How-to-ship guide · Bahamas
Shipping to the Bahamas: Customs, Costs & Options
Air, ocean and RoRo options, customs documents, duties and prohibited items for shipping to the Bahamas from Florida, explained before you book.
4.5 on Google · 190+ reviews · WCAworld North America Best Partner 2022
Since 1992
Ports in Florida to Nassau, Freeport & Marsh Harbour
Customs broker services
Door to door
700+
islands and cays in the Bahamas
3–5 days
air freight delivery, by origin and carrier
1–3 weeks
ocean freight delivery, by origin and carrier
3
key ports: Nassau, Freeport, Marsh Harbour
How-to-ship guide
Shipping to the Bahamas: how to ship items
Shipping items to the Bahamas starts with selecting the best shipping method based on your budget, timeline and cargo needs. Understanding the costs, delivery times and available carriers helps you make the best decision, and Interworld Freight provides comprehensive shipping services for every option.
The Bahamas is an archipelago comprising over 700 islands and cays in the Atlantic Ocean, southeast of Florida and north of Cuba. Its proximity to the United States makes it a strategic location for shipping and freight operations between the two countries.
Given that proximity, the Bahamas is well served by shipping routes from major ports in Florida, such as Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Port Everglades. These routes allow for efficient, quick transport of goods by sea.
Ports, routes and islands for Bahamas shipments
Key ports in the Bahamas 3
Nassau · New ProvidenceFreeport · Grand BahamaMarsh Harbour · Abaco Islands
Florida departure ports 3
MiamiFort LauderdalePort Everglades
Destinations we serve 4
NassauFreeportMarsh HarbourBimini
Bahamas shipping services
Choose your shipping method
Three ways to ship to the islands, balancing speed, cost and the type of cargo.
Bahamas air freight
Ideal for urgent or smaller shipments.
Bahamas ocean freight
For larger cargo or bulk shipments, balancing cost-efficiency with reliability.
Bahamas RoRo services
Roll-on/roll-off for vehicles, machinery and other wheeled equipment.
More ways to ship to the Bahamas
Shipping methods and costs
Air or ocean freight to the Bahamas?
Cost factors and delivery times, side by side. By choosing the right combination of speed and cost, you optimize your shipping experience.
Daniel Zapata · Operations Director
Not sure which method fits?
Tell Dani what you ship and when it must arrive: he prices air and ocean so you pick the right balance of speed and cost.
What sets the price
Weight and size
Shipping costs depend on the weight, size and type of items.
Shipping method
Air, ocean or RoRo, chosen for your budget and timeline.
Origin and carrier
Delivery times vary with the origin location and the carrier.
Document checklist
Shipping documentation to the Bahamas
To ship to the Bahamas, accurate documentation is critical. Proper documentation ensures smooth handling and clearance through Bahamas Customs.
Required documents
The Bahamas Customs Department has specific requirements for imports:
Commercial invoicelists the goods, their value and origin.
Packing listdetails the contents, weight and dimensions of the shipment.
Bill of ladingacts as the shipment receipt and includes transport details.
Certificates of originany that your goods require.
Tips for completing the paperwork
Avoid delays and extra costs at customs:
Ensure accuracydouble-check all details to avoid delays.
Provide detailed descriptionslist each item clearly to simplify customs clearance.
Include required permitscertain items, like food or chemicals, may need additional permits.
Customs broker servicesa licensed customs broker ensures all paperwork is accurately completed and filed.
How we work with you
How to ship to the Bahamas, step by step
From choosing the method to delivery on the island, with one advisor.
01
Choose the shipping method
Air, ocean or RoRo, based on your budget, timeline and cargo needs.
02
Prepare the documents
Commercial invoice, bill of lading, packing list and any certificates of origin or permits.
03
Check the items
Confirm your goods are permitted and not on the Bahamas Customs restricted list.
04
Duties, VAT and clearance
VAT on the CIF value plus duties, with a licensed customs broker filing the paperwork. See our Bahamas customs clearance guide.
05
Delivered & tracked
Delivery with live tracking on our tracking portal until the file is signed off.
What you can import
Prohibited and permitted items for the Bahamas
Certain items are restricted or prohibited for import into the Bahamas. Check the list of restricted items with Bahamas Customs before shipping to avoid confiscation or penalties.
Commonly restricted or prohibited
Firearms and ammunition
Hazardous chemicals
Specific electronics not meeting Bahamian standards
Certain agricultural products without permits
Generally permitted
Consumer goods (clothing, electronics)
Building materials and machinery
Food and beverage items with appropriate permits
Pharmaceuticals and medical supplies
Taxes and duties
Customs duties and VAT in the Bahamas
Shipping to the Bahamas requires compliance with customs regulations to avoid delays and extra costs. Check the Bahamas customs duty rates for your goods.
