Importing and Exporting to/from Montserrat

Tips for exporters

• Few restrictions are imposed on imports.

• Customs duty exemption is available for new hotels and approved industries.

• The services of a local agent are desirable to obtain speedy customs clearance. 

Import restrictions

As noted, most goods may be freely imported under an open general license granted by the Ministry of Finance. Certain commodities require individual licenses unless they are imported from Caricom countries.

Import duties - Customs duties

The Customs Tariff classification is based on the Brussels nomenclature, and the Brussels definition of value is used for Customs valuation purposes. Rates of customs duty range from 5 percent to 70 percent. Montserrat is a member of Caricom and a beneficiary of Lome IV, Caribcan, and the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI) trading agreements.   

Other taxes

Apart from customs duties, there are consumption taxes, customs service taxes, and excise taxes.

Documentation procedures

The documents required for importation are an invoice, a certificate of origin, a bill of lading, shipping documents, a declaration of value, and for certain items, an import license. Demurrage is payable if a consignee delays clearance of goods.

Customs and storage

Imported goods arrive by sea at the Little Bay Port. The Heliport at Gerald’s is presently being upgraded to facilitate the handling of cargo. This with the expansion of the Little Bay Port will increase the storage and processing of cargo. Speedy customs clearance is desirable.  

Port of entry and inland transport

The only ports of entry are The Little Bay Port and the Gerald’s Heliport.

Local representation:

Local agent

There are a local customs agents who obtain rapid clearance of incoming goods. Their services are relatively inexpensive.

Employee/salesman

There are no problems connected with retaining the services of a local employee/salesman. A non-citizen employed for the purpose would require a work permit.

Sales agent or subsidiary

There are several local sales agents who would be willing to represent new principals. Alternatively, a sales subsidiary may be established.  However, employment of a non-citizen would require a work permit.