Montserrat
MS · MSR
Importabhängige Karibikinsel / Britisches Überseegebiet
Capital: Plymouth
Overview
Montserrat (ISO code MS) is a small Caribbean island in the northern Lesser Antilles, south of Antigua and north of Guadeloupe. Politically it is a British Overseas Territory with a locally elected parliament and a UK-appointed governor. The economy relies mainly on services, tourism and public-sector activity, while agriculture and fishing play a minor role. Foreign trade is limited and import-dominated (food, fuel, machinery, consumer goods). The Soufriere Hills volcano, active since 1995, destroyed the former capital Plymouth and created a southern exclusion zone, leaving the island heavily dependent on imports through the seaport at Little Bay and John A. Osborne Airport. The currency is the East Caribbean Dollar (XCD), pegged to the US Dollar.
Mentioned countries
Customs & Import/Export
Customs authority
Montserrat Customs and Revenue Service (MCRS), Ministry of FinanceImport system
Elektronische Abwicklung über ASYCUDA; Einfuhrabgaben = Zoll (CARICOM-Tarif) plus Konsumsteuer auf CIF, erhoben durch MCRS am Hafen Little Bay.
Export system
Ausfuhrdeklaration über ASYCUDA beim MCRS; geringe Exporttätigkeit, vor allem Re-Exporte und Agrarprodukte in die Region.
Import VAT
- Keine MwSt. Stattdessen Konsumsteuer plus Zoll nach CARICOM-Tarif auf CIF
- Konsumsteuersatz je HS-Position, gängig rund 15 Prozent, Tabak bis 50 Prozent.
Import documents
- Handelsrechnung
- Bill of Lading bzw. Air Waybill
- Packliste
- Einfuhrzollanmeldung (ASYCUDA)
Export documents
- Handelsrechnung
- Ausfuhrzollanmeldung (ASYCUDA)
- Ursprungsnachweis (sofern Präferenz)
Origin proofs / FTA
CARICOM-Ursprung innerhalb der Gemeinschaft; gegenüber UK/EU Ursprungsnachweis (EUR.1/Ursprungserklärung) nach CARIFORUM-EPA. Kein FTA mit der Schweiz/EFTA.
Restricted & prohibited goods
Einfuhrkontrollen für Waffen, Munition, Drogen sowie bestimmte Lebensmittel, Pflanzen und Tiere (Gesundheits- und Quarantänevorschriften); teils Lizenzpflicht.
Export controls & sanctions
UK-Sanktionsregime gilt via Orders in Council (Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018); Ausfuhrkontrolle folgt den UK-Vorgaben.
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
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
- John A. Osborne Airport (MNI), Gerald's
Seaports / access ports
- Little Bay (einziger Seehafen, Montserrat Port Authority)
Road corridors & border crossings
- Küstenstrasse Brades - Little Bay - Gerald's
Top trade lanes
- UK - Montserrat
- Antigua - Montserrat (regionaler Umschlag)
Risk & Operational Notes
Risk notes
Aktiver Vulkan Soufrière Hills (seit 1995); südliche Sperrzone, ehemalige Hauptstadt Plymouth zerstört. Kleinstmarkt mit hoher Importabhängigkeit und begrenzter Hafen-/Flugkapazität.
Seasonal & weather risks
Atlantische Hurrikansaison Juni bis November mit Sturm- und Niederschlagsrisiko; tropisch-maritimes Klima; vulkanische Aschefälle möglich.
Current logistics notes
Neuer Hafen Little Bay im Ausbau (Projekt der UK und Caribbean Development Bank, rund 28 Mio GBP, seit 2022); Regierungssitz interim in Brades.
As of: 2026-06-26
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
- mcrs.ms
- gov.ms
- caricom.org
- statistics.gov.ms
- mpa.ms
Source references without warranty. For legal/tax decisions consult official authorities.
FAQ
Does Montserrat have VAT?
No. Montserrat levies no VAT but charges customs duty under the CARICOM tariff and a consumption tax on the CIF value of imports.
Which customs authority is responsible?
The Montserrat Customs and Revenue Service (MCRS) within the Ministry of Finance processes imports and exports electronically via ASYCUDA.
Which ports and airports handle goods?
Little Bay is the only seaport (Montserrat Port Authority, currently being expanded). Air cargo runs through John A. Osborne Airport (MNI) near Gerald's.
Is there a free trade agreement for Swiss exporters?
No, there is no FTA between Switzerland/EFTA and Montserrat. Shipments are cleared under the standard CARICOM tariff.
Which risks matter for logistics?
The active Soufriere Hills volcano with its southern exclusion zone and the Atlantic hurricane season (June to November) can disrupt supply chains.
Which documents are required for import?
Typically a commercial invoice, bill of lading or air waybill, packing list and the ASYCUDA import declaration; an origin proof where preferences apply.
Which trade partners are important for Montserrat?
Which logistics terms are especially relevant for Montserrat?
For international shipments, these terms are a good quick start:
Next steps
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