Key import services.
The documents importers ask for most, and a direct line to the Unit.
Use the List of Items under Licence to check whether a product category needs an import licence, then confirm with the Unit if you are unsure.
Purpose and coverage of licensing.
Saint Lucia’s Import Licensing Regime facilitates the regulation and monitoring of imports. Licences are automatic and are used for statistical purposes. The system is regulated by the External Trade Act, Chapter 13.11 and the Customs (Management and Control) Act, Chapter 15.05 of the Revised Laws of Saint Lucia, and the Department of Commerce administers it for trade in goods.
Products subject to import licensing are listed in Schedules 2, 3 and 4 of the External Trade (Restricted Imports) (Amendment) Order, Statutory Instrument No. 154 of 2025, and in Part 2 (Restricted Imports) of Schedule 3 to the Customs (Management and Control) Act. The system applies to goods originating outside the OECS and/or CARICOM (Second Schedule), products originating from the OECS and CARICOM (Third Schedule), and goods from any country that is not an OECS member (Fourth Schedule).
Import licences
Check whether your goods require a licence and prepare the application information before shipment.
ASYCUDA World
Applications are made electronically through the customs ASYCUDA World platform by registered importers and brokers.
Restricted goods
Guidance for controlled categories including ODS, liquor, petroleum and other regulated products.
Legislation
The External Trade Act, current restricted-import instruments and related Acts are linked below.
Import licence procedures.
Liquor, petroleum and ODS licences.
The Unit also administers the Liquor Licence Act, the Petroleum Licence Act and the Montreal Protocol (Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer) Act No. 10 of 2011.
Liquor licences
Hotels and guest houses only. Address your application to the Permanent Secretary, Department of Commerce, with the owner’s name, location, business registration certificate and number of rooms. The Chief Import Monitoring Officer investigates and completes due diligence before a licence is granted.
Petroleum licences
Forward applications to the Director of Finance with the applicant’s name, the proposed site location and the relevant land register or lease agreement.
ODS licences
Register with the Department of Sustainable Development, then submit invoices and estimated arrival dates to the Import Monitoring Unit. Licences are issued within 24–48 hours for limited, quota-restricted quantities.
Forms and governing documents.
Licensing, ASYCUDA and Unit servicesRequest from the unit →Petroleum Licence Renewal Application
Current application formRequest from the unit →Restricted Imports Amendment Order
Statutory Instrument No. 154 of 2025Request from the unit →External Trade Act
Chapter 13.11 — Import Licensing SystemRequest from the unit →Petroleum Licence Act
Revised Laws of Saint Lucia (2023)Request from the unit →Liquor Licence Act
Fees by number and category of roomsRequest from the unit →
Frequently asked questions.
Import licences
Where is the Import Monitoring Unit located?
On the 4th Floor of the Heraldine Rock Building, Waterfront, Castries, within the Department of Commerce.
How do I obtain an import licence?
Importers must hold both a Tax Account Number and an Importer’s Number, or apply through a broker. At present, all applications must be submitted via brokers until the system is updated to accommodate individuals who prefer not to use a broker.
What types of goods require an import licence?
Those listed in Schedules 2, 3 and 4 of the External Trade (Restricted Imports) (Amendment) Order, S.I. No. 154 of 2025, and in Part 2 (Restricted Imports) of Schedule 3 to the Customs (Management and Control) Act, Chapter 15.05.
How long does approval take?
Applications submitted to the Department of Commerce are processed within 24 hours. Applications referred to the Fisheries or Veterinary Department of the Ministry of Agriculture may take longer, and incomplete applications may be delayed.
What documents are required?
Common requirements include a commercial or supplier’s invoice, bill of sight, bill of lading, certificate of origin, health or CITES certificate, and meat certificate.
Do I have to pay?
No. An import licence is free. A fee is paid to the Ministry of Agriculture for meat and fish applications.
How do I check the status of my import licence?
Monitor your application through ASYCUDA or contact the relevant authority.
Liquor licences
How do I apply for a liquor licence?
Apply to the Permanent Secretary, Department of Commerce. This applies to hotels and guest houses only.
Where do I get a liquor licence if I do not have a hotel or guest house?
All other liquor licences are issued by the Magistrate’s Court.
Where do I pay for my liquor licence?
At the Customs & Excise Department in Castries or Vieux Fort.
How much does a hotel or guest house liquor licence cost?
The cost depends on the number of rooms. See the Liquor Licence Act for the breakdown by number and category of rooms.
How long is a liquor licence valid?
One year.
Petroleum licences
How do I apply for a petroleum licence for a gas station?
Submit an expression of interest to the Director of Finance, Ministry of Finance.
What documents do I need?
Common requirements include a certificate of incorporation, trade licence or business registration where applicable; land register; architectural drawings; and documents showing the number of fuel pumps and petroleum products to be dispensed.
Do I need to pay for a petroleum licence?
Yes. Fees are based on the number of fuel pumps at the licensed facility, according to the current fee schedule.
Where do I pay?
At the Accountant General’s Office in Castries or Vieux Fort. Keep your receipt; you must submit it as part of the process.
How do I receive my licence after paying?
The licence is issued once you submit your payment receipt to the Department of Commerce. You will be notified when it is ready for collection.
How long is a petroleum licence valid?
One year.
Ozone-depleting substances (ODS)
What is an ODS licence?
A permit issued by the Import Monitoring Unit for controlled ozone-depleting substances and refrigerants. The Department of Sustainable Development is the authority that authorises their import, sale, distribution or use under environmental regulations.
Who needs an ODS licence?
Any individual or business importing, selling, distributing or using controlled ozone-depleting substances may need one.
Which substances require an ODS licence?
Substances such as hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), refrigerants and other substances controlled under national legislation and international environmental agreements.
How do I apply?
Submit your application with the required supporting documents to the Import Monitoring Unit.
What documents are required?
A commercial or supplier’s invoice, details of the substances to be imported or exported, and previous licence information if applicable.
Is there a fee?
Yes. A registration fee is paid to the Department of Sustainable Development before any substance is imported.
Import Monitoring staff.
| Name | Position | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Justine Charles | Chief Import Monitoring Officer | jucharles@gosl.gov.lc (758) 287-6519 |
| Sophie Louis | Import Monitoring Assistant | sophie.louis@govt.lc (758) 285-3792 |
| Ayana Rock | Import Monitoring Assistant | Via the Unit’s main lines |
Get ready before you contact the unit.
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Import notices.
Reminders and notices issued to importers and brokers.
Items marked “From the previous website” are kept for reference. Confirm current requirements with the unit before relying on them.