Sending a package to St. Vincent and the Grenadines: Customs, VAT and delivery time
From Germany to Kingstown, Bequia, Mustique or Canouan: How to properly prepare shipping and customs
St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a Caribbean island nation consisting of the main island of St. Vincent and numerous smaller islands in the Grenadines. For German companies, therefore, not only the destination country is crucial when shipping. The specific destination island can also influence how a shipment is transported after import.
- Shipping from Germany to St. Vincent
- Delivery to selected Grenadine islands
- Parcel, express and freight solutions
- Prepare customs information digitally
- Regularly, 16% VAT must be taken into account.
- Please allow 6% for customs service charge.
- Check EU CARIFORUM preference
- Consider your destination island before booking.
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For an island nation, the final transport stage is part of the shipping plan.
A delivery to Kingstown differs logistically from a delivery to Bequia, Mustique or Canouan.
In addition to the product description, HS code, value of goods and origin, it should therefore be determined before collection which island the shipment is actually to be delivered to.
Calculate 16% VAT
The current standard VAT rate in St. Vincent and the Grenadines is 16 percent. Exemptions or different regulations apply to certain goods.
Please include 6% Customs Service Charge
In addition to the actual import duty, a Customs Service Charge of 6 percent is generally levied. Even duty-free goods can therefore still incur import costs.
Check the target island early
For recipients in the Grenadines, further island transport may be necessary after international shipping. Address, carrier coverage, and local onward transport should therefore be clarified before booking.
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Important information about customs and import duties
DAP or DDP to St. Vincent and the Grenadines?
Before shipping, it should be clearly defined who will handle import clearance and import costs.
For DAP The seller organizes the transport to the agreed destination.
The recipient is generally responsible for import clearance and any associated duties.
This can include:
- Import duty
- 16% VAT
- 6% Customs Service Charge
- Excise tax (if applicable)
- Environmental Levy or Surcharge may apply
- Customs broker fees
- Carrier and handling fees
- Possible costs for onward transport to a Grenadine island
For DDP In contrast, the seller assumes the agreed import costs and further obligations.
For St. Vincent and the Grenadines, a DDP calculation must be prepared with particular care.
In addition to the standard customs costs, at least the following should be checked:
- HS code
- Origin of goods
- preferential entitlement
- Import duty
- Customs Service Charge
- VAT
- possible excise taxes
- Import permits
- specific target island
- local onward transport costs
Especially in Bequia, Mustique, Canouan or Union Island, it should not be automatically assumed that the international carrier will cover the entire transport to the final address under the same conditions.
A Landed Cost Calculation This helps to record transport, customs, taxes and other costs as completely as possible.
What is the import duty in St. Vincent and the Grenadines?
There is no sensible flat-rate import duty for St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
The specific sentence depends in particular on:
- HS code
- Type of goods
- Origin of goods
- CARICOM customs tariff
- potential EU CARIFORUM preference
- national exemptions or preferential treatment
The customs administration provides an integrated electronic tariff and its own Import Duty Calculator for this purpose.
The calculation uses, among other things:
- Type of goods
- invoice value
- freight charges
- Insurance
considered.
Depending on the tariff position, the customs calculator then calculates, among other things:
- Import Duty
- Excise
- Customs Service Charge
- VAT
This makes the HS code the most sensible starting point for a realistic calculation of import costs.
Please add an additional 6% Customs Service Charge.
In addition to the actual import duty, the Customs Service Charge plays an important role.
The current regular rate is:
6%
The customs administration explicitly mentions this sentence also in connection with import concessions for returning nationals.
This is important because the Customs Service Charge can also be relevant for goods that are exempt from other duties.
The customs administration, for example, lists school books as duty-free and tax-free, but explicitly points out that Customs Service Charge still applies.
Duty-free does not automatically mean free of import costs.
The CIF value influences the calculation
Import duties are not based solely on the invoice value of the goods.
The following may be particularly relevant for calculating customs value:
- cart value
- Transport costs
- Insurance costs
The official Import Duty Calculator therefore explicitly takes Invoice Value, Shipping and Insurance into account.
For a distant island destination, international transport costs can therefore have a noticeable impact on import costs.
You can find out more at Calculate customs value correctly.
What is the VAT rate in St. Vincent and the Grenadines?
Value Added Tax is called:
Value Added Tax, or VAT for short.