VAT on the CIF value
The Bahamas levies a Value Added Tax (VAT) on most imported goods, applied on the CIF (cost, insurance and freight) value plus duties.
Duties by type of goods
Import duties in the Bahamas vary based on the type of goods. Luxury items and certain electronics can attract higher duty rates.
Permits and regulations
Customs duties, taxes and permits may apply, especially for vehicles, food and electronics, with restrictions around food items, alcohol and other specific imports.
Experienced help
Working with an experienced freight company helps ensure compliance with Bahamian customs regulations and a smooth import process.
No-commitment quote · Reply within one business day
Ready to ship to the Bahamas?
Method, rate, documents and duties explained in writing, with a clear breakdown from the first email: no surprises, no fine print.
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Moving cargo worldwide since 1992. Tell us the load and get a written quote with every cost itemized.
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Routes and destinations
Shipping to Nassau and across the Bahamas
Nassau, the capital, is a major hub for shipping. We also serve Freeport, Marsh Harbour and Bimini, for personal items or commercial goods.
Miami to Nassau
Ship containers
Fort Lauderdale to Nassau
Ship containers
Orlando to Nassau
Ship containers
Bahamas event logistics
Event logistics
Shipping to Nassau
Reliable services to the capital, ensuring your goods reach their destination efficiently, tailored to personal items or commercial goods.
Shipping to Marsh Harbour
Reliable shipping to this bustling town in the Abaco Islands, designed for the unique needs of businesses and individuals.
Shipping to Freeport
Comprehensive shipping solutions to this important industrial center on Grand Bahama, transported safely and efficiently.
Shipping to Bimini
Specialized services to deliver your goods safely to this beautiful island, handled with care and precision.
Bahamas shipping information
Things to know about the Bahamas
The market facts behind every shipment to the islands.
Geographic overview
Over 700 islands and cays southeast of Florida and north of Cuba, a strategic location for freight between the two countries.
Key ports
Freeport on Grand Bahama is one of the busiest ports; Nassau handles imports and exports for commercial and tourism-based shipping; Marsh Harbour serves goods going to the northern Bahamas.
Key industries
The Bahamas relies heavily on imports due to limited local manufacturing: construction materials, machinery, fuel, food and vehicles, mostly from nearby Florida.
Import demand
A vibrant tourism industry drives demand for food products, electronics, building materials and consumer goods, with a growing need for temperature-controlled shipping for perishables and pharmaceuticals.
Shipping times
Sea freight from Florida to the Bahamas typically takes a few days, depending on the port of departure and destination: an ideal location for quick turnaround.
Shipping regulations
Specific import regulations vary depending on the type of goods, so compliance is checked before the cargo leaves Florida.
Client testimonials
What companies say about working with us
Real reviews from our Google profile.
4.5 / 5 · 190+ Google reviews
“I've been working with this freight forwarding company for a while, and their service is truly outstanding. They follow up proactively and make sure everything runs smoothly from pickup to delivery. It's rare to find a company this reliable and customer-focused.”
M
Marcia Vazquez
Google review
“Did great with shipping my items to The Bahamas. Everything was done in a timely manner.”
L
Lynn Rolle
Google review
“The attention from everyone I dealt with is always excellent. You can see the professionalism and care the very first time they attend to you, and it is genuine. Highly recommend Interworld.”
N
Nestor Gonzalez
Google review
“I was very pleased with the service, from beginning to end. Everything was explained to me step by step till I was ready to pick up my machine from the warehouse. I didn't expect to get such service — so professional and knowledgeable.”
E
Ely Krasner
Google review
“Great experience working with them. 100% recommended.”
I
Interprint C.A.
Google review
“Excellent company to work with. Very professional.”
E
Elena
Google review
“The service I received was excellent. I highly recommend this company.”
R
Richard Stifano C.
Google review
FAQ
Shipping to the Bahamas, answered
What shippers ask us before sending goods to the islands.
or call +1 (646) 722-0968
Quote your shipment to the Bahamas
Tell us what you ship, the origin and the island. Dani replies within one business day with the method, the rate and the customs documents.
9601 NW 112th Ave, Miami, FL 33178
Documents we prepare for you
Commercial invoice · Bill of lading · Packing list
Talk to a person, not a bot
Daniel Zapata · Operations Director
Dani prices your Bahamas shipment himself and confirms method, rate, documents and customs, in English or Spanish.
4.5 / 5
190+ reviews on Google. Exporters and importers already moving their cargo with Interworld.
Certifications & memberships
Global freight forwarder headquartered in Miami since 1992. Ocean, air and road freight, warehousing and container shipping worldwide.
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