CUSTOMS DUTIES: AFGHANISTAN TO BARBADOS

Customs Duties and Import Regulations: Afghanistan to Barbados

Barbados, as a Caribbean island nation and full member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), maintains a structured customs and tariff system for all imports. When exporting goods from Afghanistan to Barbados, exporters must comply with Barbados's Common External Tariff (CET) framework, which includes import duties, environmental levies, excise taxes, and Value Added Tax (VAT). Understanding these requirements is essential for accurate cost calculations and successful customs clearance.

General Duty Rates for Common Product Categories

Barbados has implemented CARICOM's Common External Tariff with import duties ranging from 0 to 20 percent on most goods. However, certain product categories are subject to significantly higher duty rates:

Product Category	Import Duty Rate	Additional Taxes
General Goods (Standard CET)	0-20%	1% Environmental Levy
Fruits and Vegetables	40%	1% Environmental Levy
Jewelry	60%	1% Environmental Levy
Watches	50%	1% Environmental Levy
Motor Vehicles	45%	5-60% Excise Tax + $750-$1,000 Environmental Levy
T-Shirts and Apparel	115%	1% Environmental Levy
Alcoholic Beverages	0-20%	5-60% Excise Tax
Tobacco Products	0-20%	5-60% Excise Tax
Petroleum Products	0-20%	5-60% Excise Tax
Sweetened Beverages	0-20%	10% Excise Tax (before VAT)

Additional Taxes and Levies

Value Added Tax (VAT): VAT is levied at 17.5 percent on most goods and services, with reduced rates of 8.75 percent on hotel accommodations. Many basic food products and essential goods have been zero-rated or exempted from VAT, including water, medical services, and financial services.

Environmental Levies: All imported goods incur a 1 percent environmental levy on the CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) value. Specialized environmental levies apply to new motor vehicles ($750 BBD), used motor vehicles ($1,000 BBD), refrigerators ($7.50 BBD), and television sets ($5 BBD). Goods imported in non-plastic, non-glass, non-metal, and non-paperboard containers incur an additional 0.75 percent environmental levy.

Required Documentation

• Commercial Invoice (original and copies)
• Bill of Lading or Airway Bill
• Packing List with detailed contents and weights
• Certificate of Origin
• Import License (if required for specific goods)
• Customs Declaration Form
• Proof of payment of duties and taxes
• Product-specific certifications (health, safety, quality standards as applicable)

Important Regulations and Restrictions

Certain goods are prohibited or restricted from importation into Barbados. Exporters should verify that their products comply with Barbados's import restrictions before shipment. All imported goods must be properly labeled and marked in English, indicating country of origin, product description, and manufacturer information.

Excise taxes apply to alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, motor vehicles, and petroleum products at varying rates between 5 and 60 percent. A comprehensive list of goods exempt from excise taxes is available from the Barbados Customs Department.

Trade Agreements

Barbados is a full member of CARICOM (Caribbean Community) and has implemented the Common External Tariff framework. Exporters should determine whether Afghanistan qualifies for any preferential trading arrangements. Most duty rates listed above reflect Barbados's standard external tariff. For specific product classifications and applicable rates, contact the Barbados Customs Department or consult with a customs broker specializing in Caribbean trade.

For the most current information on tariff classifications, duty rates, and import requirements, exporters are advised to contact the Barbados Customs Department or engage a licensed customs broker in Barbados.