The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is introducing a new electronic payment system for imports in the US Virgin Islands, as part of efforts to modernise customs operations.

CBP said payments for duties, taxes and fees on imported goods will be processed through the federal platform Pay.gov, with the transition expected to take place over the coming months.

The move will apply to cargo arriving from the continental United States, Puerto Rico and international locations. Officials said paper-based payments at ports of entry will be significantly reduced as electronic transactions become the primary method.

The new system is expected to allow importers, brokers and other users to submit payments electronically, track transactions and manage recurring payments. Formal entries will be processed through bank transfers, while residents and travellers will be able to pay duties on informal entries using debit or credit cards.

Carriers must use the following port codes to transmit electronic manifest information to the USVI:

• For shipments originating from the Continental US and Puerto Rico to the USVI, the carrier needs to add USVI designated foreign port codes (91155 – STT, 91195 – STJ, and 91149 – STX) to their internal proprietary systems to enable cargo manifest transmission to the USVI. 
• For foreign shipments to the USVI, use domestic port codes 5101 – STT, 5102 – STJ, and 5104 – STX . Carriers are required to test their systems with CBP to ensure proper data transmission. Importers and filers must continue to request cargo release via the USVICEI mailbox to obtain CBP authorization for delivery.

CBP said the platform will be integrated with its Automated Commercial Environment system, enabling real-time updates and helping to reduce errors and speed up cargo release.

“Pay.gov is a game changer for the US Virgin Islands,” said Area Port Director Todd Bellew. “This new platform will make it faster and easier for importers to meet their obligations, while giving CBP the tools to process cargo more efficiently and securely.”

The shift is part of a broader push by CBP to fully digitise the territory’s commercial import process. Authorities also plan to require the electronic submission of cargo manifests through the Automated Commercial Environment and Electronic Data Interchange systems.

Officials said a grace period will be provided to allow importers and carriers to adjust to the new requirements before penalties for non-compliance are introduced.

The changes are being implemented under existing federal trade laws and are aimed at improving efficiency, compliance and border security across the territory.