🇻🇨 Import Customs & Duties: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$50
Packages under $50, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
15%
CIF value + duty. VAT at 16% on most imports. Some basic food items zero-rated.
Clearance Time
3-7 days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 5-20% (CARICOM CET) | 85 |
| Clothing | 10-20% (CARICOM CET) | 61-62 |
| Footwear | 10-20% | 64 |
| Food & Beverages | 5-40% (protective on agriculture) | 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-10% | 84 |
| Cosmetics | 10-20% | 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
St. Vincent and the Grenadines Customs and Excise Department. CARICOM CET (Common External Tariff) applies at 0-20%. ASYCUDA system. VAT at 16% on imports. Kingstown port (St. Vincent) is the main entry. EC dollar (XCD) currency pegged to USD. Multiple Grenadine islands with limited customs presence.
What to Actually Expect
Small Eastern Caribbean island nation (~110,000 people). Kingstown port handles most cargo, limited capacity. CARICOM CET plus 16% VAT. DHL has limited service. Postal mail 2-4 weeks. Cargo ships from Trinidad and Barbados. Grenadine islands (Bequia, Mustique, Canouan), inter-island ferries add time. Tourism and banana exports are key. Argyle International Airport (opened 2017) improves air cargo access. EC dollar pegged to USD provides stability. Small island logistics, plan for delays.
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, motor vehicles, and certain agricultural products. Plant and animal quarantine. Alcohol and tobacco subject to excise.
Certificate of Origin
CARICOM Certificate of Origin for regional preferential trade (intra-CARICOM duty-free). EPA certificate for EU trade. Issued by St. Vincent 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 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is $50. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is 15%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. VAT at 16% on most imports. Some basic food items zero-rated.
How long does customs clearance take in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?
Typical customs clearance in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines takes 3-7 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?
To import into Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, 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 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 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.