Importing Soap To Antigua And Barbuda: What You Need To Know

Antigua and Barbuda's Customs department is responsible for processing documents for the importation and exportation of goods, collecting duties and taxes, and implementing import and export prohibitions and restrictions. The average import tax for Antigua is 20% and is calculated based on the value (weight, condition, and price) of the item. Additionally, the country has specific restrictions on certain items, such as controlled substances, firearms, and live animals, which must be declared and may require special permits or authorizations. With the right documentation and adherence to customs regulations, it may be possible to import soap into Antigua and Barbuda, but it is important to carefully review the specific requirements to ensure compliance.

What is the average import tax for Antigua?

The average import tax for Antigua is 20% and is calculated based on the value of the item, including its weight, condition, and price. This is in addition to the standard customs duties and taxes levied on all imports.

The Antigua and Barbuda customs department is responsible for processing documents, collecting duties and taxes, implementing import and export restrictions, and facilitating the entry and departure of ships and aircraft. The main document required to clear goods for import is the Single Administrative Document (SAD) or the customs entry form.

The customs duties and taxes include the Throughput Levy (TLevy), Disposal Levy/Environmental Levy (DLevy), National Solid Waste Levy (NSW), Dollar Barrel (DBarrel), Revenue Recovery Charge (RRC), and the Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax (ABST).

The ABST is a flat rate of 15% imposed on all taxable supplies passing through the customs department. The RRC is levied at 10%. The Environmental Levy is charged on recyclable items, such as bottled and canned juices, and appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, and stoves.

Additionally, there are specific charges for importing vehicles. The customs broker or importer must prepare a Customs Declaration Form and submit it to the personnel in the transit shed. A valuation officer will inspect the vehicle to verify its cost and the type and quantity of refrigerant used. The importer will then obtain the necessary approvals and documentation from the National Ozone Office and the Environmental Protection Unit. All forms and supporting documents must be submitted to the customs department for processing and payment of duties and taxes.

It is important to note that certain items are prohibited from importation into Antigua, such as illegal drugs, weapons, explosives, knives, certain plant and animal products, counterfeit money, and pornographic material. Restricted items include antiques, original works of art, pets, plants, gambling games, tear gas, and herbs/plants for medicinal use.

What are the duty-free allowances?

When travelling to Antigua and Barbuda, visitors are advised to declare goods upon arrival at customs. The duty-free allowance for visitors to the country includes:

• 200 cigarettes, or 50 cigars, or 250g of tobacco
• 1 litre of wine or spirits
• 170ml (6oz) of perfume

Those entitled to reside in Antigua and Barbuda, including returning nationals, have a $200 duty-free allowance on personal goods that accompany them to the island by air. Returning nationals who have been living abroad for ten years or more are eligible for duty-free treatment on all used personal effects, including tools for trade, and one imported motor vehicle provided that the vehicle has been owned for at least two years. Returning students who have been studying abroad for three or more years are also entitled to duty-free concessions on used personal and household items.

It is prohibited to import weapons of war, unprescribed drugs, controlled substances, obscene material, fireworks, firearms, and ammunition into Antigua and Barbuda. Live animals, plants, fruit, and vegetables require an import permit. Cash and negotiable instruments of a value greater than $10,000 must be declared to Customs.

What are the prohibited items?

When travelling to Antigua and Barbuda, it is important to be aware of prohibited items to avoid legal issues and potential fines. The following items are prohibited and cannot be brought into the country:

• Illegal drugs
• Weapons, explosives and ammunition
• Knives and deadly weapons
• Plants and plant products (a phytosanitary certificate and import permit are required)
• Meat and meat products (a veterinary import licence is required)
• Pets and animals (a veterinary import licence is required)
• Counterfeit money and goods
• Pornographic material
• Camouflage clothing
• Firearms with a disguised appearance, such as pistols resembling pens or pencils
• Pipes and utensils intended for the consumption of drugs prohibited by Antiguan law
• Certain wild fauna and flora, including live animals and their products, and certain endangered species of plants

Some items are restricted and require authorisation or permits to be allowed into the country. These include:

• Games used for gambling, which require authorisation by the Customs and Excise Comptroller
• Tear gas, which requires authorisation from the Commissioner of Police
• False currency, which requires authorisation from the Customs and Excise Comptroller
• Herbs or plants for medicinal use, which require authorisation from the Chief Medical Officer or Chief Veterinary Officer
• Arms or ammunition, which require written permission from the Commissioner of Police

What is the process for importing pets?

