🇨🇾 Import Customs & Duties: Cyprus
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$0
Duty applies from $0
VAT / Sales Tax
19%
CIF value + duty. Reduced rate of 5% for food, books, pharmaceuticals, water supply. Super-reduced 3% for certain goods.
Clearance Time
1-4 days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0-3.7% | HS 85 |
| Clothing | 12% | HS 61-62 |
| Footwear | 8-17% | HS 64 |
| Food products | 0-36% | HS 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-4% | HS 84 |
| Cosmetics | 2.5-6.5% | HS 33 |
| Books | 0% | HS 49 |
| Toys | 0-4.7% | HS 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Import Duty Calculator
Customs Clearance Process
Cyprus Customs Department (mof.gov.cy/customs) follows EU Union Customs Code. THESEAS electronic declaration system. All imports from non-EU subject to EU Common External Tariff. Limassol and Larnaca ports and airports handle cargo. IOSS for low-value VAT since July 2021.
What to Actually Expect
EU customs, generally efficient. Island location means all non-EU goods arrive by sea or air. Limassol port is well-organized. Postal parcels typically clear in 2-4 days. Express couriers faster. Relatively small volume means less congestion than major EU hubs.
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
EU-standard licensing. Required for agricultural quotas, dual-use goods, weapons. Note: goods from Northern Cyprus (occupied territory) subject to special EU regulations.
Certificate of Origin
Issued by Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI). EUR.1 for EU FTA partners. REX system for registered exporters.
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 Cyprus:
| Goods Value | Duty | VAT/Tax | Total Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | $2 | $10 | $12 |
| $100 | $4 | $20 | $24 |
| $200 | $8 | $40 | $48 |
| $500 | $21 | $99 | $120 |
| $1000 | $42 | $198 | $240 |
Estimates only. Actual duties depend on product category and HS code.
Popular routes to Cyprus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Cyprus?
Cyprus has no duty-free threshold. All imported goods are subject to duties regardless of their value.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Cyprus?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Cyprus is 19%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. Reduced rate of 5% for food, books, pharmaceuticals, water supply. Super-reduced 3% for certain goods.
How long does customs clearance take in Cyprus?
Typical customs clearance in Cyprus takes 1-4 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Cyprus?
To import into Cyprus, 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 Cyprus?
Cyprus 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.