Countries · VG
Virgin Islands (British): sanctions and trade risk
As of 7 November 2026, the screened UN, EU, UK, Swiss and US sanctions lists contain 69 companies, organisations, vessels and aircraft linked to Virgin Islands (British).Lists last checked .
Logistics profile: ports, airports, customs, documents, holidays, news ↓
No elevated country indicator for Virgin Islands (British) in the route rules Sanctioni uses. That is not a clearance: goods may still be export-controlled, and parties in Virgin Islands (British) may still be on a list.
On the sanctions lists
69 entries on the official lists name Virgin Islands (British) — 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 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US OFAC — Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) | 61 | 61 | — | — |
| US OFAC — Consolidated (Non-SDN) Lists | 4 | 4 | — | — |
| Switzerland SECO Consolidated Sanctions List | 2 | 2 | — | — |
| EU Consolidated Financial Sanctions List (FSF) | 1 | 1 | — | — |
| UN Security Council Consolidated List | 1 | 1 | — | — |
Latest changes
- United States (OFAC) · TCO: 41 new designations
· New listings
Related
Logistics profile
Virgin Islands (British): logistics and trade
Caribbean island territory, offshore financial centre and import market
The British Virgin Islands (ISO code VG) are a British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean, east of Puerto Rico, and comprise an archipelago of over 50 islands; the main inhabited islands are Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke. The capital is Road Town on Tortola. The economy relies on offshore financial services and tourism, while industrial production is small. The island market is heavily dependent on imports: food, consumer goods, building materials and petroleum products are mainly brought in by sea freight, often transshipped via Puerto Rico and San Juan. Central logistics hubs are the Port Purcell cargo port in Road Town and the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport on Beef Island. The currency is the US dollar. No value added tax is levied; the state is financed, among other things, by import duties of around 5 to 20 percent on CIF value as well as fees from the company registry. Logistically, the Atlantic hurricane season from June to November, which can lead to port closures and delivery delays, is decisive.
- Capital
- Road Town
- Population
- 39,471
- Area
- 151 km²
- Currency
- US dollar (USD)
- Continent
- North America
- Region
- Caribbean
- Economic area
- British Overseas Territory (UK OCT)
- Religions
- Christianity
- Access to the sea
- Yes
Transport modes Sea · Air · Road
- Current situation
- Supply runs largely via Tortola (Port Purcell). Many goods are transshipped in Puerto Rico and the US port of San Juan before entering the BVI.
- Seasonal conditions
- Hurricane season June to November, main risk August to October. Storm damage and delivery delays of two to four weeks possible.
Main seaports
- Road Harbor
Port Purcell (VG RAD), Road Town, is the British Virgin Islands' main cargo and container port, handling containers, RoRo and breakbulk for Tortola.
Main trade lanes
- USA - BVI
- Puerto Rico - BVI
- United Kingdom - BVI
Customs and import
Customs authority His Majesty's Customs (Virgin Islands)Official website ↗
- Import customs system
- Import under the Customs Management and Duties Act 2010. Ad valorem duty usually 5 to 20 percent on CIF value. Responsible: His Majesty's Customs in Road Town.
- Export customs system
- Export via His Majesty's Customs with an export declaration. Low export volume, mainly services and re-exports.
- Import VAT
- No value added tax (VAT). Revenue instead comes from import duty of around 5 to 20 percent (ad valorem, CIF basis).
- Proofs of origin and trade agreements
- As a British Overseas Territory, no own free trade network; if needed, certificates of origin from the chamber of commerce. No EU customs union.
- Restricted and prohibited goods
- Restricted or prohibited: weapons and ammunition, narcotics, certain food and plant products, and endangered species (CITES). Observe licensing requirements.
Typical import documents
- Commercial invoice
- Bill of lading / air waybill
- Packing list
- Import customs declaration
- Certificate of origin (if required)
Typical export documents
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Export declaration
Logistics conditions
- Customs complexity
- Medium
- Customs delays
- Medium
- Dangerous goods relevance
- Low to medium
- Pharma and cold chain relevance
- Low
- E-commerce relevance
- Medium
Trade
Top import partners
United StatesChinaUnited KingdomDominican RepublicPuerto Rico
Top import goods
- Food
- Consumer goods
- Petroleum products
- Building materials
- Vehicles
Top export goods
- Services
- Rum
- Fish products
Typical cargo
- Food
- Consumer goods
- Building materials
- Petroleum products
- Vehicles
Logistics questions
Is there a value added tax (VAT) in the British Virgin Islands?
No. The BVI do not levy value added tax. Instead, import duties of around 5 to 20 percent on CIF value apply. In addition, depending on the goods, fees apply and in some cases a service charge in the services sector.
Which authority is responsible for customs clearance?
His Majesty's Customs (Virgin Islands) based in Road Town on Tortola. The legal basis is the Customs Management and Duties Act 2010.
What are the import duty rates?
The rates are ad valorem and usually range between 5 and 20 percent, calculated on CIF value (goods value plus freight and insurance). The exact rate depends on the type of goods under the tariff.
Through which ports and airports does freight move?
The main hub is the Port Purcell cargo port in Road Town (Tortola). Air cargo runs through the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS/TUPJ) on Beef Island. Many shipments are transshipped via Puerto Rico and San Juan.
Which documents do I need for importing?
Common documents are the commercial invoice, bill of lading or air waybill, packing list and the import customs declaration. For certain goods, a certificate of origin or import permits may be required.
What seasonal risks exist for logistics?
The Atlantic hurricane season from June to November, with the highest risk from August to October. Storms can close ports and the airport and delay deliveries by two to four weeks.
Which currency is used?
The legal tender is the US dollar (USD), which simplifies trade with the USA and Puerto Rico.
Full logistics profile on Freight Academy ↗
Powered by Freight Academy, verified 22 Jun 2026. Logistics information, not a sanctions source.