Country profile
Trinidad and Tobago
TT · TTOAs of: 6/30/2026Energy and petrochemical hub of the southern Caribbean
Trinidad and Tobago is the energy and petrochemical hub of the southern Caribbean. The main seaports are Port of Spain (containers) and Point Lisas (PLIPDECO, heavy industry); air cargo runs through Piarco. Customs uses ASYCUDA World, with 12.5 percent VAT plus a 7 percent Online Purchase Tax. It is a member of CARICOM/CSME and the CARIFORUM-EU EPA.
Overview
Trinidad and Tobago (ISO code: TT) lies in the southern Caribbean, north-east of Venezuela, and comprises the two main islands of Trinidad and Tobago. It is a parliamentary democracy and a member of the Commonwealth of Nations and of CARICOM. The climate is tropical with high humidity and a rainy season from June to December. The economy rests mainly on oil and natural gas production, petrochemicals (ammonia, methanol), services and tourism, with the energy sector accounting for the bulk of exports. The country mainly exports natural gas, petroleum products, petrochemicals and asphalt, while relying heavily on imports of consumer goods, machinery and vehicles. Logistically it has modern seaports such as Port of Spain and Point Lisas and the Piarco international airport; there is no railway (the former network closed in 1968) and inland transport runs over a well-developed road network. This gives it an important transit and transhipment role in the southern Caribbean. The national currency is the Trinidad and Tobago dollar (TTD).
Mentioned countries
Glossary terms
Customs & Import/Export
Customs authority
Customs and Excise Division (Ministry of Finance)Import system
ASYCUDA World (since Dec. 2010), electronic declaration via the Single Window ttbizlink; for goods with a value above TTD 20'000, a licensed customs agent is mandatory.
Export system
Export declaration also via ASYCUDA World of the Customs and Excise Division, using the Single Administrative Document, processed through the Single Window ttbizlink.
Import VAT
- Standard VAT rate of 12,5 percent on CIF plus import duty
- additionally 7 percent Online Purchase Tax on goods imported through online purchases. Zero rate for certain basic foodstuffs and medicines.
Import documents
- Commercial invoice
- Bill of Lading / Airway Bill
- C82 / e-C82 customs declaration
- Import license (if required)
- Proof of origin
Export documents
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of Lading / Airway Bill
- Export declaration (SAD)
- Proof of origin (CARICOM / EUR.1)
Origin proofs / FTA
CARICOM origin declaration within the common market; EUR.1 or origin declaration under the CARIFORUM-EU EPA. No free trade agreement with Switzerland/EFTA.
Restricted & prohibited goods
Import license required for, among others, weapons, ammunition, certain foodstuffs, plants and animals, and medicines; bans on counterfeit goods and certain hazardous substances.
Export controls & sanctions
No comprehensive international sanctions against Trinidad and Tobago; UN sanctions are implemented nationally. No own dual-use export control regime.
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
- Piarco International (POS)
- ANR Robinson International, Tobago (TAB)
Seaports / access ports
- Port of Spain (containers)
- Point Lisas / PLIPDECO
- Scarborough (Tobago)
- Brighton / La Brea
- Galeota Point
Road corridors & border crossings
- Uriah Butler Highway
- Sir Solomon Hochoy Highway
- Churchill-Roosevelt Highway
Top trade lanes
- USA
- CARICOM (Caribbean)
- EU
- Latin America
Risk & Operational Notes
Risk notes
Energy-dependent economy; in parts of Port of Spain, increased crime risks. Port processes mostly stable, occasional delays at peak load.
Seasonal & weather risks
Tropical rainy season from June to December; at the southern edge of the Atlantic hurricane season (June-November), less often directly affected than the northern Caribbean.
Current logistics notes
Port of Spain (containers) and Point Lisas/PLIPDECO (heavy industry) are the main seaports, Piarco the air cargo hub. The 7-percent online tax remains in force in 2026.
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
- customs.gov.tt
- ird.gov.tt
- finance.gov.tt
- caricom.org
Source references without warranty. For legal/tax decisions consult official authorities.
FAQ
What is the import VAT rate in Trinidad and Tobago?
The standard VAT rate is 12,5 percent on CIF plus import duty. For online purchases, an additional Online Purchase Tax of 7 percent applies. A zero rate applies to certain basic foodstuffs and medicines.
Which customs system is used?
The Customs and Excise Division handles customs clearance through ASYCUDA World. Electronic declaration is made via the Single Window ttbizlink, introduced in December 2010.
Do I need a customs agent?
For goods with a value above TTD 20'000, appointing a licensed customs agent (customs broker) for the declaration is mandatory.
Which seaports are the most important?
The most important ports are Port of Spain for container traffic and Point Lisas (PLIPDECO) for heavy industry and petrochemicals. For Tobago, the port of Scarborough serves this purpose.
Is there a rail network?
No. Trinidad and Tobago does not operate a railway; the former network was closed in 1968. Overland freight transport is handled entirely by road.
Is there a free trade agreement with the EU or Switzerland?
The CARIFORUM-EU EPA has been in place with the EU since 2008. There is no free trade agreement with Switzerland or EFTA.
How does air freight work?
Air freight is handled through Piarco International Airport (POS) near Port of Spain; ground handling and cargo warehouses are operated, among others, by Swissport.
What risks exist for supply chains?
Points to note are the energy-dependent economy, the tropical rainy season from June to December, and selective security risks in parts of Port of Spain.
Which trade partners are important for Trinidad and Tobago?
Which logistics terms are especially relevant for Trinidad and Tobago?
For international shipments, these terms are a good quick start:
Next steps
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