Shipping to Guyana: Customs, costs and delivery time
From Germany to Georgetown: Delivering goods to one of South America's most dynamic markets
Guyana, located on the Atlantic coast of South America, is experiencing exceptionally rapid economic development. The expansion of the oil and gas industry, along with substantial infrastructure investments, is driving demand for machinery, technical components, and industrial equipment. The World Bank forecasts double-digit economic growth for Guyana again in 2026.
- Shipping from Germany to Guyana
- Parcel, express and freight solutions
- Shipping to Georgetown and other regions
- International shipment tracking
- CARICOM customs tariff must be taken into account
- Include 14% VAT in your calculations.
- ASYCUDAWorld customs clearance
- Check EU preference for originating goods
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Good customs data speeds up imports to Guyana
For a business shipment, the value of the goods, description of the goods, origin and customs tariff number should be determined before collection.
Guyana processes commercial imports electronically via ASYCUDAWorld. The importer or customs agent submits an electronic customs declaration and the required documents.
How to correctly calculate 14% VAT
Guyana levies a value-added tax (VAT) rate of 14 percent on ordinary taxable goods and imports. The calculation is not based solely on the invoice value.
Check CARICOM customs tariff
Guyana is a member of CARICOM and uses its common external tariff. For many goods, the standard rates range from 5 to 20 percent. For certain agricultural products, rates of up to 40 percent may apply.
Preferential origin can reduce customs costs
Guyana participates in the CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement. Therefore, more favorable import duties may apply to goods with preferential EU origin.
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Important information about customs and import duties
DAP or DDP to Guyana: Calculate import costs in advance
When shipping goods to Guyana, it should be determined who will handle the import clearance before booking.
For DAP The seller organizes the transport to the agreed destination.
The recipient generally assumes:
- Import clearance
- Import duty
- 14% VAT
- additional local taxes or fees
- Costs of the customs agent (if applicable)
For DDP In contrast, the seller assumes the agreed import costs and further obligations.
Therefore, at least the following should be checked before calculating DDP:
- HS code
- Customs duty
- Origin of goods
- preference option
- VAT
- Import permits
- severance pay
Especially when there are multiple cost components, a structured approach is helpful. Landed Cost Calculation, so that the actual total price doesn't become surprisingly higher at customs.
What is the customs duty in Guyana?
Guyana belongs to the Caribbean Community, or CARICOM for short.
For goods from countries outside CARICOM, Guyana uses the Common External Tariff.
The standard customs duties for many products range between:
5 and 20 percent.
A customs duty of: may apply to certain agricultural products
40 percent
be valid.
The actual customs duty depends on the specific customs tariff number.
In addition, special benefits exist for certain economic sectors.
For certain capital goods and machinery in areas such as:
- Agriculture
- Mining
- construction industry
- Forstwirtschaft
- Production
Tax breaks or special zero-rating regulations may apply.
For a reliable calculation, the correct customs value should also be used. We explain how freight, insurance, and the value of the goods interact below. Calculate customs value correctly.
What is the VAT rate in Guyana?
The standard VAT rate is:
14% VAT
The Guyana Revenue Authority confirms this rate for local and imported taxable goods and services.
For imported goods, the tax is generally calculated on an extended tax base.
These include:
- CIF value of the goods
- Import duty
- other applicable taxes and duties
VAT is only applied on this basis.
This is especially important for DDP offers.
An invoice value of, for example, 5.000 euros does not automatically mean that 14 percent of 5.000 euros is simply levied as the total import tax.
VAT: 14%
ASYCUDAWorld: Guyana handles imports digitally
Guyana uses the electronic system for its customs clearance:
ASYCUDAWorld
Importers or licensed customs agents use this information to create an electronic Single Administrative Document, or eSAD for short.
Typically, documents such as:
- Commercial invoice
- Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
- Import license, if required
- Certificates of origin
- Tax or exemption certificates
electronically stored.
Since 2026, the Guyana Revenue Authority has also been further expanding electronic payment options for customs and taxes within ASYCUDAWorld.
This means Guyana fits well with the trend of Paperless trade in international shippingThe cleaner the structured goods and document data, the easier it is to process the import electronically.
Sending a package to Guyana: What companies should know beforehand
Guyana is located on the northeastern Atlantic coast of South America.
The capital city, Georgetown, is the country's most important economic and logistics center.
Despite its geographical location, Guyana is culturally and economically very much part of the Caribbean and is a member of CARICOM.
The country is also not allowed to French Guiana be confused.
French Guiana is a French overseas territory and part of the European Union. Guyana, on the other hand, is an independent state with its own customs and tax system.
What documents do I need for Guyana?
The following are typically required for a normal commercial import:
- Commercial invoice
- Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
- Packing List
- HS code
- cart value
- Country of origin
- Import license (if applicable)
- Certificate of Origin (if applicable)
- possibly other product certificates
The Guyana Revenue Authority requires that the importer or customs agent submit the necessary documents electronically via ASYCUDAWorld with the eSAD registration.
