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Welcome to Barbados Customs
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Government of Barbados
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News
September 30, 2026
Please be advised that the ASYCUDA system will be temporarily unavailable on Wednesday September 30, 2026 between 10:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
This scheduled downtime is necessary to facilitate system upgrades aimed at improving overall performance and reliability.
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
September 21, 2026
Temporary Email Service Disruption
The Customs and Excise Department wishes to advise brokers, importers, exporters, agents, and members of the public that we are currently experiencing disruptions to our email services due to a system migration being undertaken by MIST.
As a result, some officers are temporarily unable to access their email accounts, which may affect our ability to receive and respond to email correspondence in a timely manner.
During this period, stakeholders are encouraged to contact the relevant section by telephone to confirm receipt of any urgent correspondence. We also ask for your patience should there be delays in our responses.
Further updates will be provided through the Customs Portal as information becomes available. PBX 535-8700/01.
We apologize for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
September 09, 2026
Notice to Customs Brokers, Courier Operators, Shipping Agents and other stakeholders on the treatment of freight on non- commercial shipments.
August 13, 2026
EZPay Service Interruption Notice
Please be advised that the Customs and Excise Department is currently experiencing an interruption to some services due to issues affecting the systems at the Ministry of Industry, Innovation, Science and Technology (MIST).
As a result, the EZPay online platform is currently unavailable, and we are unable to accept these transactions at this time.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience and understanding while the issue is being addressed.
A further update will be provided once EZPay services have been restored.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
July 28, 2026
Common External Tariff (CET) – Paints and Varnishes
The Barbados Customs and Excise Department wishes to advise all importers, customs brokers and other stakeholders of the implementation of the suspension of the Common External Tariff (CET) on specified paints and varnishes.
In accordance with Amended Article 83(3), sub-paragraphs (f) and (g) of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, the applicable rate of import duty on the specified products has been increased to 50% for the period 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2027.
This change applies to goods classified under the following Harmonized System (H.S.) headings:
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3208.10
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3208.20
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3208.90
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3209.10
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3209.90
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3210.00
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3214.10
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3214.90
Exception – Automotive Paints and Coatings
Stakeholders are further advised that, pursuant to the confirmed decision of the Sixty-Second Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED), Barbados will apply the following tariff rates to specified automotive paints and coatings with effect from 1 July 2026:
Commodity Code
Applicable Duty Rate
3208.10.10
15%
3208.20.10
15%
3208.20.90
15%
3208.90.10
15%
3214.10.10
5%
3214.10.50
15%
July 27, 2026
Paperless Cargo Clearance and Discontinuation of Printed Customs Release Orders
The Barbados Customs and Excise Department advises the trading community that, effective 24 July 2026, persons clearing cargo are no longer required to present a printed Customs Release Order or other documents already submitted electronically through the ASYCUDA World system.
This change applies to all cargo clearances, including goods moving under the T1 transit procedure.
To facilitate verification and release, persons clearing cargo should provide Customs personnel with:
• the relevant Customs Reference Number (CRN); or
• for T1 shipments, the applicable T1 reference number.
Customs officers will use the information available electronically within ASYCUDA World to verify the status of the declaration and facilitate the release of the cargo.
Customers may present printed documents for their own convenience; however, this is optional and must not be treated as a mandatory requirement for cargo clearance. This does not remove the obligation to submit all declarations and supporting documents required by law through the prescribed electronic processes.
This measure supports the Department’s established paperless policy, improves the efficiency of cargo clearance and reduces unnecessary administrative requirements for the trading public.
The cooperation of all stakeholders is appreciated.
Natasha S. Morgan
Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Trade
for Comptroller of Customs
Customs and Excise Department
