ORANJESTAD- Lately, the Aruba Customs has been receiving various questions regarding the application of exemption of household-moving goods, particularly when applicants have not completed their inscription at the Civil Registry Office of Aruba (Censo).
Aruba Customs would like to clarify that the fact that a person is not yet registered at the Censo is not a motive to deny the exemption of household goods. To prevent a person from being disadvantaged during the registration period, Customs applies a temporary procedure that allows the importation process to continue.
The procedure varies according to an individual’s circumstances:
1. Dutch passport holders who are coming to Aruba for work.
2. An Aruban who is returning to live in Aruba after having lived abroad.
3. A foreigner who is coming to work in Aruba with a valid permit.
Aruba Customs emphasizes that all customs brokers are familiar with this procedure and can inform and guide their clients correctly to avoid confusion and unnecessary costs, such as demurrage (costs related to container delays), during the importation process.
For any questions regarding the importation of household‑moving goods, you may contact a customs broker or directly reach out to the Aruba Customs for official and concrete information.
The Aruba Customs hopes to have provided clarification on this topic to ensure a smooth moving process.
ORANJESTAD– On the 13th of May 2026, the Aruba Customs, in collaboration with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), held a Seminar/Workshop regarding the integration of new module in the ASYCUDAWorld System; the IATA Cargo-XML.
Aruba Customs has initiated the implementation of the IATA Cargo-XML solution within the United Nations Trade and Development’s (UNCTAD) ASYCUDAWorld System, as part of its ongoing Programme to modernize air cargo management and strengthen border control operations.
The newly introduced functionality enables airlines, express carriers and other authorized stakeholders within the air cargo supply chain to electronically submit cargo manifest information using internationally recognized IATA Cargo XML standards. This significant enhancement is expected to improve the efficiency, transparency and reliability of air cargo processing in Aruba by providing Customs authorities with earlier access to cargo information prior to the arrival of shipments. The initiative will support faster cargo clearance procedures, enhance risk management capabilities and reinforce national border security measures.
In addition, the implementation promotes greater accuracy, consistency and integrity in cargo data submissions by reducing manual intervention and standardizing the electronic exchange of information between cargo operators and Customs authorities. Through the ASYCUDAWorld platform, participating airlines and cargo operators will benefit from a modernized electronic manifest submission process fully aligned with global industry standards established and promoted by the IATA.
The introduction of the IATA Cargo-XML framework further demonstrates Aruba Customs’ commitment to digital transformation, trade facilitation and the adoption of international best practices in customs administration and border management.
Aruba Customs will continue to work closely with industry stakeholders and international partners to ensure the successful implementation, operational integration and future expansion of this initiative.
The Customs Department would like to inform their clients and the general public that their offices will be closed on:
The Customs kindly asks its clients to request their services ahead of time to prevent delays.
Christmas season has arrived. The Customs informs you of their office hours in connection with the holidays.
*Note: On December 24, Customs will be open from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at the container gate located at Barcadera, where services will be provided for the pick-up of containers and documentation for goods in the green and blue categories.
All services will resume on Monday, December 29, 2025.
*Note: On December 31, Customs will be open from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at the container gate of the Barcadera section, where services will be provided for pick-up containers and documentation for goods in the green and blue categories.
All services will resume on Monday, January 5, 2026.
Customs kindly asks all importers and customs brokers to submit their orders on time and comply with all formalities, and wishes the community of Aruba Happy Holidays.
The Customs Department of Aruba continues its steps towards digitalization of their procedures and their service to the community. One of the steps consists of the procedure for the submission of an objection which can be done digitally through our website as of Monday, August 25th, 2025.
For more information, please click here Objections and appeals. – Departamento di Aduana
Clients must take into account that as of November 1st 2025 Customs will no longer accept objections through paper or email.
The Customs kindly asks all clients to take note of the shared information.
On Wednesday, August 6, 2025, the Customs Department held a meeting at the John F. Kennedy Education Center titled “A Moment with Customs” with Brokers, the Aruba Trade & Industry Association (ATIA), and the United Traders Aruba (CUA) to discuss various topics concerning the services and operations of Customs and steps to strengthen collaboration.
In the presence of the Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs, and Primary Sector, Mr. Geoffrey Wever, the Director of the Customs Department, Mr. Roderick Croes, the Management Team and experts, as well as the Directors of ATIA and CUA, Brokers were given a presentation from the Customs which included the digitalization of their procedures. Two procedures that have already been digitalized are the permit to organize a Car Show and the Costs of Services. Another procedure, namely the Objection and Appeal, will be implemented digitally as of August 15, 2025. The Customs will provide more information on the procedure soon. There was also an interactive session to address the concerns and questions of the Brokers. The most discussed topics included the shortage of personnel at Customs, an explanation of the color classification system (yellow, green, blue, and red) used for goods inspection, and improved user access to the Asycuda system.
Minister Wever expressed his support for improving the quality of service for Brokers. The work of a Broker is crucial to the trade system, and their services support the economy of Aruba. For this reason, it is important to have dialogue and work together towards solutions. Customs Director, Mr. Croes, along with the Management Team, expressed their satisfaction with the participation of the Brokers’ representatives and thanked everyone for their participation and contribution.
Vacation season has started. To ensure a stress-free travel, the Customs Department shares the following information and tips.
Personal luggage and other goods:
Every person is allowed to bring products for personal use (only) that is bought abroad with a maximum value of Afl. 900,- which is exempted from import duty per person per tax. Products that surpass this amount are charged import duty on the whole product. The Customs advises travelers to have all receipts prepared in order to calculate the value of the imported product.
Products tied to a maximum quantity:
Products such as alcohol and cigarettes are tied to a maximum quantity for which you are entitled to exemption from import duties and excise.
Amount of alcohol allowed:
Every person aged 16 and above can bring 1 liters of spirits (distilled beverage), or 2,25 liters of wine, or 3 liters of beer.
Amount of tobacco allowed:
Every person aged 16 and above can bring 200 pieces (1 slof) of cigarettes, or 2 pieces of cigars, or 50 pieces of cigarillos, or 250 grams di tobacco.
If the amount is surpassed, you will have to pay import duties and excise. Please note that the products must be in your possession to be able to claim exemption. Exemption cannot be claimed for goods brought in as a group.
The Customs Department kindly asks to take note of this shared information. Your cooperation ensures a smooth travel and arrival for every traveler and visitor.
For more information, including the import of specific products such as meat, medicine, plants, electronics, and pets, please click here: Specific goods – Departamento di Aduana
The Customs Department would like to inform that their offices will be closed on Monday, the 17th of March and Tuesday, the 18th of March 2025 with regards to the celebration of Aruba’s National Anthem and Flag Day and ATV day. All services will resume on Wednesday, March 19, starting from 7.30 am.
The Customs kindly asks its clients to take note of this shared information and wishes the community of Aruba a wonderful National Anthem and Flag Day.
The Customs Department of Aruba would like to inform that their offices will be closed on Monday, the 30th of December 2024, from 2.00 pm, with regards to an internal meeting.
The Customs kindly asks its clients to take note of this shared information and wishes the community of Aruba a Joyous Holiday Season.
Christmas season has arrived. The Customs Department of Aruba would like to inform the community of their office hours for the Holidays:
The Customs Department kindly requests all of its clients to take note of this shared information to avoid any inconvenience and wishes the community of Aruba a Joyous Holiday Season.
