πŸ‡¬πŸ‡΅ Import Customs & Duties: Guadeloupe

Quick Facts

Duty-free threshold

$50

Packages under $50, duty free

VAT / Sales Tax

15%

TVA at 8.5% applies in Guadeloupe (reduced rate vs mainland France's 20%). Octroi de mer (dock dues) 0-30% on CIF + duty additionally.

Clearance Time

2-5 days

typical processing

Duty Rates by Category

CategoryDuty RateHS Chapter
Electronics0-3.7%85
Clothing12%61-62
Footwear8-17%64
Food & Beverages0-26%01-24
Machinery0-4%84
Cosmetics2.5-6.5%33
Books0%49
Toys & Games0-4.7%95

Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.

Customs Clearance Process

Guadeloupe is a French overseas department, FULL EU customs territory. EU Common Customs Tariff and TARIC apply. French Customs administers. Octroi de mer (dock dues) applies as additional regional tax.

Processing Time2-5 days
VAT Rate8.5% (TVA) + octroi de mer

What to Actually Expect

EU rules with octroi de mer surcharge (0-30%) plus reduced TVA at 8.5% (not mainland France's 20%). Main port at Jarry/Pointe-Γ -Pitre. Shipping from mainland France is treated as intra-EU but subject to octroi de mer. DHL, FedEx, Chronopost available. Postal service via La Poste, 1-2 weeks from France, 3-4 weeks from elsewhere. Higher prices than mainland France due to remoteness.

Required Documents

1

Commercial Invoice

Item description, quantity, value, sender and receiver details

2

Packing List

Detailed description of contents in each package

3

Customs Declaration (CN22/CN23)

Required for postal shipments

4

Air Waybill (AWB)

Generated by the carrier when booking the shipment

5

Certificate of Origin

May be required for reduced duties (FTA/preferential rates)

6

Export/Import License

For restricted goods (electronics, medicines, chemicals)

Import License Requirements

EU import license rules apply. Strict phytosanitary controls for agricultural products. Additional restrictions for certain goods in overseas departments.

Certificate of Origin

EU standard certificates. EUR.1 for FTA partners. Same rules as mainland France. REX system for registered exporters.

Prohibited & Restricted Items

Prohibited

  • xNarcotics and illegal drugs
  • xExplosives and flammable materials
  • xWeapons and ammunition
  • xCounterfeit goods
  • xCounterfeit currency and documents

Restricted (permit required)

  • !Medicines and pharmaceuticals
  • !Food and beverages
  • !Plants and seeds
  • !Electronics (lithium batteries)
  • !Perfumes and cosmetics (volume limits)

Popular routes to Guadeloupe

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duty-free threshold for Guadeloupe?

The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Guadeloupe is $50. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.

What is the VAT rate on imports to Guadeloupe?

The VAT/tax rate on imports to Guadeloupe is 15%. VAT applies to: TVA at 8.5% applies in Guadeloupe (reduced rate vs mainland France's 20%). Octroi de mer (dock dues) 0-30% on CIF + duty additionally.

How long does customs clearance take in Guadeloupe?

Typical customs clearance in Guadeloupe takes 2-5 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.

What documents are needed to import into Guadeloupe?

To import into Guadeloupe, you typically need: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, and customs declaration. Some goods may require a certificate of origin or import license.

What items are prohibited from import into Guadeloupe?

Guadeloupe prohibits the import of narcotics, weapons, counterfeit goods, certain animal products, and hazardous materials. Restrictions may also apply to alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and certain electronics.