🇬🇫 Import Customs & Duties: French Guiana
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$50
Packages under $50, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
15%
No TVA applies in French Guiana. Instead, octroi de mer (dock dues) at 0-30% on CIF + duty.
Clearance Time
2-5 days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0-3.7% | 85 |
| Clothing | 12% | 61-62 |
| Footwear | 8-17% | 64 |
| Food & Beverages | 0-26% | 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-4% | 84 |
| Cosmetics | 2.5-6.5% | 33 |
| Books | 0% | 49 |
| Toys & Games | 0-4.7% | 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Customs Clearance Process
French Guiana is a French overseas department, FULL EU customs territory. EU Common Customs Tariff and TARIC apply. Douanes françaises (French Customs) administer clearance. EU IOSS system for low-value imports. Octroi de mer (dock dues) also apply.
What to Actually Expect
EU customs rules apply in full, but with the addition of octroi de mer (dock dues, 0-30%) specific to French overseas departments. No VAT, instead, a local TVA-equivalent does not apply; goods are subject to octroi de mer. Logistics are challenging, remote location means shipping is expensive and slow. Limited courier options. Postal service via La Poste but unreliable. Main port is Dégrad des Cannes near Cayenne. High prices due to remoteness.
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 import license rules apply. Additional restrictions on some goods due to proximity to Amazon rainforest (strict biosecurity). Mining equipment may require permits.
Certificate of Origin
EU standard certificates. EUR.1 for FTA partners. REX system for registered exporters. Same rules as mainland France.
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 French Guiana
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for French Guiana?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into French Guiana is $50. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to French Guiana?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to French Guiana is 15%. VAT applies to: No TVA applies in French Guiana. Instead, octroi de mer (dock dues) at 0-30% on CIF + duty.
How long does customs clearance take in French Guiana?
Typical customs clearance in French Guiana takes 2-5 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into French Guiana?
To import into French Guiana, 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 French Guiana?
French Guiana 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.