Customs
Effectively and efficiently controlling import, export and transit of goods. To protect and enhance the quality of life for the people of Sint Maarten as well as its visitors.
The overall objective of the Customs Organization is to control the flow of goods along the borders of St. Maarten.
The Customs Department’s aim is to enforce applicable laws and regulations as effectively and efficiently as possible, and to promote legal certainty and equality in its actions. Furthermore, the department is constantly promoting good working relationships both internally and with local and international partners and focusing on customer friendliness and integrity.
Efficient tasks of performance ensure that the barriers of trade and movement of people are limited to a minimum.
The Customs Department is a border protection Agency. Customs officers perform their duties at the border crossing points or authorized ports in Sint Maarten. Any place where people and goods can enter and leave. Some examples include but are not limited to;
Customs Officers have access to these areas at all times and without any restrictions.
Furthermore, Customs has the authority to control any vehicles or person for the presence of goods on public roads.
(Includes map of Sint Maarten)
Customs Sint Maarten differs from most other countries in the region in that it is mainly a law enforcement agency and not primarily an import duty collecting organization. The only tax levied by Customs Sint Maarten is tax/excise on unleaded gasoline.
Customs Officers have two special authorities.
While performing his duties, the Customs Officer almost always uses his “control authority” first. This authority is used to check incoming and outgoing passengers and goods, for example at the airport, cargo, and cruise facilities.
If and when the Customs Officer encounters a violation of any laws while using his “control authority”, this “control authority” automatically shifts to the “investigative authority”.
The two authorities differ from one another in that while the “control authority” is being used, the subject being submitted to the control has not many rights and is required to follow all instructions given by the Customs Officer and is required to answer all questions pertaining to the control.
Once a violation of a law is detected, the Customs Officer switches to his “investigative authority”. Immediately, the subject being submitted to the controls has many rights, including but not limited to the right not to answer questions and the right to legal representation.