Alcohol regulations in Sint Maarten (Dutch part)

Licences needed

Business License, Director's License, and Operational License (Horeca/Industrial)

Authority

Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) - Department of Economic Licenses

Documents

Application letter to the Minister of TEATT, Chamber of Commerce (COCI) excerpt, CRIB tax number declaration, deed of incorporation, director identification (colored passport copy, census registration, police record for foreign nationals), commercial lease or title deed, address confirmation, and inspection certificates from the Inspectorate of Public Health, Fire Department, and TEATT Inspection Department

Fees

Processing fee of NAf 450 (NAf 150 handling and inspection charges plus NAf 300 for mandatory newspaper publication), plus annual operational license fees

Time to obtain

Minimum 6 to 12 weeks (includes a mandatory 2-week public notice and objection period)

Who can import

Any legally registered commercial enterprise (Sole Proprietorship, B.V., or N.V.) with an approved TEATT business license covering wholesale, distribution, or import activities

Licences or registrations

TEATT Business License; Chamber of Commerce and Industry (COCI) registration; CRIB taxpayer identification number from the Tax Administration

Authority

Department of Economic Licenses (Ministry of TEATT) and Customs Sint Maarten (Ministry of Justice)

Documents

Commercial invoice, bill of lading or airway bill, cargo manifest, customs clearance declaration (ASYCUDA), and COCI business extract

Fees

No dedicated spirits import license fee; standard business licensing and customs administrative handling fees apply

Time to obtain

Business licensing takes 6 to 8 weeks; import customs clearance typically takes 1 to 3 business days per shipment

Required

no

Process

There is no pre-market brand registration, label approval (such as US COLA), or laboratory product registration required prior to importation.

Authority

Inspectorate of Public Health, Social Development & Labor (VSA)

Sint Maarten operates as a free port. There is no state import monopoly on alcoholic beverages. Importers of record must be registered businesses with a local tax number (CRIB). No import permits per consignment, certificates of age/analysis, or strip stamps/excise stamps are required.

0% (Free port status; no customs duty is levied on spirits under HS 2208; only carrier and terminal cargo handling fees apply)

No excise duty is levied on distilled spirits (gasoline is the only good subject to excise tax by Customs). Domestic sales are subject to the 5% Turnover Tax (TOT / Belasting op Bedrijfsomzetten), which is levied on gross monthly domestic receipts and not collected at the border.

Private sector retail by licensed supermarkets, dedicated liquor merchants (slijterijen), convenience stores, hotels, bars, and restaurants. All commercial sales venues require an operational license from TEATT. Trading hours are regulated by license conditions and the Shop Closing Ordinance.

Allowed for licensed retail and wholesale businesses; age verification is mandatory to ensure delivery is not made to individuals under 18 years of age.

Labels are accepted in English, Dutch, Spanish, and Papiamento. Standard international commercial labeling (product denomination, net quantity, ABV %, producer/bottler details) is accepted. No Sint Maarten-specific health warnings, fiscal stamps, or strip stamps are mandated.

Permitted with limited statutory restrictions. Alcohol brand advertising and event sponsorships (e.g., Carnival, regattas, nightlife) are widespread; marketing directly targeting minors under the age of 18 is prohibited.

not confirmed

None

• Ongoing government review and stakeholder consultations regarding comprehensive tax reform to potentially replace the 5% Turnover Tax (TOT) with an import- and consumption-based tax model.
• Sustained enforcement focus by TEATT and the Public Health Inspectorate on commercial operational permits and strict adherence to the minimum legal purchase age of 18.

With 0% customs duties, zero spirits excise taxes, and a duty-free tourism ecosystem, Sint Maarten presents low market entry hurdles and high demand for premium and international spirits brands.

• Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) - Department of Economic Licenses
• Customs Sint Maarten (Douane Sint Maarten)
• Inspectorate of Taxes (Belastingdienst Sint Maarten)
• Sint Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry (COCI)

1. Government of Sint Maarten - Customs Sint Maarten
2. Government of Sint Maarten - Department of Economic Licenses: Operating License Guidelines
3. Sint Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry - Starting a Business
4. USDA Foreign Agricultural Service - Sint Maarten FAIRS Country Report
5. Grant Thornton - Sint Maarten Indirect Tax Guide (Turnover Tax / TOT)
6. The Daily Herald - Parliament Passes Law Raising Drinking Age to 18