The process for importing pets to Antigua and Barbuda depends on the type of animal and the country of departure. Here is a step-by-step guide for importing dogs and cats:

Step 1: Microchipping and Rabies Vaccination

• All dogs and cats must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785-compliant pet microchip.
• Ensure your pet has a valid rabies vaccination certification. The rabies vaccine must have been administered within 1 year of importation, and the certification must be from an OIE-approved laboratory.

Step 2: Medical and Vaccination History

• Provide full medical and updated vaccination records, including results for Leptospirosis and Parvovirus for dogs, and FeLV, FIP, and FIV for cats.
• Dogs should be tested for Lymes, Heartworm, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, and Leishmania disease. Cats should have a history of vaccinations for FeLV and testing results for FeLV and FIV.

Step 3: Apply for a Veterinary Import License

• Contact the Veterinary & Livestock Division in Antigua & Barbuda by phone/fax (268-460-1759) or email ([email protected]) to apply for an import license.
• Send them the required information, including certification of microchipping, rabies vaccination, and medical/vaccination history.
• Once your pet's medical and vaccination history has been reviewed, an import license will be issued. Only pets with a duly issued import license will be accepted into Antigua and Barbuda.

Step 4: Treat for Internal and External Parasites

• Within 7 days of exportation, your pet must be treated for internal and external parasites with approved products.
• Ensure that the products used and the date of treatment are noted on the official health certificate.

Step 5: Acquire an International Health Certificate

• Obtain an international health certificate from a USDA Accredited Veterinarian within 7 days prior to arrival in Antigua & Barbuda.
• The health certificate must state that the pet is in good health, free from communicable diseases, and include the date and product name for parasite treatments.
• The certificate must be endorsed by an APHIS Veterinary Services Endorsement Office.

Step 6: Notify the Veterinary & Livestock Division

• Notify the Veterinary & Livestock Division of your arrival at least 48 hours ahead of time to allow for inspection and payment of the inspection fee.
• Provide the estimated time of arrival (ETA) 72 hours before arrival to avoid significant delays in clearing your pet.

Please note that pit bull breed dogs or mixes are not allowed to enter Antigua and Barbuda. Any dog resembling this breed must be accompanied by certification from a recognized kennel club, confirming that it is not a pit bull.

Other Pets

For pets other than dogs and cats, such as birds, invertebrates, tropical fish, reptiles, amphibians, rodents, and rabbits, specific requirements may vary. While these pets are not subject to rabies vaccination requirements, they should have a health certificate to enter Antigua.

It is important to verify that your pet is not protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). If your pet is listed under CITES, additional permits will be required.

What are the customs declaration requirements?

All goods imported or exported to Antigua and Barbuda must be declared to Customs. The declaration should be made in ASYCUDA World using the Single Administrative Document (SAD), commonly known as the Customs entry form. You can appoint an agent or customs broker to complete this form on your behalf, but as the importer/exporter, you are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of the information provided.

The SAD form can be completed by your Relocate Antigua broker, who will be authorised to do so on your behalf, making the customs procedures easier.

The person importing and exporting the goods must first present a declaration stating the contents and purpose of the goods. They will then be required to uncover, open, and unpack packages as directed by the customs officer for a thorough inspection and assessment.

Upon arrival, passengers will be directed to the Arrivals Hall. There are two separate lines for immigration: one for residents and one for visitors. Passengers will be given a Customs Traveller Declaration form, which must be completed if they have goods in excess of their duty-free allowance. If more than one member of the same household is travelling together, one household member may complete a combined Customs declaration.

All persons entering the country are required by law to declare to Customs anything contained in their baggage, or carried with them, which has been obtained outside of Antigua and Barbuda. Passengers are also required to answer all questions asked by the Customs Officer relating to their travels, baggage, its contents and other items being imported. It is advisable to fill out your declaration in advance to expedite Immigration and Customs clearances.

Frequently asked questions