🇬🇾 Import Customs & Duties: Guyana
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$50
Packages under $50, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
15%
CIF value + duty. VAT at 14% on most imports. Some basic foods exempt.
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
Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Customs Division. CARICOM CET applies (0-20%). ASYCUDA World system. Georgetown port is the main entry point. Oil boom is modernizing infrastructure.
What to Actually Expect
Oil boom economy transforming Guyana rapidly. Customs is improving but still bureaucratic. Georgetown port can be congested. CARICOM CET moderate. VAT at 14%. DHL and FedEx available in Georgetown. Postal service slow, 3-5 weeks. Interior regions (Essequibo, Rupununi) nearly inaccessible. Some corruption and inefficiency. Environmental tax on some goods. Fast-growing import volumes straining customs capacity.
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 controlled goods. Import permits for agricultural products from GLDA.
Certificate of Origin
CARICOM Certificate of Origin for regional trade. General certificates from Georgetown 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 Guyana
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Guyana?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Guyana is $50. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Guyana?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Guyana is 15%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. VAT at 14% on most imports. Some basic foods exempt.
How long does customs clearance take in Guyana?
Typical customs clearance in Guyana takes 3-7 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Guyana?
To import into Guyana, 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 Guyana?
Guyana 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.