🇸🇨 Import Customs & Duties: Seychelles
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$50
Packages under $50, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
15%
CIF value + duty. VAT at 15% on most imports.
Clearance Time
3-7 days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0-25% | 85 |
| Clothing | 15-25% | 61-62 |
| Footwear | 15-25% | 64 |
| Food & Beverages | 0-25% (basic food 0-5%, luxury food 25%) | 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-10% | 84 |
| Cosmetics | 15-25% | 33 |
| Books | 0% | 49 |
| Toys & Games | 10-25% | 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Customs Clearance Process
Seychelles Revenue Commission (SRC) manages customs. ASYCUDA World electronic system. Customs duties 0-25% on most goods. VAT at 15% on imports. Victoria port (Port Victoria, Mahe) is the sole major port. Seychelles International Airport for air cargo. Tourism-driven economy, most goods imported.
What to Actually Expect
Small island nation (~100,000 people) heavily dependent on tourism and imports. Victoria port (Mahe) handles virtually all cargo. 15% VAT plus duties up to 25%. DHL and FedEx available. Postal mail 2-4 weeks. Cargo ships from Mombasa, Dubai, and Mauritius. Inter-island transport (Praslin, La Digue) adds time. High cost of living, among the highest in Africa. Well-organized for a small island state. Seychelles rupee (SCR) currency. Fish processing (tuna) is key industry alongside tourism.
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, certain chemicals, live animals. Seychelles Bureau of Standards compliance for some products. Strict biosecurity, island ecology protection. Alcohol and tobacco subject to excise.
Certificate of Origin
Issued by Seychelles Chamber of Commerce and Industry. COMESA and SADC certificates for regional trade. EU-ESA interim EPA provides preferential access.
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 Seychelles
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Seychelles?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Seychelles is $50. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Seychelles?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Seychelles is 15%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. VAT at 15% on most imports.
How long does customs clearance take in Seychelles?
Typical customs clearance in Seychelles takes 3-7 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Seychelles?
To import into Seychelles, 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 Seychelles?
Seychelles 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.