Country profile
Anguilla
AI · AIAAs of: 6/22/2026Island niche market, import-dependent tourism area, transshipment via Sint Maarten
Anguilla is a British Overseas Territory in the eastern Caribbean north of Sint Maarten and, in logistics terms, a small, highly import-dependent island market. There is no railway; freight moves by road, the cargo port of Road Bay (Sandy Ground), the Blowing Point ferry terminal and Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport (AXA). Larger international air and sea freight is usually transshipped via Sint Maarten (SXM). Anguilla is an associate member of CARICOM and the OECS; customs clearance is electronic via ASYCUDA World on the basis of the CARICOM common external tariff. Since 1 August 2025 the former GST at the port has been replaced by a 9 percent Import Goods Tax on imports, while a 13 percent General Services Tax applies to services. The currency is the East Caribbean Dollar (XCD), pegged to the US dollar.
Overview
Anguilla (ISO code: AI) is a British Overseas Territory in the eastern Caribbean, immediately north of Sint Maarten and Saint-Martin. The territory has internal self-government under a Governor appointed by the United Kingdom, which remains responsible for foreign affairs and defence. The climate is tropical-maritime with an Atlantic hurricane season from June to November. The economy is shaped by tourism, financial and offshore services and fishing. Foreign trade is heavily import-driven: the main imports are food, fuels, building materials, vehicles and consumer goods, while exports (fish and lobster, some re-exports) are small. Anguilla is an associate member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). Customs clearance is electronic via ASYCUDA World on the basis of the CARICOM common external tariff; the legal basis is the Customs Act (C169). Since 1 July 2022 the government has levied a Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 13 percent, which also applies to imports. There is no railway; transport runs by road, through Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport (AXA) and the ports of Road Bay (Sandy Ground, cargo) and Blowing Point (ferry to Sint Maarten and Saint-Martin). Larger international freight is transshipped via Sint Maarten. The currency is the East Caribbean Dollar (XCD), pegged to the US dollar.
Mentioned countries
Customs & Import/Export
Customs authority
Anguilla Customs Department (HM Customs)Import system
Electronic customs clearance via ASYCUDA World. The legal basis is the Customs Act (C169). Anguilla is an associate CARICOM member; tariff classification is based on the CARICOM Common External Tariff (HS-2017 tariff).
Export system
Export and re-export also via ASYCUDA World; low export volumes. Transhipment and onward transport usually run via Sint Maarten.
Import VAT
- Import Goods Tax 9 percent on imports (since 1. August 2025, replaces the GST)
- General Services Tax 13 percent on services
Import documents
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- ASYCUDA import declaration (SAD)
- Transport document (B/L, AWB)
- Certificate of origin for CARICOM preference
- Import licences if applicable
Export documents
- ASYCUDA export declaration (SAD)
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Transport document
- Certificate of origin (CARICOM)
Origin proofs / FTA
CARICOM certificate of origin for preferential trade within the community (Anguilla as an associate member). As a British Overseas Territory, Anguilla does not maintain its own network of free trade agreements.
Restricted & prohibited goods
Weapons and ammunition, narcotics, protected species (CITES), and certain food and agricultural imports. Detailed checks via the Anguilla Customs Department.
Export controls & sanctions
British Overseas Territory: UK sanctions regimes are extended to Anguilla by Order in Council (Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018); UN sanctions apply. There is no independent national export control.
Without warranty — always verify with freight forwarder/customs agent and official authorities.
Customs / Import / Export (Americas) — General process
Quick operational overview for international shipments to the Americas. Depending on the destination, additional security filings, product requirements, or broker processes may apply.
Documents (typical)
- Commercial invoice (description, value, Incoterms)
- Packing list (weights, dimensions, packages)
- HS code / tariff classification
- Proof of origin / preference docs (where relevant)
- Transport documents (AWB / Bill of Lading) depending on mode
Process (simplified)
- Prepare export (docs, HS code, origin)
- Import clearance in destination country (declaration, possible checks)
- Release and delivery; duties/taxes according to classification and value
Common pitfalls
- Vague description or missing HS codes → delays and clarifications
- Incoterms unclear: who clears customs/pays charges?
