Distillers Alcohol regulations in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
How to import or export liquor and spirits to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, how to register products and labels, the import duty and taxes, and how to get a licence to make alcohol there. Researched October 2026.
Research guide, not legal advice. Compiled in October 2026 from the public sources listed at the bottom of this page. Duty rates, fees and rules change often: confirm with the regulator, a customs broker or local counsel before you act. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
- Status
- Legal
- Legal drinking age
- 16
- Legal purchase age
- 16
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Licence to make spirits (distillery and bottling)
- Licences needed
- Excise Manufacturer License / Registration and bonded premises authorization
- Authority
- Customs and Excise Department and Inland Revenue Department (Ministry of Finance)
- Documents
- Certificate of business incorporation, detailed premises blueprint, distillation/storage equipment descriptions, fiscal security bond, and environmental/planning clearances
- Fees
- not confirmed
- Time to obtain
- not confirmed
Import licence and registration
- Who can import
- Any registered commercial entity or individual registered as an importer with SVG Customs
- Licences or registrations
- Tax Identification Number (TIN) from Inland Revenue Department and ASYCUDA World importer registration with Customs & Excise; import licence from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade if required by the trade control schedule
- Authority
- Customs and Excise Department; Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Regional Integration and the Diaspora
- Documents
- Bill of Lading / Air Waybill, Commercial Invoice, CARICOM Certificate of Origin (for regional preferential duty), Single Administrative Document (SAD / ASYCUDA entry), Packing List
- Fees
- Standard ASYCUDA processing and declaration fees
- Time to obtain
- Customs clearance takes approximately 1 to 3 business days upon document submission
Product and label registration
Required: no Process: There is no formal national label pre-approval system (such as US TTB COLA). However, imported spirits must satisfy the national and CARICOM compulsory labelling and safety standards enforced at border…
Import rules
Imports must be cleared by a local registered importer of record or licensed customs broker via ASYCUDA World. There is no state monopoly on distilled spirits. All shipments require commercial documentation and are subject to…
Import duty on spirits (HS 2208)
Spirits under HS 2208 are subject to the CARICOM Common External Tariff (CET), typically ranging from 20% to 40% ad valorem or equivalent specific rates per proof/liquid gallon/litre depending on classification, plus the standard 4% Customs Service Charge (CSC) on CIF value.
Excise and taxes
Excise Tax is levied under the Excise Tax Act (Act No. 16 of 2007 / Cap 430) on imported and locally manufactured spirits based on First Schedule rates (varying specific or ad valorem rates set by statutory rules and orders);…
Retail and distribution
Regulated under the Liquor Licence Act (Cap 473). Retail sales are private and require a licence granted by the district Liquor Licensing Board / Magistrate. There are 9 licence classes (covering wholesale, retail, taverns,…
Online sale and delivery
Allowed; no explicit statutory prohibition exists against online ordering or direct delivery, provided the retailer holds an appropriate Liquor Licence under Cap 473 and does not supply intoxicating liquor to persons under 16…
Labelling
Must comply with SVGNS standards (SVGNS 1 Part 2 / Part 3 for prepackaged foods/goods) harmonized with CARICOM standards. Mandatory details include: brand/product name, alcohol content (% ABV), net volume (metric units), country…
Advertising
Commercial advertising is generally permitted across print, digital, and broadcast channels. There is no comprehensive alcohol ad ban, but marketing must not target minors or mislead consumers regarding health and therapeutic…
Legal definitions of spirits
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines enforces CARICOM Regional Standards adopted through SVGBS, including the CARICOM Standard for Rum (CRS 25:2008), defining rum as spirit obtained by fermentation and distillation of sugar cane…
Dry or restricted areas
None; alcohol distribution and consumption are permitted across Saint Vincent and all islands of the Grenadines.
Recent changes
Heightened enforcement campaigns conducted by the Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force regarding mandatory licensing and closing hours under the Liquor Licence Act (Cap 473). Advancements in the digital trade…
Opportunities for exporters
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines offers a dependable open market for premium international spirits, scotch whiskies, and wines driven by a vibrant luxury hospitality and yachting sector across resort hubs in Mustique, Canouan,…
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- Customs and Excise Department - St. Vincent and the Grenadines
- Liquor Licence Act (Cap 473) Enforcement Notice - Ministry of National Security
- WTO Technical Barriers to Trade Notifications: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Bureau of Standards
- Import and Export Procedures Guide - Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
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