North America
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Shipping to Curaçao
As a Dutch Caribbean island with growing economic clout, Curaçao is more than a tourist destination; it’s a rising trade hub between South America, Europe, and the wider Caribbean. If you’re shipping to Curaçao, you’re tapping into a region full of opportunity—but not without its complexities.
Tax
6%
Duty
7%
Lead Times
2-3 Weeks
Restricted Items
N/A
Best Carrier Option
Courier or Freight Forwarder
Non-Working Days
Saturday, Sunday, and Public Holidays
Prominent Languages
Dutch; Papiamento; English
The Curaçao Trade Landscape
Shipping to Curaçao presents strong opportunities but also distinct challenges that require careful navigation to ensure smooth trade operations. The island’s Free Trade Zone offers significant advantages, such as duty-free storage and re-export options, making it particularly attractive for tech and industrial equipment. Curaçao also provides enticing investment incentives, including tax breaks and streamlined bureaucracy for tech startups and international traders. Emerging trade agreements with Trinidad and Tobago, the Dominican Republic, and the UK further expand market access, opening new channels for growth.
Population
0.19 M
Biggest Industry by Export
Diamonds
Capital City
Willemstad
Biggest Industry by Import
Refined Petroleum
However, businesses must also contend with persistent pain points, including Curaçao’s heavy reliance on imports for essentials like food, fuel, and machinery, which can lead to logistical congestion and port delays. Limited local production means timely delivery of goods is essential, especially for critical industries. Additionally, while Curaçao does not apply VAT/GST, its customs regulations involve a complex sales tax structure ranging from 6% to 9%, along with classification challenges, particularly for tech and telecom equipment.
Understanding and addressing these compliance and logistical hurdles is key to unlocking the full trade potential Curaçao has to offer.
Curaçao Customs Rules | What You Need to Know
Importing to Curaçao isn’t overly burdensome, but clarity is key. Customs regulations are enforced by the Customs Department of Curaçao and are influenced by Dutch standards.
No VAT or GST on Imports:
But expect sales tax between 6% and 9%, depending on the item type.
Product Classification is Key:
HS codes must match Curaçao’s product descriptions precisely to avoid delays or fines.
Documentation Requirements:
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Import license (for restricted items)
- Certificate of origin (in some cases)
Importer of Record (IOR) Role:
Required for customs clearance. The IOR is responsible for compliance, tax payments, and recordkeeping.
Top Countries That Trade With Curaçao
Europe
The Netherlands
South America
Aruba
Why Curaçao Matters in Global Trade
Curaçao’s strategic location off the coast of Venezuela positions it as a key transshipment point for South American and Caribbean trade. With direct shipping lanes to Colombia, Aruba, and Trinidad and Tobago, Curaçao is fast becoming a logistics and innovation hub.
Key Infrastructure Highlights:
- Curaçao North Sea Port: A central transshipment gateway for Caribbean and South American trade routes.
- Curaçao International Airport: Equipped for high-volume cargo traffic, streamlining airfreight imports.
- Tech-Ready Economy: Backed by government initiatives like “Innovation for Curaçao,” the island is welcoming data centers and tech firms.
- Robust Internet Infrastructure: Submarine cable connections to Europe and the Americas make Curaçao a digital frontrunner in the Caribbean.
How TecEx Simplifies Shipping to Curaçao
Shipping internationally is never as simple as just putting goods in a box. When you’re navigating trade agreements, uncertain lead times, and the nuances of Curaçao customs rules, it pays to have a partner who knows the terrain.
Our All-in-One Compliance Solution:
Full DDP Service
No surprises. TecEx offers Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) solutions that include tax and duty calculations, customs clearance, and final-mile delivery across Curaçao.
Importer of Record (IOR)
No local entity? No problem. We act as your IOR, managing all compliance responsibilities on your behalf, so you stay focused on your business.
Real-Time Cost Forecasting
Avoid the guesswork. Our global trade database gives you accurate lead times and cost predictions with full transparency—no hidden fees, no budget blowouts.
End-to-End Logistics
From pickup to delivery, we handle the full shipping lifecycle across air or sea freight. You won’t need to lift a finger once your shipment is booked.
Ready to Ship Smarter to Curaçao?
Don’t let compliance challenges stall your Caribbean expansion. Partner with TecEx for fast, compliant, and cost-effective shipping to Curaçao.
