Imports to Freeport, Grand Bahama-Bahamas Customs Department

PROCEDURES RELATIVE TO THE IMPORTATION OF CONDITIONALLY DUTY-FREE GOODS INTO FREEPORT GRAND BAHAMA

Goods entered conditionally duty-free under the Hawksbill Creek Agreement, like goods entering any other part of the territory, shall be entered in writing by the owner of the goods or an authorized agent in an electronic format. All goods should be entered within five days, exclusive of Sundays and public holidays of the commencement of discharge, or within such further time as the Comptroller may allow.

Eligibility

  • The importer must be a licensee of the Grand Bahama Port Authority with bond status.

Requirements for Bond Status

The licensee must make application to Bahamas Customs for open warehouse status and a bond number. This request should be submitted in writing and accompanied by the following:

  • A copy of the license agreement from the Grand Bahama Port Authority Limited.
  • Original C.B. 9 form executed by a local bank or other financial institution, with a minimum surety amount of 5,000.00 for a non-stocking business and a minimum surety amount of $10,000.00 for a stocking business.
  • One percent (1%) stamp duty on the face value of the C.B.9 should be paid to the Department of Inland Revenue before submission.
  • The principal must make a request to the Comptroller of Customs for a bond number and open warehouse status.
  • An affirmative response would grant that licensee “over the counter” privileges; which is the ability to purchase bonded goods locally for company use.
  • The intended use for all conditionally duty-free imported goods must be stated on the face of the entry; for example “Stock”, “Company Use”, “Manufacturing or Assembly”.

Application of the Entry

  • C-14 Form – Entry for Goods imported Conditionally Duty-Free under the Hawksbill Creek Agreement
  • C-43 Form – Declaration of Value for Customs Purposes
  • C-44 Form – Standing Authority in Respect of Signing of Declaration of Value Order for the Declaration of Value

Supporting Documents

  • Completed Entry Forms
  • Invoices
  • Shipping Documents (Bills of Lading or Airway bills)
  • Agricultural Permit if necessary
  • Phytosanitry Certificate if necessary

Process

Completed entry forms will be submitted electronically and processed before payment. All supporting documents must also be uploaded. The owner of the goods or the authorized agent shall provide the Customs authority with full particulars supported by documentary evidence of the goods referred to in the entry.  All entries must be signed by either the owner of the goods or an authorized agent and the use of electronic signature is authorized for the purpose of making an entry under the Act.  All goods entered on a C-14 entry form will attract only a $10.00 processing fee.

Turn-around time

Processing can be completed in 2 – 24 hours.