Understanding Bahamian Customs Duties
Published: 13 May 2026Looking to search customs duties right away? Try Customelon's Bahamian customs duty search.
What are customs duties? #
Customs duties are fees charged by a government on the value or quantity of goods imported into that country. In The Bahamas, duty is charged, levied, and collected on all goods imported into the country.
Why do customs duties matter? #
Customs duties materially affect the ease of importing goods because in some cases, they can greatly increase the total cost of getting your goods into The Bahamas. It is crucial to understand the duties your goods will trigger prior to making a purchase.
What makes up a duty? #
In The Bahamas, there are two categories of duties: tariff and excise. They are governed by separate pieces of legislation but have essentially the same effect on goods; they both trigger a fee to be paid based on the value or quantity of the goods they cover. Each category comes in a few types:
| Tariff Duty Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| General Rate | Percentage rate based on the value of goods. | 45% |
| Specific Rate | Fixed rate per unit of a specified quantity. | $15.00 BSD per proof gallon |
| Maximum Variable Rate | Ceiling percentage rate that the Minister can charge any rate up to. Usually seen with a General Rate as the floor rate. | 300% |
| Applicable Preferential Rate | Percentage rate negotiated with specific countries for lower duties. | EPA |
| Excise Duty Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Specific Rate | Fixed rate per unit of a specified quantity. | $3.00 BSD per stick |
| Rate of Duty | Percentage rate based on the value of goods. | 60% |
Where can one find all active duties? #
The authoritative source for customs duties are the acts listing them. The Bahamas Customs & Excise Department makes those acts available on their website. Tariff and excise duties are listed in two acts with each having amendments and supplements that alter the active list of duties.
| Duty Category | Base Act | Amended/Supplemented By |
|---|---|---|
| Tariff | Tariff Act, 2023 |
Tariff
(Amendment) Act, 2024
Tariff (Amendment) Act, 2025 2013 Economic Partnership Agreement Schedule |
| Excise | Excise Act, 2023 |
Excise
(Amendment) Act, 2024
Excise (Amendment) Act, 2025 |
For more on duties for the current year, read our guide on Bahamas customs duties for 2025/2026 .
How can one find the duty for a product? #
Note: Consider hiring a licensed customs broker for guidance on customs duties.
Use the acts directly
Start with the base acts (Tariff Act, 2023 & Excise Act, 2023) and find the description that best describes your goods. Then take that description's tariff code and search the base act amendments for rate changes. Also, search the supplements for preferential rates applying to the country you are importing from. The duty for your goods is the rate listed in the most recent act for the tariff code you selected.
Use the government's Tariff Search tool
Navigate to the Bahamas Customs & Excise Department Tariff Search tool. Enter your product's description then answer the interview questions to find the applicable duty.
Use the frequently-imported item list
Download the Bahamas Customs & Excise Department Frequently Imported Brochure (located in this listing). Search the list for the item category that your product falls into and record the 4-character tariff code heading listed alongside. Use that heading with either the acts or the tariff search tool to find the exact tariff code and duty for your product.
Is there an easier way to find duties? #
Yes. Customelon lets you search current duty listings[1] through one search tool. Search for your product and Customelon will surface the most relevant duties. After searching, you can use the "Try searching in..." categories to zero-in on exactly what you are importing. Customelon reads across the acts, amendments, and supplements so you do not have to check each source manually.
[1] EPA applicable preferential rates to be added shortly.