Customs Clearance
Fast Forward Freight Ltd. has fully staffed Customs Clearance offices both at our airport office and our Operations department to handle all types of customs entries, refunds and claims. All of our entries are prepared using the latest customs clearance software and will shortly be transmitted to customs.
Special Information for Customs Clearance:
Required Documentation for Customs Clearance
All goods imported into Bermuda have some type of duty or landing tax attached to their importation. This duty must be paid at the time of clearance as per the Bermuda Customs Tariff 2000, according to the commodity imported. Landing Tax is more commonly known as wharfage.
Goods arriving at:
Bermuda International Airport (BIA) 1.01% of value
Port of Hamilton (HAM) 1.11% of value
Wharfage is payable on ALL imports (except where exemptions exist):
Standard Invoice or Commercial Invoice
The invoice should:
- Be clearly written or typed (preferably) on company letterhead
- Show individual and extended costs
- Show any discounts clearly
- State type of currency
- Show proper values for all items, including "no charge" items (inclusive items)
- Be signed as "True and Correct" if a "Commercial Invoice"
Proforma Invoices are NOT acceptable as an import document for customs clearance in Bermuda.
Packing Lists
A Packing List may be required by customs to show how the goods were packed. e.g. 1 pallet STC (said to contain) 25 pcs of machine parts.
Note
The total number of pieces, weight and cubic footage from the shipping documents must ALL match that of the shipment; i.e. there must be continuity between the documents and the freight. Any discrepancy will result in the entry being rejected by customs.
Perishables/Food
We MUST receive a MINIMUM of 24 hours advance notice for the importation of perishable items to arrange timely clearance and delivery. In addition full pre-alert documentation must be faxed through to our operations office. Please note that there is NO perishable storage facility at the Bermuda Int'l Airport.
Please note that some food (e.g. meats) requires special import permission from the Bermuda Department of Health (441-236-0224).
Perishables/Plants
Please note that special documentation and government approval* MUST be obtained PRIOR to the importation of live plants and plant material. Please contact the Bermuda Agriculture Department for additional details (441-236-4201). *not required for cut flowers
Convention/Meeting Imports
Goods arriving for conventions and meetings are duty and wharfage exempt provided that:
- The convention/meeting has been registered with the Bermuda Department of Tourism (441-292-0023)
- We are notified PRIOR to the arrival of the goods that they are for a registered group.
Please note that we can assist in the registration process should the need arise.
Special and/or Sporting Events
Goods arriving for special or sporting events MAY be duty and wharfage exempt provided that:
- The convention/meeting has been registered with the Bermuda Department of Tourism or the appropriate government body that has sanctioned that event.
- We are notified PRIOR to the arrival of the goods that they are for a registered group.
Please note that we can assist in the registration process should the need arise.
Temporary Imports
Goods imported for short periods of time (e.g. tools of trade) must have a bond (customs deposit) placed with customs prior to being released by customs. This bond can be recovered in full less the Landing Tax by proper adjustment with customs. The adjustment and refund timeframe is 2-3 weeks. Some restrictions apply and proper export procedures MUST be followed to cover bond. (Contact our export department)
Ship Spares in Transit
Visiting yachts, merchant and NATO vessels all are duty exempt but MUST pay the appropriate Landing Tax. Please note that special conditions and procedures apply.
A proper invoice must still be provided for customs clearance.*all EXCEPT warships
Special shore services can be arranged for executive yachts.e.g. ground transportation, fuel and stores.
Personal Effects
Persons moving to Bermuda with their personal possessions MUST pay duty and landing tax on the declared or customs assessed value of their goods. To avoid lengthy inspections by customs, the importer may make a written declaration of the contents and estimated fair values of their goods for duty purposes. If the declared value is accepted by customs, no inspection will be necessary. If customs decide to carry out an inspection, they may do so at their will. If they deem inspection necessary, the shipment must have a customs deposit (bond) filed prior to release from the airport or pier. Shipments due to be inspected CANNOT be opened without the presence or permission of a customs official.
A signed H.M. Customs Declaration Form <downloadable>
Delivery
Fast Forward Freight Ltd. is committed to ensuring that your cargo is delivered or collected in a safe and timely fashion. We have a fleet of fully insured
delivery vehicles capable of delivering any type of cargo. Deliveries or collections can also be arranged outside of normal working hours to suit your schedule.
- Small delivery vans
- Medium and large sized open delivery trucks with hydraulic lift gates
- Closed-in moving trucks with hydraulic lift gates
- Heavy duty dump and crane truck
- Forklift and trailer
Containerized Cargo (FCL)
Although we do not have our own container delivery equipment we can arrange for the customs clearance and delivery of containerized cargo. Please note that at this time Bermuda only allows the importation of 20' containers and related equipment. 40' containers are NOT allowed for imports. Oversize cargo such as steel and construction equipment may be imported with PRIOR approval and MUST pre-cleared and removed from the pier within 24 hours.
