Includes the barriers (tariff and non-tariff) that U.S. companies face when exporting to this country.
Last Published: 7/20/2019
The government has eliminated most trade barriers, with only a small number of products remaining on a “negative list” (requiring import licenses) or subject to import surcharges. A 12.5 percent value added tax (VAT) is imposed on the CIF (cost, insurance and freight) value of non-excepted goods.

Items on the negative list
Items excepted from VAT

Non-tariff barriers include procedural obstacles and inefficiencies in the trade-related business environment, like numerous administrative organizations and information not adequately published. The government’s inadequate enforcement of IPR protections also hinders trade.

Import tariffs
The following customs duties are applied in Trinidad and Tobago:

a) 12.5 percent ad valorem - to be calculated by percent of commodities for their customs value
b) specific - to be calculated by a determined value for a commodity unit
c) composite - to be calculated through a mix of ad valorem and specific duties
http://www.customs.gov.tt

Trinidad and Tobago has adopted the internationally accepted classification system for goods. The valuation procedures for customs purposes are to be determined in line with the general principles of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Rates are contained in a list of customs duties. Tariff rates range from zero to 45 percent, but most goods are set at 20 percent. Items including books, CDs, computer hardware and software, and scanners are tariff-free. Auto parts, DVD players, and jewelry have a 30 percent tariff. For social and/or environmental reasons, it levies high excise taxes on distilled spirits and wine, tobacco products, and motor vehicles.  More information can be found at the Ministry of Trade website.
Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.


More Information

Trinidad and Tobago Trade Barriers