Importing goods into Suriname

Commercial imports go through Customs in the ASYCUDA system. You need a FIN tax number, a customs broker files the declaration, and you pay import duty plus 10% VAT.

Step by step

FIN number. Mandatory for commercial importers and exporters since 1 January 2025. Apply through the tax office portal.
Register in ASYCUDA. Once, with Customs.
Customs broker. The broker files the declaration with HS code, origin, value, invoice and bill of lading.
Pay. ASYCUDA calculates the duties; you pay by bank transfer to the Receiver of Import Duties and Excise.
Inspection and release. ASYCUDA picks a lane: red (physical check), yellow (documents), blue (post-clearance audit) or green (released).

What do you pay?

Import duty	Based on the CARICOM common external tariff, usually 0% to 50% depending on the product. Raw materials low, finished goods higher; alcohol, tobacco and some foods up to 40% or 50%.
BTW	10% standard, also on imports; 5% on fuel, 25% on luxury goods such as large cars. VAT in Suriname
Other levies	Statistical fee and consent fee on the CIF value, and excise on alcohol and tobacco. Ask your broker for the current percentages.

Licences and bans

Licensed goods are applied for at the Import, Export and Foreign Exchange Control service of the Ministry of Economic Affairs.
Medicines, veterinary drugs and plant or animal products need a certificate from Health or Agriculture.
Used cars older than 8 years and buses older than 15 years may not be imported. Exception: a returning migrant's car that has been part of the household goods for at least 2 years, and classics over 25 years.
Household goods of returning migrants can be exempt from import duty. Check the conditions with Customs in advance.

Customs information: phone 402626. Supplying the government or oil and gas? Tenders

Sources

Checked on 17 October 2026. General information, not tax advice.