St. Helena Import Duties & Taxes Explained

Shopping from US retailers and shipping to

St. Helena

Here's what you'll pay in import duties,taxes, and handling fees — plus how Stackry helps you keep costs predictable before you checkout.

Overview

When your package arrives in St. Helena, you'll pay customs duty on all items regardless of value. The standard duty rate is 20% calculated on the purchase price of your goods (excluding shipping costs). St. Helena doesn't charge import VAT or sales tax. You may also face local handling fees from carriers or the post office.

Your questions answered

Q1.

What is the standard customs duty rate for goods sent to St. Helena?

The standard customs duty rate is 20% on most consumer goods like clothing and electronics. Certain items such as heavy machinery may qualify for a reduced rate of 5%.

Q2.

Is there any import VAT or sales tax on my shipment to St. Helena?

No, St. Helena does not currently impose VAT or GST on imported goods, so you will not pay this additional tax. Your only major charge will be the customs duty.

Q3.

How is customs duty calculated for packages arriving in St. Helena?

Duty is calculated using a Free-on-Board (FOB) method, meaning it applies only to the purchase price of the goods. This excludes international shipping and insurance costs from your tax calculation.

Q4.

Is there a minimum value threshold before I have to pay duties?

No, St. Helena has no de minimis threshold for mailed packages, so all imports are subject to duty regardless of value. Even low-value items from your shipment will incur charges.

Q5.

Who collects the import charges when my package arrives?

HM Customs and Excise of the St. Helena Government collects all duties and taxes upon arrival. You may also pay handling fees to local agents or the post office for clearance.

Q6.

Are there any carrier handling or storage fees I should expect?

Yes, local agents or the St. Helena Post Office may charge a processing or wharfage fee for clearing your shipment. Storage fees apply if goods remain in customs for more than seven days.

Q7.

What currency is used for calculating import duties in St. Helena?

The local currency is the St. Helena Pound (SHP), which is pegged 1:1 with the British Pound (GBP). Your final charges will be assessed and collected in this currency.

Q8.

Are there any items that are restricted or prohibited from entering St. Helena?

Yes, St. Helena has strict biosecurity laws prohibiting items like honey, certain plants, and fresh foods. Drones and specific radio equipment may also require prior authorization.

Q9.

Can I estimate the total import costs for my shipment before it arrives?

You can estimate duties at 20% of your item's purchase price plus a potential handling fee of roughly £5 to £15. Keep in mind that final charges are determined by HM Customs and the carrier.

Helpful Resources

The links below are external references to official St. Helena government sources. We recommend reviewing them for the most accurate and up-to-date information on taxes and duties for St. Helena.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is intended as a general overview of customs duties, import taxes, and related processes. It is not comprehensive and may not reflect the most current regulations.We recommend checking official customs or government sources to confirm the exact rules, charges, and requirements before making any purchasing or shipping decisions.While we aim to keep information accurate and up to date, we cannot guarantee its completeness and are not responsible for any discrepancies or inaccuracies.