Customs, permits and the Trade Zone
Import, Export & Trading Licence in Seychelles
Seychelles imports almost everything it consumes. For re-export there is a dedicated trade zone regime.
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The Trade Zone is the distinctive route
Alongside ordinary importing, Seychelles operates an International Trade Zone for processing, storage and re-export, licensed separately. For a business bringing goods in to send them out again it is usually the right starting point, and it is worth assessing before defaulting to a standard trading company.
- Trade Zone assessed against standard importing
- Customs registration and permits handled
- Honest about freight cost and lead times
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Mainland, free zone and offshore jurisdictions we file in — so the recommendation is based on your activity, not on which authority we happen to be registered with.
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Compare the routes
Trading options in Seychelles
Re-export is where the Trade Zone earns its keep.
| Route | What it suits | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic trading company | Import for the local market | Trades tax and VAT on importation |
| International Trade Zone | Processing, storage and re-export | Dedicated regime and licensing |
| International Business Company | Cross-border trading without local stock | Territorial basis; limited local activity |
| Agency arrangement | Representing an overseas principal | No local stockholding |
| Transhipment | Goods passing through | Customs procedure driven |
| Fisheries and marine | Sector-specific trade | Additional permits apply |
Trade Zone licensing, customs procedures, trades tax and import permits change. Your goods and markets are checked against current rules. An International Business Company must at all times have a registered agent licensed by the Financial Services Authority. That is a statutory requirement in Seychelles. We co-ordinate your engagement with a licensed Seychelles registered agent and manage the process end to end; the regulated filings are made by them.
How it works
Setting up to trade
Goods and direction decide the structure.
01
Goods and direction
What you trade, where it comes from and whether it stays in Seychelles or moves on.
02
Structure and register
Vehicle established, customs registration completed and a Trade Zone licence pursued where re-export applies.
03
Move goods
Import permits obtained where required, clearance arrangements made and duty and VAT treatment confirmed.
To set this up
What we need to know
Permits for food, plants and animals catch people out.
- Product list with descriptions
- Tariff classification where known
- Countries of origin
- Whether goods are re-exported
- Whether food, plants or animals are involved
- Whether goods are controlled or restricted
- Expected volumes and values
- Whether storage in Seychelles is needed
- Whether processing occurs here
- Freight and clearance arrangements
- Whether you sell locally as well
- Target first shipment date
Scope
What is included, and what is not
Stated plainly, so nothing is added once the engagement starts.
Included in the service fee
- Structure recommendation including Trade Zone assessment
- Incorporation
- Customs registration
- Trade Zone licence support where used
- Tariff classification guidance
- Import permit co-ordination
- VAT and trades tax treatment
- Accounting set up for trading
Not included, quoted separately
- Trades tax, duties and VAT, paid at cost
- Trade Zone licence fees
- Freight, shipping and insurance
- Clearing agent charges
- Warehousing and handling
- Product permits and inspection fees
- Cold chain and storage facilities
- Regulated filings, made by the licensed registered agent
Verify independently
Official Seychelles authorities
We file directly with these bodies on your behalf.
Financial Services AuthoritySeychelles Licensing AuthoritySeychelles Revenue CommissionDepartment of EmploymentImmigration and Civil Status DivisionSeychelles Pension Fund
Questions
Seychelles import and export — FAQs
What is the International Trade Zone?
A dedicated regime for processing, storage and re-export with its own licensing. For re-export businesses it is usually the right starting point.
Do I need an import licence?
Customs registration is required, and specific goods — food, plants, animals and controlled items — need permits. We identify which apply.
How is importing taxed?
Trades tax and VAT are accounted for on importation, which has a real cash-flow effect for trading businesses.
Can an IBC import goods?
Local importing and selling generally needs a domestic company or a Trade Zone licence. An IBC is limited in local activity.
Is freight a significant cost?
Yes. Seychelles is remote and freight and lead times materially affect pricing. We would rather you plan on realistic numbers.
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More Seychelles services
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