The following updated information on the Customs process of importing humanitarian aid into Haiti was obtained from a Customs Broker. Although all efforts have been made to ensure the content of this brief is accurate, it is always recommended to seek the direct advice of the Customs Administration and other Government departments for up-to-date information. Amendments to this brief will be made as new information becomes available.
Note: It is important to realise that there are always two components to importing humanitarian goods: Obtaining a Duty and Tax Exemption AND Customs Clearance.
General Information
- Due to the earthquake, the main Customs Office has relocated. It is no longer located in the centre of town but in the Customs Building located near the Seaport of Port-au-Prince Port (APN).
Registration
- In order for an organisation to qualify for a duty and tax exemption on the importation of goods into Haiti, they normally must first be a registered entity within the country. This was previously done at the Ministry of Planification for NGOs and at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for UN organisations. The Ministry of Planification is not currently operational; therefore, according to recent changes in the Customs procedures, organisations who are not currently registered in the country can seek the assistance of the Direction de la Protection Civile (DPC) with registration / clearing their goods. Non-registered organisations may also seek the assistance of registered partners.
- If an organisation is currently registered in the country, they should not be clearing their goods via the DPC but via a Customs Broker.