The current regular rate published by the tax authorities is:
16%
The Inland Revenue Department also lists:
- 11% for accommodation services
- 0% for certain zero-rated sales
- tax-exempt areas
For normal taxable imports of goods, the standard tax rate is generally relevant.
VAT is due on taxable imports when the goods are declared for use in the country.
However, a flat rate of 16 percent should not simply be added to the German invoice value when importing goods.
Depending on the specific calculation, customs value and other import duties may also influence the tax assessment.
Regular VAT rate: 16%
ASYCUDA World 4.4: Customs clearance is digital
St. Vincent and the Grenadines uses the following for customs clearance:
ASYCUDA World.
The customs administration currently operates ASYCUDA World 4.4.0 as well as electronic tariff and payment services.
For commercial shipments, an electronic customs declaration must be created by an authorized agent and submitted via ASYCUDA.
Supporting documents may include:
- Commercial invoice
- Bill of Lading for sea freight
- Air Waybill for air freight
- ASYCUDA Waybill
- Proof of insurance
- Import permits
- Certificate of Origin
- further licenses
Customs authorities require invoices or corresponding documents regarding the value of goods in English.
For German shippers, this means:
The commercial invoice, electronic customs data, and actual goods should match exactly in terms of content.
Particularly important are:
- precise English product description
- HS code
- cart value
- Origin of goods
- Quantity
- Weight
- Transport costs
- Recipient information
You can find more information about the electronic transmission of customs information at Paperless trade in international shipping.
Sending a package to St. Vincent and the Grenadines: What companies should know
St. Vincent and the Grenadines consists of the main island of St. Vincent and part of the Grenadines.
Among the well-known islands are:
- St. Vincent
- Bequia
- mustique
- Canouan
- mayreau
- Union Island
This very geographical structure makes shipping more complex than for a destination with a continuous road network.
The international shipment first reaches a central logistics point.
If the actual recipient is located on a smaller Grenadine island, additional sea or air transport may be required.
Kingstown is the central trading center
Kingstown on the main island of St. Vincent is the country's most important trade and logistics center.
A new, modern deep-water port was commissioned there at the end of 2025. The new port facility handles a significant portion of national freight traffic.
In 2026, international scheduled services were also switched to the new Kingstown terminal.
For example, CMA CGM moved its container terminals from Campden Park to Kingstown, citing the larger and more efficient new facility as the reason.
This is particularly interesting for European trade flows:
The published timetables indicate transit times for container connections from Northern Europe to Kingstown, which can be approximately 21 days from Rotterdam, for example.
This refers to sea freight and should not be confused with parcel delivery times.
However, for machinery, pallets and other larger B2B shipments, it shows that St. Vincent is now more directly integrated into international container traffic.
What documents do I need for St. Vincent and the Grenadines?
The following are typically required for commercial import clearance:
- Commercial invoice
- Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
- Full product description
- HS code
- cart value
- Origin of goods
- Proof of insurance (if applicable)
- Import permit (if applicable)
- Certificate of Origin (if applicable)
- possibly further licenses
The customs administration explicitly names these documents as possible accompanying documents for an ASYCUDA customs declaration.
A commercial invoice should be used for a normal sale of goods.
For:
- free patterns
- Warranty item
- Gifts
- Replacement deliveries free of charge
However, a pro forma invoice can be used.
Even with such shipments, a realistic value of the goods should be stated.
For more information, please visit How to correctly create a pro forma invoice for customs.
Is there a trade agreement with the European Union?
Yes.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines is part of:
CARIFORUM.
An Economic Partnership Agreement exists between the European Union and the CARIFORUM states.
The German customs administration currently explicitly lists St. Vincent and the Grenadines under this preferential arrangement.
It is a:
mutual preference for origin.
This means:
Qualifying goods with European preferential origin may be treated more favorably upon import, depending on their tariff position.
However, the following are crucial:
- HS code
- product-specific rule of origin
- actual origin of goods
- correct proof of preference
Shipping from Germany alone is not enough.
For example, a device produced in China does not automatically receive European preferential origin just because it is shipped from a warehouse in Leipzig to Kingstown.
Do I need a EUR.1 card for St. Vincent and the Grenadines?
An EUR.1 certificate can be used for exports to St. Vincent and the Grenadines if a preference is to be claimed under the EU-CARIFORUM agreement.
The German customs administration currently lists the following as proofs of preferential origin:
- EUR.1 movement certificate
- Declaration of origin according to the prescribed wording
The declaration of origin can be used for consignments without requiring approval if the value of the originating products contained does not exceed:
EUR 6.000
is.
Before issuing an EUR.1 certificate, it should be clarified whether the goods are actually eligible for preferential treatment.
How long does it take to send a package to St. Vincent and the Grenadines?
DHL currently specifies a delivery time estimate of:
18 to 26 working days.
The actual duration can be influenced in particular by:
- Customs clearance
- missing documents
- specific destination
- Destination island
- local onward transport
- Weekends and holidays
For urgent spare parts or production materials, an express service may therefore be more practical.
For recipients on smaller Grenadine islands, it should also be checked whether the stated delivery time actually applies to the final destination.
Complete the customs declaration in English.
DHL specifies the following for the customs declaration:
English
as a permissible language.
The customs authorities also explicitly require invoices in English for commercial imports.
A product description should therefore be as unambiguous as possible.
Not:
"Parts"
Better:
“Stainless steel replacement impeller for industrial water pump”
This means:
- Product
- Material
- Other specifications
directly recognizable.
The more accurate the product description, the lower the risk of unnecessary queries during import clearance.
How to correctly write an address for St. Vincent and the Grenadines
DHL requires Latin letters and Arabic numerals for the address.
DHL cites as an example an address with a post office box and the destination Kingstown.
A possible business address would be:
ABC Industrial Supplies Ltd.
bay street
KINGSTOWN
ST. VINCENT
SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES
For recipients in the Grenadines, the specific island should be clearly stated.
For example:
XYZ Marine Services
Port Elizabeth
BEQUIA
SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES
Additionally, you should:
- Phone number
- Email address
the recipient's information will be stored.
Especially when transporting passengers to smaller islands, a direct contact option can be crucial.
Shipping to Bequia, Mustique and other Grenadine islands
For St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the "Destination Country" field should not be the end of the route planning.
The national port system includes Kingstown, Port Elizabeth on Bequia, and other maritime facilities in the island nation.
For shipments to smaller islands, a further stage may follow the main international transport.
The following should be clarified before booking:
- Does the carrier serve this specific island?
- Will delivery be made to the recipient's address?
- Is there an island surcharge?
- Is a local partner carrier involved?
- Does the broadcast need to be picked up in Kingstown?
- Will there be additional port or transport costs?
Especially with heavy packages, pallets or machines, this last stage can account for a significant part of the total effort.
Automate recurring export data
Companies that regularly export spare parts or technical products should centrally store recurring item data.
These include:
- Product name
- HS code
- Origin
- Weight
- cart value
This data can be accessed via a Shipping API or existing shop and ERP interfaces are integrated into the shipping process.
This means that the same information does not have to be manually entered into the label, invoice and customs declaration for every Caribbean shipment.
These errors are delaying shipments to St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
In addition to classic customs problems, this destination also presents the challenge of geographical distribution across several islands.
Typical errors are:
- general product description
- HS code is missing or incorrect
- The value of the goods cannot be verified.
- Origin of goods is missing
- EU preference is claimed without proof of origin.
- Import permit was not checked
- Customs service charge was not included.
- VAT was calculated using an outdated rate.
- Commercial invoices and electronic customs data differ.
- Only the country, but not the specific destination island, was taken into account.
- Carrier coverage for Bequia, Mustique, or Canouan was not verified.
- Recipient cannot be reached for customs or local onward transport.
Especially with regular exports, this information should be standardized as much as possible.
You can find out more at Automate shipping documents and reduce errors.
What goods are imported to St. Vincent and the Grenadines?
St. Vincent and the Grenadines has a small domestic market and relies on imports for many consumer, construction and investment goods.
Among others, the following play an important economic role:
- Tourism
- Construction industry
- Agriculture
- transportation and logistics
- Energy supply
- Trade and services
Therefore, the following goods may be of particular interest to German exporters:
- Machinery and technical equipment
- Machine spare parts
- Electrical engineering and electronics
- Pumps and water technology
- Air conditioning and refrigeration technology
- Solar and energy technology
- Tools and workshop equipment
- Hotel and catering equipment
- Vehicle and commercial vehicle parts
- Boat and marine equipment
- IT and communication technology
- Construction and installation technology
Especially on tourist-oriented islands like Mustique, Canouan and Bequia, high-quality building, hotel, energy and leisure technology can be relevant.
