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What is the C82 customs declaration form in Trinidad and Tobago?

The C82 is the Customs Declaration Form used for imports and exports in Trinidad and Tobago. The Customs and Excise Division of the Ministry of Finance approves imports and exports, and the C82 is the declaration you complete to ask for that approval. It exists on paper and as an electronic version, the e-C82.

Paper C82 and e-C82

On paper, the Ministry of Finance says the C82 is completed in four copies and submitted to a Customs Officer at a Customs and Excise office.

The e-C82 was added to the Customs Regulations by the Customs (Amendment) Regulations 2011 (Legal Notice 133 of 2011). A June 2014 Ministry of Trade and Industry procedure document says the declarant self-assesses the e-C82 and is directly responsible for the truthfulness, completeness and accuracy of the declaration and its supporting documents. The Ministry also describes ASYCUDA as the system customs brokers and clerks use to prepare declarations.

Systems and procedures change. Those documents are dated, so confirm the current channel with the Customs and Excise Division before you file.

Who files it

The Ministry of Finance states that if you are importing or exporting commercial goods, you must hire a customs broker. We could not confirm from an official source any value threshold for this requirement, so we do not state one.

Documents the Ministry lists

For an import:

A CARICOM Area Invoice and the supplier's invoice.
An Airway Bill or Bill of Lading.
An import licence, for goods on the negative list.
A certificate of origin, obtained from the supplier.

Documents for an export

An invoice showing the price paid locally.
An export licence, for items on the Consolidated List of Licensable Exports.
A certificate of origin, for items not made locally.

Paper import steps

Submit the C82 with the documents. Take the completed C82 and the required documents to a Customs Officer at a Customs and Excise office. The officer signs it and gives you an assessment showing the duties and taxes owing.
Pay at the cashier. Take the C82 and the assessment to the Customs cashier and pay.
Clear the goods. Take the cashier's receipt and all documents to the Import/Export Station, where the goods are cleared.

Frequently asked questions

Is the C82 the same as the e-C82?

The e-C82 is the electronic version of the C82, added to the Customs Regulations in 2011. The paper C82 is completed in four copies.

Do I need a customs broker for the C82?

For commercial goods, the Ministry of Finance says you must hire a customs broker. Confirm the rules for your shipment with the Customs and Excise Division.

Who is responsible if the declaration is wrong?

A June 2014 Ministry of Trade and Industry procedure document says declarants are directly responsible for the truthfulness, completeness and accuracy of the declaration and its supporting documents.

Sources

Last verified: 2026-10-17

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