Caribbean Netherlands
BQ · BES
As of: 6/24/2026
EU-OCT-Inselgruppe (Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, Saba); importabhängige Karibik-Standorte mit Öl-Transshipment auf Statia
Capital: none (Kralendijk – Bonaire; The Bottom – Saba; Oranjestad – Sint Eustatius)
EU-OCT (ausserhalb EU-Zollgebiet)SeaAirRoadImport VAT: Keine MwStCustoms: niedrig bis mittelRisk: niedrig bis mittelPharma/Cold Chain: mittelDangerous Goods: mittel bis hochE-Commerce: mittel
Overview
The Caribbean Netherlands (ISO Code: BQ) consists of the islands of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba, located in the southern Caribbean off the coast of Venezuela. Politically, they are special municipalities of the Kingdom of the Netherlands with local administration and direct connection to the Dutch government. The climate is tropical-arid to tropical-maritime, with warm temperatures year-round, a rainy season between October and January, and high humidity. Economically, tourism, salt production, fishing, and services play the most important role, complemented by limited agricultural production. Foreign trade is small, with exports primarily consisting of salt, fish products, and tourist services, while the islands are highly dependent on imports for food, energy, and consumer goods. Strategically located ports and the international airport in Bonaire ensure transit and logistics functions for regional goods and passenger flows. The national currency is the US Dollar (USD), which enables stable economic transactions. The geographical location favors the Caribbean Netherlands as a hub for tourism and maritime logistics. Infrastructure, political ties to the Netherlands, and international accessibility strengthen the economic and logistical significance of the islands.
Mentioned countries
Area328 km²
Population31,980
CurrencyUS Dollar (USD)
Economic areaEU-OCT (ausserhalb EU-Zollgebiet)
ContinentNorth America
ReligionsChristentum
ISO codeBQ / BES
Customs & Import/Export
Customs authority
Belastingdienst Caribisch Nederland / Douane Caribisch NederlandImport system
Als EU-OCT ausserhalb des EU-Zollgebiets; Einfuhrzoll (invoerrechten) generell 0 Prozent. Abwicklung durch die Douane Caribisch Nederland; bei Einfuhr fällt die ABB an.
Export system
Ausfuhren ohne EU-Binnenmarktbezug; Anmeldung bei der Douane Caribisch Nederland. Genehmigungen für strategische/kontrollierte Güter über die niederländische CDIU.
Import VAT
- Keine MwSt
- stattdessen ABB (Algemene bestedingsbelasting): Einfuhr Bonaire 8 Prozent (Autos mit CO2 25, E-Autos 0, Dienstleistungen 6)
- Saba/Sint Eustatius Waren 6, Dienstleistungen 4. Einfuhrzoll 0 Prozent.
Customs complexityniedrig bis mittel
Import documents
- Handelsrechnung
- Packliste
- Konnossement / Luftfrachtbrief
- ABB-/Einfuhranmeldung (Douane Caribisch Nederland)
- Einfuhrbewilligungen (je nach Ware)
Export documents
- Handelsrechnung
- Packliste
- Konnossement / Luftfrachtbrief
- Ausfuhranmeldung (Douane Caribisch Nederland)
- Genehmigung für strategische Güter (CDIU, falls einschlägig)
Origin proofs / FTA
Als EU-OCT geniessen Ursprungswaren präferenziellen, weitgehend zollfreien Zugang zur EU (OCT-Assoziationsbeschluss). Keine eigenen Freihandelsabkommen; Währung USD.
Restricted & prohibited goods
Beschränkungen/Verbote u.a. für Waffen, bestimmte Lebensmittel, Pflanzen und Tiere, Arzneimittel sowie Gefahrgut; Verbrauchsteuern (accijns) auf Treibstoff sowie auf Bonaire auch auf Alkohol/Tabak.
Export controls & sanctions
Exportkontrolle strategischer Güter nach niederländischem Recht (CDIU); internationale Sanktionen werden über die Sanctiewet 1977 (UN/EU-Sanktionen via Niederlande) umgesetzt.
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)
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
Cargo airports
- Bonaire Flamingo International (BON)
- Sint Eustatius F. D. Roosevelt (EUX)
- Saba Juancho E. Yrausquin (SAB)
Seaports / access ports
- Kralendijk (Bonaire, Haupthafen)
- GTI Statia Ölterminal (Sint Eustatius)
- Curoil-Terminal / ehem. BOPEC (Bonaire)
- Fort Bay (Saba)
Top trade lanes
- BES-Niederlande
- BES-USA
- BES-Curaçao/Aruba
- Transshipment Statia (US-Golf-Küste/Lateinamerika)
- BES-Kolumbien
Risk & Operational Notes
Logistics riskniedrig bis mittel
Customs delay riskniedrig bis mittel
Port congestion riskniedrig
Risk notes
Stabiles niederländisches Umfeld; Hauptrisiken sind die starke Importabhängigkeit, lange Seetransportwege und wenige Anläufe sowie die exponierte Lage von Saba/Sint Eustatius im Hurrikangürtel.
Seasonal & weather risks
Atlantische Hurrikansaison Juni bis November, vor allem für Saba und Sint Eustatius; Bonaire liegt südlicher und ist weniger betroffen. Tropische Stürme können See- und Luftfracht verzögern.
Current logistics notes
Curoil Bonaire hat das frühere BOPEC-Ölterminal am 30.10.2025 übernommen (Sanierung/Wiederanlauf geplant); das GTI-Statia-Terminal auf Sint Eustatius baut auf rund 14 Mio. Barrel aus.
As of: 2026-06-24
Operational notes – no claim to completeness. Verify with your freight forwarder and official sources.
Airports in this country
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Sources & Data Confidence
hochVerified: 2026-06-24
Official sources
- belastingdienst-cn.nl, cbs.nl, rijksoverheid.nl, mijncn.nl
Source references without warranty. For legal/tax decisions consult official authorities.
FAQ
Are the Caribbean Netherlands part of the EU customs union?
No. Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba are special municipalities of the Netherlands but hold EU OCT status (overseas country and territory) and lie outside the EU customs territory and the EU VAT area.
What import tax applies on the islands?
Import duty is 0 percent. Instead the ABB (general expenditure tax) applies: 8 percent on import in Bonaire and 6 percent in Saba and Sint Eustatius. Excise duties apply on top, mainly on fuel.
Which authority handles customs?
The Belastingdienst Caribisch Nederland and its customs division Douane Caribisch Nederland, part of the Dutch tax and customs administration, are responsible.
Which currency is used?
Since 2011 the US dollar (USD) has been legal tender on all three islands, not the euro.
Which ports and airports are relevant?
The main cargo port is Kralendijk on Bonaire; Sint Eustatius operates the large GTI Statia oil terminal, and Saba the small Fort Bay harbour. Air freight runs via Bonaire (BON), Sint Eustatius (EUX) and Saba (SAB).
Does Switzerland benefit from preferences?
The islands have no separate free trade agreement with Switzerland. As EU OCT, goods originating there enjoy preferential access to the EU; trade with Switzerland follows general rules.
What seasonal risks exist?
During the Atlantic hurricane season from June to November, storms can mainly hit Saba and Sint Eustatius and delay sea and air freight. Bonaire lies further south and is less exposed.
Which trade partners are important for Caribbean Netherlands?
Which logistics terms are especially relevant for Caribbean Netherlands?
For international shipments, these terms are a good quick start:
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