T&T Customs Duties Explained: What You'll Really Pay on Your Package

Customs duties are the part of international shipping that causes the most confusion — and the most unpleasant surprises. If you've ever received an invoice and wondered where the duties number came from, or you want to estimate your total cost before you shop, this guide breaks down exactly how Trinidad & Tobago customs duties work.

How T&T Customs Duties Are Calculated

Customs duties in Trinidad and Tobago are assessed on the customs value of your shipment, which T&T Customs determines from the declared purchase price of the item. The Swiftbox calculator works this out for you.

The duty rate applied to that customs value depends on the type of goods and is set under the CARICOM Common External Tariff (CET). Different categories of goods carry different rates.

Example calculation

You buy a pair of shoes for USD $100 and they weigh 2 lb. The duty rate on shoes is 20%, which comes to $20.40 on that shipment. Online Purchase Tax at 7% adds $7.14. Then VAT is applied on top.

VAT — 12.5% on Most Imports

Trinidad and Tobago charges 12.5% VAT on most imported goods. VAT is calculated on the customs value plus the duty plus the 7% Online Purchase Tax — not just the purchase price.

Continuing the shoes example: duty $20.40, OPT $7.14 and VAT $16.19 — total taxes on a $100 pair of shoes = $43.73 USD (roughly TTD $297). This is why knowing the duty rate on what you're buying matters.

Common Duty Rates by Category

These are approximate CARICOM Common External Tariff rates. The actual rate on your specific item depends on its precise HS code classification.

Is There a Duty-Free Threshold?

Plan on duty, Online Purchase Tax (7%) and VAT (12.5%) applying to every air shipment regardless of value. Customs assesses charges on the customs value of the item and officers have discretion at clearance — so don't build a shopping strategy around any assumed exemption. Use the Swiftbox calculator to see the full landed cost before you buy.

What Is an N-Number and Do You Need One?

An N-Number (Importer Registration Number) is issued by T&T Customs and is required for most commercial imports and higher-value personal imports. Without one, your goods can be held. Swiftbox Customs Brokerage handles N-Number applications for our clients — if you don't have one and need one, we can apply on your behalf.

How Swiftbox Handles Your Customs

When you ship with Swiftbox, you don't deal with T&T Customs directly. We handle the entire process: filing the customs entry in ASYCUDA World (T&T's electronic customs system), computing the duty based on the declared value you provide at pre-alert, paying on your behalf, and adding the amount to your invoice. Your job is to declare accurately — our job is to handle everything else.

The Most Important Rule: Declare Accurately

Undervaluing or misdescribing goods for customs purposes is illegal under Trinidad and Tobago law. Customs has the right to query declared values and in some cases inspect or seize goods they believe are misdeclared. Beyond the legal risk, misdeclaration can delay your package significantly. Declare what you paid — it's not worth the risk for a small saving on duties.