Belize: sanctions and trade risk

No elevated indicator

As of 7 November 2026, the screened UN, EU, UK, Swiss and US sanctions lists contain 9 companies, organisations, vessels and aircraft linked to Belize.Lists last checked 2026-11-07 21:01 UTC.

Logistics profile: ports, airports, customs, documents, holidays, news ↓

No elevated country indicator for Belize in the route rules Sanctioni uses. That is not a clearance: goods may still be export-controlled, and parties in Belize may still be on a list.

Check a shipment to Belize →

On the sanctions lists

9 entries on the official lists name Belize — as nationality, address, registration or flag. That links them to the country; it says nothing about other companies there. The same company can appear on several lists and is then counted once per list. Individuals are not included — Sanctioni does not process them.

List	Entries	Companies & organisations	Vessels	Aircraft
US OFAC — Specially Designated Nationals (SDN)	5	5	—	—
Switzerland SECO Consolidated Sanctions List	2	2	—	—
EU Consolidated Financial Sanctions List (FSF)	2	2	—	—

Latest changes

No new listings or removals naming Belize recorded yet.

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Logistics profile

Belize: logistics and trade

Small import market and agricultural exporter (sugar, bananas, citrus, seafood)

Belize (ISO-Code: BZ) is located in Central America on the Caribbean coast, north of Guatemala and east of Mexico. Politically, the country is a parliamentary democracy within the Commonwealth with the British monarch as head of state. The climate is tropical, characterized by high temperatures, high humidity, and distinct rainy and dry seasons. Economically, Belize relies on agriculture, tourism, fisheries, and services, with tourism and agricultural products making up the largest share of value creation. Foreign trade focuses on exports of sugar, bananas, citrus fruits, and fish, while the country relies heavily on imports of fuels, machinery, and consumer goods. Belize has a limited transit role, mainly through the ports in Belize City, which are central to import and export logistics. The national currency is the Belize Dollar (BZD), which is stable and pegged to the US Dollar. The logistical infrastructure includes roads, ports, and airports that support the movement of goods and people. Due to its geographical location, political stability, and tourist infrastructure, Belize is an important location for trade, logistics, and services in the region.

Capital: Belmopan
Population: 410,000
Area: 22,966 km²
Currency: Belize Dollar (BZD)
Continent: North America
Region: Central America / Caribbean
Economic area: CARICOM
Religions: Christianity
Access to the sea: Yes

Transport modes Road

Current situation: Belize City handles around 95-98 percent of sea trade; Big Creek is growing as a deep-water port. Air cargo via BZE (around 643 tonnes in 2024).
Seasonal conditions: Hurricane season 1. June to 30. November, main risk August to October. Flooding possible on the coast and along rivers.

Main seaports

Belize City
Belize City (BZ BZE) handles about 95% of Belize's foreign trade: ~45,000 TEU, reefer, fuel and cruise. Big Creek is the deep-draught alternative.
Big Creek
Port of Big Creek (BZBGK), Belize's only deep-water port: bananas, sugar, weekly Maersk container service from Panama since April 2026, 3 berths, 11 m depth.

Road corridors

George Price Highway: Belize City - Belmopan - Benque Viejo (Guatemala border)
Philip Goldson Highway: Belize City - Orange Walk - Corozal (Mexico border)
Hummingbird / Southern Highway towards Big Creek / Punta Gorda

Main trade lanes

USA - Belize (main trading partner)
Mexico - Belize
EU and UK - Belize (agricultural exports)
CARICOM intra-regional

Customs and import

Customs authority Belize Customs and Excise DepartmentOfficial website ↗

Import customs system: ASYCUDA World; application of the CARICOM Common External Tariff. Import declared via Customs Declaration C-100 (Single Administrative Document).
Export customs system: Export declaration filed electronically via ASYCUDA World with the Belize Customs and Excise Department; CARICOM rules apply.
Import VAT: General Sales Tax (GST) 12,5 percent on imports; based on CIF value plus duties (as of 2026).
Proofs of origin and trade agreements: CARICOM member; CARIFORUM-EU EPA since 2008. Proof of origin depends on the agreement (e.g., origin declaration or CARICOM certificate of origin).
Restricted and prohibited goods: Import permits required for, among others, food, animals and plants (BAHA). Weapons, narcotics and certain goods restricted or prohibited.

Typical import documents

Customs Declaration C-100 (SAD)
Commercial invoice (original)
Bill of Lading / Air Waybill
Packing list
Import permit (if required)
Certificate of origin (if applicable)
BAHA sanitary/phytosanitary certificate (if applicable)

Typical export documents

Export declaration (ASYCUDA World)
Commercial invoice
Bill of Lading / Air Waybill
Packing list
Proof of origin (EPA/CARICOM)
Phytosanitary certificate (agricultural goods)

Logistics conditions

Customs complexity: Medium
Customs delays: Medium
Port congestion: Medium
Dangerous goods relevance: Low to medium
Pharma and cold chain relevance: Low
E-commerce relevance: Low to medium

Trade

Top import partners

United States Mexico China Guatemala Panama

Top export partners

United States United Kingdom Mexico Spain Canada

Top import goods

Petroleum products
Machinery
Vehicles
Foodstuffs
Construction materials

Top export goods

Sugar
Bananas
Citrus fruits
Seafood

Typical cargo

Petroleum products and fuels
Machinery and vehicles
Food and consumer goods
Construction materials
Agricultural exports: sugar, bananas, citrus, seafood

Logistics questions

Which customs authority is responsible in Belize?

The Belize Customs and Excise Department. Customs clearance is carried out electronically via the ASYCUDA World system.

What is the import tax in Belize?

Imports are subject to General Sales Tax (GST) of 12,5 percent, calculated on the CIF value plus duties. In addition, import duties (on average around 20 percent) as well as environmental and Revenue Replacement levies may apply (as of 2026).

Which documents do I need for an import into Belize?

Required are the Customs Declaration C-100 (SAD), an original commercial invoice, Bill of Lading or Air Waybill, and a packing list. Depending on the goods, an import permit, certificate of origin and BAHA sanitary or phytosanitary certificates may also be needed.

Through which ports does trade flow?

The Port of Belize City handles around 95 to 98 percent of foreign trade. The deep-water port Big Creek in southern Belize mainly serves bananas, sugar and container cargo.

Is there an airport for air cargo in Belize?

Yes, the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) near Belize City is the only international airport and has an air cargo terminal with providers such as Amerijet, FedEx and DHL.

Which trade agreements apply to Belize?

Belize is a member of CARICOM and applies its Common External Tariff. Through the CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (since 2008), preferences exist in trade with the EU.

What seasonal risks exist for logistics?

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from 1. June to 30. November, with the main risk from August to October. Storms and heavy rain can cause flooding and delays.

Is there a rail network in Belize?

No, Belize has no railway network. Domestic transport is carried out exclusively by road, including to the borders with Guatemala and Mexico.

Full logistics profile on Freight Academy ↗