🇫🇴 Import Customs & Duties: Faroe Islands
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$50
Packages under $50, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
15%
CIF value + duty. VST (Virðisøkisgjald) at 25% on most imports. Some food items at reduced rates.
Clearance Time
2-5 days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0-5% | 85 |
| Clothing | 0-10% | 61-62 |
| Footwear | 0-10% | 64 |
| Food & Beverages | 0-15% | 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0% | 84 |
| Cosmetics | 0-5% | 33 |
| Books | 0% | 49 |
| Toys & Games | 0-5% | 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Customs Clearance Process
TAKS (Faroe Islands Tax Authority) handles customs. Autonomous territory of Denmark but NOT part of the EU or the Danish customs territory. Own tariff schedule with generally low rates. VST (VAT equivalent, Virðisøkisgjald) at 25% on imports. Danish krone (DKK) is currency.
What to Actually Expect
Small North Atlantic archipelago (~54,000 people). NOT part of EU, has own trade agreements. Duties are low but VAT at 25% is high. Postal service via Posta (Faroese postal) is reliable, 5-10 days from Denmark, 1-2 weeks from Europe. No major international courier hubs but DHL and UPS serve via Denmark. Smyril Line cargo ferry from Denmark. Atlantic Airways for air cargo. Fishing industry dominates economy. Good infrastructure for the size. Well-organized Nordic customs system.
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, certain pharmaceuticals, and some agricultural products. Strict veterinary controls on animal products (not bound by EU rules). Alcohol and tobacco subject to high excise duties.
Certificate of Origin
Faroe Islands have their own FTAs, bilateral agreements with EU, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Turkey, and UK. Certificates issued by Vágatunnilin/TAKS.
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 Faroe Islands
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Faroe Islands?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Faroe Islands is $50. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Faroe Islands?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Faroe Islands is 15%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. VST (Virðisøkisgjald) at 25% on most imports. Some food items at reduced rates.
How long does customs clearance take in Faroe Islands?
Typical customs clearance in Faroe Islands takes 2-5 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Faroe Islands?
To import into Faroe Islands, 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 Faroe Islands?
Faroe Islands 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.