Bahamas Country Commercial Guide
Learn about the market conditions, opportunities, regulations, and business conditions in bahamas, prepared by at U.S. Embassies worldwide by Commerce Department, State Department and other U.S. agencies’ professionals
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Import Tariffs
Last published date:

Tariff Rates:  

The Customs Department is the nation’s second largest revenue-collecting agency. With the introduction of a Value Added Tax in 2015, the government has progressively reduced its average import duties.  During FY2022/2023 customs and other import duties totaled $188.8 million, for 75.6 percent of the budget and excise duties totaled $180.1 million, reflecting 66.8 percent of the budget forecast. Additional information on tariff rates, including rates applicable to Frequently Imported Items, can be accessed via the Bahamas Customs 2022/2023 government and Excise Department website.

Import Licenses:  

Permits are required for the import of certain items.  Applications for permits should be made to the government ministry or office indicated below:

  • Poultry, meats, vegetables, fruits, live plants, and animals:  Ministry of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs
  • Medicines and Pharmaceuticals (Dangerous Drugs):  Ministry of Health and Wellness
  • Slot machines, trailers, and recreational vehicles (temporary use only):  Ministry of Finance
  • Firearms, fireworks, and underwater guns other than Hawaiian slings spearfishing devices:  Commissioner of Police
  • Precursor and essential chemicals:  Customs and Excise Department
  • Motor vehicles with a non-rebuildable title, principally designed for the transport of goods and people: Ministry of Finance
  • Motor vehicles or motorcycles ten years or older:  Ministry of Finance
  • Liquid or Liquified Petroleum Gas:  Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources (*An import license is not required, but a certificate is required to show the product can be transported and stored safely.)

Information regarding current import regulations may be obtained from the Bahamas Customs and Excise Department.

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Global Business Navigator Chatbot Beta

Welcome to the Global Business Navigator, an artificial intelligence (AI) Chatbot from the International Trade Administration (ITA). This tool, currently in beta version testing, is designed to provide general information on the exporting process and the resources available to assist new and experienced U.S. exporters. The Chatbot, developed using Microsoft’s Azure AI services, is trained on ITA’s export-related content and aims to quickly get users the information they need. The Chatbot is intended to make the benefits of exporting more accessible by understanding non-expert language, idiomatic expressions, and foreign languages.

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