🇷🇪 Import Customs & Duties: Réunion
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$50
Packages under $50, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
15%
CIF value + duty + octroi de mer. Reduced TVA at 8.5%. Super-reduced 2.1% on basic necessities, medicines, press.
Clearance Time
1-5 days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0-3.7% (EU CET applies) | 85 |
| Clothing | 12% (EU CET) + octroi de mer 0-20% | 61-62 |
| Footwear | 8-17% (EU CET) + octroi de mer | 64 |
| Food & Beverages | 0-26% (EU CET) + octroi de mer on some items | 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-4% (EU CET) | 84 |
| Cosmetics | 2.5-6.5% (EU CET) + octroi de mer | 33 |
| Books | 0% | 49 |
| Toys & Games | 0-4.7% (EU CET) + octroi de mer | 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Customs Clearance Process
Reunion is a French overseas department (DROM) and part of the EU customs territory. Direction Regionale des Douanes handles customs under EU Union Customs Code. EU Common External Tariff applies, PLUS octroi de mer (sea duty), a local tax of 0-20% on top of EU duties to protect local production. TVA (VAT) at reduced rate of 8.5% (vs 20% in mainland France). Port de la Pointe des Galets (Le Port) is the main cargo port.
What to Actually Expect
French department in the Indian Ocean, full EU customs territory with a twist. EU duties apply, but octroi de mer adds 0-20% local tax on many goods. TVA at 8.5% (reduced from mainland 20%). Shipping from France takes 3-4 weeks by sea. Colissimo, Chronopost, DHL, FedEx all serve the island. La Poste, 2-4 week transit from France. Goods from EU enter without customs duty but still pay octroi de mer. High cost of living. Well-organized French system. Le Port handles 99% of trade by volume.
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-standard licensing. Required for agricultural quotas, dual-use goods, weapons. Additional biosecurity controls for tropical environment. Pharmaceuticals regulated by ANSM.
Certificate of Origin
EU customs rules apply. EUR.1 movement certificates for EU FTA partners. Issued by CCI Reunion. REX system. EU outermost region status provides some trade flexibilities.
Learn more →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 Réunion
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Réunion?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Réunion is $50. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Réunion?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Réunion is 15%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty + octroi de mer. Reduced TVA at 8.5%. Super-reduced 2.1% on basic necessities, medicines, press.
How long does customs clearance take in Réunion?
Typical customs clearance in Réunion takes 1-5 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Réunion?
To import into Réunion, 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 Réunion?
Réunion 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.