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Export from Barbados
A short guide for companies selling from Barbados: the export figures, the agreements and their limits, the main steps and who can help, each with its source.
1. What Barbados sells, and who buys it
Goods exports
US$421.1 million
Merchandise exports were US$421,113,230.5 in 2025, as Barbados reports them to UN Comtrade (flow X, which includes re-exports).
Source: UN Comtrade, Barbados exports by destination, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
Services exports
US$1.65 billion
Services exports were US$1,647.8 million in 2025, on the WTO-UNCTAD-ITC basis published by UNCTADstat.
Source: UNCTADstat, WTO-UNCTAD-ITC services exports, Barbados, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
Top goods exports
2025
- 1. Refined petroleum products (HS 2710)US$122.2 million
- 2. Rum, liqueurs and other spirits (HS 2208)US$45.1 million
- 3. Packaged medicines (HS 3004)US$28.6 million
- 4. Baked goods and biscuits (HS 1905)US$17 million
- 5. Jewelry of precious metal (HS 7113)US$14.6 million
- 6. Ferrous scrap metal (HS 7204)US$14 million
- 7. Paper labels (HS 4821)US$11.4 million
- 8. Pesticides and disinfectants (HS 3808)US$11.3 million
Show 12 more products
- 9. Margarine and edible fat blends (HS 1517)US$10.8 million
- 10. Prepared food products (HS 2106)US$6.12 million
- 11. Petroleum coke and bitumen (HS 2713)US$5.18 million
- 12. Crude petroleum (HS 2709)US$5.06 million
- 13. Soft drinks and flavored waters (HS 2202)US$4.76 million
- 14. Passenger cars (HS 8703)US$4.4 million
- 15. Watches (HS 9102)US$4.29 million
- 16. Metal tanks, drums and cans (HS 7310)US$4.11 million
- 17. Copper foil (HS 7410)US$4.09 million
- 18. Plastic packaging (HS 3923)US$4 million
- 19. Aluminum structures (HS 7610)US$3.79 million
- 20. Paper cartons and boxes (HS 4819)US$3.57 million
- Flow X includes re-exports: US$198.8 million of the US$421.1 million total in 2025 (47.2%), and almost all petroleum oils (HS 2710) are re-exports. Check the re-export share before you pick a line. Source (opens in a new tab)
- Comtrade totals differ from the Central Bank of Barbados balance-of-payments goods exports, which include net merchanting. Source (opens in a new tab)
Source: UN Comtrade, Barbados exports by product, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
Where the goods go
2025, share of goods exports
- United States16.7%
- Jamaica7.7%
- Trinidad and Tobago5.9%
- Canada4.8%
- Saint Lucia4.7%
- Guyana4.4%
- France3.6%
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines3.3%
- Areas, not elsewhere specified (Comtrade partner 899) is 29.0% of 2025 exports and is left out of the ranking; shares are of the World total. Source (opens in a new tab)
Source: UN Comtrade, Barbados exports by destination, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
2. What to look into next
Our reading
The research marks rum, liqueurs and other spirits, baked goods and biscuits and paper labels as lines a small or mid-sized company could be in. If yours is one, check which markets buy that line, not only Barbados’s top destinations overall.
Source: UN Comtrade, Barbados exports by product, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Based on: Top goods exports
Plastic packaging grew 39% from 2024 to 2025; baked goods and biscuits grew 10% from 2024 to 2025. A growing line can mean buyers are looking for more; confirm it with that line’s buyers before you plan around it.
Source: UN Comtrade, Barbados exports by product, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Based on: Top goods exports, against the year before
Promote:Global’s reading of the figures above, not a source’s statement, and not advice.
3. Trade agreements
What each arrangement can mean for a seller, and its limits. A preference is conditional: check the rules of origin before you quote.
CARICOM
A seller in Barbados ships goods to other CARICOM members under the common external tariff and origin rules.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access.
Source: Barbados foreign ministry, CARICOM page, read October 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME)
A seller can supply goods and services across participating CARICOM states, which Barbados says has removed its barriers to imports and exports from CARICOM.