A commercial invoice is used for a regular sale of goods.
For free samples, warranty replacements, or other non-commercial deliveries, a pro forma invoice may be useful. Further information can be found at [link to relevant information]. How to correctly use a pro forma invoice at customs.
Which goods require an import license?
Not every product can be imported without further authorization.
The Guyana Revenue Authority publishes specific customs items for which an import license is required before importation.
These include, among others, certain:
- Meat and food products
- Plants and fruits
- Chemicals
- Pharmaceuticals (self manufacturing)
- Cosmetics
- Radio and telecommunications equipment
- Weapons and ammunition
The import license must be available for the goods concerned before the eSAD is submitted.
Hazardous substances may also require a permit from the Environmental Protection Agency.
How long does it take for a package to arrive in Guyana?
DHL Parcel currently states a delivery time estimate of:
16 to 24 working days.
Express is significantly faster.
The current DHL Express transit time table shows the following for Guyana with the DHL Express Worldwide Service:
3 working days in the main run
.
According to DHL, customs clearance for goods subject to customs duties generally requires an additional working day. Therefore, for a standard shipment, the approximate timeframe is:
4 working days
to be allocated to key target areas.
Remote regions may require more time.
English facilitates customs clearance.
Guyana is the only South American country with English as its official language.
DHL will only list:
English
as a permitted language for the customs declaration.
The product description should be precise.
Instead of:
“Machine Parts”
better:
“Stainless steel valve housing for industrial oil pump”
This makes the product, material, and use immediately identifiable.
What should an address in Guyana look like?
The address should be written in Latin letters and Arabic numerals.
DHL points out that a postal code only needs to be provided if it is used in the respective location.
One possible format is:
Example Engineering Inc.
125 Sheriff Street
GEORGETOWN
GUYANA
The recipient's phone number and email address should also be provided.
This makes it easier to ask questions regarding delivery and customs clearance.
Please transmit shipping data digitally as completely as possible.
Guyana's customs service operates largely digitally.
Those who export regularly should therefore not manually re-enter recurring product information each time.
These include, for example:
- item Description
- HS code
- Origin
- cart value
- Weight
- Recipient data
Automated processes can reduce errors. Learn more on our page about... Automating shipping and customs documents.
These errors are delaying shipments to Guyana.
Most problems do not arise because Guyana has particularly complicated rules.
They arise because data is missing or contradictory.
Typical causes include:
- Guyana confused with French Guiana
- incomplete commercial invoice
- general product description
- incorrect HS code
- Import license not applied for in time
- CARIFORUM preference used without valid proof of origin
- CIF value incorrectly calculated
- Recipient's phone number is missing
Setting a value that is too low can also cause problems.
If the customs authority has doubts about the declared value of the goods, it can request additional proof of value via the ASYCUDA procedures C32A or C32B.
Therefore, clean data is the easiest way to avoid unnecessary customs inquiries.
What goods are shipped from Germany to Guyana?
Guyana's economy has changed dramatically since oil production began.
The oil and gas sector is now also driving investment in construction, energy supply, transport, and industrial infrastructure. The World Bank expects real economic growth of around 16 percent for 2026.
This creates opportunities for providers of technical products.
The following may be of particular interest:
- Machinery and equipment
- Pumps and conveying technology
- Tools
- Spare parts
- Electrical Engineering
- Measurement and testing technology
- Steel and metal products
- Vehicle and commercial vehicle parts
- Energy and power supply technology
- Construction machinery and construction equipment
The oil and gas sector also regularly requires specialized products such as tools, chemicals, steel products and offshore equipment.
For heavy or bulky goods, you shouldn't just consider the actual weight. Our guide explains how to... Calculate volumetric weight correctly and why it can affect the shipping price.
Shipping information: Guyana
Standard or Express to Guyana
For less time-critical goods, a traditional parcel service may suffice.
DHL Parcel currently states a delivery time of:
16 to 24 working days.
For urgently needed spare parts or production materials, express delivery can be significantly more attractive.
DHL Express Worldwide currently quotes three working days for main routes to key destinations. Additional time should be allowed for customs clearance of goods subject to customs duties.
For larger components or multiple packages, it should also be checked whether parcel or freight shipping is more economical.
Georgetown is the most important gateway for international goods
Parcel and express shipments reach Guyana predominantly via international air transport networks.
Cheddi Jagan International Airport, south of Georgetown, is the most important international airport.
Maritime transport plays a central role for larger quantities of goods and industrial equipment.
The expansion of the oil, gas and infrastructure industries is driving increased demand, particularly for:
- Construction
- steel and metal products
- Offshore equipment
- Tools
- Energy and supply technology
The current investment boom is also creating a growing need for imported technology in construction and infrastructure.
What are the import costs in Guyana?
The actual import costs depend on the specific goods.
