Shipping from the US to Belize — landed-cost calculator
Belize is a CARICOM member — it never had a US trade agreement — so MFN tariffs apply to all US-origin imports. Add the 12.5% GST and the 3% Environmental Tax, and total taxes on imports easily exceed 35%. We model the CARICOM Common External Tariff (CET) at the SITC division level so the estimate is realistic.
Taxes & duties for imports into Belize
| Charge | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| GST (VAT) | 12.5% | Applied on CIF + DAI + Env. Tax. |
| Environmental Tax | 3% | On CIF, no exceptions. |
| DAI (CET) | 0–45% | CARICOM CET; ~20% average on consumer goods. |
| De minimis | None | Taxes from the first dollar. |
Top carriers shipping to Belize
Aeropost
casilleroAeropost (formerly known as TaCa Cargo) is the largest casillero network in Central America. Founded in Costa Rica, they operate Miami warehouses and offer door-to-door delivery in every country we cover.
DHL Express
expressDHL Express Worldwide is the gold standard for international express. From the US to Central America: 3–6 business days. From China (Zone 25): 4–7 business days. The flat-rate tariff is public and verifiable.
FedEx
expressFedEx International Priority is the main competitor to DHL Express for fast tracked delivery. Similar transit times, comparable rates, ~23% fuel surcharge.
Quick tips for importing to Belize
- ✓No US trade agreement — full MFN duties apply.
- ✓Total tax burden is highest in the region — budget +30-40% on top of CIF.
- ✓Pharmaceuticals and books are GST-exempt; that helps a lot.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Belize so expensive to import to?▾
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