Notice to Customs Brokers, Courier Operators, Shipping Agents and other stakeholders on the treatment of freight on non- commercial shipments.
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.
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:
•
3208.10
•
3208.20
•
3208.90
•
3209.10
•
3209.90
•
3210.00
•
3214.10
•
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%
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
The public is advised that due to an unforeseen issue with the application of the "Free on Board (FOB)" budgetary proposal on food, personal care items and construction materials, the department has temporarily suspended its use in the system until the matter has been resolved. All shipments affected will be honoured through the adjustments with Post Clearance Audit Unit.
The Customs and Excise Department apologizes for any inconvenience caused.
The Customs and Excise Department wishes to advise the public that, effective June 8, 2026, National Identification Numbers will no longer be accepted for the issuance of Customs Registration Numbers.
Accordingly, all applicants seeking to obtain a Customs Registration Number are required to submit proof of registration with TAMIS as part of the application process.
Applicants may access and complete the Customs Registration Application Form via the following link and submit the completed form to awproject@customs.gov.bb:
https://asycuda.customs.gov.bb/documents/APPLICATION%20FOR%20CUSTOMS%20REGISTRATION%20FORM%202025.pdf
The public is further advised that there is no fee associated with obtaining a Customs Registration Number. Additionally, once a registration has been issued, persons are not required to reapply unless there has been a change to their registration details, including:
Change of name; or
Change of address.
Persons requesting amendments to their registration information are asked to submit the relevant supporting documentation to facilitate the update process.
The Customs and Excise Department appreciates the cooperation of the public and encourages all applicants to ensure that the required documentation is submitted in order to avoid delays in processing.
