Everything That Is Duty-Free in The Bahamas
By George · updated 2026-08-24 · checked against the 2026 Bahamas tariff schedule
A surprising amount of what Bahamians buy online is duty-free. Not "low duty" — zero. Here is the list, grouped the way you actually shop.
Computing and electronics
Laptops and notebooks, desktops and all-in-ones, monitors, printers and multifunction devices, keyboards and mice, internal computer parts, routers and networking gear, and fitted cables (USB, HDMI). Also headphones and earphones, and cameras of every kind including action and security cameras.
Not included: smartphones (10%), batteries and power banks (10%), and — the one that catches everyone — speakers and soundbars at 45%. See the electronics guide for why headphones and speakers differ by 45 points.
Baby and children
Baby clothing and accessories, diapers and sanitary articles, strollers and baby carriages, infant cribs and play-pens. Nearly the whole category — details in the baby gear guide. Toys are the exception at 20%.
Health and reading
Medicines and pharmaceutical products, medical and diagnostic instruments, orthopedic and mobility aids, and printed books and booklets.
Personal items
Handbags, luggage and backpacks; jewelry in precious metal; wrist watches; sunglasses.
Home, building and energy
LED lamps and light fittings, fans of all kinds, household gas stoves (30 in or less), household refrigerators (30 cu ft or less — though these carry a $10 environmental levy), Portland cement, screws and fasteners, and solar photovoltaic panels.
Sport and leisure
Exercise and gym equipment, bicycles, guitars and other string instruments, electronic keyboards and digital pianos.
Other
Roasted coffee, dog and cat food, motor vehicle parts and accessories, and certified energy-efficient appliances under concession heading 9869.00.00.
What duty-free still costs you
"Duty-free" does not mean "fee-free." Every import still pays the customs processing fee (1%, minimum $10) and 10% VAT on the landed cost:
- $1,000 laptop → $10 processing, $101 VAT. Lands at $1,111, 11.1% over.
- $350 stroller → $10 processing, $36 VAT. Lands at $396, 13.1% over.
- $200 headphones → $10 processing, $21 VAT. Lands at $231, 15.5% over.
- $15 book → $10 processing, $2.50 VAT. Lands at $27.50 — 83% over.
Notice the pattern: the effective rate climbs as the value falls, because the $10 entry minimum is fixed. On duty-free goods that fixed fee is most of the bill, which is why consolidating orders saves proportionally more on duty-free shopping than on anything else.
The surprises in the other direction
Smartphones carry 10% duty, not zero as commonly believed. Mattresses are 60%. Speakers, game consoles, power tools and vacuum cleaners are 45%. Microwaves and other small kitchen appliances are 35%. Adult clothing and shoes are 20%.
Why this matters for Amazon's deposit
Amazon's Import Fees Deposit on duty-free items should be small. When it comes in high, the item was likely mapped to a different tariff heading than the Bahamas schedule uses — worth comparing before you buy. The deposit is refundable: Amazon returns any unused portion on items it ships to The Bahamas itself.
Browse the live list, built from real lookups: duty-free products people have checked →