IMPORTANT NOTICE
The Customs and Excise Department wishes to advise the public of the following requirements arising from the Budgetary Proposals and Financial Statement 2026.
With effect from April 1, 2026, the following Customs Procedure Codes (CPCs) have been implemented/extended to facilitate specific measures:
1. Community Resilience Programme
• CPC 943
Waiver of Import Duty and VAT on the purchase and installation of water tanks, septic tanks, pressure tanks and electric pumps for residential properties.
2. Citizen Security and Resilience
• CPC 820
This code applies to a waiver of Import Duty and VAT on the purchase and installation of CCTV security systems and burglar alarms for residential properties, as well as dashcams and GPS devices.
The public is advised that a “Letter of Exemption” must be uploaded when completing Customs Declarations and submitted to the ASYCUDA Support Unit for the following Customs Procedure Codes (CPCs):
• CPC 820
• CPC 943
All Letters of Exemption must be addressed to:
The Comptroller of Customs
The Leroy Trotman Building
Customs House
University Row
St. Michael
The exemption references should be stated as follows:
• For CPC 820 or 943:
“As per memorandum Ministry of Finance, Economic Affairs and Investment Ref. 5001/2/49 Vol. 4 dated March 23, 2026.”
All stakeholders are kindly asked to ensure that the required documentation is properly uploaded and referenced in accordance with the above guidance.
The Customs and Excise Department thanks you for your cooperation.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
The Customs and Excise Department wishes to advise the public of the following requirements arising from the Budgetary Proposals and Financial Statement 2026.
With effect from April 1, 2026, the following Customs Procedure Codes (CPCs) have been implemented/extended to facilitate specific measures:
1. Courier and Postal Shipments for Personal Use
• CPC 942
This code applies to goods imported via courier or postal services for personal use, with a Free on Board (FOB) value between $150.01 and $199.99.
These goods will be duty free; however, Value Added Tax (VAT) will be applicable.
2. Community Resilience Programme
• CPC 935
Waiver of Import Duty and VAT on the purchase and installation of generators and transfer switches for residential properties.
3. Excise Tax and VAT
• CPC 936
Applies to the Excise Duty and VAT holiday on electric and hybrid vehicles.
Important Reminder – De Minimis Exemption
The de minimis threshold for duty and tax-free importation has been increased from BDS $60 to $150 free-on-board.
The public is reminded that for the purposes of the de minimis exemption, “goods” do not include the following items, regardless of value:
• Alcoholic beverages
• Cannabis products
• Vaping products
• Cigars
• Cigarettes
• Manufactured tobacco
Accordingly, these items do not qualify for duty-free treatment under the stated threshold and will be subject to the applicable duties and taxes.
All importers, brokers, and other stakeholders are advised to ensure that the appropriate CPCs are applied to avoid delays in processing and to remain compliant with the updated procedures.
The Customs and Excise Department thanks you for your cooperation.
PUBLIC NOTICE
The public is hereby informed that, effective immediately, a new overtime service request code has been introduced for use when submitting eC41 forms.
This code has been created to facilitate the proper submission and processing of requests related to daytime travelling for officers of the Customs and Excise Department.
The designated code is: DAYTRAVEL
All individuals and entities submitting eC41 forms are required to use this code when applicable to ensure accurate classification and timely processing of requests.
Please be guided accordingly.
Customs and Excise Department
ALTERNATE LINK
March 12, 2026
The public is hereby advised that, due to widespread telecommunication issues currently affecting connectivity, the Customs and Excise Department has provided an alternative means of accessing the ASYCUDA system.
During this period, users are kindly requested to utilize the above “FLOW LINK” to access the ASYCUDA platform.
The Department will issue a further update once the telecommunication issues have been resolved and normal access has been restored.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation
"As a result of the suspension of the CET on Paints and Varnishes, the rate of duty has increased to 50% for a period of one year, from 1January 2026 to 31 December 2027 in accordance with Amended Article 83(3) sub-paragraphs (f) and (g) of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas."
The increase is applicable to paints and coatings of H.S headings 3208.10, 3208.20, 3208.90, 3209.10, 3209.90, 3210.00, 3214.10, and 3214.90.
Please be guided accordingly.
Please be advised that, effective Monday, December 8, 2025, the Barbados Customs and Excise Department (BCED) will discontinue the practice of affixing Customs seals to Green Lane containers.
This policy change applies to all Green Lane containers, including those selected for examination by Other Government Agencies (OGAs).
Importers are further reminded that they are required to liaise with the relevant OGA(s) and obtain the necessary clearances prior to the removal of any goods from Green Lane containers.
Your cooperation and compliance with this updated procedure are appreciated.
