In order to import commercial products into Haiti importer must present customs declaration indicating customs regime, and the following procedure shall be used: (1) Recording of the inward manifest individually identified by a reference number; (2) Filing and recording of the customs declaration that must contain the original air, maritime or inland bill of lading; the original itemized commercial invoice; the statement of value; the audit certificate from the Société générale de surveillance (SGS) for all imports that exceed US$5,000.00; prior notice of imports worth US$3,000.00 and up; the audit certificate from the SGS for all imported goods in full container loads (FCL) whatever the value; the type A income tax clearance, except for personal effects; (3) Inspection visit for the goods; (4) Control and payment of customs duties, taxes and other charges.
Import documentation includes the bill of lading signed by the captain or his delegate, and the original invoice for the goods.
In addition to the customs duties, imports are also subject to audit costs of 4%, a 2% tax on all import duties and taxes, a 10% turnover tax (TCA), a down payment of income tax, a tax collected in accordance with the Contribution au fonds de gestion et de développement des collectivités territoriales (CFGDCT) and, where appropriate, excise taxes. A 12% ad valorem rate is applied to tobacco products, whether domestic or imported. Imports of at least US$5,000.00 or in FCL are subject to pre-shipment inspection performed by the SGS on behalf of the Haitian State.
Imports materials, equipment, accessories, raw materials and semi-finished goods required for promoting the development of certain types or branches of work, educational and course material are exempt from all import duties and taxes. Non-profit institutions whose activities can be controlled by the ministries involved are totally exempt from all duties and taxes for all imported food products, medical equipment and materials not intended for marketing.
Certain imports are prohibited based on health, security, or morality grounds. These include brochures, printed matter or films of a pornographic nature; tanks and armoured fighting vehicles and their parts, boats (including warships and lifeboats not of the rowing type), weapons and ammunition not intended for the Government; narcotics; and devices used to manufacture or print counterfeit money or fraudulent documents.
Labeling Requirements
Specific marks or labels are not required, except for food and pharmaceutical products. Labels on processed food products should indicate ingredients in order of predominance, name and address of manufacturer, and expiration date of food.
The Haitian government does not require any license for importing most goods, except for firearms and pharmaceutical products.
Importers of pharmaceutical products should request an import permit from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Pharmaceutical products are also subject to a sanitary registration, which is required by the Ministry of Public Health, and is applicable to all pharmaceutical products being imported into Haiti.
Import of agricultural products must have an authorization from the government. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has not updated its list of prohibited products since 1962. | 