Oversize Cargo
In addition to our normal deliveries we can also arrange and coordinate the delivery of oversize cargo requiring special equipment e.g. cranes etc.
General Delivery
Fast Forward Freight Ltd. can collect and deliver any type of merchandise such as TV's, appliances and furniture. We can also arrange for the removal and disposal of the old goods. Please note that there are Government disposal charges involved that will be billed accordingly.
Logistics
Our wide variety of services and experience in every sector of the freight and moving industry makes Fast Forward Freight Ltd. your perfect logistics partner.
Overseas Purchases
Are you planning on re-furnishing, building or redecorating and thinking about importing your purchases? Fast Forward's network of agents and freight forwarders can help you get your goods to Bermuda and delivered right to your door to help you save time and money.
International Logistics
Fast Forward Freight Ltd. is the leader in the coordination, collection and shipping of your important shipments. Do you have an important piece of equipment down and the repair parts are a thousand miles away? Fast Forward can arrange for the repair part to be collected and forwarded directly to your door to minimize your production delays.
Construction Projects
Fast Forward Freight Ltd. can coordinate all local and overseas deliveries to your projects and maintain all proper customs documents relating to hotel refurbishment and temporary imports.
Fast Forward Freight Ltd. was the customs broker of choice for the construction of the Bermuda National Stadium.
Meeting and Conventions
Fast Forward Freight Ltd. can manage all of your imports ensuring that you receive the relevant tax/duty concessions and that all of your goods arrive on time. In addition we can also provide transportation for all of your luggage and event equipment on the island.
Ship Spares in Transit
The clearance and delivery of important ship spares in transit is second nature to Fast Forward Freight Ltd. and we understand the priority in handling these shipments. We will ensure that you receive the relevant tax/duty concessions and that all of your goods have a priority delivery.
Fast Forward Freight Ltd. is the broker of choice for John S. Darrell and Company Ltd. the local agents for Cunard Line, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, plus Fred Olsen Cruise Lines Ltd., to name a few.
Special Events
With our large fleet of vehicles and experienced delivery team handling the clearance and delivery of your expensive camera, video and/or sound equipment, your event will be hassle free. We will ensure that you receive the relevant tax/duty concessions and that all of your goods have a priority delivery.
Moving From Bermuda?
Fast Forward Freight Ltd. has moved some of Bermuda's most influential people off the island. Our export department can arrange for the packing, collection and forwarding of your valued personal effects to your next destination. With our network of worldwide agents, we can also arrange for the clearance and delivery of your personal effects right to your new home. From your old house to your new house we will ensure that your move is stress free. Call or email today for a free survey.
Required Documentation
Every major destination requires different types of customs paperwork and procedures, but the basic requirements still apply:
- Packing list detailing the number of pieces and description of the goods
- Approximate value for customs
- Insurance as per your declaration
The United States
- Completed Form 3299 <downloadable>
For help filling out the 3299 form please download our How To Document Department of Treasury Form <downloadable> Copy of your passport photo Power of Attorney <downloadable> (for the sole use of the customs broker) <not required for courier>
For additional Information on moving to the U.S.- http://www.customs.ustreas.gov/
The United Kingdom
H.M. Customs and Excise, C-3 Form <downloadable>
For additional information on moving to the U.K. http://www.hmce.gov.uk/
Canada
Canada Customs and Revenue Agency, Canada Customs Invoice
For additional information on moving to Canada
http://www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca/menu-e.html
Moving To Bermuda?
From your old house to your new house we will ensure that your move is stress free. Call or email us today.
Required Documentation for Bermuda
Persons moving to Bermuda with their personal possessions MUST pay duty and landing tax on the declared or customs assessed value of their goods. To avoid lengthy inspections by customs, the importer may make a written declaration of the contents and estimated fair values of their goods for duty purposes. If the declared value is accepted by customs, no inspection will be necessary. If customs decide to carry out an inspection, they may do so at their will. If they deem inspection necessary, the shipment must have a customs deposit (bond) filed prior to release from the airport or pier. Shipments due to be inspected CANNOT be opened without the presence or permission of a customs official.
A signed H.M. Customs Declaration Form <downloadable>
Please contact our Personal Effects Specialist for additional details and scheduling information.
For more information on Bermuda Customs and an online tariff visit their web site at www.customs.gov.bm or call 441-295-4816.
International Forwarding
Fast Forward Freight's network of agents make it easy to arrange the shipping of all your valued goods to Bermuda. We can consolidate your purchases together as per your instructions for shipping via air or sea to help you recognize sizable cost savings. In addition, you can use the forwarders address for vendors who do not wish to arrange international shipments.