Some restrictions remain for health, safety and security, so check the importing state's rules.
Source: Barbados foreign ministry, CARICOM page, read October 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
CARIFORUM-European Union Economic Partnership Agreement
A seller can export to European Union markets duty-free, and Barbados phases in its own tariff cuts over 25 years to 2033.
Rules-based preference; Customs and Excise certifies origin, and it is not unconditional market access.
Source: Barbados foreign ministry, CARIFORUM EPA page, read October 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
CARIFORUM-United Kingdom Economic Partnership Agreement
A seller can export to the United Kingdom under the agreement's tariff and origin rules.
Rules-based preference; check the importing country's treatment before you quote.
Source: GOV.UK, trade with the CARIFORUM States, updated January 2022 (opens in a new tab) · as of January 1, 2022
Show 8 more agreements
CBERA
A seller can export eligible goods to the United States duty-free, and Barbados is one of 17 beneficiary countries.
Eligibility depends on product and origin rules, and the program has no set expiry date.
Source: USTR, Caribbean Basin Initiative page, read October 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
CBTPA
A seller can export eligible goods to the United States with the added CBTPA benefits, and Barbados is one of eight beneficiaries.
Rules-based preference that Public Law 116-164 extends to September 30, 2030.
Source: United States Public Law 116-164, CBERA extension, October 2020 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 10, 2020
CARIBCAN
A seller can export eligible goods to Canada under the Commonwealth Caribbean Countries Tariff, which Canada's 2026 tariff list grants Barbados.
Rules-based preference; check Canada's current Commonwealth Caribbean Countries Tariff treatment before you quote.
Source: Canada Border Services Agency, Customs Tariff country list, 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of January 1, 2026
CARICOM-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement
A seller can export to the Dominican Republic under a reciprocal free trade agreement between it and five CARICOM states, Barbados among them.
Rules-based preference; a few excluded goods remain, and origin is certified by Export Barbados.
Source: Barbados foreign ministry, free trade agreements page, read October 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
CARICOM-Costa Rica Free Trade Agreement
A seller can export a wide range of goods to Costa Rica at preferential duty under this reciprocal agreement.
Some sensitive products are excluded, and origin is certified by Export Barbados.
Source: Barbados foreign ministry, free trade agreements page, read October 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
CARICOM-Colombia Trade, Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement
A seller can export listed goods to Colombia duty-free under the protocol that adds some reciprocity.
Applies to listed goods only; origin is certified by Export Barbados.
Source: Barbados foreign ministry, free trade agreements page, read October 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
CARICOM-Cuba Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreement
A seller can export goods to Cuba under reciprocal preferences between Cuba and five CARICOM states, Barbados among them.
Applies to listed goods only; check the current Cuba schedule before you quote.
Source: Barbados foreign ministry, free trade agreements page, read October 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
CARICOM-Venezuela Trade and Investment Agreement
A seller can export selected goods to Venezuela duty-free under a one-way preference Venezuela grants CARICOM states.
Applies to agreed products only, and Export Barbados certifies origin; check Venezuela's current treatment and any United States sanctions before you ship.
Source: Barbados foreign ministry, free trade agreements page, read October 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
4. Steps to export
The main steps, in order, each with the body responsible and its official page.
