🇱🇨 Import Customs & Duties: Saint Lucia
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$50
Packages under $50, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
15%
CIF value + duty. VAT at 12.5% on most imports. Some basic foods at 0%.
Clearance Time
3-7 days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0-20% | 85 |
| Clothing | 20% | 61-62 |
| Footwear | 20% | 64 |
| Food & Beverages | 0-20% | 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-5% | 84 |
| Cosmetics | 20% | 33 |
| Books | 0% | 49 |
| Toys & Games | 20% | 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Customs Clearance Process
Saint Lucia Customs and Excise Department. CARICOM CET applies (0-20%). ASYCUDA World system. Port Castries and Vieux Fort are main entry points.
What to Actually Expect
Well-organized for a small Caribbean island. CARICOM CET moderate. VAT at 12.5%. DHL and FedEx available. Postal service 2-3 weeks. Port Castries handles cruise ships and cargo, can be congested during tourist season. Excise tax on alcohol, tobacco, and vehicles. Service charge of 2% on imports. Professional customs staff but limited 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, ammunition, pharmaceuticals, and certain food and agricultural products. Phytosanitary certificates for plant products.
Certificate of Origin
CARICOM Certificate of Origin for regional preferential trade. EPA certificate for EU trade. General certificates from Saint Lucia 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 Lucia
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Saint Lucia?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Saint Lucia is $50. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Saint Lucia?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Saint Lucia is 15%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. VAT at 12.5% on most imports. Some basic foods at 0%.
How long does customs clearance take in Saint Lucia?
Typical customs clearance in Saint Lucia takes 3-7 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Saint Lucia?
To import into Saint Lucia, 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 Lucia?
Saint Lucia 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.