Please click the links below for information and contact details for our international forwarding vendors.
McLaughlin Services, Ltd.
McLaughlin Services Ltd. is a small, owner-operated, freight-forwarding business specializing in worldwide air freight forwarding. McLaughlin's personal
service and experience in the air cargo business ensures that your goods are handled safely and efficiently at a reasonable price. In addition to their main location, they have use of a warehouse at Kennedy Airport.
Available Services
Air Freight Consolidation
Air Freight
Domestic and International pick ups
Customs Clearance and delivery
Traffic
should be addressed as below. Please make sure that your supplier provides an invoice for both U. S. export and clearance purposes in Bermuda.
Your Name c/o
McLaughlin Services, Ltd.
14 Nassau Blvd. South,
Garden City South, NY 11530
Tel: (516)-488-7055
Fax: (516)-326-6011
Contact: Joe
Email: joe@mclaughlinservices.com
Web: www.mclaughlinservices.com
Rainbow Freight Services Ltd
Established at London (Heathrow) Airport and celebrating our 30th Anniversary this year. Rainbow has an excellent reputation for Air/Ocean freight forwarding and Customs Brokerage here in the UK.
Specialising in all types of cargo from 'time sensitive' shipments to general cargo our service is second to none. Our longevity speaks for itself.
Available Services
Air Freight
Ocean Freight
Domestic Freight
Customs Clearance
Trucking
Documentation
Suppliers Invoice required for all International shipments to facilitate Customs clearance both Inbound and Outbound.
Rainbow Freight Services Ltd
Unit X
Mill Mead
Staines
Middlesex
TW19 5 EP
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)1784 455356
Fax: +44 (0)1784 455350
Email: sales@rainbowfreight.com
Contacts: David - Martin - Marilyn - Graham - John
Sea Lion Shipping Ltd.
Sea Lion Shipping Ltd. is the largest Full Container Load (FCL) consolidator servicing Bermuda and Fast Forward Freight Ltd. is proud to be their local representative.
Sea Lion employs their own staff, have dedicated facilities and have an on line freight management system that is second to none. Their varied list
of services can be tailored to suit your individual needs.
Sea Lion Shipping Ltd. have a prestigious list of discerning local customers which includes Butterfield and Vallis, The BGA Group of Companies, Trimingham Bros., AS Coopers and AF Smith Trading.
Available Services
Full Container Load (FCL) and consolidation services.
Freight All Kinds (FAK) or loose freight forwarding.
Over the Road (OTR) container logistics.
Full nation wide pick up service for Less than Truck Load (LTL) and FCL.
World wide freight forwarding.
On Line Internet Freight Management System (for qualifying customers)
Fully Bonded Facilities
Sea Lion Shipping New Jersey
Sea Lion has a 45,000 square foot facility just minutes from the Port of Elizabeth and Newark International Airport. We can service any needs a Bermuda importer may have, including receiving, purchasing, documentation, container loading, ocean and air freight shipping, domestic truck and air freight forwarding throughout the USA to New Jersey, as well as international shipping from most cities in the world to Bermuda and the USA.
New Jersey:
Your Name
Sea Lion Shipping
614 Progress Street
Elizabeth, NJ 07201
Tel: (908) 354-7746
Fax: (908) 354-7491
Contacts: Barbara or Pat
Hours of Operation:
The warehouse is open for receiving from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Earlier or later hours must be arranged. The office is open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Directions: From the NJ Turnpike take exit at #13A follow sign to Dowd Avenue/North Ave-west. At the traffic light make a left (McDonalds will be on your
right). Two blocks after the next light is Progress Street, make the next right. The first building on the right side is Sea Lion Shipping. For truck deliveries you will enter into the truck bay area about 300 feet from the corner of Dowd Avenue. For the office you will proceed on Progress Street to the office entry door.
Sea Lion Shipping Florida
The Florida facility encompasses over 17,000 sq. ft. of warehouse space. We have four dock level bay doors and a loading platform for receiving and loading. We also have a rail spur for loading and unloading of rail cars. We are within minutes of the Jacksonville hubs for all major LTL Trucking Companies and in close proximity to the Jacksonville International Airport.
Florida:
Your Name
Sea Lion Shipping, Ltd.
2525 Lloyd Road.
Jacksonville, FL 32254
Tel: (904) 693-9772
Fax: (904) 693-1077
Contact: Tom or Pam
Hours of Operation: Our receiving hours are from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Monday-Friday. Arrangements must be made in advance for earlier or later deliveries. Our office is opened from 7:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday. However, for your convenience, through our answering service, we are available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.