Export Development

A number of special programmes for exporters of goods and services from Barbados are coordinated by this Division, including:

Specialist Business Development Officers

A team of knowledgeable Business Development Officers is available to both potential and experienced exporters. These officers provide advice and useful information relating to export market development and trade regulations for specific product groups, and also liaise between the exporter and other BIDC divisions from which additional services may be available.

Market Development Programme

An aggressive Market Development Programme uses in-country Market Representatives to help introduce Barbadian products in new export markets. Initially launched in Canada in 1994, the Programme expanded to the USA in 1998 and the UK in 2000, helping manufacturers capitalise on strategies involving niche marketing, branding, certification and the attainment of quality standards.

The Division further extends its reach through the network of Government overseas representatives (New York, Miami, Toronto, London), which aid in identifying prospective distributors and partners. A special Market Development Programme for Barbadian craft is implemented from New York, and craft producers with competitive advantages are encouraged to contact the Division to arrange participation.

Outward Trade Missions

Trade missions are organised to assist Barbadian companies in getting their products into markets for which a receptive climate is indicated. Missions typically involve a series of meetings with potential distributors and other interested business partners, with a separate in-country itinerary developed for each participant. A BIDC officer accompanies the group, providing on-the-spot facilitation as well. Companies may apply for financial assistance to be reimbursed for a portion of their mission-related expenses.

Certification Service

The Export Development and Promotion Division of the BIDC is the Certification Authority for all Trade Agreements with the exception of ACP-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), the Barbados Customs undertakes the certification role under this agreement.

The agreements certified by the Division are:

The Caribbean Community and Common market (CARICOM)
The Caribbean Basin Recovery Act (CDi)
CARICOM/Venezuela
CARICOM/Colombia
CARICOM/Dominican Republic
The Commonwealth Caribbean and Canada (CARIBCAN)
Generalized System of Preferences (16 countries plus EEC) - GSP
CARICOM/Cuba
CARICOM/Costa Rica

The Export Development and Promotion Division offers an immediate certification service for exports under these agreements from Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. There is a minimal charge $10.00 plus VAT (15%) for certifying documents.

This service is situated inside the main entrance of BIDC's headquarters on Princess Alice Highway in Bridgetown.

All exporters of new products which require certification by the BIDC should first apply to this Division to ascertain if the product qualifies under the relevant preferential scheme. For shipments to CARICOM there is a prescribed form. Please consult the Export Development and Promotion Division for advice on the requirements for the other trade agreements.

During the certification process all Certificates of Origin are signed by the authorised officers and the BIDC stamp is affixed, confirming that the declaration given by the exporter that the goods identified were produced in Barbados and that they comply with the provisions governing the determination of origin is correct.

Download Application for Certificate of Origin form

Trade Show Calendar

BIDC's Export Development and Promotion Division organises a number of trade missions to selected target markets each year. All Barbadian companies demonstrating the potential to penetrate or increase sales in those target markets are invited to participate.

The Division also provides financial and other co-ordinating support for regional and international exhibitions identified by companies themselves. Companies are advised to provide early notice of fairs/exhibitions for which participation is being planned.

Trade Information for Exporters

The Export Development and Promotion Division has collaborated with the BIDC Research, Information and Design Division to produce a useful guide: "The Documentation Handbook: A Guide to Exporting from Barbados". The Handbook is available for BDS$16 from Head Office. This guide has proven to be a 'must-have' for every company who is serious about certifying and shipping goods to other countries under the various trade agreements to which Barbados and/or CARICOM countries are signatories.

BIDC's Research Officers have produced a number of useful Market Studies and Market Research reports. Copies may be purchased, or accessed in the BIDC Library. Annotated versions may also be found on this website in our Publications section.

BIDC market studies and reports have been prepared for the following countries: