π¬π΅ Import Customs & Duties: Guadeloupe
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$50
Packages under $50, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
15%
TVA at 8.5% applies in Guadeloupe (reduced rate vs mainland France's 20%). Octroi de mer (dock dues) 0-30% on CIF + duty additionally.
Clearance Time
2-5 days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0-3.7% | 85 |
| Clothing | 12% | 61-62 |
| Footwear | 8-17% | 64 |
| Food & Beverages | 0-26% | 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-4% | 84 |
| Cosmetics | 2.5-6.5% | 33 |
| Books | 0% | 49 |
| Toys & Games | 0-4.7% | 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Customs Clearance Process
Guadeloupe is a French overseas department, FULL EU customs territory. EU Common Customs Tariff and TARIC apply. French Customs administers. Octroi de mer (dock dues) applies as additional regional tax.
What to Actually Expect
EU rules with octroi de mer surcharge (0-30%) plus reduced TVA at 8.5% (not mainland France's 20%). Main port at Jarry/Pointe-Γ -Pitre. Shipping from mainland France is treated as intra-EU but subject to octroi de mer. DHL, FedEx, Chronopost available. Postal service via La Poste, 1-2 weeks from France, 3-4 weeks from elsewhere. Higher prices than mainland France due to remoteness.
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
EU import license rules apply. Strict phytosanitary controls for agricultural products. Additional restrictions for certain goods in overseas departments.
Certificate of Origin
EU standard certificates. EUR.1 for FTA partners. Same rules as mainland France. REX system for registered exporters.
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 Guadeloupe
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Guadeloupe?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Guadeloupe is $50. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Guadeloupe?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Guadeloupe is 15%. VAT applies to: TVA at 8.5% applies in Guadeloupe (reduced rate vs mainland France's 20%). Octroi de mer (dock dues) 0-30% on CIF + duty additionally.
How long does customs clearance take in Guadeloupe?
Typical customs clearance in Guadeloupe takes 2-5 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Guadeloupe?
To import into Guadeloupe, 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 Guadeloupe?
Guadeloupe 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.