Importers in Niue are upset the government is planning to increase customs and port changes this week.
Sir Toke Talagi Photo: RNZ/ Indira Stewart
The government has notified businesses that they will also now be required to pay the charges prior to picking up their goods.
The island is visited by a Matson's freighter about every four weeks and businesses have previously enjoyed 20 days to pay.
The Chamber of Commerce has written to the premier, Sir Toke Talagi, asking that importers get up to 20 days after the boat leaves to file their paperwork and pay duty and national consumption taxes, NCT.
The Chamber said it recognised the need for higher charges but asked the government to give businesses 30 days notice of any increase.
And it said paying upfront will mean some businesses will struggle to survive.
