Customs Clarifies Procedure for Import Duty Exemption on Household Effects

The Customs Department clarifies that the fact that a person has not yet registered with the Civil Registry is not a reason to deny an import duty exemption for household effects. To ensure that individuals are not disadvantaged during the registration period, Customs has established a temporary procedure that allows the import process to continue.

The procedure varies depending on the individual’s situation:

1. Individuals with a Dutch passport who are coming to work in Aruba

• Customs will allow temporary importation without a security deposit during the registration period with the Civil Registry and Population Register (Censo).
• Once registration has been completed, the individual must provide Customs with proof of registration.
• Customs will then convert the temporary importation into a definitive importation with an import duty exemption for household effects, provided that all other legal requirements have been met.

2. Arubans returning to Aruba after a period abroad

• Customs will allow temporary importation without a security deposit while awaiting registration with the Civil Registry and Population Register (Censo).
• Once registered, the individual must provide Customs with proof of registration.
• Customs will then convert the temporary importation into a definitive importation with an import duty exemption for household effects, provided that all other legal requirements have been met.

3. Foreign nationals arriving in Aruba with a valid work permit

• Customs will allow temporary importation with a security deposit during the registration period with the Civil Registry and Population Register (Censo).
• Once registered, the individual must provide Customs with proof of registration.
• Customs will then convert the temporary importation into a definitive importation with an import duty exemption for household effects, provided that all other legal requirements have been met.
• The security deposit paid will subsequently be refunded to the individual.

The Customs Department emphasizes that all customs brokers are familiar with this procedure and can provide their clients with accurate information and guidance. This can help prevent confusion and unnecessary costs, such as demurrage charges (costs associated with delays in the release or pickup of containers), during the import process.

For questions regarding the importation of personal property, you may contact a customs broker or the Customs Department directly for official and specific information.

The Customs Department hopes that this clarification will provide greater clarity and contribute to a smooth relocation and import process.