Guyana Moving Guide: Documents, Duties & Shipping Notes

Source: IAM Country Guide · Updated 2026-09-05 · Download the Guyana Country Guide (PDF)

Documents

Documents required for importing used household goods, personal effects, and related shipments.

• Copy of passport
• Commercial invoice or valued packing list
• Original bill of lading (OBL) or air waybill (AWB)
• Import license from the Ministry of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce (may be required depending on goods)
• Tax Identification Number (TIN) registration with the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA)
• Customs declaration form (electronic Single Administrative Document / eSAD via ASYCUDA World)

Specific Information

Duty on household goods: Guyana charges customs duty on all imported goods. Duty rates range from 5% to 20% under the CARICOM Common External Tariff (CET), with some items subject to higher rates. A 14% VAT applies on top of import duties, calculated on CIF value plus duties.

CARICOM membership: Guyana is a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Goods originating from other CARICOM member states may qualify for preferential duty rates with a CARICOM Certificate of Origin.

ASYCUDA World system: Guyana uses the ASYCUDA World electronic customs system. Importers or their customs broker must complete an eSAD and upload supporting documents (invoice, bill of lading, tax exemption letter, import license, etc.).

Excise tax: An excise tax applies to alcoholic beverages (40%), tobacco products (100%), petroleum products (50%), and motor vehicles (rates vary by age, engine capacity, type, and usage). Items subject to excise tax also attract 14% VAT.

Environmental tax: Guyana levies an environmental tax (approximately GYD 10, about USD 0.05) on every unit of non-returnable metal, plastic, glass, or cardboard container of any alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage imported.

ISPM 15: Wood packaging materials must comply with ISPM 15 standards.

Duties & Taxes

Duty-free allowances for personal effects: Individuals may be entitled to duty-free allowances on certain personal effects and household goods. Returning Guyanese nationals and persons establishing residence may qualify for reduced duty rates on used household effects. Confirm specific eligibility with the destination agent or GRA.

Prohibited & Restricted Items

• Illegal drugs, including cocaine, heroin, cannabis, and related preparations (PROHIBITED except under license from Chief Medical Officer)
• Knives and dangerous weapons (PROHIBITED)
• Counterfeit goods and currency imitations (PROHIBITED unless approved by the Commissioner-General)
• Pornographic materials (PROHIBITED)
• Goods whose importation is prohibited by any other law of Guyana (RESTRICTED)

Tobacco products:

• 200 cigarettes, OR
• 50 cigars, OR
• 225 g of tobacco

Alcoholic beverages:

• 750 ml of wine
• 750 ml of spirits

Other:

• Reasonable quantity of perfume for personal use

Firearms and ammunition: Require written permission from the Commissioner of Police. Difficult to obtain.

Plant materials: Require an import permit from the Plant Quarantine Section of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Fresh and raw meat: Require an import permit and inspection by a qualified official.

Spirits and wine: Must be specifically reported as such in shipping documentation and must arrive in vessels of at least 27.30 tonnes burden.

Exotic fish species: Require a license from the Chief Agriculture Officer.

Cinematographic films: Subject to review by the Minister responsible for public safety.

Pharmaceuticals: Require a license from the Food and Drug Department.

No specific restrictions found in sources consulted. Confirm with the destination agent.

Special Categories

This is evident from references to documents "in French," proof of residence "in French Guyana," the "Octroi de Mer" tax (a French overseas territory tax), and authorization from the "territorial administration." This version has been completely rewritten using actual Guyana (South America) sources. The French Guiana content should be treated as a separate guide if needed.

• Whether a blanket duty-free exemption exists for used household goods of relocating individuals
• Specific duty rates applicable to used household effects (vs. general tariff rates of 5-20%)
• Whether an import license is required for personal household goods shipments
• Current vehicle excise tax rate schedule by age and engine capacity
• Exact currency import/export restrictions (if any)

Consignment Instructions

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

Port of entry: The primary port is Georgetown (Port of Georgetown). Air cargo clears through Cheddi Jagan International Airport.

ASYCUDA system: All customs declarations must go through the ASYCUDA World electronic system. Work with an experienced customs broker in Guyana.

Import license: Depending on the goods, an import license from the Ministry of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce may be required. Some product categories also require clearance from other government agencies (Ministry of Health, Food and Drug Department, etc.), which can significantly increase processing time.

Unpredictable expenses: Demurrage, storage, and customs processing fees can accumulate. The GRA has been modernizing its systems, but procedural obstacles and inefficiencies can still cause delays.