1. What are the requirements for travelling to the Bahamas with an animal?

A current permit from the Department of Agriculture (one time use only)
The animal must be at least six months of age
A current Veterinary Health Certificate (vaccination records must be up to date)

2. I have someone bring something in for me, can I use my exemption?

3. I traveled by air and sent my goods by boat; can I use my exemption?

4. When returning as a passenger what exemptions am I entitled to?

All Bahamians and Residents are entitled to two exemptions valued at $500 twice per calendar year. There is no age restriction. Exemptions are not transferrable to any other person and can only be claimed on personal items.
Bonafied visitors are allowed $100.00 per trip.

5. What are my duty-free allowances?

In addition to the entitled exemption, every traveling adult, either visitor or resident is also entitled to the following duty-free allowances:
Alcoholic Beverages not exceeding one quart of spirits and one quart of wine (adults only),
Tobacco not exceeding one pound in weight or 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars (Adults Only).

6. Must I declare how much cash I am carrying?

Any person carrying cash and negotiable instruments of a value equivalent to $10,000.00 or more,
loose or uncut precious stones or jewelery with intention to trade of a value equivalent to $10,000.00 or more; and precious metals in bullion
“Cash” includes coins and bank notes in any currency. “Negotiable Instruments” includes monetary instruments such as cheques, travellers cheques, promissory notes, money orders and instruments in bearer form.

7. Who is responsible for the duty rate changes?

Rates of duty are defined in the Customs Tariff Schedule and are decided by Parliament and enforced by The Customs Department.

8. When can I claim my exemption?

Exemptions can only be used on accompanied baggage. Meaning, the person claiming the exemption must have travelled with the goods, therefore goods arriving as cargo do not qualify (example – courier packages, goods via air or sea)

9. I have been absent from the Bahamas for more than two years consecutively, what am I entitled to?

You are entitled to a general exemption.
A returning resident (citizen or permanent resident) is not entitled to the general exemption more than once in every 5 years.
All household effects, books, apparel, footwear, articles of personal adornment, toilet articles and other articles and effects not intended for sale nor for the purpose of any business up to a limit in value of $10,000.00; and
A vehicle up to a limit value of $30,000.00 (restriction on year of vehicle)

10. What is environmental levy?

This is a fee imposed to assist the government, via the Ministry of Environmental Health with the disposal of items that are hazardous to the environment and require special waste disposal treatment.

11. If I have lost or misplaced my invoice, how can I clear my goods?

All shipments being entered into The Bahamas require a proper invoice from the supplier. In the absence of the proper invoice, the importer may contact the supplier and have a copy of the invoice sent electronically or a hard copy.

12. What format is accepted for electronic submission of documents?

Customs accepts xls, pdf, doc, or csv formats for declarations, however in the submission of support documents, it is a requirement that the documents are submitted in an electronic signature format, such as pdf or jpg. The format for all invoices and supporting documents should be in a format where it cannot be altered.

13. How is VAT (Value Added Tax) calculated?

VAT is applicable on value of goods, the actual duty, processing fees, storage, Insurance, freight, other charges, local landed chargers and environmental levy fees.

14. Can I bring food as a traveler?

Yes, you are allowed to travel with certain foods. There are restrictions when importing fruits, vegetables and some dairy items. These restrictions are in place to protect national health, and to prevent the introduction of certain diseases that are contracted from plants and animals. You must declare all food products. Failure to declare food products can result in forfeiture and or fines. Additionally, permits are required to import fruits, vegetables and plant/flowers from the Department of Agriculture prior to importation.

15. How do you become a Customs Broker