🇧🇿 Import Customs & Duties: Belize
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$50
Packages under $50, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
15%
CIF value + duty. General Sales Tax (GST) at 12.5% on most imports.
Clearance Time
3-7 days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0-20% | 85 |
| Clothing | 5-20% | 61-62 |
| Footwear | 5-20% | 64 |
| Food & Beverages | 0-20% | 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-5% | 84 |
| Cosmetics | 5-20% | 33 |
| Books | 0% | 49 |
| Toys & Games | 5-20% | 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Customs Clearance Process
Belize Customs and Excise Department. CARICOM member applying Common External Tariff (CET) 0-20%. ASYCUDA World system for electronic processing. Main ports: Belize City, Big Creek.
What to Actually Expect
Small Central American country, CARICOM member. Customs can be slow, especially for postal mail (2-4 weeks). Belize City port handles most imports. Limited courier options, DHL is the most reliable. Revenue Replacement Duty of 0-25% may apply on top of CET. GST at 12.5% on imports. Infrastructure is basic.
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, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, used vehicles, and some agricultural products. Environmental tax on certain imports.
Certificate of Origin
CARICOM Certificate of Origin for intra-regional trade. CARICOM-DR FTA certificate for Dominican Republic trade. General certificates from Belize Chamber of Commerce.
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 Belize
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Belize?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Belize is $50. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Belize?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Belize is 15%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. General Sales Tax (GST) at 12.5% on most imports.
How long does customs clearance take in Belize?
Typical customs clearance in Belize takes 3-7 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Belize?
To import into Belize, 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 Belize?
Belize 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.