🇦🇼 Import Customs & Duties: Aruba
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$50
Packages under $50, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
15%
CIF value + duty. BBO (turnover tax) at 2% on imports. Additional BAVP health surcharge ~1% and BAZV crisis levy may apply. Total effective consumption tax ~3-4%.
Clearance Time
2-4 days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0-12% (smartphones 3%, laptops 3%, TVs 12%) | HS 85 |
| Clothing | 12-22% (garments 12-22%) | HS 61-62 |
| Footwear | 12-22% | HS 64 |
| Food products | 0-12% (basic food 0-5%, processed food 5-12%) | HS 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-5% (industrial 0%, household 5%) | HS 84 |
| Cosmetics | 12-22% | HS 33 |
| Books | 0% | HS 49 |
| Toys | 12% (all toys 12%) | HS 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Customs Clearance Process
Departamento di Aduana (Aruba Customs Department, douane.aw). Aruba is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, NOT part of the EU customs union. Import duties 0-22%. BBO (Belasting op Bedrijfsomzetten/turnover tax) at 2% on all imports. Additional BAVP health surcharge and BAZV may apply. Oranjestad harbour is the main port.
What to Actually Expect
Small island heavily dependent on imports, mostly from the US and Netherlands. Customs reasonably efficient. DHL, FedEx, and UPS serve Aruba. Most goods arrive within 1-2 weeks via courier. Not a CARICOM member, separate tariff schedule. BBO turnover tax at 2% is very low (not a VAT). No de minimis, all imports taxed. High cost of living. Tourism-driven economy. Free zone available for re-export businesses.
Required Documents
Commercial Invoice
Item description, quantity, value, sender and receiver details
Packing List
Detailed description of contents in each package
Customs Declaration (CN22/CN23)
Required for postal shipments
Air Waybill (AWB)
Generated by the carrier when booking the shipment
Certificate of Origin
May be required for reduced duties (FTA/preferential rates)
Export/Import License
For restricted goods (electronics, medicines, chemicals)
Import License Requirements
Required for firearms, explosives, pharmaceuticals, and certain food products. Excise duties on alcohol, tobacco, and fuel. Departamento di Salud Publico for food safety.
Certificate of Origin
Standard certificate of origin. Kingdom of the Netherlands trade agreements may apply for some goods. Not a CARICOM member, separate tariff schedule.
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)
Useful Links
Popular routes to Aruba
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Aruba?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Aruba is $50. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Aruba?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Aruba is 15%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. BBO (turnover tax) at 2% on imports. Additional BAVP health surcharge ~1% and BAZV crisis levy may apply. Total effective consumption tax ~3-4%.
How long does customs clearance take in Aruba?
Typical customs clearance in Aruba takes 2-4 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Aruba?
To import into Aruba, 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 Aruba?
Aruba 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.