Exporting from Barbados
- Get a Customs Registration Number from Barbados Customs and Excise, which you need to complete the export Single Administrative Document.Barbados Customs and Excise DepartmentOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Barbados Customs, customs registration number form, read October 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Check whether your goods are restricted articles, such as arms, ammunition or explosives, which fall under the Miscellaneous Controls Act, Cap. 239.Barbados Customs and Excise DepartmentOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Barbados Customs, commercial declaration procedure, read October 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- If you ship within CARICOM, apply to Export Barbados for product certification, and expect a site visit to check the rules of origin.Barbados Investment and Development Corporation (Export Barbados)Official page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Export Barbados, exporting to CARICOM guide, read October 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- For each shipment, complete a commercial invoice and the certificate of origin for the destination agreement, and have Export Barbados stamp it.Barbados Investment and Development Corporation (Export Barbados)Official page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Export Barbados, export certification page, read October 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Show 6 more export steps
- For the European Union and United Kingdom, buy the EUR1 form and have Barbados Customs and Excise certify it.Barbados Customs and Excise DepartmentOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Export Barbados, certification documents page, read October 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Check national and regional standards for your product with the Barbados National Standards Institution before you ship.Barbados National Standards InstitutionOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Barbados National Standards Institution, services, June 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of June 17, 2026
- Ask the Plant Protection Department about plants and the Veterinary Services Department about animals and meat for sanitary and phytosanitary requirements.Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Nutritional SecurityOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Barbados agriculture ministry, Plant Protection Department, read October 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- File the export declaration in ASYCUDA World under the right regime, and give the assessed declaration to the carrier's agent.Barbados Customs and Excise DepartmentOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Barbados Customs, commercial declaration procedure, read October 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Arrange payment so the proceeds reach a Barbados resident within 6 months of export, as the Exchange Control Act requires.Central Bank of BarbadosOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Barbados Exchange Control Act, Cap. 71, via Central Bank (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- If you manufacture, register with the Approved Undertakings Division of Customs to claim duty-free concessions on imported inputs.Barbados Customs and Excise DepartmentOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Invest Barbados, starting a business, read October 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
5. Organizations that help exporters
Start with Export Barbados and Customs and Excise. Each card links to the organization’s own site.
Each card says what it can help with:Get adviceFind financeMeet requirementsResearch markets
Export development and market information
- Get advice
Export promotion agency
Export Barbados
Barbados Investment and Development Corporation (Export Barbados)
Runs export certification, an exporters' tier system, export training and factory space rental for expanding companies.
Visit Export Barbados (opens in a new tab)Source: Export Barbados, about the corporation, read October 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Get advice
Regional trade promotion agency
Caribbean Export
Caribbean Export Development Agency
Regional body
Runs regional programs that help small and mid-sized companies in 15 CARIFORUM states prepare to export and use the European Union agreement.
Visit Caribbean Export (opens in a new tab)Source: Caribbean Export, home page, read October 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Show 2 more organizations
- Research markets
National statistics office
Statistical Service
Barbados Statistical Service
Publishes prices, GDP, labor, visitor and merchandise trade statistics for Barbados.
- Get advice
Foreign trade ministry
Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
Publishes Barbados trade policy and explains the CARICOM, CARIFORUM, European Union and WTO trade arrangements.
Customs and tax
- Meet requirements
Customs authority
Customs and Excise
Barbados Customs and Excise Department
Processes export declarations in ASYCUDA World, issues Customs Registration Numbers and certifies origin for the European Union and United Kingdom agreements.
- Meet requirements
Tax authority
Revenue Authority
Barbados Revenue Authority
Registers taxpayers for a tax identification number, and runs tax guidance including the Corporation Top-Up Tax.
Visit Revenue Authority (opens in a new tab)Source: Barbados Revenue Authority, registration page, read October 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Standards and sector requirements
- Meet requirements
National standards body
BNSI
Barbados National Standards Institution
Writes national standards and runs testing, calibration, certification and information services for companies.
Visit BNSI (opens in a new tab)Source: Barbados National Standards Institution, services, June 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of June 17, 2026
- Meet requirements
Non-bank financial regulator
Financial Services Commission
Registers and supervises insurance, pensions, securities and credit union businesses.
Show 2 more organizations
- Meet requirements
Agriculture and food ministry
Agriculture Ministry
Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Nutritional Security
Runs plant quarantine and veterinary services that protect plant and animal health, with a role in SPS trade requirements.
- Meet requirements
Regional standards body
CROSQ
CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality
Regional body
Develops regional standards and supports quality systems for goods and services traded in the CARICOM Single Market and Economy.