- Incomplete origin data → preferential treatment may not apply
- Inconsistent documents (invoice vs packing list vs shipment data)
Important: Requirements depend on goods, origin, Incoterms, value, and consignee. When in doubt, confirm with your broker/forwarder and official sources.
Official links
Note: regional/general sources. Country-specific authority links will be added iteratively.
Trade
Freight Infrastructure & Transport Network
Transport relevance
Cargo airports
- AXA - Clayton J. Lloyd International (The Valley)
- SXM - Princess Juliana International (Sint Maarten, regionaler Luftfracht-Hub)
Seaports / access ports
- Road Bay / Sandy Ground (main cargo and commercial port)
- Blowing Point (ferry terminal to Sint Maarten and Saint-Martin)
Road corridors & border crossings
- The Valley - Sandy Ground (Road Bay)
- The Valley - Blowing Point
- Island-wide road connections
Rail corridors
- No rail network of its own
Top trade lanes
- USA - Anguilla
- Sint Maarten - Anguilla
- United Kingdom - Anguilla
Risk & Operational Notes
Risk notes
Small, heavily import-dependent island market. Main risks are dependence on transshipment via Sint Maarten and the Atlantic hurricane season (June to November); in 2017, Hurricane Irma caused severe damage to infrastructure and ports.
Seasonal & weather risks
Atlantic hurricane season from June to November with risk of disruptions to port and air operations; tropical maritime climate year-round.
Current logistics notes
No nationwide disruption verified (as of 2026-06-22). International air and sea freight runs predominantly via Sint Maarten (SXM). Note: tax reform as of 1. August 2025 - GST at the port replaced by 9 percent Import Goods Tax.
As of: 2026-06-22
Operational notes – no claim to completeness. Verify with your freight forwarder and official sources.
Airports in this country
Latest News
No news for this country yet.
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Official sources
Source references without warranty. For legal/tax decisions consult official authorities.
FAQ
Is Anguilla part of the EU or the United Kingdom?
Anguilla is a British Overseas Territory with internal self-government under a Governor appointed by the United Kingdom. It is not part of the European Union; foreign and defence policy lies with the United Kingdom.
Which tax applies to imports into Anguilla?
Since 1. August 2025, Anguilla levies a 9 percent Import Goods Tax on imports, which replaces the former Goods and Services Tax (GST) at the port; a General Services Tax of 13 percent applies to services. In addition, import duties apply based on the CARICOM Common External Tariff.
Which customs system does Anguilla use?
Customs clearance is handled electronically via ASYCUDA World. The legal basis is the Customs Act (C169); tariff classification follows the CARICOM Common External Tariff (HS-2017 tariff).
Does Anguilla have an airport and a port?
Yes. The airport is Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport (AXA). The main cargo port is Road Bay in Sandy Ground; Blowing Point serves as the ferry terminal to Sint Maarten and Saint-Martin. Larger international cargo is transshipped via Sint Maarten (SXM).
Which currency is used in Anguilla?
The legal tender is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD), issued by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank and pegged to the US dollar.
Is Anguilla a member of CARICOM?
Anguilla is an associate member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
Which documents do I need to import into Anguilla?
Typically required are the commercial invoice, packing list, the electronic ASYCUDA import declaration (SAD) and a transport document (B/L or AWB). For CARICOM preference, a certificate of origin is also needed; for certain goods, import licences are additionally required.
Are there sanctions or export controls?
As a British Overseas Territory, Anguilla is included in the UK sanctions regimes by Order in Council (Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018); UN sanctions also apply. There is no independent national export control.
Which trade partners are important for Anguilla?
Which logistics terms are especially relevant for Anguilla?
For international shipments, these terms are a good quick start:
Next steps
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