Name of the Organization : St. Lucia Customs & Excise Department
Type of Facility : Import Goods Procedure
Country : Saint Lucia
Website : https://www.customs.gov.lc/import.php
Import Goods Procedure :
Documents:
** Invoice(s)
** Air waybill or Bill of Lading
Related : Inland Revenue Department Return Filing Saint Lucia : www.statusin.org/7691.html
** Certificate of Origin (Where it affords exemption of duty)
** Form 61 or 62
** Import Licenses/Import Permits (where applicable)
Procedure:
The Customs law requires that all goods imported (except those listed below) require a declaration (Entry) to be made by the importer. This declaration can also be made by an authorized agent of the importer.
In making a declaration the importer or his agent must access the department’s Asycuda World system through our website. Access to the broker module of this site for making the declaration is only on an authorized basis since users must be properly trained in the use of the system. The importer makes his/her declaration electronically, registers and pays the duties where applicable.
The declaration is then submitted for selectivity. The declaration may be given one of three lanes:
RED :
Indicating a full examination of the declaration is required; that also includes a physical examination; the importer or his agent must therefore present themselves to Customs at the station where the goods are located for the examination;
YELLOW :
Indicating the supporting documents need to be checked by Customs; the importer or his agent must therefore present themselves to Customs at the station where the goods are located for the verification;
GREEN :
Indicating Customs have no interest at this time with the consignment. An exit note can then be prepared for immediate clearance of the consignment.
Where goods on a declaration is afforded exemptions of duty through a Cabinet Conclusion or other statutory authority, that declaration will go through the Concessions officer for verification prior to clearance of the goods contained therein.
Goods exempt from making a declaration (Entry) are:
** Fresh fish (including shell fish) caught by St.Lucia fishermen and imported by them in their vessel;
** Passenger’s accompanied baggage.
Note:
Where a declaration is false in any material particular the inmporter may be liable to penalties.
Contact:
For more information please contact Customs and Excise Department
FAQ :
I am a St. Lucian national who has been studying overseas for the past 5 years. I will be returning home with all my personal effects upon my completion. What relief of duty am I entitled to?
A returning national who has resided abroad for ten yrs or more is entitled to a range of benefits as outlined in Statutory Instrument # 1 and Statutory Instrument # 2 of 1999. However in the case of someone who has resided overseas for five years an exemption of import duty on used personal and household effects is permissible under the list of conditional duty exemptions as outlined in the Common External Tariff (CET).
My stereo is damaged and I am returning it to the manufacturer for repairs. How do I avoid paying duties on this appliance a second time?
Customs Officials must record any item being exported for repairs at the point of export. Upon re-importation of the item any duties to be paid will be assessed on the cost of repairs.
I ordered some educational tapes and software for my son to help him with his grades. Are there any exemptions of duties in place for me?
There are no specific provisions in place for exemption of duties on these items, however individual cases may be referred to the Ministry of Education for special consideration.
Am I permitted to import a few fruits, vegetables and plant trimmings with me when I return from vacation?
Fruits and vegetables must be detained by Customs for inspection by Quarantine Officers from the Ministry of Agriculture. It is those officers who determine whether your fruits or vegetables are permitted to enter the country.
I am expecting a package from a courier company and I need to clear it ASAP. Can you advise me on how best to proceed?
Most courier services offer their clients a clearance facility by which they undertake to pay the relevant duties on the imported items provided that such sums are recoverable upon delivery of the goods. The clearing agent must be specifically authorised by importer to clear such goods on his/her behalf.