What items are prohibited from export in Guyana?

Prohibited export items include narcotics (cocaine, heroin, cannabis), endangered wildlife and wildlife products protected under CITES, certain unprocessed minerals without proper permits, arms and ammunition without authorization, and cultural artifacts of national heritage significance. Always verify current restrictions with GRA Customs.

Exporting from Guyana: Complete Guide 2026

Q: How do I export goods from Guyana?

To export goods from Guyana, first contact Go-Invest (Guyana Office for Investment) for guidance. Then submit an export declaration through the ASYCUDA World system. You or your licensed customs broker must log into ASYCUDA, complete the electronic Single Administrative Document (eSAD), and attach supporting documents including invoices, bills of lading, and any required permits. The declaration is then processed by GRA Customs.

Q: What documents are needed to export from Guyana?

Required export documents include: a completed export declaration (eSAD) in ASYCUDA, commercial invoice, bill of lading or airway bill, packing list, TIN certificate, and any product-specific permits (e.g., GFC permit for timber, GNBS certificate for manufactured goods). A CARICOM Certificate of Origin may be needed for regional exports.

ASYCUDA Declaration System

REX EU Export Registration

GRA Customs Authority

CARICOM Regional Trade Bloc

Quick Links

gra.gov.gy — Exports Official GRA exports page with procedures for general items, manufactured products, and more.
gra.gov.gy — REX Registration Register as an exporter under the EU Registered Exporter System for exports to Europe.
gra.gov.gy — ASYCUDA World Learn about the Automated System for Customs Data used for all import/export declarations.
gra.gov.gy — Guyana Trade Network (GTN) Access the Guyana Trade Network for trade facilitation and electronic processing.

Overview

Guyana exports a wide range of goods including rice, sugar, gold, bauxite, timber, seafood, rum, and increasingly manufactured products. All exports from Guyana are processed through the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Customs, Excise & Trade Operations (CE&TO) division.

The export process is managed through ASYCUDA World (Automated System for Customs Data), a UN-developed integrated customs management system. Whether you're exporting a container of rice to the Caribbean or timber to Europe, you'll need to file an electronic export declaration through this system.

Guyana is a member of CARICOM (Caribbean Community) and benefits from preferential trade agreements with the EU, the UK, and other partners. Exporters shipping to the EU or Norway with consignments valued over EUR 6,000 must register under the REX (Registered Exporter System).

The Export Process

Contact Go-Invest

Before beginning the customs export process, businesses should first contact the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest) for guidance on export procedures, available incentives, and any sector-specific requirements.

Prepare Your Documentation

Gather all required documents: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, TIN certificate, and any product-specific permits or certificates.

Engage a Licensed Customs Broker

A licensed customs broker will handle your export declaration in the ASYCUDA system. They will complete the electronic Single Administrative Document (eSAD) and attach all supporting documents.

Submit Export Declaration via ASYCUDA

Your broker logs into ASYCUDA World to submit the export declaration along with the invoice, bill of lading, and other supporting documents for processing by GRA Customs.

Customs Review & Examination

GRA Customs officers review the declaration. Goods may be selected for physical examination. Ensure your goods match the declaration exactly to avoid delays or penalties.

Clearance & Shipment

Once approved, the goods are cleared for export. The shipping carrier can then proceed with loading and departure. Retain all documentation for your records.

Exporting General Items

General items include most commercial goods that do not fall under special categories like forestry products or manufactured goods with specific tax incentives. This covers agricultural products (rice, sugar, fruits, vegetables), seafood, minerals, and other commodities.

For general item exports, the exporter or their customs broker must:

Log into the ASYCUDA World system
Complete the electronic Single Administrative Document (eSAD)
Attach all supporting documents (invoice, bill of lading, permits)
Submit the export declaration for processing

CARICOM Trade

For exports to other CARICOM member states, you may need a CARICOM Certificate of Origin to qualify for preferential duty treatment. This certificate confirms that your goods were produced or substantially transformed in Guyana.

Manufactured Products

Guyana offers significant tax incentives for manufacturers who export their products. If you export at least 50% of all your manufactured products, you may qualify for:

VAT Zero-Rating: Raw and packaging materials used in production are zero-rated from Value Added Tax (VAT) if the finished goods are exported
Customs Duty Exemptions: Approved manufacturers may receive exemptions from customs duty on imported raw and packaging materials under the Customs Act (First Schedule Part III B(1) Item 4)

Requirements for Manufacturer Export Incentives

Must be a registered manufacturer with the GRA

Must export at least 50% of total production

Raw and packaging materials must be used directly in production of export goods

Maintain proper records and submit to GRA audits as required

Forestry Products

Exporting timber and forestry products from Guyana involves additional regulatory requirements beyond the standard export process. The Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) is the primary regulator for all forestry-related activities.

Requirements for Forestry Exports

Timber Dealer's Licence or Sawmill Licence from the GFC, issued annually

Export permission from the GFC for each shipment

GFC inspection and grading of timber prior to export

Compliance with CITES regulations for any protected species

Standard export declaration through ASYCUDA

Note: Locally produced sand, stone, concrete blocks, plywood, and lumber used for construction are zero-rated under Section 17 of the VAT Act.

REX Registration (EU/Norway Exports)

The Registered Exporter System (REX) is a certification system under EU trade rules. All exporters shipping goods to the European Union or Norway with a value exceeding EUR 6,000 must register with REX and prepare a Statement on Origin (SoO) for their shipments. The GRA specifically notes that Norway applies the EUR 6,000 threshold alongside the EU member states.

