🇧🇧 Import Customs & Duties: Barbados
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$50
Packages under $50, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
15%
CIF value + duty. VAT at 17.5% on most imported goods. Some basic food items zero-rated.
Clearance Time
2-4 days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0-20% CET (smartphones 5%, laptops 5%, TVs 20%) | HS 85 |
| Clothing | 5-20% CET (garments 5-20%) | HS 61-62 |
| Footwear | 5-20% CET (all footwear 5-20%) | HS 64 |
| Food products | 0-20% (rice 5%, meat 20%, dairy 5-20%, processed food 5-20%) | HS 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-5% (industrial machinery 0%, household 5%) | HS 84 |
| Cosmetics | 5-20% (perfumes 20%, skincare 5%) | HS 33 |
| Books | 0% | HS 49 |
| Toys | 5-20% (basic toys 5%, electronic toys 20%) | HS 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Customs Clearance Process
Barbados Customs & Excise Department (customs.gov.bb). ASYCUDA World electronic system. CARICOM CET applies (0-20%). VAT at 17.5% on all imports. Port of Bridgetown is the main entry point. Grantley Adams International Airport for air cargo. Environmental levy on certain imports.
What to Actually Expect
Well-organized for a Caribbean island. CARICOM CET keeps duties at 0-20%. DHL, FedEx available. Environmental levy applies. Postal parcels 2-3 weeks. Customs is professional but can be slow during peak tourist season. VAT at 17.5% adds significantly to landed cost. $100 de minimis provides some relief for small purchases.
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, ammunition, pharmaceuticals, and certain agricultural products. Import permits needed for meat, poultry, and plant products. Barbados National Standards Institution (BNSI) compliance for consumer goods.
Certificate of Origin
CARICOM Certificate of Origin for preferential intra-regional rates. EPA (Economic Partnership Agreement) certificate for EU trade. General certificates from Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI).
Learn more →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 Barbados
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Barbados?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Barbados is $50. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Barbados?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Barbados is 15%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. VAT at 17.5% on most imported goods. Some basic food items zero-rated.
How long does customs clearance take in Barbados?
Typical customs clearance in Barbados takes 2-4 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Barbados?
To import into Barbados, 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 Barbados?
Barbados 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.