CUSTOMS DUTIES: AFGHANISTAN TO BELIZE

Overview of Customs Duties from Afghanistan to Belize

When exporting goods from Afghanistan to Belize, exporters must navigate Belize's customs regulations administered by the Belize Customs and Excise Department. Belize applies a tariff system based on the Harmonized Description and Coding System (HS) and follows the Caribbean Community's (CARICOM) Common External Tariff (CET) framework. Understanding the applicable duty rates, documentation requirements, and regulatory compliance is essential for successful international trade between these countries.

All customs duties in Belize are calculated on the CIF Value of goods (Cost, Insurance, and Freight combined). The duty structure includes Import Duty, Revenue Replacement Duty (RRD), General Sales Tax (GST), and Environmental Tax. Afghanistan is not a CARICOM member, so goods from Afghanistan do not qualify for preferential duty exemptions available to CARICOM countries.

General Duty Rates

Product Category	Import Duty Rate	Additional Taxes	Notes
Food Items (Various)	0%	GST 12.5%, Environmental Tax 3%	Duty-free but subject to other taxes and import requirements
Medicines	0%	GST 12.5%, Environmental Tax exempt	Duty and environmental tax exempt
Industrial Products	Averages 20%	GST 12.5%, Environmental Tax 3%	Rate varies by HS code; higher rates apply to products of national interest
Fresh Peppers and Pepper Sauces	45%	GST 12.5%, Environmental Tax 3%	Protected agricultural products
Live Animals	45%	GST 12.5%, Environmental Tax 3%	Protected agricultural products
Automobiles	45%	GST 12.5%, Environmental Tax 2-5%	Rate varies by vehicle type; environmental tax depends on classification
Boats	45%	GST 12.5%, Environmental Tax 3%	Protected product category
Other Commodities	0-120%	GST 12.5%, Environmental Tax 3%	Varies by HS code - contact our experts for specific products

Required Documents

• Commercial Invoice - Detailed invoice showing goods description, quantity, unit price, and total value
• Packing List - Itemized list of contents with weights and dimensions
• Bill of Lading or Airway Bill - Proof of shipment and carrier information
• Certificate of Origin - Documentation confirming country of origin (Afghanistan)
• Import License - May be required depending on product classification
• Health and Safety Certificates - For food, agricultural, and pharmaceutical products
• Customs Declaration Form - Completed and signed by exporter or authorized agent
• Insurance Certificate - Proof of cargo insurance coverage
• Any applicable product-specific certifications or permits

Important Regulations

• CIF Valuation: All duty calculations are based on the CIF value (Cost, Insurance, and Freight). Ensure accurate valuation documentation to avoid assessment disputes.
• General Sales Tax: GST is applied at 12.5% on the aggregate of the customs value plus import duties, calculated on all imports except specific exemptions.
• Environmental Tax: A 3% environmental tax applies to most imports; medicines and certain food items are exempt. Automobiles are charged 2-5% depending on vehicle type.
• Protected Products: Certain agricultural and manufactured goods receive higher duty protection. Verify your specific product's classification before shipping.
• Customs Clearance: All imports must clear the Belize Customs and Excise Department at the point of entry. Delays may occur if documentation is incomplete or inaccurate.
• Prohibited and Restricted Items: Verify that your goods do not fall under Belize's prohibited or restricted import list before shipment.

Trade Agreements

Afghanistan is not a member of CARICOM, therefore Afghan exports do not benefit from CARICOM preferential duty treatment or exemptions. Afghanistan is not party to any bilateral free trade agreements with Belize that would reduce applicable tariff rates. All goods from Afghanistan are subject to Belize's standard Common External Tariff (CET) rates. Exporters should verify current trade policy with the Belize Customs and Excise Department for any recent trade agreement updates that may affect their specific products.