Certificates of Origin No Longer Required

Per the official GRA REX page, Certificates of Origin are no longer required by the GRA. The REX Statement on Origin (SoO) has replaced the traditional Certificate of Origin for exports to the EU and Norway.

Complete the REX Pre-Application

Fill out the REX pre-application form online, or download and complete a printed copy. The form requires your business details, products you export, and destination markets.

Submit to GRA Trade Policy Unit

Submit the completed and signed pre-application form to the Trade Policy and Research Unit (Customs) at the GRA head office in Georgetown.

Receive REX Number

Once approved, you receive a REX registration number. This number must be included on your Statement on Origin (SoO) for all qualifying shipments to the EU/Norway.

Important

Without a valid REX registration, your buyers in the EU may not be able to claim preferential duty rates on your goods. Ensure your registration is active before shipping consignments valued over EUR 6,000 to EU/Norway destinations.

REX Contact Information

For REX registration enquiries, contact the GRA Trade Policy and Research Unit:

Ms. Sharon Gibson — sgibson@gra.gov.gy
Ms. Karen Bobb-Semple — kbobbsemple@gra.gov.gy
Phone: 227-6060 Ext. 2609 or 2810

ASYCUDA System

ASYCUDA World (AW) is an integrated customs management system developed by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The Government of Guyana has implemented ASYCUDA World for modernizing all customs operations including manifests, declarations, accounting, transit, and suspense procedures.

All export (and import) declarations must be filed electronically through ASYCUDA. The system uses the electronic Single Administrative Document (eSAD) format. Key features include:

Electronic submission of export declarations and supporting documents
Automated risk assessment and selectivity for examination
Integration with the Guyana Trade Network (GTN) for streamlined processing
Electronic payment capabilities for any applicable duties or fees
Tariff Specification Code (TSC) Finder for proper classification of goods

Customs Broker Requirements

While individual exporters can technically file their own declarations, most exporters use a licensed customs broker to handle the ASYCUDA process. Customs brokers are professionals licensed by the GRA to transact customs business on behalf of others.

To find a licensed customs broker, you can consult the GRA's list of registered brokers or contact the GRA at 227-6060.

Interested in becoming a customs broker? See our Customs Broker Guide for full details on training, requirements, and licensing.

Required Documentation

Standard Export Documents

Export Declaration (eSAD): Filed electronically through ASYCUDA World

Commercial Invoice: Detailed description, quantity, and value of goods being exported

Bill of Lading / Airway Bill: Shipping document from the carrier

Packing List: Itemized list of contents per package

TIN Certificate: Your Taxpayer Identification Number from the GRA

CARICOM Certificate of Origin: For preferential access to CARICOM markets

REX Statement on Origin: For EU/Norway exports over EUR 6,000

Product-Specific Permits: GFC permit for timber, GNBS certificate for standards compliance, phytosanitary certificate for agricultural products, etc.

Prohibited & Restricted Items

Items Prohibited or Restricted from Export

Narcotics: Cocaine, heroin, cannabis, and all controlled substances
Endangered Wildlife: Protected species and wildlife products regulated under CITES
Arms & Ammunition: Except with written permission from the Commissioner of Police
Unprocessed Minerals: Certain minerals require proper mining permits and export authorization
Cultural Artifacts: Items of national heritage significance may not be exported
Restricted Forestry Products: Certain timber species require special GFC permits

Always verify current restrictions with GRA Customs before planning an export shipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I export goods from Guyana?

Submit an export declaration through the ASYCUDA World system. You or your licensed customs broker must complete the electronic Single Administrative Document (eSAD) and attach supporting documents including invoices, bills of lading, and any required permits. The declaration is then processed by GRA Customs.

What is REX registration and do I need it?

REX (Registered Exporter System) is an EU-mandated certification. All exporters shipping goods valued over EUR 6,000 to the EU or Norway must register with REX and prepare a Statement on Origin (SoO). Apply online or submit a printed form to the Trade Policy and Research Unit at GRA's head office.

Do I need a customs broker to export from Guyana?

While not strictly required for all exports, using a licensed customs broker is highly recommended and often necessary in practice. Brokers handle export declarations, documentation, and compliance with GRA customs procedures through ASYCUDA on your behalf.

What documents are needed to export from Guyana?

Required documents include: export declaration (eSAD) in ASYCUDA, commercial invoice, bill of lading or airway bill, packing list, TIN certificate, and any product-specific permits. A CARICOM Certificate of Origin may be needed for regional exports, and a REX Statement on Origin for EU/Norway shipments.

Can I export timber and forestry products from Guyana?

Yes, but you need a Timber Dealer's Licence or Sawmill Licence from the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), issued annually. You must also obtain permission from the GFC before each shipment. All forestry product exports are subject to GFC regulations and inspection.

Are manufactured products eligible for VAT zero-rating?

Yes. Raw and packaging materials used in production of goods that are subsequently exported are zero-rated from VAT, provided the manufacturer exports at least 50% of all its products. This is a significant incentive for Guyana-based manufacturers who export their goods.

What items are prohibited from export?

Prohibited items include narcotics, endangered wildlife products protected under CITES, arms and ammunition without authorization, certain unprocessed minerals without proper permits, and cultural artifacts of national heritage significance. Always verify current restrictions with GRA Customs.

Need to Calculate Import Duties?

Use our Customs Calculator to estimate duties, VAT, and excise tax on imports to Guyana.

Customs Calculator

Last updated: April 3, 2026. Information is based on official GRA publications and Guyana customs regulations. Export requirements and procedures may change. Always confirm current details at gra.gov.gy or by calling GRA at 227-6060.