Country profile
Belize
BZ · BLZAs of: 6/22/2026Small import market and agricultural exporter (sugar, bananas, citrus, seafood)
Belize is a small import market in Central America with a Caribbean coastline. Maritime trade runs almost entirely through the Port of Belize City, complemented by the Big Creek deep-water port for bananas and sugar. Air cargo is handled at Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE). There is no rail network; domestic transport relies on roads, including to the Guatemalan and Mexican borders. Belize is a CARICOM member, applies the Common External Tariff and clears customs electronically via ASYCUDA World. A General Sales Tax of 12.5 percent applies to imports. Key risks are the hurricane season (June to November) and limited port capacity.
Overview
Belize (ISO-Code: BZ) is located in Central America on the Caribbean coast, north of Guatemala and east of Mexico. Politically, the country is a parliamentary democracy within the Commonwealth with the British monarch as head of state. The climate is tropical, characterized by high temperatures, high humidity, and distinct rainy and dry seasons. Economically, Belize relies on agriculture, tourism, fisheries, and services, with tourism and agricultural products making up the largest share of value creation. Foreign trade focuses on exports of sugar, bananas, citrus fruits, and fish, while the country relies heavily on imports of fuels, machinery, and consumer goods. Belize has a limited transit role, mainly through the ports in Belize City, which are central to import and export logistics. The national currency is the Belize Dollar (BZD), which is stable and pegged to the US Dollar. The logistical infrastructure includes roads, ports, and airports that support the movement of goods and people. Due to its geographical location, political stability, and tourist infrastructure, Belize is an important location for trade, logistics, and services in the region.
Mentioned countries
Glossary terms
Customs & Import/Export
Customs authority
Belize Customs and Excise DepartmentImport system
ASYCUDA World; application of the CARICOM Common External Tariff. Import declared via Customs Declaration C-100 (Single Administrative Document).
Export system
Export declaration filed electronically via ASYCUDA World with the Belize Customs and Excise Department; CARICOM rules apply.
Import VAT
- General Sales Tax (GST) 12,5 percent on imports
- based on CIF value plus duties (as of 2026).
Import documents
- Customs Declaration C-100 (SAD)
- Commercial invoice (original)
- Bill of Lading / Air Waybill
- Packing list
- Import permit (if required)
- Certificate of origin (if applicable)
- BAHA sanitary/phytosanitary certificate (if applicable)
Export documents
- Export declaration (ASYCUDA World)
- Commercial invoice
- Bill of Lading / Air Waybill
- Packing list
- Proof of origin (EPA/CARICOM)
- Phytosanitary certificate (agricultural goods)
Origin proofs / FTA
CARICOM member; CARIFORUM-EU EPA since 2008. Proof of origin depends on the agreement (e.g., origin declaration or CARICOM certificate of origin).
Restricted & prohibited goods
Import permits required for, among others, food, animals and plants (BAHA). Weapons, narcotics and certain goods restricted or prohibited.
Export controls & sanctions
No international sanctions against Belize (as of 2026). Removed from the FATF grey list; according to CFATF/FATF largely AML-compliant (38 of 40 Recommendations).
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
Cargo airports
- Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE/MZBZ), Ladyville bei Belize City - einziger internationaler Flughafen, Luftfrachtterminal mit Amerijet, FedEx, DHL u.a.
Seaports / access ports
- Port of Belize City - main sea port, handles around 95-98 percent of foreign trade
- Port of Big Creek - deep-water port in southern Belize, bananas, sugar, containers and project cargo
Road corridors & border crossings
- George Price Highway: Belize City - Belmopan - Benque Viejo (Guatemala border)
- Philip Goldson Highway: Belize City - Orange Walk - Corozal (Mexico border)
- Hummingbird / Southern Highway towards Big Creek / Punta Gorda
Top trade lanes
- USA - Belize (main trading partner)
- Mexico - Belize
- EU and UK - Belize (agricultural exports)
- CARICOM intra-regional
Risk & Operational Notes
Risk notes
No rail network; road transport dominates. Limited port capacity in Belize City. Strong dependence on fuel imports.
Seasonal & weather risks
Hurricane season 1. June to 30. November, main risk August to October. Flooding possible on the coast and along rivers.
Current logistics notes
Belize City handles around 95-98 percent of sea trade; Big Creek is growing as a deep-water port. Air cargo via BZE (around 643 tonnes in 2024).
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.
View all news →Sources & Data Confidence
Official sources
- customs.gov.bz
- bts.gov.bz
Source references without warranty. For legal/tax decisions consult official authorities.
FAQ
Which customs authority is responsible in Belize?
The Belize Customs and Excise Department. Customs clearance is carried out electronically via the ASYCUDA World system.
What is the import tax in Belize?
Imports are subject to General Sales Tax (GST) of 12,5 percent, calculated on the CIF value plus duties. In addition, import duties (on average around 20 percent) as well as environmental and Revenue Replacement levies may apply (as of 2026).
Which documents do I need for an import into Belize?
Required are the Customs Declaration C-100 (SAD), an original commercial invoice, Bill of Lading or Air Waybill, and a packing list. Depending on the goods, an import permit, certificate of origin and BAHA sanitary or phytosanitary certificates may also be needed.
Through which ports does trade flow?
The Port of Belize City handles around 95 to 98 percent of foreign trade. The deep-water port Big Creek in southern Belize mainly serves bananas, sugar and container cargo.
Is there an airport for air cargo in Belize?
Yes, the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) near Belize City is the only international airport and has an air cargo terminal with providers such as Amerijet, FedEx and DHL.
Which trade agreements apply to Belize?
Belize is a member of CARICOM and applies its Common External Tariff. Through the CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (since 2008), preferences exist in trade with the EU.
What seasonal risks exist for logistics?
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from 1. June to 30. November, with the main risk from August to October. Storms and heavy rain can cause flooding and delays.
Is there a rail network in Belize?
No, Belize has no railway network. Domestic transport is carried out exclusively by road, including to the borders with Guatemala and Mexico.
Which trade partners are important for Belize?
Which logistics terms are especially relevant for Belize?
For international shipments, these terms are a good quick start:
Next steps
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