A customs broker is required when importing and exporting commercial goods.  Upon landing goods, supporting documents must be submitted to customs authorities and relevant duties paid before goods may be cleared.  Bureaucratic inefficiency and occasional inflexibility in the interpretation of regulations often prolong the clearance process.  Shipping documents can be sent for customs clearance on the date the goods are shipped, saving days of processing time, especially for goods shipped by sea.  Documents may be processed online.

Import of certain items may require a license issued by the Ministry of Trade and Industry.  Importers should inquire whether a license is required prior to shipping the goods (see Prohibited and Restricted Imports).

The following documents are required for imports to TT:

1. CARICOM Area Invoice provided by the supplier.
2. Supplier’s invoice.
3. Copy of bill of lading or airway bill.
4. Declaration on the C75 or C76 form signed by the importer.
5. Certificate of origin provided by supplier.
6. Certificate of health/sanitary certificate, if required.
7. Import license, if required.