FAQ’s - The Bahamas Customs Department

• No. If you cleared in using the manual process, you will have to clear out using the same manual method.

• No problem. The Boarding Officer will collect all necessary fees upon arrival regarding your Clearance in and out of The Bahamas

• No. If you did not originally clear in with the digital process (Click2Clear), you cannot clear in for your Second Voyage using Click2Clear.

• Search Inbound for your existing voyage inputting your rotation number and vessel registration and submit.
• Once the search is completed, click the handle (three dots) on the right hand side of your submission and click the “Print” button.

• After searching for your inbound voyage, you can print a copy of your Fishing Permit in the Header Tab of your submission, but only after the inbound voyage has been approved.

• No. The necessary documents will be provided to you by the Boarding Officer clearing you out of the country.

• For the full process, view our tutorials on our Official YouTube Channel (Bahamas Customs Official). https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY1eSOc_o_tBqdAtSkbi6VQ

• No username or password is required for the Cruising Permit Module. You can log in using the Cruising Permit Button on our website.
• Once you’ve reached the landing Page for Click2Clear, select “Pleasure Craft” to log in.

• No. No Fees are applicable once those fees are paid online unless in the event of a Charter or Bahamian Registered Vessel.

• The Declaration should be submitted before arrival.

• You can edit any declaration you have made as long as it is prior to payment. Once it is paid however, you can no longer edit your submission.

• Yes. If you have submitted your declaration and have not yet paid, you can edit at any time by searching for your existing voyage and editing your submission.
• However, if you have paid for your submission already, when you arrive at the port of entry, the officer can reject your submission in order for the submission to become editable again.

• No. Charter Vessels & Bahamian Registered Vessels are considered Commercial Vessels and must be entered as such.
• There is a $75.00 processing fee applicable to these types of vessels and Departure Tax is collected for every person on board the vessel before departure. Departure Tax for commercial vessels is $20.00 per person.

• Yes. You are required to check in at a registered Port of Entry listed within the Cruising Permit Module.
• Only the documentation part of Customs' Procedure has become digital. You can submit, upload your documents and pay online. An officer is still required to board, examine and clear the vessel into the country.

• No. All you need to do is log onto our official website www.bahamascustoms.gov.bs and click the 'Cruising Permit' button.
• Once you've reached the landing page, select 'Pleasure Craft' to log in without the need of any username or password.
• You can then complete your online declaration as normal remembering to upload your documents as well.

• Pleasure Vessels are only required to clear outbound if they require Clearance Documents for the next Port of Destination.
• The fee for this is $75.00.

• Vehicle must not be older than 10 years.
• If the vehicle is older than 10 years, prior approval is required from the Ministry of Finance,
  and an environmental levy of 20% of the landed cost will apply.
• If the vehicle is considered an antique/vintage, prior approval is required from
  the Ministry of Finance, and the environmental levy will be $200.00.
• The environmental levy is applicable to all motor vehicles, heavy equipment, and motorcycles.
• Motor vehicles that possess Certificates of Destruction and have a
  Salvage / Non-rebuildable title are prohibited.

• Effective July 1^st 2018, only VAT free items arriving as accompanied baggage remain free, however if imported via freight these items are subject to VAT charges. Note that these items if purchased locally, are VAT free at the register.

• 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.

• 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.

• For Tariff Classification please reach out to the Tariff Matters section.
  Call: 604-3108/09/10
• However, we do have an online Tariff Search if you would like:
  Tariff Search:
  https://www.bahamascustoms.gov.bs/tariffs-and-various-taxes-collected-by-customs/tariff-search/
• A helpful tip I can give as well is that you can Google "HS Code for (Item Desired)" and it will give you the code based on the Harmonized System Tariff Codes on a global scale.
• You can then find it in the Tariff with the rate attached.

• Click2Clear is a secure internet portal that simplifies trade and business processes by providing around-the-clock access to relevant government services. This platform will considerably reduce consumer’s time and costs of trade and business transactions for private sector users while gathering and sharing relevant information among government agencies to simplify processes and optimize revenue collection. This system will replace the current CAS (Customs Automated System) that is in place, therefore placing the Bahamas in line with other developing countries with this modernized system.
• Click2Clear is a system for the Import and Export of Cargo Only. This does not include baggage claim after returning from vacation or travel abroad. For instance, ordering online either by air or sea for companies like MailBoat, FedEx, ZipX, DHL etc...
• For further information, click here.
• To see how Click2Clear will benefit the Bahamas, click here.

• Currently, registration is being held online at – URL https://www.besw.gov.bs/TFBSEW/registration/registrationPage.jsp

• The documents needed for registration for companies are:
  • Certificate of Registration (TIN)
  • Current Business License
  • Broker License (where applicable)
  • Courier’s License (where applicable)
  • Bonds (where applicable)

Individuals:

• Whether you are a Resident or Non-Resident, you are able to registering with the Click2Clear (C2C).

Requirements for Residents:

• A Valid NIB (Photo ID) Card

Requirements for Non-Residents

• A Valid Passport or Driver’s Licence.

Registration is a one time process that allows you to be found in the system so that brokers, couriers, freight forwarders, shipping agents and other agents to complete work on your behalf regarding imports and exports either by sea or air. 

(This does not include baggage claim/accompanied baggage for returning residents after travel.)

