🇭🇹 Import Customs & Duties: Haiti
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$50
Packages under $50, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
15%
CIF value + duty. TCA (Taxe sur le Chiffre d'Affaires) at 10% on imports.
Clearance Time
5-14 days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0-15% | 85 |
| Clothing | 5-20% | 61-62 |
| Footwear | 5-20% | 64 |
| Food & Beverages | 0-15% | 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-5% | 84 |
| Cosmetics | 5-15% | 33 |
| Books | 0% | 49 |
| Toys & Games | 5-15% | 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Customs Clearance Process
Administration Générale des Douanes (AGD). SYDONIA (ASYCUDA) electronic system. HOPE/HELP trade preferences with US. TCA at 10% on most imports. Customs broker required for most clearances.
What to Actually Expect
VERY DIFFICULT. Political instability, gang violence, and infrastructure damage create severe challenges. Port-au-Prince port (main entry) is congested and insecure. Customs clearance is unpredictable, 1-4 weeks. Corruption is systemic. DHL and FedEx operate limited services. Postal service virtually non-functional. TCA (turnover tax) at 10% plus duties. Packages may be stolen, delayed indefinitely, or require informal payments. Cap-Haïtien port is an alternative. Security situation critical, shipping routes disrupted regularly.
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, vehicles, and some agricultural products. Sanitary certificates for food products from MARNDR. Many goods subject to verification inspection.
Certificate of Origin
HOPE Act certificate for US preferential textile trade. CARICOM certificate for regional trade (associate member). General certificates from CCIH (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 Haiti
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Haiti?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Haiti is $50. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Haiti?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Haiti is 15%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. TCA (Taxe sur le Chiffre d'Affaires) at 10% on imports.
How long does customs clearance take in Haiti?
Typical customs clearance in Haiti takes 5-14 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Haiti?
To import into Haiti, 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 Haiti?
Haiti 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.