Functions of the Belize Customs & Excise Department

The functions of the department are as following:

a) The assessment and collection of Customs Revenue on commodities imported into and exported out of the State.

b) Interpretation and application of local and external tariffs and customs conventions.

c) Customs preventive work.

d) Supervision of bonded warehouses and other customs areas.

e) Institution and formulation of tax policies under Customs and Excise Laws and any other relevant legislation.

f) Supervision of distilleries and breweries.

g) Certifying authority for exports of manufactured and wholly produced goods to the CARICOM, E.E.C. and U.S.A. under the respective international trade conventions.

h) Boarding and clearing of vessels entering and departing our waters; and

i) Agency duties for other Ministries e.g. import/export restrictions.

To execute these functions the department's officers are positioned on the borders and established Ports of Entry of Belize and are the first line of defense while collecting the prescribed Revenue according to the laws of Belize.

• Santa Elena
• Phillip Goldson International Airport
  
• Consejo
• Belize City Harbour (Main Office)
  
• Blue Creek
• Punta Gorda
  
• San Pedro
• Benque Viejo
  
• Commerce Bight
• Big Creek

The growth in trade within the Hemisphere, the quickening pace of technology and the need to implement business facilitation measures, bring challenging times to the department and its staff of 148 officers.

The Customs and Excise Department is committed to preparing its staff to successfully meet these challenges of a new world by supporting and enhancing professionalism and adopting procedures that will support a timely global system of free trade.

Mr. Gregory Gibson
Comptroller of Customs