The following are particularly possible:
- 5 to 20% regular CARICOM import duty
- up to 40% for certain agricultural products
- 14% VAT
- Excise tax (if applicable)
- local handling and brokerage fees
VAT is calculated on the basis of the CIF value plus customs duties and other relevant taxes and fees.
Discounts may be available for certain capital goods or industries.
Therefore, when calculating DDP, the specific item should always be checked and not just any average country value used.
How much does a package to Guyana cost?
The shipping price depends in particular on:
- Weight
- Dimensions
- Volumetric weight
- destination
- Shipping speed
- Type of goods
- Carrier
Especially with light but large cardboard boxes, the volumetric weight can be crucial.
We explain how carriers calculate this value and why a large 8 kg package can suddenly be charged as if it were a significantly heavier package below. Understanding and correctly calculating volumetric weight.
Online trade to Guyana: Transparently presenting total costs
For B2C deliveries, buyers should ideally know what additional import costs may arise before placing an order.
In addition to the price of goods and shipping, the following may also apply to DAP:
- Import duty
- 14% VAT
- Excise taxes
- Handling fees
Those who sell across borders should therefore not only consider the pure carrier price.
A Landed Cost Calculation helps to determine the actual final price based on the value of the goods, transport and import costs.
It can also be useful for shops to do this. Display shipping and import costs already at checkout..
This reduces surprises during delivery and can lower the likelihood of refused shipments.
Guyana's oil boom is also changing international demand for goods
Guyana is currently one of the most economically dynamic countries in the region.
The World Bank expects around [amount] for 2026. 16,3 percent real economic growthThe expansion of oil production is simultaneously driving investment in infrastructure, construction, and services.
This creates opportunities for German companies in the following areas:
- Engineering
- offshore technology
- Energy supply
- Construction equipment
- Tools
- Industrial services
However, companies that specifically want to supply the oil and gas sector should also take Guyanese local content rules into account.
Certain services and procurements in the oil sector are reserved for local companies or are subject to special requirements.
These rules primarily concern the market and supplier structure and are distinct from the normal customs clearance of a shipment.
Which carrier is suitable for Guyana?
Several factors should be compared when shipping to Guyana:
- Price
- Runtime
- Customs service
- Weight limits
- Dimensional limits
- Tracking
- Insurance
- Target region
DHL Parcel currently states a delivery time of 16 to 24 working days.
DHL currently does not offer enhanced insurance or bulky goods service for DHL Parcel International to Guyana.
Therefore, the standard parcel service should not be automatically selected for high-quality or unusually large B2B goods.
A multi-carrier comparison can help find a service that better suits the value, size, and urgency of the specific shipment.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shipping
Can I send a package from Germany to Guyana?
Yes. Parcels, express shipments, and business goods can be sent from Germany to Guyana. Since Guyana is outside the EU, complete customs information is required.
How long does it take for a package to arrive in Guyana?
DHL Parcel currently estimates a delivery time of 16 to 24 business days. DHL Express Worldwide indicates approximately three business days for the main route to key destinations. Additional processing time is required for goods subject to customs duties.
What is the VAT rate in Guyana?
The standard VAT rate is 14 percent. It generally also applies to taxable imported goods.
What is the customs duty in Guyana?
Guyana uses the CARICOM Common External Tariff. Customs duties for many goods range from 5 to 20 percent. Certain agricultural products can be subject to duties of up to 40 percent.
Is there a free trade agreement between Guyana and the EU?
Yes. Guyana participates in the CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement, which has been provisionally applied since 2008. Customs tariff reductions may apply to goods with preferential EU origin.
Do I need a EUR.1 for Guyana?
An EUR.1 certificate can be used as proof of preferential origin for corresponding EU products. Alternatively, a declaration of origin is possible under the conditions of the agreement.
Can I use a declaration of origin?
Yes. For originating products valued up to €6.000, a declaration of origin can generally be used by the exporter. Authorized exporters can issue them without this value limit under the relevant conditions. REX is not currently available for CARIFORUM.
What is ASYCUDAWorld in Guyana?
ASYCUDAWorld is the electronic customs system of the Guyana Revenue Authority. Importers or customs agents submit electronic customs declarations and related documents through this system.
What documents do I need for Guyana?
Typically, a commercial invoice, transport document, and electronic customs declaration are required. Depending on the goods, an import license, certificate of origin, packing list, or other product certificates may also be necessary.
Is Guyana the same as French Guiana?
No. Guyana is an independent state with its capital in Georgetown. French Guiana, on the other hand, is a French overseas territory and part of the European Union. The customs and tax regulations therefore differ considerably.
Which language should I use for the customs declaration?
DHL specifies English as an acceptable language for customs declarations for shipments to Guyana. English is an official language in Guyana.
Can I ship machinery and industrial equipment to Guyana?
Yes. Due to the rapid expansion of oil, gas, construction, and infrastructure projects, there is a significant demand for machinery and technical equipment. Depending on the product and industry, specific import or local content regulations may apply.
