Caribbean Trade Compliance:
OFAC, SPS & Documentation Guide

Exporting commodities to the Caribbean requires navigating a layered compliance environment: US export controls and OFAC sanctions, CARICOM tariff regulations, sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) certification, third-party inspection, and destination-country import licensing. This guide covers what commodity traders and exporters need to know to move cargo compliantly from the US to Caribbean markets.

OFAC & US Sanctions Screening

The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) administers US economic sanctions programs that affect certain Caribbean trade flows. The primary program relevant to Caribbean commodity traders is the Cuban Assets Control Regulations (CACR), which restricts most commercial transactions with Cuba unless specifically licensed.

For all Caribbean destinations — including non-sanctioned countries — exporters must screen every counterparty against OFAC's Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list and Sectoral Sanctions Identifications (SSI) list before executing a transaction. This applies to buyers, end-users, banks, shipping companies, and any other parties involved in the transaction chain.

Key OFAC requirements for Caribbean commodity exports:

• Screen all parties against SDN/SSI lists using OFAC's sanctions search tool
• Maintain records of screening results for five years
• Cuba-related transactions require specific OFAC licensing under CACR
• Agricultural commodities to Cuba may qualify for TSREEA (Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act) authorization
• Report any blocked or rejected transactions to OFAC within 10 business days

For VTC's approach to restricted markets, see our restricted markets policy page.

Export Administration Regulations (EAR)

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) administers the Export Administration Regulations, which control the export of dual-use goods and technology. Most food and fuel commodities are classified as EAR99 (no license required for most destinations), but exporters must still:

• Classify each product under the Commerce Control List (CCL) or confirm EAR99 status
• File Electronic Export Information (EEI) through the Automated Export System (AES) for shipments exceeding $2,500 in value
• Screen end-users against the BIS Entity List, Denied Persons List, and Unverified List
• Ensure no "red flags" exist regarding the end-use or end-user of exported goods

CARICOM Tariff Rules

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) maintains a Common External Tariff (CET) applied by its 15 member states on imports from non-CARICOM countries. Understanding the CET is critical for pricing CIF cargo to Caribbean destinations because duty costs can significantly affect landed cost competitiveness.

Typical CET rates for commodity imports:

• Essential foods (rice, flour, cooking oil): 0-5% — many carry reduced rates or suspension of duties during supply shortages
• Sugar: Variable — subject to CARICOM sugar protocol and domestic production protection
• Frozen proteins: 0-40% — rates vary significantly by cut and by country based on domestic poultry industry protection
• Petroleum products: Fuel levy + customs duty — rates vary by country and are often administered by energy ministries rather than customs

Intra-CARICOM trade qualifies for zero-duty treatment with proper documentation (CARICOM invoice + Certificate of Origin confirming rules-of-origin compliance). For details on Trinidad, see our Trinidad import guide.

SPS Certificates (Sanitary & Phytosanitary)

SPS certification ensures that exported food products meet the importing country's health, safety, and plant protection standards. Requirements vary by product category:

Phytosanitary Certificates (Plant Products)

Required for grains (rice, wheat, corn), flour, legumes, and other plant-derived products. Issued by USDA APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) for US-origin exports. The certificate confirms the product has been inspected and found free of regulated pests. Some Caribbean countries require specific pest-free declarations or fumigation certificates.

Health & Veterinary Certificates (Animal Products)

Required for frozen poultry, beef, pork, fish, and dairy products. For US-origin products, issued by USDA FSIS (Food Safety and Inspection Service). The certificate confirms USDA inspection and compliance with importing country requirements. Each Caribbean country may have specific health certificate formats or bilateral veterinary agreements with the US.

SGS / Intertek / Bureau Veritas Inspection

Third-party inspection at load port is standard practice for commodity exports, particularly fuel. Major inspection companies operating in the US Gulf Coast include:

• SGS: The world's largest inspection company — standard for fuel quality/quantity inspection
• Intertek: Widely used for petroleum product testing and agricultural commodity inspection
• Bureau Veritas: Provides Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) certificates accepted by Caribbean customs authorities

For fuel shipments, independent inspection at load port verifies: product quality against ASTM specifications, quantity (shore tank and ship tank measurements), and vessel condition (holds, tanks, pipelines). The resulting Certificates of Quality (COQ) and Certificates of Quantity are critical documents for buyer acceptance and LC negotiation.

For food shipments, inspection may include weight verification, packaging integrity, temperature monitoring (reefer cargo), and sampling for laboratory analysis. Some Caribbean buyers require PSI certificates as a condition of their letter of credit.

Full Documentation Checklist

A complete export documentation package for Caribbean commodity trade includes:

How VTC Handles Compliance

Vector Trade Capital manages compliance as an integrated part of every transaction — not as an afterthought. Our trade desk handles:

• OFAC screening: Every counterparty screened against SDN/SSI lists before transaction initiation
• EEI filing: Electronic Export Information filed through AES for all qualifying shipments
• SPS coordination: USDA APHIS phytosanitary and FSIS health certificates arranged for each shipment
• Third-party inspection: SGS/Intertek quality and quantity inspection at load port
• Documentation assembly: Complete export package prepared for buyer's customs broker
• Restricted market handling: Cuba and other restricted-market transactions handled only through licensed channels

Frequently Asked Questions