🇬🇺 Import Customs & Duties: Guam
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$50
Packages under $50, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
15%
No federal VAT. Local Gross Receipts Tax (GRT) at 5% collected by businesses, not at customs.
Clearance Time
1-3 days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0% | 85 |
| Clothing | 12-32% | 61-62 |
| Footwear | 8-48% | 64 |
| Food & Beverages | 0-25% | 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-3% | 84 |
| Cosmetics | 0-5% | 33 |
| Books | 0% | 49 |
| Toys & Games | 0-6.5% | 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Customs Clearance Process
Guam is a US territory, US customs rules fully apply. CBP (Customs and Border Protection) handles clearance. ACE system. Section 321 de minimis $800. No duty on goods from US mainland. Foreign imports follow HTSUS. Guam also applies a local Use Tax.
What to Actually Expect
US territory, shipping from US mainland follows US customs (no foreign duties). USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL serve Guam. Military base presence ensures good logistics. Apra Harbor is a major Pacific port. GRT (Gross Receipts Tax) at 5% instead of sales tax, not collected at customs. Foreign imports follow US tariff. $800 de minimis. Asian imports (Japan, South Korea, Philippines) common. Strict biosecurity due to brown tree snake control. Good infrastructure for a Pacific island.
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
US federal regulations apply (FDA, USDA, ATF). Guam has additional biosecurity requirements due to brown tree snake eradication efforts. Strict agricultural inspections.
Certificate of Origin
US rules apply. Same FTA network as US mainland.
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 Guam
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Guam?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Guam is $50. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Guam?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Guam is 15%. VAT applies to: No federal VAT. Local Gross Receipts Tax (GRT) at 5% collected by businesses, not at customs.
How long does customs clearance take in Guam?
Typical customs clearance in Guam takes 1-3 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Guam?
To import into Guam, 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 Guam?
Guam 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.