CUSTOMS DUTIES: CHINA TO HAITI

Customs Duties and Import Regulations: China to Haiti

Trade between China and Haiti is subject to Haiti's comprehensive customs framework, which includes tariff duties, value-added taxes, inspection fees, and various excise taxes. Exporters from China must understand these regulations to ensure compliant shipments and accurate cost calculations. Haiti's customs system applies duties based on the Harmonized System (HS) classification of goods, with rates varying significantly by product category.

General Duty Rates and Applicable Fees

Product Category	Customs Duty Rate	Additional Notes
Cereal Flour	50%	Fixed rate as of October 5, 2020
Pasta Products	50%	Fixed rate as of October 5, 2020
Tomatoes and Tomato Products (including ketchup)	50%	Applies to fresh and processed tomato products
Fruit Juices	30%	Fixed rate
Sauces, Condiments, and Seasonings	40%	Applies to prepared sauces and related products
Toothpastes	10%	Fixed rate
Cereal-Based Products (blown or roasted)	50%	Fixed rate
Raw Materials and Unprocessed Goods	Low rates	Generally lower than finished goods
Other Products	Varies by HS code	Contact our experts for specific classifications

Additional Mandatory Fees and Taxes

Inspection Verification Fee: 5% of the CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) value. This fee is waived for goods in transit, storage, temporary entry regimes, diplomatic missions, and personal effects.

Value-Added Tax (TVA): 10% applied to the CIF value in addition to customs duties and other fees. Exemptions include petroleum products, educational materials, local agricultural products, agricultural inputs, pharmaceutical manufacturing inputs, and machinery for agricultural use.

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

Excise Taxes: Apply to specific product categories including tobacco (50% of CIF for imports), alcoholic beverages (20% of CIF for imports), and non-alcoholic drinks excluding water (10% of CIF).

Required Documentation for Customs Clearance

• Commercial Invoice with detailed product descriptions and values
• Packing List specifying contents and packaging details
• Bill of Lading or Airway Bill for international transport
• Certificate of Origin confirming country of manufacture (China)
• Import License or permit if required for specific product categories
• Product-specific certifications (quality, safety, health certificates as applicable)
• Customs Declaration Form completed and signed
• Insurance documents if applicable
• Any required health or sanitary certificates for food and agricultural products

Important Customs Regulations and Restrictions

• All duty calculations are based on the CIF value (Cost, Insurance, Freight)
• Multiple taxes and fees are cumulative and calculated sequentially on the CIF value
• Environmental Protection Tax (10%) applies to used vehicles, used tires, used batteries, and second-hand clothing
• Vehicle registration taxes range from 5% to 20% depending on value and type
• Goods under temporary entry, processing, or assembly regimes for export may qualify for exemptions
• Prohibited and restricted items must be verified before shipment; contact Haiti customs authorities for current restrictions
• All imported goods must comply with Haitian labeling requirements, including language specifications

Trade Agreements and Preferential Arrangements

Haiti participates in the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI) and other preferential trade arrangements. Exporters from China should verify whether their products qualify for any special treatment under regional agreements. While China is not a direct beneficiary of CBI, certain products may receive preferential treatment if they meet specific rules of origin or other conditions. It is recommended to consult with Haitian customs authorities or a trade specialist to determine eligibility for any applicable preferential rates or exemptions.

For specific guidance on your products or to obtain updated tariff information, contact the Haiti customs authority or consult with an international trade specialist experienced in Haiti trade regulations.