Country Guide: Haiti

Updated: October 25, 2024

Personal Effects

Documents Required

  • Citizens
    • Passport copy (data page)
    • Original Bill of Lading/ Airway Bill
    • Packing List
    • Listing of imported items with an estimated value of each item in € or $
    • Residence Permit (if the client has been granted such before arrival of shipment)
    • A certificate of move issued by the consulate or the mayor (on a letterhead and signed)
  • Returning citizens
    • Passport copy (data page)
    • Original Bill of Lading/ Airway Bill
    • Packing List
    • Listing of imported items with an estimated value of each item in € or $
    • Fiscal Roll (Matricula Fiscal)
    • Correspondence from Haitian consulate certifying Consignee is a returning resident
  • Diplomats
    • Passport copy
    • Original Bill of Lading/ Airway Bill
    • Packing list
    • Listing of imported items with an estimated value of each item in € or $
    • Document acknowledging the diplomatic status (passport, protocol card) from the Ministry of Foreign affairs.
    • Exemption from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Franchise).

REMARKS

  • Citizens
    • For private shipments, a certificate of move is However, this certificate does not clear customs taxes. It will just allow the customs to reduce the amount of the customs bill (taxes).
  • Returning citizens
    • People who do not have diplomatic status will not be exonerated of customs taxes.
  • Diplomats
    • From Sea shipment, 8 to 10 working days will be needed to clear and deliver personal effects.
    • For Air shipment, 5 to 7 working days will be needed.

Motor Vehicles

Documents Required

  • Original title
  • Original purchase invoice
  • Vehicle inventory.

REMARKS

  • Most terminals require an approximate $350 deposit for a vehicle transiting through their facility.

General customs procedures (non-diplomats)

REMARKS

  • Once the shipment is at destination, your local agent will prepare a file to be submitted to Customs.
  • Customs will then process the request (2-3 days) and send an inspector along with the local agent Customs broker at the port for a container verification. At that point, the consignee or his representative will be asked to come to the port to assist with verification.
  • Container will be unsealed in presence of the local agent Customs broker and the Customs inspector. All boxes will first be opened, inspected, and then transferred to another container (a full day).
  • The Customs inspector will issue his report and a Customs will be bill generated (3 to 4 weeks). During this time, demurrages, detention, and storage fees may apply if the franchise period is exceeded.
  • It is recommended to request for extension of shipping line franchise time. Once customs bill available it will be sent to the person in charge of paying those taxes.

neral Customs Procedures (Diplomats)

Documents Required

  • Documents needed to start the franchise process:
    • Passport data page
    • Packing list
    • OBL / AWB (draft)

REMARKS

  • Before arrival of your cargo, your local embassy must start the franchise process.
  • This franchise will be used to waive all custom duties on diplomats’ personal belonging.
  • Once the shipment is at destination, your local agent will prepare a file to be submitted to Customs.
  • A customs bill will be generated (7 to 15 days).
  • During this time, demurrages, detention, and storage fees may apply if the franchise period is exceeded.
  • Once the customs bill is available, the delivery will be planned.
  • The required documents must be forwarded to your local agent before container/load departure, and green light should be given before shipment.

Prohibited Items

CUSTOMS PRESCRIPTIONS

  • Eggs from areas exposed to avian influenza.

Illegal Items

CUSTOMS PRESCRIPTIONS

  • Narcotics / illegal drugs of any kind
  • Pornography and subversive materials
  • Explosives, ammunitions and weapons
  • Military equipment
  • Equipment to be used to manufacture or print counterfeit currency or securities

Restricted/ Dutiable Items

CUSTOMS PRESCRIPTIONS

  • Alcohol: 1 quart of wine or spirits
  • Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars

Plants

CUSTOMS PRESCRIPTIONS

  • Imported plants and seeds are subject to quarantine.