BARBADOS

Bilateral relations Switzerland–Barbados

Relations between Switzerland and Barbados are good, but not intensive. Barbados is a favourite holiday destination, attracting thousands of Swiss nationals each year.

Economic cooperation

There is a modest amount of trade with Barbados. In 2015 Switzerland imported goods worth some CHF 1.1 million and exported goods amounting to CHF 5.9 million, including timepieces and jewellery and agricultural and forestry products.

Business language

English.

Dimensions and weights

Metric system.

Currency

National currency Barbadian dollar (BDS$) = 100 cents.
ISO code: BBD

Customs tariff

Harmonised system.

Import control

Imports to Barbados are extensively liberalised.
There are import bans on, among other things, hydrochlorofluorocarbons, digital telephones (range over 300 years), jammers, toy pistols.
Import authorisations are required for medicinal products, weapons, alcoholic drinks, radio equipment, telecommunication transmitter devices etc.
Standard VAT rate: 10.5 %.

Terms of payment and tenders

No special regulations. Tenders in GBP, USD or EUR; use CIF Bridgetown or FOB port of export as far as possible. Written documents and tenders in English. The most common form of payment is draft at sight.

Designations of origin

Not compulsory.

Marking/labelling

Standard marking regulations and “Made in …” (where applicable) must be added.
Labelling should be in English; use wear-proof labels.

Packaging

Use of the IPPC standard ISPM no. 15 for wooden packaging.
Use watertight, robust packaging.

Product samples

Samples with no value are duty free. For samples subject to duty brought by travelling salesmen ask for deepened details.
Customs clearance is carried out in accordance with the provisions of both Geneva Agreements mentioned in A 1-2/B 1.

Shipping and accompanying documents

a) Commercial invoice, 4 copies (where possible use the CARICOM template) in English, indication of the country of origin, no authorisation is necessary.

b) Certificates of origin are not required.

c) Movement certificate EUR 1 or UE for goods which come under the CARIFORUM (international consignment note) regulation on origin.

d) Bills of lading uncertified. Order bills of lading with a notify address are permitted.

e) Postal packages up to 20 kg: 1 APC and 1 customs declaration in English/French.