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
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Tariff Rates

The Bahamas Customs & Excise Department is the country’s second-largest revenue agency.  Since the introduction of Value-Added Tax (VAT) in 2015, the government has gradually lowered average import duties, though they remain among the highest in the region. In FY 2023/2024, customs and other import duties totaled $214.2 million, while excise duties accounted for approximately $196.7 million (Central Bank of The Bahamas / Ministry of Finance estimates).  ogether, customs and excise duties remain key contributors to government revenue, though VAT continues to be the largest single revenue source. Additional information on tariff rates, including rates applicable to Frequently Imported Items, can be accessed via the Bahamas Customs 2024/2025 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 sling 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.

Limitations

As a beta product, the Chatbot is currently being tested and its responses may occasionally produce inaccurate or incomplete information. The Chatbot is trained to decline out of scope or inappropriate requests. The Chatbot’s knowledge is limited to the public information on the Export Solutions web pages of Trade.gov, which covers a wide range of topics on exporting. While it cannot provide responses specific to a company’s product or a specific foreign market, its reference pages will guide you to other relevant government resources and market research. Always double-check the Chatbot’s responses using the provided references or by visiting the Export Solutions web pages on Trade.gov. Do not use its responses as legal or professional advice. Inaccurate advice from the Chatbot would not be a defense to violating any export rules or regulations.

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The Chatbot supports a wide range of languages. Because the Chatbot is trained in English and responses are translated, you should verify the translation. For example, the Chatbot may have difficulty with acronyms, abbreviations, and nuances in a language other than English.

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