US Virgin Islands
US Virgin Islands Government
Email: petra.phipps@lgo.vi.gov (Petra Phipps, Executive Assistant to the Lt. Governor)
Website: http://ltg.gov.vi/
Address: #5049 Kongens Gade, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands 00802.
Phone: + 1(340) 774-2991
Fax: + 1(340) 774-6953
United States Virgin Islands, also called the U.S. Virgin Islands, organized unincorporated island territory of the United States, situated at the eastern end of the Greater Antilles, about 40 miles (64 km) east of Puerto Rico, in the northeastern Caribbean Sea. The territory is geographically part of the Virgin Islands group, which also contains its near neighbor, the British Virgin Islands.
The Customs Regulations of the country are monitored by the US Virgin Islands Government, under the governance of the General Customs Authorities of the United States of America and have to be respected by every importer or exporter.
Tariffs
- $5.00 procession fee for all shipments of cargo entering the Territory;
- 4% gross receipt tax on all merchandise sold in US Virgin Islands;
- 4% use tax on all items imported for personal or business use.
Documentation
The US Virgin Islands Government is very precise about import documentation being provided completely and accurately. Any error can cause major problems, risking delays or seizure of goods. The services of a competent customs broker is therefore strongly recommended.
Basic import documentation required by the US Virgin Islands Government includes:
- Import Declaration (prepared and signed by a customs broker);
- Commercial Invoice (original plus four copies to be presented in English);
- Airway Bill;
- Bill of Lading (to be presented in triplicate);
- Commercial license number;
- Phytosanitary Certificate and previous authorization from the US Food Safety Authority;
- Certificate of Free Sale (if required);
- Certificate of Origin (in the case of application for duty free treatment).
Labelling
Labels on most foods must show:
- product name (generic and trade);
- type of product;
- dates of manufacture;
- expiry dates;
- methods of preservation;
- ingredients in descending order of composition;
- weights or quantities;
- manufacturer's name;
- importer's name, address and phone number;
- places where the product can be returned or exchanged.
Prohibited
- Narcotics;
- Pornography;
- Counterfeit items;
- Cultural artifacts and other objects of cultural importance;
- Henna;
- Palm tree and any products thereof;
- Explosive materials.
Sources
https://www.iamovers.org/files/newimages/member/shippers/virgin_islands-us.pdf