For technical products, the HS code should be clearly defined before shipping.
The customs tariff number influences, among other things:
- Import duty
- EU CARIFORUM preference
- Excise Tax
- Import restrictions
- possible approval requirements
St. Vincent and the Grenadines uses an electronic HS-2022 customs tariff, which allows for verification of specific duty rates.
You can find more information about the correct classification at Determine the correct customs tariff number.
Shipping information: St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Standard, Express or Freight to St. Vincent and the Grenadines?
The correct shipping method depends in particular on size, weight, value of goods, urgency and destination island.
Standard parcel shipping may be suitable for smaller and less time-critical shipments.
DHL currently specifies a transit time estimate of:
18 to 26 working days.
For:
- urgent spare parts
- Production material
- high-quality electronics
- time-critical business broadcasts
Express might be the more sensible solution.
For:
- Machine
- Pallets
- several packages
- heavy spare parts
- larger quantities of goods
Air or sea freight solutions are possible.
You can find out more at International freight shipping for businesses.
Kingstown has been the central modern cargo port since 2025.
Due to the island's location, international trade mainly takes place via:
- Airfreight
- Sea Freight
- international parcel and express networks
A significant change occurred at the end of 2025 with the commissioning of the new modern port of Kingstown.
The new deep-water facility was created for more modern and efficient freight handling and now plays a central role in the national port system.
International container lines have also adjusted their operations accordingly.
In 2026, CMA CGM announced that its Caribbean service container operations had been moved from Campden Park to the new Kingstown terminal.
Therefore, for larger B2B shipments, the following is particularly important:
Kingstown
the crucial entry point.
Regional ships and ferries may then become relevant for further distribution within the island nation.
The port system also includes, among other things:
- Port Elizabeth on Bequia
- Lowmans Bay
- other maritime facilities on St. Vincent
For recipients on Mustique, Canouan, Bequia or Union Island, the final transport stage should therefore be planned before shipping.
What import costs might arise?
Depending on the specific goods, import costs can be composed of several components.
This can include:
- Import duty according to HS code
- 6% Customs Service Charge
- Regular 16% VAT
- Excise tax (if applicable)
- Environmental Levy or Vehicle Surcharge may apply
- Customs broker fees
- Carrier and handling fees
The actual duties payable can be calculated using the official Import Duty Calculator based on the specific goods.
The calculator also takes freight and insurance costs into account.
Additionally, for goods of European origin, it should be checked whether a preference can be used under the EU-CARIFORUM agreement.
How much does a package to St. Vincent and the Grenadines cost?
The actual transport price depends in particular on:
- Weight
- Dimensions
- Volumetric weight
- Shipping service
- Carrier
- destination
- Destination island
- Type of goods
- Additional Services
Special attention should be paid to the volumetric weight when calculating shipping costs.
A large, lightweight cardboard box can be charged at a significantly higher rate than its actual weight would suggest.
We explain how this value is created below. Understanding and calculating volumetric weight.
Additional local transport or handling charges may apply for deliveries to a Grenadine island.
Therefore, offers should not only consider the international main race.
E-commerce to St. Vincent and the Grenadines: Transparently explaining additional costs
For German online retailers, St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a third-country destination.
The EU-IOSS regulation does not apply there.
In addition to the value of the goods and the shipping costs, the recipient may incur other costs, including:
- Import duty
- 16% VAT
- 6% Customs Service Charge
- possible excise tax
- Handling fees
- Additional island transport costs may apply.
Under DAP, these costs are generally borne by the recipient.
Online retailers should therefore clearly explain, even before the order is completed, that additional import costs may be incurred.
Especially for customers on smaller Grenadine islands, it should also be checked whether the chosen shipping service actually enables delivery to the destination.
You can find out more at Shipping costs, customs duties and import taxes are displayed at checkout..
Shipping to the Grenadines often means two transport routes instead of one.
The geographical structure is one of the country's most important distinctive features.
One receiver in Kingstown is located on the main island of St. Vincent.
A recipient in:
- Bequia
- mustique
- Canouan
- mayreau
- Union Island
It is located on a different island.
