Used Household Goods and Personal Effects

Documents Required

• Passport
• Original bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB)
• Letter from Ministry of Foreign Affairs (diplomats)
• Detailed inventory in English (must include the serial numbers for all electrical devices and appliances)

Specific Information

• A returning national is allowed to enter personal effects (used or new) on the conditions stated below:
  • A returning national is a Saint Lucian who has lived abroad continuously for a minimum of 10 years.
• Bicycles are subject to the payment of duties.
• Items may be imported duty free if the following conditions are met:
  • They have been in the owner of the goods’ use and possession for more than 12 months.
  • They are not intended for sale or exchange.
  • They are imported within 3 months of the owner of the goods’ arrival.
  • The owner of the goods signs a declaration in the presence of a Custom’s officer.
• A 6% Customs service charge is payable on all imports except those of diplomats and other exempted owners of the goods. 

Motor Vehicles

Documents Required

• Title / registration
• Purchase invoice
• OBL

Specific Information

• One vehicle per person or family is allowed duty and tax free if the vehicle does not exceed the cost, insurance, and freight (CIF) value of USD $30,000.00 (new) and the following conditions are met:
  • The person is a returning national accompanied by the vehicle.
  • The vehicle arrives within 3 months prior to or after the vehicle.
  • The vehicle is purchased in Saint Lucia within 3 months of a return to Saint Lucia.
  • The returning national cannot sell, exchange, or dispose of the vehicle within 3 years of importation.
• Motor vehicles designed for use on land or in the water are subject to the payment of duties.

Pets

Documents Required

• Vaccination record
• Veterinary health certificate

Specific Information

• Cats, dogs and other pets will be quarantined in the United Kingdom for 6 months prior to importation.
• Pets must be electronically identifiable and possess a valid health certificate with rabies inoculation obtained prior to traveling.
• All conditions must be met or the animal is subject to destruction.
  • Contact the destination for specific requirements.

Restricted/Dutiable Items

• New furniture and household goods (an original signed commercial invoice is required and subject to duties)
• Arms, ammunition and dangerous goods (require a permit from the Commissioner of Police and are subject to duties)
• Precious metal objects (e.g., jewelry, coins, etc. are subject to duties unless they are part of the household goods shipment)
• Alcohol (40 ounces of whiskey, rum and vodka are permitted)
• Tins and food (are subject to duties)
• Gifts and souvenirs (are subject to duties)
• Plants (a Phytosanitary Certificate is required)
• Wedding trousseaux (is subject to duties)
• Inheritances (is subject to duties)
• Machines, appliances, and spare parts (are subject to duties)

Prohibited Items

• Medicines, narcotics, drugs and paraphernalia
• Pornography
• Items of the occult, black magic, witchcraft or other similar items
• Products made from endangered species as outlined by CITES
• Counterfeit items

Consignment Instructions

Recommended:  Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea shipments.

Helpful Website(s):

https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/st-lucia.html