Hello,
We are trying to figure out an estimate – or even a ballpark figure – for the duty on a 20’ container of normal household goods. We don’t qualify for the retiree program. If anyone has any experience in this matter, I’d love to hear from you.

Thanks again, you guys always provide honest and insightful help.

Joe

The duty on the items in the container vary considerably. My broker helped me assign value to the huge list of minuscule to large items, based on yard sale estimates. New items have to be claimed as new so try not to have many of these. And one kicker, I forgot until I brought my pets back from the US the other day, they also charge duty on the cost of shipping from the Port of Debarkation, a percentage but it can be hefty. Sorry, I didn't give you any figures, but it really varies. So make sure you have an inventory of each item with a number assigned, because the number will be checked against the number on the item, then have a value, line by line.

Just as a rule of thumb, most household goods are charged at 20% of value, but there are exceptions. Tools are lower, jewelry is higher. There's a Belize customs web page with this kind of information:

Belize Customs Duty

Good luck!
Emily

If you label as many items as "personal effects" on the boxes/bins and the packing list/manifest it will save you a ton.

Let me know if you need help, we specialize in relocation.

Chris