🇧🇲 Import Customs & Duties: Bermuda
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$50
Packages under $50, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
15%
No VAT or sales tax. Government revenue from import duties and payroll tax.
Clearance Time
1-3 days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0-25% (duty rates by value tier, items under $200 may be duty-free) | HS 85 |
| Clothing | 6.5-22.25% (standard consumer goods rates) | HS 61-62 |
| Footwear | 6.5-22.25% | HS 64 |
| Food products | 0-22.25% (basic food 0-5%, prepared food 10-22.25%) | HS 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-15% (industrial machinery 0%, household 10-15%) | HS 84 |
| Cosmetics | 6.5-22.25% | HS 33 |
| Books | 0% | HS 49 |
| Toys | 6.5-22.25% | HS 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Customs Clearance Process
Bermuda Customs Department (gov.bm/department/customs). British Overseas Territory with its own customs regime. No VAT or sales tax, government revenue relies heavily on import duties (0-33.5%). Most consumer goods 6.5-22.25%. Duty relief program for necessities. Essentially duty-free territory for goods under $200,25% duty on imports over $200 for personal shipments. Hamilton harbour is the main port.
What to Actually Expect
Essentially duty-free for most goods under $200. 25% duty on imports over $200 for personal shipments. No VAT, duties are the main revenue source. Efficient customs for a small territory. Most goods from US arrive within 3-5 days via courier. DHL, FedEx, UPS all serve Bermuda. Duty relief program for essential items. Very high cost of living, everything imported. Professional and fast clearance.
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, controlled drugs, certain animals, and plants. Import permits for some food products. Strict biosecurity. Department of Environment and Natural Resources controls for plants and animals.
Certificate of Origin
Standard certificate of origin. No FTA preferential rates, Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory with its own customs tariff, separate from UK FTAs.
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 Bermuda
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Bermuda?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Bermuda is $50. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Bermuda?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Bermuda is 15%. VAT applies to: No VAT or sales tax. Government revenue from import duties and payroll tax.
How long does customs clearance take in Bermuda?
Typical customs clearance in Bermuda takes 1-3 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Bermuda?
To import into Bermuda, 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 Bermuda?
Bermuda 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.