🇨🇼 Import Customs & Duties: Curaçao
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$50
Packages under $50, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
15%
CIF value + duty. OB (omzetbelasting/turnover tax) at 6% on all imports.
Clearance Time
2-4 days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0-12% (smartphones 3%, laptops 3%, TVs 12%) | HS 85 |
| Clothing | 12-22% (garments 12-22%) | HS 61-62 |
| Footwear | 12-22% | HS 64 |
| Food products | 0-12% (basic food 0-5%, processed food 5-12%) | HS 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-5% (industrial 0%, household 5%) | HS 84 |
| Cosmetics | 12-22% | HS 33 |
| Books | 0% | HS 49 |
| Toys | 12% (all toys 12%) | HS 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Customs Clearance Process
Curaçao Customs (Douane Curaçao, douane.cw). Autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, NOT part of the EU customs union. Duty rates 0-22%. OB (omzetbelasting/turnover tax) at 6% on all imports. Willemstad harbour and Hato International Airport handle cargo. E-zones (economic zones) offer duty exemptions for qualifying businesses.
What to Actually Expect
Efficient for a Caribbean island. Major free trade zone in Willemstad. Most imports from Netherlands, US, and Venezuela (reduced due to Venezuelan crisis). DHL, FedEx, UPS available. Courier parcels clear in 2-3 days. Postal mail 1-2 weeks. OB turnover tax at 6% on all imports, no de minimis. E-zones offer duty-free import for re-export. Oil refinery (Isla) historically a major import point. Tourism and financial services drive economy.
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 food products. Import permits for agricultural goods. E-zones offer duty exemptions for re-export and qualifying manufacturing businesses.
Certificate of Origin
Standard certificate of origin. Kingdom of the Netherlands trade agreements may apply. Not a CARICOM member, separate tariff schedule from other Caribbean islands.
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 Curaçao
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Curaçao?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Curaçao is $50. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Curaçao?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Curaçao is 15%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. OB (omzetbelasting/turnover tax) at 6% on all imports.
How long does customs clearance take in Curaçao?
Typical customs clearance in Curaçao takes 2-4 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Curaçao?
To import into Curaçao, 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 Curaçao?
Curaçao 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.