Can I send books to Trinidad and Tobago?
Allowed
Yes.
Books are fine. Educational books are free of duty and VAT, and brochures are duty free but pay VAT.
Before you ship to Trinidad and Tobago
- Tax-free limit
- There is no published duty-free threshold for courier or postal shipments. The Customs Act sets no value below which parcels go free, and Customs' own worked examples charge duty and VAT on the full value. Customs may release very low-value parcels without charge at its discretion, but don't count on it. Under the Customs Act, small non-commercial parcels worth up to TT$425 (about US$63) that mix goods from at least three tariff headings pay a flat 30% duty instead of the item rates, except for alcohol, tobacco, and jewelry.
- Receiver ID
- Customs publishes no tax-number requirement for personal courier shipments: the courier declares each box on its own Customs worksheet. The courier may still ask for the receiver's photo ID (national ID card, driver's permit, or passport) and phone number. No official rule requires a BIR number (Board of Inland Revenue file number) for a personal box. If a courier asks for one, individuals can register online through the Inland Revenue Division's e-Tax service with valid ID.
- Transit
- 2-5 business days from North America; 4-7 from Europe; 5-8 from Asia
Questions
Can I send books to Trinidad and Tobago?
Yes. Books are fine. Educational books are free of duty and VAT, and brochures are duty free but pay VAT.
Ask about a specific item
Official sources
- 1.
Customs and Excise Division, Trinidad and Tobago
Description of applicable duties and accepted means of payment (opens in a new tab) - 2.
- 3.
Customs and Excise Division, Trinidad and Tobago
Knowledge Base: Importing (opens in a new tab) - 4.
Customs and Excise Division, Trinidad and Tobago
Notice to Importers No. 09 of 2025: Importation of Unauthorized Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)/Drones (attaching Notice No. 12 of 2021) (opens in a new tab) - 5.
Ministry of Health, Trinidad and Tobago
Regulated Medicines and Substances Portal (opens in a new tab) - 6.
Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (Plant Quarantine Service)
What You Need to Know about a Plant Import Permit (opens in a new tab) - 7.
Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries
Animal Health Subdivision Services (opens in a new tab) - 8.
Ministry of the Attorney General and Legal Affairs (laws.gov.tt)
Customs Act, Chapter 78:01 (updated to 31st December 2016) (opens in a new tab)
General guidance, not legal advice. Customs in Trinidad and Tobago makes the final decision on every box.