This means that an international shipment can effectively consist of two transport segments:
Germany → St. Vincent
and then:
St. Vincent → Destination Island
Depending on the carrier, this onward transport may already be included in the service or may need to be organized separately.
Especially in:
- Pallets
- long packages
- Machine
- heavy spare parts
- sensitive goods
Therefore, it should be clarified how the final leg will be carried out before booking.
EU-CARIFORUM can influence customs
Another special feature is the economic partnership agreement between CARIFORUM and the European Union.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines participates in this mutual preference arrangement.
This means that the origin of goods can have a direct impact on import costs.
Companies should therefore differentiate between:
- Shipped from Germany
- EU commodity status
- preferential EU origin
These terms are not the same under customs law.
For regular exports, it is therefore worthwhile to maintain accurate information on origin and supplier declarations in the item master data.
Which carrier is suitable for St. Vincent and the Grenadines?
Several factors should be considered when comparing carriers:
- Transport price
- Runtime
- Customs service
- Tracking
- Insurance
- Weight limits
- maximum dimensions
- Destination island
- local delivery coverage
DHL currently lists the following for standard parcel shipping:
18 to 26 working days.
For urgent spare parts or high-quality B2B goods, an express service should also be compared.
For larger shipments, air or sea freight may be more suitable.
Particularly important:
The cheapest fare to "St. Vincent and the Grenadines" is not necessarily the cheapest fare to the actual address on Mustique or Canouan.
The specific destination island should therefore be determined during the carrier comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shipping
Can I send a package from Germany to St. Vincent and the Grenadines?
Yes. Parcels, express shipments, and business goods can be sent from Germany to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Since the country is outside the European Union, complete customs information is required for shipments.
How long does it take to send a package to St. Vincent and the Grenadines?
DHL currently estimates delivery times of 18 to 26 working days for standard parcel shipping. The actual delivery time depends on the shipping service, customs clearance, and the specific destination or island.
What is the VAT rate in St. Vincent and the Grenadines?
The standard VAT rate is currently 16 percent. Zero rates, exemptions, or other tax regulations may apply to certain goods and services.
What is the customs duty in St. Vincent and the Grenadines?
Import duties depend on the specific HS code, the type of goods, and their origin. Customs provides an electronic HS-2022 tariff and an import duty calculator.
What is the Customs Service Charge?
The standard Customs Service Charge is currently 6 percent. It can also be levied on goods that are exempt from certain other import duties.
Is there a trade agreement between the EU and St. Vincent and the Grenadines?
Yes. St. Vincent and the Grenadines is part of the EU-CARIFORUM Economic Partnership Agreement. For goods with preferential origin, more favorable customs conditions may apply, depending on the tariff classification.
Do I need a EUR.1 card for St. Vincent and the Grenadines?
An EUR.1 certificate can be used if a customs preference is to be claimed under the EU CARIFORUM agreement and the goods meet the required rules of origin. For originating products valued up to €6.000, a declaration of origin is also possible under the conditions of the agreement.
What documents do I need for St. Vincent and the Grenadines?
For a commercial shipment, a commercial invoice, transport document, full goods description, HS code, goods value, and origin information are typically required. Depending on the goods, additional documents such as proof of insurance, import permit, certificate of origin, or other licenses may be necessary.
Which language should I use for the customs documents?
DHL specifies English as an acceptable language for the customs declaration. Customs authorities also require invoices or corresponding documentation of goods value in English for commercial imports.
Can I send a package to Bequia or Mustique?
Shipments to various islands in the Grenadines are generally possible. However, before booking, you should check whether the chosen carrier serves the specific island directly or whether additional local transport is necessary after arrival in St. Vincent.
What is ASYCUDA World in St. Vincent and the Grenadines?
ASYCUDA World is the country's electronic customs system. Commercial customs declarations are submitted and processed digitally through it. St. Vincent and the Grenadines currently uses ASYCUDA World 4.4 and an electronic HS-2022 tariff.
Can I send DDP to St. Vincent and the Grenadines?
A DDP shipment is generally possible, but should be checked beforehand with regard to the importer, customs clearance, HS code, VAT, Customs Service Charge, any preferential treatment, and the specific destination island. With DAP, on the other hand, the recipient is generally responsible for import clearance and the associated import costs.
