CUSTOMS DUTIES: AFGHANISTAN TO HAITI

Overview of Customs Duties: Exporting from Afghanistan to Haiti

Trade between Afghanistan and Haiti involves navigating Haiti's comprehensive customs framework, which includes tariff duties, value-added taxes, and various specialized fees. Haiti applies a multi-tiered taxation system on imported goods that includes customs duties, inspection fees, VAT (TVA), and excise taxes depending on the product classification. Exporters from Afghanistan must understand these requirements to ensure smooth customs clearance and compliance with Haitian regulations.

Haiti's customs system is administered through its ports of entry and applies duty rates based on the Harmonized System (HS) code classification of goods. The country maintains preferential trade arrangements and specific tariff schedules for certain product categories, with rates generally lower for raw materials and higher for finished goods.

General Duty Rates and Taxes in Haiti

Product Category	Customs Duty Rate	Additional Taxes
Cereal Flour	50%	TVA (10%), CFGDCT (2%)
Pasta Products	50%	TVA (10%), CFGDCT (2%)
Tomatoes & Tomato Products	50%	TVA (10%), CFGDCT (2%)
Fruit Juices	30%	TVA (10%), CFGDCT (2%)
Sauces, Condiments & Seasonings	40%	TVA (10%), CFGDCT (2%)
Toothpaste	10%	TVA (10%), CFGDCT (2%)
Cereal-Based Puffed/Roasted Products	50%	TVA (10%), CFGDCT (2%)
Raw Materials & Unprocessed Goods	Varies by HS code - contact our experts	TVA (10%), Inspection Fee (5% CIF)
Semi-Finished & Finished Goods	Varies by HS code - contact our experts	TVA (10%), CFGDCT (2%)

Additional Taxes and Fees

Inspection Fee (Verification Fee): A charge of 5 percent of the CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) value is applied for customs inspection. This fee is waived for goods in transit, storage, temporary entry regimes, diplomatic mission goods, and personal effects.

Value-Added Tax (TVA): A 10 percent TVA is applied to the CIF value in addition to customs duties, inspection fees, and excise duties. Exemptions include petroleum products, educational materials, local agricultural products, agricultural inputs, and machinery for farming, fishing, and livestock breeding.

Contribution to Management Funds for Territorial Collectives (CFGDCT): Applied at 2 percent on all imports, except petroleum products, pharmaceuticals, parcel posts, certain food products, agricultural inputs, and paper.

Required Documentation

• Commercial Invoice with detailed product descriptions and values
• Packing List specifying contents and weights
• Bill of Lading or Airway Bill (proof of shipment)
• Certificate of Origin demonstrating country of manufacture
• Import License (if required for specific product categories)
• Health or Safety Certificates (for food, pharmaceuticals, and regulated items)
• Product specifications and technical documentation
• Insurance documentation covering the shipment

Important Regulations and Restrictions

• All goods must be properly classified using the Harmonized System (HS) code to determine applicable tariff rates
• CIF value is the basis for calculating most taxes and duties in Haiti
• Certain products including used vehicles, used tires, used batteries, and second-hand clothing are subject to additional Environmental Protection Tax (EPT) at 10 percent
• Tobacco and alcoholic beverages face significantly higher excise duties (50% and 20% respectively on imported goods)
• Goods intended for processing and assembly for export may qualify for exemptions under temporary entry regimes
• All documentation must be in French or accompanied by certified translations
• Customs clearance requires payment of all applicable duties and taxes before goods are released

Trade Agreements and Preferential Arrangements

Haiti participates in the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI) and other preferential trade arrangements that may provide duty reductions for qualifying countries and products. Exporters from Afghanistan should verify whether their products qualify for any preferential treatment under these agreements. Additionally, goods entering under transit, storage, or temporary entry regimes may be exempt from certain taxes, particularly the TVA and CFGDCT, if they meet specific conditions.

For accurate tariff classification and duty assessment on specific products, consultation with Haitian customs authorities or a licensed customs broker is recommended to ensure compliance and optimize duty payments.