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
Stakeholder Consultation on Revised Transit (T1) Operations and Proposed Guarantee Methodology
Dear Trade Stakeholders
The attached notice is in reference to the stakeholder briefing held on 29 January 2026, regarding proposed changes to the Transit (T1) process.
The proposed draft documents as well as comment sheet could be reviewed by accessing the Documentation folder located under the downloads tab.
Natasha S. Morgan
Deputy Comptroller of Customs (Ag.)
Trade Directorate
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.
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.