Visit CROSQ (opens in a new tab)Source: CROSQ, home page, read October 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Chambers and industry associations
- Get advice
International business association
BIBA
Barbados International Business Association
Brings together companies engaged in international business in Barbados.
Visit BIBA (opens in a new tab)Source: Barbados International Business Association, home page, read October 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Get advice
Manufacturers association
BMA
Barbados Manufacturers' Association
Is a membership association for manufacturers in Barbados, and its site invites companies to join.
Visit BMA (opens in a new tab)Source: Barbados Manufacturers' Association, home page, read October 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Show 3 more organizations
- Get advice
Services industry association
BCSI
Barbados Coalition of Service Industries
Represents service providers and the services sector as a member-based organization.
Visit BCSI (opens in a new tab)Source: Barbados Coalition of Service Industries, home page, read October 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Get advice
Private sector trade policy unit
BPSTT
Barbados Private Sector Trade Team
Publishes trade resources and news and runs a national trade forum for the Barbados private sector.
Visit BPSTT (opens in a new tab)Source: Barbados Private Sector Trade Team, home page, read October 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Get advice
Small business association
SBA
Small Business Association of Barbados
Offers advocacy, training, business development support and networking for small businesses.
Visit SBA (opens in a new tab)Source: Small Business Association of Barbados, home page, read October 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
6. Worth knowing
Currency and settlement
A 2% fee still applies to foreign currency purchases and payments abroad; the Finance Minister announced in July 2026 an intention to remove it within 12 to 18 months.
What to do: Add the fee to your cost of imports and overseas payments, and confirm the current rate with your bank.
Sources: Central Bank of Barbados, foreign exchange fee page, October 2026 (opens in a new tab); Small Business Association of Barbados, foreign exchange fee news, 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
United States tariffs
As of October 30, 2026, IEEPA duties have ended, the Section 122 surcharge ran to July 24, 2026, and the Section 301 notice omits Barbados; Section 232 duties continue.
What to do: Check the United States tariff line, any Section 232 duty and your CBERA claim before you quote a buyer.
Sources: Federal Register, USTR Section 301 forced labor notice, 2026 (opens in a new tab); Federal Register, Executive Order 14389, February 25, 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Public debt and arrears
The IMF reports public sector debt of 96.0% of GDP in fiscal year 2025/26 (April to March), and the government targets 60% by fiscal year 2035/36.
What to do: Check budget measures on taxes and fees before you sign long contracts.
Source: IMF, Barbados 2026 Article IV and Stand-By Arrangement, June 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Logistics and border performance
Barbados's single window commitment fell due on December 31, 2025; the Prime Minister reported in September 2026 that enterprises use it and several agencies have yet to join.
What to do: Ask Customs and Export Barbados which permits and certificates you must file through the single window.
Sources: WTO trade facilitation database, Barbados profile, read October 2026 (opens in a new tab); Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation, single window news, September 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
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Climate and water
The IMF says Barbados is vulnerable to natural disasters, and its 2026 program stresses resilience and a move to renewable energy.
What to do: Check insurance and shipment timing for hurricane season before you commit to delivery dates.
Source: IMF, Barbados 2026 Article IV and Stand-By Arrangement, June 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
7. How Promote:Global helps
- Compare potential export marketsSee which markets import what you sell, ranked on public trade data, and read each country before you commit.
- Check duties and document requirementsCheck the duty, the origin conditions for a preferential rate and the documents a shipment needs.
- Find advisors and service firmsAsk an advisory firm a scoped, paid question, or browse firms that list their own services, from legal work to logistics.
- Organize your next stepsKeep each product and market in a project, with a roadmap of steps you work through.
Turn this guide into your Barbados project.
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Promote:Barbados is an independent guide by Promote:Global, not an official government portal. The organizations named here are independent public and membership bodies, not Promote:Global partners, and every link goes to their own site.
Facts read from public sources, with an editorial cut-off of October 30, 2026. Nothing here is investment, legal, tax or sanctions advice. Check current status with the organization before you rely on it.