Belize Import Duties & Taxes Explained

Belize has a $50 USD de minimis threshold for customs duties on non-commercial shipments. However, GST may still apply from the first dollar of your shipment's value.

Customs duty in Belize is calculated as a percentage of your shipment's CIF value (Cost, Insurance, and Freight). Most consumer goods are charged at 20%, though rates range from 0% to 45% depending on the item category. The de minimis threshold is $50 USD for non-commercial shipments, meaning duties apply only to values above this amount.

There is no single border fee in Belize; your shipment will face multiple charges including GST, Import Duty, and Environmental Tax. GST at 12.5% applies from the first dollar, Import Duty at 20% typically applies on values over $50 USD, and Environmental Tax adds 3% on most goods.

Yes, almost all imported goods are subject to a 3% Environmental Tax. This fee is calculated directly on the CIF value of your shipment before other taxes are added.

The RRD is an additional charge ranging from 5% to 40% that applies to specific categories like certain plastics or processed foods. It targets items that compete with local production in Belize.

Yes, carriers like DHL or FedEx will charge a separate brokerage or disbursement fee for processing your customs entry. These are handling fees paid to the carrier, not government taxes.

Belize strictly uses the CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) value to calculate taxes. If your invoice does not clearly separate shipping costs, Customs may estimate them, potentially increasing your charges.

No, gifts are subject to the same tax and duty rules as standard purchases if they exceed the value thresholds. The origin of the item does not exempt it from these import charges.

Goods produced within CARICOM member states may be eligible for duty-free entry if accompanied by a valid Certificate of Origin. You would need to provide this documentation to qualify for the duty exemption.

For a typical consumer item, you can expect total charges to be approximately 38% of the CIF value. This estimate includes the 20% duty, 3% environmental tax, and 12.5% GST applied on top.