🇰🇳 Import Customs & Duties: Saint Kitts and Nevis
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$50
Packages under $50, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
15%
CIF value + duty. VAT at 17% on most imports.
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
St. Kitts and Nevis Customs and Excise Department. CARICOM CET applies (0-20%). ASYCUDA World system. Basseterre port (St. Kitts) and Charlestown (Nevis) are entry points.
What to Actually Expect
Very small twin-island federation (~55,000 people). Limited import volumes. DHL available but expensive. Postal service slow, 2-4 weeks. CARICOM CET moderate. VAT at 17%. Customs is honest but small staff means delays. Nevis has its own customs post, inter-island shipping adds time. CBI (Citizenship by Investment) program brings some high-value imports.
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, live animals, and certain agricultural products. Import permits from Ministry of Agriculture for plant and animal products.
Certificate of Origin
CARICOM Certificate of Origin for regional preferential trade. General certificates from Chamber of Industry and 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 Kitts and Nevis
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Saint Kitts and Nevis?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Saint Kitts and Nevis is $50. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Saint Kitts and Nevis?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Saint Kitts and Nevis is 15%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. VAT at 17% on most imports.
How long does customs clearance take in Saint Kitts and Nevis?
Typical customs clearance in Saint Kitts and Nevis takes 3-7 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Saint Kitts and Nevis?
To import into Saint Kitts and Nevis, 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 Kitts and Nevis?
Saint Kitts and Nevis 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.