Every country regulates what can and cannot cross its borders to prevent the spread of disease, adhere to local laws, and protect its citizens, industries, and farms. Some things are outright prohibited, while others require a license or for you to pay import duties.
Like all visitors, you will have to transit through the customs department upon your arrival in Belize, whether by air, land, or sea. You are required to fill in a customs declaration form indicating which items you have in your possession. Generally, your personal items that are just for you will be exempted from tax. Anything purchased overseas for yourself, to sell, or as a gift will be taxed.
Good to know:
You are required to declare your currency if it exceeds a sum of BZD10,000. Your currency will not be taxed. You must, however, fill in a C300 form to report import of currency.
Authorized products
Some products are exempted from tax if you import them in small quantities:
- Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or 20 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco
- Alcoholic beverages: a liter of wine or spirits
- Medicines and medical devices for personal use.
Good to know:
When moving to Belize, your household goods will be taxed upon import based on their value plus the shipping cost. If you are coming in under the qualified retired persons program, you will not pay customs on your household goods.
Banned products
Prohibited products input in Belize are:
- illegal drugs
- guns or knives dsiguised as other things (pens, etc.)
- counterfeit money
- toxic substances
- CFCs
- pornographic material
There are a number of things that can be brought in with a license, including animals, agricultural products, guns, and animal products.
Useful link:
Belize Customs Department www.customs.gov.bz
Duty rates on commonly imported items www.customs.gov.bz/baggage
Items requiring a license to import www.cdn.gov.bz/customs.gov.bz/
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
