🇦🇬 Import Customs & Duties: Antigua and Barbuda
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$50
Packages under $50, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
15%
CIF value + duty. Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax (ABST) at 15% 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
Antigua and Barbuda Customs & Excise Division handles clearance. CARICOM Common External Tariff (CET) applies with rates 0-20%. ASYCUDA World system used for electronic declarations.
What to Actually Expect
Small island with limited port infrastructure at St. John's. DHL and FedEx available but expensive. Postal service slow, expect 2-4 weeks. CARICOM CET keeps duties moderate at 0-20%. Customs hours limited; delays common around holidays. Environmental levy may apply.
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, pesticides, and certain agricultural products. Revenue Recovery Charge (RRC) of 10% applies to many goods.
Certificate of Origin
CARICOM Certificate of Origin for intra-regional trade at preferential rates. Non-preferential certificates issued by 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 Antigua and Barbuda
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Antigua and Barbuda?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Antigua and Barbuda is $50. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Antigua and Barbuda?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Antigua and Barbuda is 15%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax (ABST) at 15% on most imports.
How long does customs clearance take in Antigua and Barbuda?
Typical customs clearance in Antigua and Barbuda takes 3-7 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Antigua and Barbuda?
To import into Antigua and Barbuda, 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 Antigua and Barbuda?
Antigua and Barbuda 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.