Country profile
Suriname
SR · SURAs of: 6/30/2026Commodity exporter (gold, petroleum, timber); CARICOM member rising to become an offshore oil hub (Block 58)
Suriname is a commodity-exporting CARICOM member in northeastern South America. The main transshipment hub is the river port of Paramaribo (Dr. Jules Sedney Haven); international air cargo runs through Johan Adolf Pengel International. Imports follow the CARICOM Common External Tariff with ASYCUDA World clearance and 10 percent BTW. Key export goods are gold, petroleum and timber. The offshore oil project Block 58 is expected to strongly shape logistics from 2028.
Overview
Suriname (ISO code: SR) lies in north-eastern South America, bordering French Guiana, Guyana, Brazil and the Atlantic Ocean. It is a presidential republic. The climate is tropical and humid, with a main rainy season from April to August and a shorter one from November to January. The economy rests on mining, agriculture, fisheries and energy, with gold, oil, bauxite and timber especially important. Suriname exports mineral commodities, agricultural products and energy while depending heavily on imports of consumer goods, machinery and industrial products. Logistically the country relies on the river port of Paramaribo, international airports and a road and river network linking the interior and neighbouring countries. The currency is the Surinamese dollar (SRD). As a CARICOM member, Suriname applies the common external tariff; the offshore Block 58 oil project (first oil expected 2028) is set to drive major logistics investment.
Mentioned countries
Glossary terms
Customs & Import/Export
Customs authority
Douane Suriname (Belastingdienst)Import system
Electronic clearance via ASYCUDA World; import declaration via Single Administrative Document by a licensed customs agent. Import duty according to the CARICOM Common External Tariff (CET, 0 to 40 percent).
Export system
Export declaration also via ASYCUDA World by a licensed customs agent; for gold and petroleum exports, additional sector-specific permits.
Import VAT
- VAT (BTW) standard rate 10 percent
- 0 percent and exemptions depending on product group, 25 percent on luxury goods. Assessed on customs value plus import duty and excise duties.
Import documents
- Commercial invoice
- Transport document (Bill of Lading / AWB)
- Packing list
- Single Administrative Document (ASYCUDA)
- Import license (H-99) if required
- Health/phytosanitary certificate if required
Export documents
- Commercial invoice
- Transport document
- Packing list
- Export declaration (ASYCUDA)
- CARICOM certificate of origin
- Sector permit (gold / petroleum) if required
Origin proofs / FTA
CARICOM certificate of origin for preferences in the CARICOM single market. CARIFORUM-EU EPA 2008 signed, but not yet ratified by Suriname. No agreement with Switzerland and EFTA.
Restricted & prohibited goods
Import and permit requirements, inter alia, for weapons and ammunition, medicines, food and plants (health/phytosanitary certificates). The gold and petroleum sector is subject to state supervision.
Export controls & sanctions
Suriname has no independent sanctions regime and implements UN Security Council sanctions. No comprehensive international sanctions against the country.
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
Transport relevance
Cargo airports
- Johan Adolf Pengel International (PBM / SMJP, Zanderij)
- Zorg en Hoop (ORG, Inlandsverkehr)
Seaports / access ports
- Dr. Jules Sedney Haven / Nieuwe Haven (Paramaribo)
- Nieuw Nickerie
- Paranam
- Moengo
Inland ports & terminals
- Paranam (Suriname River)
- Moengo (Cottica)
- Nieuw Nickerie (Nickerie)
Road corridors & border crossings
- East-West Connection (Nieuw Nickerie - Paramaribo - Albina)
- Paramaribo - Zanderij Highway (airport)
Top trade lanes
- Suriname - Netherlands
- Suriname - USA
- Suriname - China
- Suriname - Trinidad and Tobago
- Suriname - Brazil
Risk & Operational Notes
Risk notes
Main risks: currency volatility and inflation of the SRD, limited draughts at the Paramaribo river port, remote inland regions connected only by river or air.
Seasonal & weather risks
Tropical humid; major rainy season April to August, minor rainy season November to January. Heavy rain can affect inland roads and river logistics.
Current logistics notes
Offshore oil project GranMorgu (Block 58; TotalEnergies, APA, Staatsolie) with investment decision 2024 and first oil from 2028 is likely to significantly expand port, air and supply logistics.
As of: 2026-06-30
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
- belastingdienst.sr
- havenbeheer.com
- statistics-suriname.org
- caricom.org
Source references without warranty. For legal/tax decisions consult official authorities.
FAQ
Which import tax applies in Suriname?
Imports are subject to BTW (value added tax) at a standard rate of 10 percent, assessed on the customs value plus import duty and excise duties. Certain goods are subject to 0 percent or are exempt, and luxury goods are subject to 25 percent. BTW replaced the former turnover tax in 2023.
What are the import duty rates?
Suriname applies the CARICOM Common External Tariff (CET) as a CARICOM member. Goods from CARICOM states are often duty-free up to around 20 percent; rates for third countries usually range between 0 and 40 percent, averaging around 30 to 40 percent for consumer goods.
Which customs authority is responsible and which system is used?
The responsible authority is Douane Suriname under the Belastingdienst. Clearance is handled electronically via ASYCUDA World; declarations are filed using the Single Administrative Document by a licensed customs agent.
Which port handles sea traffic?
The most important seaport is the river port of Paramaribo (Dr. Jules Sedney Haven, formerly Nieuwe Haven) on the Suriname River, operated by N.V. Havenbeheer Suriname. There are also ports in Nieuw Nickerie, Paranam and Moengo. Draught is limited by the river location.
Which airport handles air cargo?
International air cargo runs through Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport (PBM / SMJP) near Zanderij, about 45 kilometres south of Paramaribo, which has its own cargo terminal. Zorg en Hoop Airport serves domestic traffic.
Are there sanctions or an agreement with Switzerland?
There are no comprehensive international sanctions against Suriname; the country implements UN sanctions and has no sanctions regime of its own. No free trade agreement with Switzerland or EFTA exists; Suriname has not yet ratified the CARIFORUM-EU EPA.
Which documents are required for import?
The following are generally required: commercial invoice, bill of lading or air waybill, packing list and the ASYCUDA declaration (Single Administrative Document). Depending on the goods, an import licence (form H-99) as well as health or plant certificates may also be needed.
Which development is shaping logistics in Suriname?
The offshore oil project Block 58 (GranMorgu) with TotalEnergies, APA and Staatsolie received its final investment decision in 2024; first oil is expected in 2028. The project is likely to significantly expand port, air cargo and supply logistics.
Which trade partners are important for Suriname?
Which logistics terms are especially relevant for Suriname?
For international shipments, these terms are a good quick start:
Next steps
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