Saint Barthélemy
BL · BLM
Importabhängige Tourismus- und Luxusinsel; Versorgung über Zubringer ab Saint-Martin/Sint Maarten
Capital: Gustavia
Overview
Saint Barthélemy (ISO Code: BL) is located in the eastern Caribbean and is part of the Lesser Antilles, north of St. Kitts and south of St. Martin. Politically, the island is a French overseas territory with autonomy in administration and economy while being directly affiliated with France. The climate is tropical, with consistently high temperatures, high humidity, and a rainy season from July to November. Economically, Saint Barthélemy is heavily influenced by tourism, financial services, and trade, while agriculture and industry play virtually no role. In international trade, the country primarily exports services and local products, while it is fully reliant on imports for consumer goods, energy, and merchandise. Logistically, Saint Barthélemy has an international airport, ports, and a road network that enables the movement of goods and people on the island as well as regional connections. The national currency is the Euro (EUR), with the US Dollar being widely used in trade. Strategic investments focus on infrastructure, sustainable tourism, and logistics solutions to ensure competitiveness and regional integration.
Mentioned countries
Glossary terms
Customs & Import/Export
Customs authority
Direction générale des douanes et droits indirects (DGDDI); Droit de quai erhoben durch die Collectivité de Saint-BarthélemyImport system
Als PTOM ausserhalb des EU-Zollgebiets: Sendungen aus EU/Festland gelten als Ausfuhr und brauchen Zollanmeldung/CN23. Droit de quai 5 Prozent auf Warenwert plus Transportkosten.
Export system
Ausfuhrabwicklung über die DGDDI. Waren, die später nach Guadeloupe, in andere DROM oder ins Festland gelangen, unterliegen dort der normalen Einfuhr-MwSt.
Import VAT
- Keine TVA/Mehrwertsteuer (Ausnahme: bestimmte Immobiliengeschäfte). Stattdessen Droit de quai von 5 Prozent auf alle eingeführten Waren.
Import documents
- Handelsrechnung
- Zollanmeldung / CN23
- Frachtbrief (Konnossement oder Luftfrachtbrief)
- Packliste
Export documents
- Handelsrechnung
- Ausfuhranmeldung (DGDDI)
- Frachtpapiere
Origin proofs / FTA
Als EU-PTOM grundsätzlich Ursprungspräferenzen im Rahmen des EU-ÜLG-Beschlusses möglich; in der Praxis kaum eigene Warenausfuhren (Re-Exporte und Dienstleistungen).
Restricted & prohibited goods
Wie Frankreich/EU: Waffen, Betäubungsmittel, CITES-Arten sowie bestimmte Lebensmittel und Pflanzen reglementiert oder verboten.
Export controls & sanctions
Es gelten französisches und EU-Recht zur Exportkontrolle (Dual-Use); keine landesspezifischen Sanktionen gegen die Insel.
Without warranty — always verify with freight forwarder/customs agent and official authorities.
Customs / Import / Export (Rest) — General process
Quick operational overview for international shipments. Depending on the destination (Oceania, Middle East, or other regions), steps, pre-filings and documents may differ.
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
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
- Gustaf III / Rémy de Haenen (SBH/TFFJ), St. Jean - nur STOL-Kleinflugzeuge, keine Jets; Umsteige-Hub Sint Maarten (SXM)
Seaports / access ports
- Port de Gustavia - kleiner Handels- und Yachthafen, kein Tiefwasser-/Containerterminal
- Seezubringer ab Saint-Martin (Galisbay/Marigot)
Road corridors & border crossings
- Inselstrassennetz Gustavia - St. Jean - Lorient - Grand Cul-de-Sac
Top trade lanes
- Saint-Martin/Sint Maarten - Saint-Barthélemy (See-Zubringer)
- Guadeloupe (Pointe-à-Pitre) - Saint-Barthélemy
- Frankreich/EU - Saint-Barthélemy
Risk & Operational Notes
Risk notes
Kleine, vollständig importabhängige Insel; Versorgung hängt an Zubringern ab Saint-Martin/Sint Maarten. Begrenzte Hafen- und Flughafenkapazität, kein Tiefwasser- und kein Jet-Verkehr.
Seasonal & weather risks
Atlantische Hurrikansaison Juni bis November (z. B. Irma 2017 mit schweren Schäden); zeitweise Unterbrechungen der See- und Luftversorgung.
Current logistics notes
Versorgung über tägliche Seezubringer ab Saint-Martin (RMP Caraïbes, Compagnie des Îles du Nord) und Luftfracht via Sint Maarten SXM. Tourismus treibt die Importnachfrage.
As of: 2026-06-28
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.
View all news →Sources & Data Confidence
Official sources
- douane.gouv.fr
- insee.fr
- legifrance.gouv.fr
- senat.fr
Source references without warranty. For legal/tax decisions consult official authorities.
FAQ
Is there VAT in Saint Barthélemy?
No. The island has no VAT. Instead a dock due (droit de quai) of 5 percent is levied on all imported goods, calculated on the value plus transport costs.
Is Saint Barthélemy part of the EU customs territory?
No. Since 1 January 2012 the island has been an EU OCT, outside the EU customs and VAT territory. Shipments from mainland EU count as exports for customs purposes.
Which documents does a shipment to Saint Barthélemy need?
Even shipments from France/EU require a customs declaration (e.g. CN23 for postal items) with a commercial invoice and precise goods description; missing paperwork causes delays.
How are goods transported to the island?
Via daily sea feeders from Saint-Martin (e.g. RMP Caraïbes, Compagnie des Îles du Nord) and air freight through Sint Maarten (SXM). There are no direct large-ship or jet connections.
Why can large aircraft not land in Saint Barthélemy?
Gustaf III Airport (SBH) in St. Jean has only a short runway of about 640 metres with a steep approach. Only small STOL propeller aircraft such as the Twin Otter operate; transfers usually go through Sint Maarten.
Does Gustavia have a container port?
No. Gustavia is a small commercial and yacht harbour without a deep-water or container terminal. Containers are transshipped via Saint-Martin and delivered by smaller vessels.
What applies if goods move on from the island to mainland EU?
Such goods count as an import into the EU and are subject to the normally due VAT on arrival in Guadeloupe, other French overseas departments or the mainland.
Which trade partners are important for Saint Barthélemy?
Which logistics terms are especially relevant for Saint Barthélemy?
For international shipments, these terms are a good quick start:
Next steps
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