🇧🇸 Import Customs & Duties: Bahamas
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$50
Packages under $50, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
15%
CIF value + duty. VAT at 10% on virtually all imports.
Clearance Time
2-5 days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 5-35% (smartphones 10%, laptops 10%, TVs 35%, appliances 25-35%) | HS 85 |
| Clothing | 15-35% (garments 25-35%) | HS 61-62 |
| Footwear | 25-45% (all footwear, highest duty category) | HS 64 |
| Food products | 0-35% (rice 0-10%, meat 5-25%, dairy 5-20%, processed food 10-35%) | HS 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-15% (industrial machinery 0-5%, household 10-15%) | HS 84 |
| Cosmetics | 15-35% (perfumes 35%, skincare 15%) | HS 33 |
| Books | 0% | HS 49 |
| Toys | 10-35% (basic toys 10%, electronic toys 35%) | HS 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Customs Clearance Process
Bahamas Customs, Excise and Immigration Department (bahamascustoms.gov.bs). CARICOM member but with many exemptions from CET. High duty rates (up to 45%) as duties are the primary government revenue source, no income tax. VAT at 10% on all imports. Click2Clear electronic system for customs declarations. Nassau (New Providence) is the main port.
What to Actually Expect
Duties very high (up to 45%), Bahamas has no income tax, customs duties are primary revenue source. VAT at 10% adds further. No de minimis, all imports taxed. Nassau port reasonably efficient. Outer islands (Exuma, Eleuthera, Abaco) face additional delays. DHL and FedEx available in Nassau. Postal service 3-4 weeks. Strict enforcement, undervaluation risky. Everything imported, high cost of living.
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, drugs, live animals, and certain food products. Import permits for agricultural goods from Ministry of Agriculture. Strict biosecurity controls.
Certificate of Origin
CARICOM Certificate of Origin for regional trade. General certificates from Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers' Confederation (BCCEC).
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 Bahamas
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Bahamas?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Bahamas is $50. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Bahamas?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Bahamas is 15%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. VAT at 10% on virtually all imports.
How long does customs clearance take in Bahamas?
Typical customs clearance in Bahamas takes 2-5 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Bahamas?
To import into Bahamas, 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 Bahamas?
Bahamas 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.