Burundi Import Duties & Taxes Explained

Your Burundi shipment's customs duty is typically 25% to 35% of your CIF value (goods cost + shipping + insurance), depending on the product type. This is calculated by the Office Burundais des Recettes (OBR) on shipments over $15-$50 USD, with an additional 18% Import VAT and approximately 5.5% in handling fees also applied to your total.

VAT in Burundi is 18%. This rate applies to almost all shipments regardless of value and is calculated on your total landed cost including goods, shipping, insurance, and any duties.

The 18% VAT is applied to the sum of your customs value, the import duty amount, and any other applicable levies like handling fees. This means the tax is charged on the total cost after duties have been added, not just the original purchase price.

Most finished consumer goods like electronics and apparel fall into the 25% or 35% duty bands under the Common External Tariff. The exact rate depends on the specific product classification assigned by Burundi customs upon arrival.

While the East African Community has moved toward a $50 USD de minimis limit, enforcement varies and some sources still cite a $15 USD threshold for duty-free entry. Your shipment may be subject to duties even on lower-value items depending on the carrier's specific clearance practices.

Yes, you may incur a Statistic Tax of approximately 1.5% and a Handling Fee of around 4% based on the CIF value. Additionally, carriers like DHL or FedEx will charge a separate brokerage fee for managing the customs clearance process.

The Office Burundais des Recettes (OBR) is the authority that collects all import taxes and duties. Your carrier will typically collect these fees on behalf of the OBR before releasing your shipment to you.

Yes, all taxes and duties are calculated based on the CIF value, which includes the cost of goods, insurance, and freight to Burundi. This means your shipping costs paid to Stackry or the retailer are included in the taxable amount.

Goods manufactured within the East African Community may be exempt from duties if they have a valid Certificate of Origin, though the 18% VAT will still apply. You would need to provide this documentation to customs to qualify for the duty exemption.

You will likely pay an 18% Import VAT and a Customs Duty, typically ranging from 25% to 35% for finished goods. These charges are calculated based on the total landed cost of your package, including the item value, shipping, and insurance.