How Bahamas Import Fees Actually Work
Updated 2026-07-01 · tariff year 2026
When you import goods into The Bahamas, four separate charges stack on top of the item price. Understanding them explains why the "real" cost is usually 15–50% above the sticker price — and why Amazon's Import Fees Deposit, a generic estimate, doesn't always match it.
1. Import duty
Duty is a percentage of the item's value set by the tariff heading the product falls under. Rates for goods commonly bought online range from 0% (duty-free) for computers, books, medicine and baby clothing, up to 35–45% for TVs, appliances and many general goods. The classification — which tariff line your product lands in — is where most estimate errors happen.
2. Customs processing fee
A processing fee of 1% of the value applies to every entry, with a $10 minimum and a $750 maximum — even on duty-free items. A $50 duty-free gadget still pays the $10 minimum.
3. Environmental levy
Certain goods — televisions, refrigerators and other appliances, tires, batteries — carry a fixed per-item environmental levy (typically a few dollars to tens of dollars) that funds disposal programs.
4. VAT
VAT of 10% is charged on the landed cost — item value plus freight plus duty plus fees — not just the item price. This compounding is the piece most people miss.
The worked example
A $600 TV at 35% duty: $210 duty + $10 processing (the 1% would only be $6, so the minimum applies) + $5 levy = $825 landed. VAT adds $82.50, so total import charges are $307.50 on a $600 TV.