CUSTOMS DUTIES: AFGHANISTAN TO SURINAME

Overview of Customs Duties from Afghanistan to Suriname

Trade between Afghanistan and Suriname involves navigating Suriname's comprehensive tariff system, which is structured across nine tiers ranging from 0 to 50 percent. As Afghanistan is not a CARICOM member state, exports from Afghanistan to Suriname are subject to the standard tariff rates applicable to non-CARICOM countries. Understanding these duties, along with additional fees and documentation requirements, is essential for successful customs clearance and compliance with Surinamese import regulations.

Suriname's customs framework includes not only tariff duties but also supplementary charges such as statistical fees, consent right fees, and sales tax. Exporters from Afghanistan should be aware that certain product categories face significantly higher tariff rates, particularly those related to food, beverages, and agricultural products, which are subject to protective tariff measures.

General Duty Rates for Imports into Suriname

Product Category	Tariff Rate (Non-CARICOM)	Additional Notes
Raw Materials	5%	Subject to lowest tariff tier
Semi-Manufactured Articles	10%	Intermediate processing stage goods
Finished Products	15-20%	Varies by specific product classification
Juices and Non-Alcoholic Beverages	10%	Higher rate for non-CARICOM sources
Alcoholic Beverages and Beer	40-50%	Highest tariff tier; additional excise tax applies
Tobacco and Cigarettes	40-50%	Highest tariff tier; additional excise tax applies
Live Animals, Fish, Eggs, and Honey	40-50%	Agricultural products subject to protective tariffs
Vegetables and Fruit	40-50%	Agricultural products subject to protective tariffs
Coffee and Cereals	40-50%	Agricultural products subject to protective tariffs
Precious or Semi-Precious Stones	40-50%	Highest tariff tier applies
Motor Vehicles	40-50%	Highest tariff tier applies
Poultry Products	40%	Increased from 20% in 2017 to align with CARICOM rates

Additional Fees and Charges

Beyond the base tariff duty, importers must account for the following supplementary charges:

• Statistical Fee: 0.5% of the C.I.F. (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) value
• Consent Right Fee: 1.5% of the C.I.F. value
• Sales Tax: 10% applied to the total dutiable value
• Excise Tax: Additional tax on tobacco and alcoholic beverages beyond the base tariff

Required Documentation

• Commercial Invoice with detailed product descriptions and values
• Packing List specifying contents and quantities
• Bill of Lading or Air Waybill for transportation proof
• Certificate of Origin (if applicable to claim preferential rates)
• Import License or Permit (required for restricted goods)
• Product-specific certifications (health, safety, quality standards as applicable)
• Customs Declaration Form completed accurately with HS codes
• Insurance documents evidencing C.I.F. value

Important Regulations

• All imports must be classified using the Harmonized System (HS) code for proper tariff determination
• Prohibited and restricted items may include certain agricultural products, hazardous materials, and goods subject to import bans
• Labeling and marking requirements must comply with Surinamese standards for consumer protection
• Health and safety certifications may be required for food, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods
• Customs clearance must occur at an authorized port of entry with proper documentation submission

Trade Agreements and Preferential Rates

Afghanistan is not a signatory to CARICOM (Caribbean Community) or other preferential trade agreements with Suriname. Therefore, Afghan exporters cannot benefit from the reduced tariff rates (0-20%) available to CARICOM member states. All goods from Afghanistan are subject to the standard non-CARICOM tariff schedule. Exporters should verify the specific HS classification of their products to determine the exact applicable duty rate, as rates vary by product category within the nine-tier structure.