• Cash
• Online Payment – Importers must register with Click2Clear. (In the near future)
• Debit or Credit Card (Currently at the Cashier counters)
• Manager’s Cheque
• Company’s Cheque – A letter of guarantee must be on file from the drawer’s bank
• Credit Note (Available only through Click2Clear)

• Ensure that the file name does not have any Special Characters ( _ , . = - etc) or spaces.
• The file has to be in PDF or JPEG format.
• Only one file can be uploaded into each slot.
• Upload only what is required of you.
• The Maximum Size of the Upload is 5 MB

Special Note: (Invalid First Name Error)

• Be sure to put in the correct NIB Number.
• Ensure that your Name is put in exactly as it is on your National Insurance Card. (eg. "D-Vonne John Doe")

Here are a few steps you can try:

1. Clear your Browsing Data.
   • Steps:
     • Navigate to Google.com
     • Press and hold CTRL+Shift+Delete
     • Release the buttons.
     • You should see a white screen with a blue strip appear.
     • Select "All Time" as your Time Range.
     • Click the Clear Data button.
2. Call the Help Desk and confirm if the system is either down or experiencing an update.
   1. • 604-3004
      • 604-3005
      • 604-3007
      • 604-3010
      • 604-3011
      • 604-3013
      • 604-3014

• Congratulations! Welcome to Click2Clear.
• Registration is a one time process that allows brokers, couriers, freight forwarders, shipping agents and other agents to complete and submit declarations/entries on your behalf regarding your imports and exports, either by air or sea.

• In order to receive your email notification, you will need to add Click2Clear (click2clear@bahamas.gov.bs) to your trusted sender's list. Otherwise, the notifications will go to your junk mail.

• If you are travelling and returning with your goods as baggage, you will not need to register.

• Not at this time.
• This feature is currently being developed and will be available in early 2020.

• No. You won't have access to the declarations submitted on your behalf
• The Declarations were submitted by your broker using his/her profile. Therefore only the broker would be able to access your declarations.

• This refers to the Username you are identified by in the system.
• This should be something you easily remember.

• Password minimum length is 10 characters and maximum length is 20 characters. This is configurable.
• Passwords must include one of the following:
  • English uppercase characters (A through Z)
  • English lowercase characters (a through z)
  • Numerals (0 through 9)
  • Allowed Non-alphabetic characters are @, #, $, %, ^, !, & or  +

• No. Once you are registered in the system, any licensed broker should be able to find you in the listing of registrants.

Licensed Brokers are able to find you by the following:

Individual

• Your unique NIB Number.
• Your Name as it appears on your NIB Card.

Company

• Your TIN Number.
• Your Company Name/Trading Name.

Errors occur in a number of situations:

1. Browser Issues

• Ensure you are using either Google Chrome or Firefox to complete the form.

2. Devices

• Use a Computer or Tablet rather than using your cell phone. (Cell phone browsers sometimes cause errors with registration)

3. Format 

In the fields below, do not enter any special characters or spaces in the text boxes.

• Preferred Login ID (Username)
• Telephone Number
• Mobile Number

4. NIB Card Expiration:

• You MUST have a Valid National Insurance Smart Card in order to register for Click2Clear.

• Yes, there is a fee associated with clearance of a pleasure vessel into the Country from a foreign port.
• Pleasure Vessels Not Exceeding 34 feet:
  • $150.00 (3 months)
  • $300.00 (12 months)
• Pleasure Vessels Not Exceeding 34 feet but less than 100 feet:
  • $300.00 (3 months)
  • $600.00 (12 months)
• Pleasure Vessels Not Exceeding 100 feet but less than 150 feet:
  • $500.00 (3 months)
  • $1,000.00 (12 months)
• Pleasure Vessels Not Exceeding 150 feet but less than 200 feet:
  • $800.00 (3 months)
  • $1,600.00 (12 months)
• Pleasure Vessels Exceeding 200 feet:
  • $1,000.00 (3 months)
  • $2,000.00 (12 months)
• For vessels carrying more than three passengers, every additional passenger of or above the age of six years who is not a resident passenger must pay a passenger tax of $20.00.
• A Temporary Cruising Permit & Fishing Permit is issued.

• A pleasure vessel entering The Bahamas is allowed to import the maximum of :
• Three firearms inclusive of handguns, rifles, and shotguns, where the caliber of firearms shall not exceed 308 calibres.
• 250 rounds of ammunition per firearm.

• A Cruising Permit is good for one year as long as the vessel does not leave The Bahamas.
• If the vessel leaves The Bahamas, the Cruising Permit can be used again if the vessel returns to The Bahamas within 90 days of the initial issuance of the Cruising Permit at no cost except where the passenger limit is exceeded. Even though the fee for the permit is waved, the pleasure vessel must still clear in at a port of entry upon arrival into the Country.

• No. Upon arrival to the Island of your destination, you must take your vessel to a port of entry for clearance.  Failure to do so is a breach of the Customs Laws and could result in your vessel being forfeited and fines levied.

• Exemption on a pleasure vessel are the same as if you were visiting by air/sea. Anything more than your entitlement must be duty paid.

• Yes. Unlike a foreign owned/registered vessel, a Bahamian owned pleasure vessel must be duty paid and must clear outbound when leaving The Bahamas for a foreign port and upon return to The Bahamas must clear inbound.

• 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)

• No. You must travel to claim your exemption.

• No. You must travel with your goods to claim your exemption.

• 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.

• 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).

• 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.

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

• 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)

• 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)

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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

• 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.

• Take a Customs Brokerage Class (not offered by Customs)
• Sit an exam (Set by Customs, must enquire for exam dates)
• Once a passing mark is obtained, apply to Customs for a License.
• If approved, a Customs Broker's Licence costs $100.00