🇹🇹 Import Customs & Duties: Trinidad and Tobago
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$50
Packages under $50, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
12.5%
CIF value + duty. VAT at 12.5% on most imports. Some basic food items zero-rated.
Clearance Time
2-5 days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 10-20% CET (smartphones 10%, laptops 10%, TVs 20%) | HS 85 |
| Clothing | 20% CET (all garments 20%) | HS 61-62 |
| Footwear | 20% CET (all footwear 20%) | HS 64 |
| Food products | 5-40% (rice 5%, meat 20-40%, dairy 15-25%, processed food 5-20%) | HS 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-5% (industrial machinery 0%, household appliances 5%) | HS 84 |
| Cosmetics | 5-20% (perfumes 20%, skincare 5%) | HS 33 |
| Books | 0% | HS 49 |
| Toys | 5-20% (basic toys 5%, electronic toys 20%) | HS 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Import Duty Calculator
Below de minimis threshold, no duty!: $50 USD
Customs Clearance Process
Trinidad and Tobago Customs and Excise Division (customs.gov.tt). ASYCUDA World electronic system. CARICOM Common External Tariff (CET) applies at 0-20%. VAT at 12.5% on imports. Port of Spain and Point Lisas are main ports. Online Import Permit (OIP) system. Piarco International Airport for air cargo.
What to Actually Expect
Largest CARICOM economy (oil and gas). Relatively modern customs for the Caribbean. VAT at 12.5% on all imports, no de minimis. CARICOM CET 0-20%. DHL, FedEx, UPS available. Port of Spain can be congested. Courier clearance 2-3 days. Postal mail 2-3 weeks. Motor Vehicle Import Permit required. Used goods importation restricted. Trinidad is a regional distribution hub for the southern Caribbean.
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, motor vehicles, certain agricultural products, and used goods. Import licenses from Trade Licensing Unit. Chemistry Food and Drugs Division (CFDD) for food imports. TTBS (Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards) compliance.
Certificate of Origin
CARICOM Certificate of Origin for regional preferential trade (intra-CARICOM duty-free). EPA certificate for EU trade. General certificates from Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce (TTCIC).
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
Duty & Tax Estimate
Estimated import charges when shipping goods to Trinidad and Tobago:
| Goods Value | Duty | VAT/Tax | Total Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | $0 | $0 | Free |
| $100 | $10 | $14 | $24 |
| $200 | $30 | $29 | $59 |
| $500 | $90 | $74 | $164 |
| $1000 | $190 | $149 | $339 |
Estimates only. Actual duties depend on product category and HS code.
Popular routes to Trinidad and Tobago
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Trinidad and Tobago?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Trinidad and Tobago is $50. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Trinidad and Tobago?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Trinidad and Tobago is 12.5%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. VAT at 12.5% on most imports. Some basic food items zero-rated.
How long does customs clearance take in Trinidad and Tobago?
Typical customs clearance in Trinidad and Tobago takes 2-5 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Trinidad and Tobago?
To import into Trinidad and Tobago, 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 Trinidad and Tobago?
Trinidad and Tobago 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.