🇸🇷 Import Customs & Duties: Suriname
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$50
Packages under $50, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
15%
CIF value + duty. BTW (belasting op de toegevoegde waarde) at 10% on imports.
Clearance Time
3-10 days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0-20% (CARICOM CET) | 85 |
| Clothing | 5-25% | 61-62 |
| Footwear | 5-25% | 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
Suriname Customs (Douane Suriname). CARICOM CET applies (0-20%). ASYCUDA system. BTW (omzetbelasting/turnover tax) at 10% on imports. Paramaribo Nieuwe Haven is the main port. Customs clearance handled by licensed brokers. SRD (Surinamese Dollar) currency.
What to Actually Expect
Small South American country with Dutch colonial heritage. CARICOM member but geographically on South American mainland, separate from Caribbean islands. Paramaribo port is the main entry, limited capacity. DHL available. Most imports from Netherlands, China, and Trinidad. BTW at 10% on imports. Customs can be slow and bureaucratic. Currency instability (SRD devaluations) creates challenges for importers. Postal mail 3-6 weeks. Interior (rainforest, ~80% of territory) nearly inaccessible. Gold mining imports have separate procedures. Dutch and Sranan Tongo languages.
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, live animals, and certain food products. Import permits from Ministry of Trade and Industry.
Certificate of Origin
CARICOM Certificate of Origin for regional trade. General certificates from Suriname Chamber of Commerce (KKF, Kamer van Koophandel en Fabrieken).
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 Suriname
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Suriname?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Suriname is $50. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Suriname?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Suriname is 15%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. BTW (belasting op de toegevoegde waarde) at 10% on imports.
How long does customs clearance take in Suriname?
Typical customs clearance in Suriname takes 3-10 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Suriname?
To import into Suriname, 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 Suriname?
Suriname 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.