Bahamas
BS · BHS
As of: 6/22/2026
Transshipment-Hub Karibik
Capital: Nassau
CARICOM / CARIFORUMSeaAirRoadImport VAT: VAT 10 Prozent auf die meisten Importe (Stand 2026)Customs: mittelRisk: mittelPharma/Cold Chain: gering bis mittelDangerous Goods: mittelE-Commerce: mittel
Overview
The Bahamas (ISO code: BS) is an island nation located in the western Atlantic, northeast of Cuba and southeast of the USA. Politically, it is an independent Commonwealth country with a parliamentary democracy and the British monarch as the head of state. The climate is tropical-maritime, characterized by warm temperatures, high humidity, and a rainy and hurricane season from June to November. Economically, the country is based on tourism, financial services, and fishing, with the tourism sector accounting for the largest share of the gross domestic product. Foreign trade focuses on imports of food, fuels, and consumer goods, while exports represent only a small part of the economy. The Bahamas serves a limited transit function in the Caribbean, mainly through the ports of Nassau and Freeport. The national currency is the Bahamian Dollar (BSD), which is widely used alongside the US Dollar. The logistical infrastructure includes ports, airports, and road networks that support the movement of goods and the tourism sector. Thanks to stable political structures, strategic location, and modern infrastructure, the Bahamas is an important hub for trade, tourism, and financial services in the region.
Mentioned countries
Area13,880 km²
Population410,000
CurrencyBahamian Dollar (BSD)
Economic areaCARICOM / CARIFORUM
ContinentNordamerika
ReligionsChristentum
ISO codeBS / BHS
Customs & Import/Export
Customs authority
Bahamas Customs Department (Customs and Excise)Import system
Elektronische Abwicklung über Click2Clear (C2C), das nationale Single-Window-System der Bahamas Customs für Import und Export von Fracht.
Export system
Exportanmeldungen laufen ebenfalls über das Single-Window Click2Clear (C2C) der Bahamas Customs.
Import VAT
- VAT 10 Prozent auf die meisten Importe (Stand 2026)
- für einzelne Grundgüter teils auf 5 Prozent gesenkt. Zusätzlich Einfuhrzoll je nach Warenart.
Customs complexitymittel
Import documents
- Handelsrechnung
- Frachtbrief (B/L oder AWB)
- Packliste
- Importanmeldung über Click2Clear
- ggf. Einfuhrbewilligung/Permit
Export documents
- Handelsrechnung
- Frachtbrief
- Packliste
- Exportanmeldung über Click2Clear
- ggf. Ursprungsnachweis (EPA)
Origin proofs / FTA
Ursprungsnachweise im Rahmen des CARIFORUM-EU-EPA (EUR.1 bzw. Ursprungserklärung) sowie CARICOM-Ursprungsregeln im regionalen Handel.
Restricted & prohibited goods
Verboten u.a. obszönes Material, Falschgeld, untaugliche Lebensmittel. Restriktiv: Waffen/Munition (Polizeibewilligung), Feuerwerk, Fahrzeuge über 10 Jahre, Flüssiggas.
Export controls & sanctions
Die Bahamas stehen nicht auf den Sanktionslisten von EU, USA oder UNO (Stand 2025) und haben kein eigenes umfassendes Exportkontrollregime.
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)
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
- Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS), Nassau
- Grand Bahama International Airport (FPO), Freeport
Seaports / access ports
- Freeport Container Port (Grand Bahama)
- Nassau Container Port (Arawak Cay)
- Freeport Harbour
Top trade lanes
- Bahamas - USA (Florida)
- Transshipment Freeport - Nord-/Lateinamerika
- Bahamas - EU (CARIFORUM-EPA)
Risk & Operational Notes
Logistics riskmittel
Customs delay riskmittel
Port congestion riskgering bis mittel
Risk notes
Hauptrisiko sind tropische Wirbelstürme in der Hurrikansaison, die Häfen und Flughäfen zeitweise lahmlegen können. Hohe Importabhängigkeit bei Gütern des täglichen Bedarfs.
Seasonal & weather risks
Hurrikansaison von Juni bis November mit Risiko schwerer Stürme, Spitzen meist August bis Oktober. Hitze und hohe Luftfeuchtigkeit ganzjährig.
Current logistics notes
Freeport Container Port (Hutchison Ports) ist eines der tiefsten und grössten Transshipment-Terminals der Karibik, rund 100 Meilen vor Miami gelegen.
As of: 2026-06-22
Operational notes – no claim to completeness. Verify with your freight forwarder and official sources.
Airports in this country
Lynden Pindling International Airport
NAS · Nassau
Andros Town Airport
ASD · Andros Town
Arthur's Town Airport
ATC · Arthur's Town
Chub Cay Airport
CCZ · Chub Cay
Clarence A. Bain Airport
MAY · Mangrove Cay
Colonel Hill Airport
CRI · Colonel Hill
Congo Town Airport
TZN · Andros
Deadman's Cay Airport
LGI · Deadman's Cay
Duncan Town Airport
DCT · Duncan Town
Exuma International Airport
GGT · Moss Town
Governor's Harbour Airport
GHB · Governor's Harbour
Grand Bahama International Airport
FPO · Freeport
Latest News
No news for this country yet.
View all news →More content for this country
As content becomes available, additional information and articles will automatically appear here.
Sources & Data Confidence
mittel bis hochVerified: 2026-06-22
Official sources
- bahamascustoms.gov.bs, bahamas.gov.bs
Source references without warranty. For legal/tax decisions consult official authorities.
FAQ
How are imports cleared in the Bahamas?
Customs clearance is handled electronically through the Bahamas Customs single-window system Click2Clear (C2C). Importers or their brokers submit declarations and documents digitally.
What is the import VAT rate?
The standard VAT rate is 10 percent and applies to most imports; for selected essential goods it has been reduced to 5 percent. Customs duty is charged on top, depending on the goods.
What are the main ports?
Freeport Container Port on Grand Bahama is one of the Caribbean's largest transshipment hubs. Nassau Container Port (Arawak Cay) serves the main population centre on New Providence.
Which goods are prohibited or restricted?
Prohibited items include obscene material, counterfeit money and unfit food. Restricted goods include firearms and ammunition (police permit), fireworks, LPG and vehicles older than ten years.
Do the Bahamas benefit from trade agreements?
As a CARICOM and CARIFORUM member, the Bahamas is part of the CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), which grants exports to the EU largely duty-free and quota-free access.
What seasonal risks affect logistics?
The main risk is the hurricane season from June to November, peaking between August and October. Severe storms can temporarily shut down ports and airports and disrupt supply chains.
Which trade partners are important for Bahamas?
Which logistics terms are especially relevant for Bahamas?
For international shipments, these terms are a good quick start:
Last updated: