# Suriname (SR)

**Capital:** Paramaribo  
**Currency:** Surinamese dollar (SRD) (SRD)  
**Population:** 634,431 — Older stored figure; source year not documented.  
**Area:** 163,820 km²

> Suriname is a commodity-exporting CARICOM member in northeastern South America. The main transshipment hub is the river port of Paramaribo (Dr. Jules Sedney Haven); international air cargo runs through Johan Adolf Pengel International. Imports follow the CARICOM Common External Tariff with ASYCUDA World clearance and 10 percent BTW. Key export goods are gold, petroleum and timber. The offshore oil project Block 58 is expected to strongly shape logistics from 2028.

Suriname (ISO code: SR) lies in north-eastern South America, bordering French Guiana, Guyana, Brazil and the Atlantic Ocean. It is a presidential republic. The climate is tropical and humid, with a main rainy season from April to August and a shorter one from November to January. The economy rests on mining, agriculture, fisheries and energy, with gold, oil, bauxite and timber especially important. Suriname exports mineral commodities, agricultural products and energy while depending heavily on imports of consumer goods, machinery and industrial products. Logistically the country relies on the river port of Paramaribo, international airports and a road and river network linking the interior and neighbouring countries. The currency is the Surinamese dollar (SRD). As a CARICOM member, Suriname applies the common external tariff; the offshore Block 58 oil project (first oil expected 2028) is set to drive major logistics investment.

**Top Import Partners:** CN, US, NL, TT, BR

**Top Export Partners:** CH, AE, BE, US, CN

**Top Import Goods:** Petroleum products, Machinery, Vehicles, Electronic devices, Food

**Top Export Goods:** Gold, Aluminum, Petroleum products, Wood products, Agricultural products

**Key Airports:**
- [Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport (PBM)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/johan-adolf-pengel-international-airport-pbm)
- [Afobakka Airstrip](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/afobakka-airstrip-airport-259)
- [Alalapadu Airstrip](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/alalapadu-airstrip-airport-596)
- [Albina Airport (ABN)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/albina-airport-abn)
- [Alupi Airstrip](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/alupi-airstrip-airport-925)
- [Amatopo Airstrip](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/amatopo-airstrip-airport-983)
- [Apetina Airstrip](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/apetina-airstrip-airport-1381)
- [Avanavero Airstrip](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/avanavero-airstrip-airport-2026)
- [Bakhuys Airstrip](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/bakhuys-airstrip-airport-2366)
- [Botopasi Airport (BTO)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/botopasi-airport-bto)

## Customs & Import

**Import VAT:** VAT (BTW) standard rate 10 percent  
**Customs complexity:** medium  
**Customs system:** Electronic clearance via ASYCUDA World; import declaration via Single Administrative Document by a licensed customs agent. Import duty according to the CARICOM Common External Tariff (CET, 0 to 40 percent).  
**Customs authority:** [Douane Suriname (Belastingdienst)](https://belastingdienst.sr/douane-suriname/)

## Logistics & Risk

**Logistics role:** Commodity exporter (gold, petroleum, timber); CARICOM member rising to become an offshore oil hub (Block 58)  
**Economic area:** CARICOM / CSME  
**Logistics risk:** medium to high  
**Dangerous goods relevance:** medium  
**Pharma/cold chain:** low to medium

## FAQ

### Which import tax applies in Suriname?

Imports are subject to BTW (value added tax) at a standard rate of 10 percent, assessed on the customs value plus import duty and excise duties. Certain goods are subject to 0 percent or are exempt, and luxury goods are subject to 25 percent. BTW replaced the former turnover tax in 2023.

### What are the import duty rates?

Suriname applies the CARICOM Common External Tariff (CET) as a CARICOM member. Goods from CARICOM states are often duty-free up to around 20 percent; rates for third countries usually range between 0 and 40 percent, averaging around 30 to 40 percent for consumer goods.

### Which customs authority is responsible and which system is used?

The responsible authority is Douane Suriname under the Belastingdienst. Clearance is handled electronically via ASYCUDA World; declarations are filed using the Single Administrative Document by a licensed customs agent.

### Which port handles sea traffic?

The most important seaport is the river port of Paramaribo (Dr. Jules Sedney Haven, formerly Nieuwe Haven) on the Suriname River, operated by N.V. Havenbeheer Suriname. There are also ports in Nieuw Nickerie, Paranam and Moengo. Draught is limited by the river location.

### Which airport handles air cargo?

International air cargo runs through Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport (PBM / SMJP) near Zanderij, about 45 kilometres south of Paramaribo, which has its own cargo terminal. Zorg en Hoop Airport serves domestic traffic.

### Are there sanctions or an agreement with Switzerland?

There are no comprehensive international sanctions against Suriname; the country implements UN sanctions and has no sanctions regime of its own. No free trade agreement with Switzerland or EFTA exists; Suriname has not yet ratified the CARIFORUM-EU EPA.

### Which documents are required for import?

The following are generally required: commercial invoice, bill of lading or air waybill, packing list and the ASYCUDA declaration (Single Administrative Document). Depending on the goods, an import licence (form H-99) as well as health or plant certificates may also be needed.

### Which development is shaping logistics in Suriname?

The offshore oil project Block 58 (GranMorgu) with TotalEnergies, APA and Staatsolie received its final investment decision in 2024; first oil is expected in 2028. The project is likely to significantly expand port, air cargo and supply logistics.

## Sources & Last Verified

- [https://belastingdienst.sr/douane-suriname/](https://belastingdienst.sr/douane-suriname/)
- [https://belastingdienst.sr/belastingen/btw/](https://belastingdienst.sr/belastingen/btw/)
- [https://hbnlawtax.com/tax-instant-news/suriname-value-added-tax-guide/](https://hbnlawtax.com/tax-instant-news/suriname-value-added-tax-guide/)
- [https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/technical-assistance-reports/Issues/2024/05/28/Suriname-Technical-Assistance-Report-Assessing-the-Launch-and-Administration-of-VAT-in-Suriname-549453](https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/technical-assistance-reports/Issues/2024/05/28/Suriname-Technical-Assistance-Report-Assessing-the-Launch-and-Administration-of-VAT-in-Suriname-549453)
- [https://asycuda.belastingdienst.sr/](https://asycuda.belastingdienst.sr/)
- [https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/suriname-customs-regulations](https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/suriname-customs-regulations)
- [https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/suriname-import-tariffs](https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/suriname-import-tariffs)
- [https://caricom.org/documents/revised-common-external-tariff-of-the-caribbean-community/](https://caricom.org/documents/revised-common-external-tariff-of-the-caribbean-community/)

*Last verified: 2026-06-30*

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