs and disposed of as may be directed by the court in accordance with the provisions of section 4.

4. Penalties

Any persons importing, selling, or supplying any immature whiskey as specified herein shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding VT 30,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 30 days or to one or other of these penalties, and any immature whiskey found in the possession of such person may on the order of the court be seized and destroyed or after being rendered unfit for human consumption sold and the proceeds of such sale paid to the Government.

5. Additional penalties

The penalties prescribed by section 4 shall be in addition to any others which may be properly inflicted under the provisions of the Import Duties (Consolidation) Act [Cap. 91].