Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy explains how the Saint Vincent & the Grenadines Customs & Excise Department (“we”, “us”, “our”) collects, uses, discloses, and protects personal information processed through customs.gov.vc and related online services (including the Returning Nationals portal).

1) Information we collect

• Account information: name, email address, and login metadata.
• Application data: information you provide in forms (e.g., Returning Nationals), such as contact details, travel plans, vehicle information, and supporting documents.
• Uploads & signatures: files you submit (e.g., PDFs, images) and e-signature data you provide.
• System logs: IP address, timestamps, device/browser information, and error/diagnostic logs for security and reliability.
• Cookies: small files used for session management and (with your consent) optional analytics.

2) How we use your information

• To create and manage your account and process your applications.
• To schedule and communicate interviews or decisions related to your application.
• To secure our systems, prevent fraud/abuse, and ensure service availability.
• To meet legal and regulatory obligations and perform our public-interest tasks.
• (If enabled with your consent) to understand usage patterns and improve the site via analytics.

3) Legal bases for processing

• Public interest / official authority: performing customs functions and processing applications.
• Legal obligation: compliance with applicable laws/regulations.
• Consent: for optional cookies/analytics or where required by law.
• Contractual necessity: to provide requested online services.

4) Sharing & disclosure

We may share information with other government bodies, law-enforcement, or service providers strictly where necessary to process applications, verify information, enforce the law, protect our systems, or as otherwise required by law. Service providers are bound by confidentiality and security obligations.

5) Data retention

We retain personal information only as long as necessary for the purposes above, and as required by law (e.g., records and audit obligations). When no longer needed, we securely delete or anonymize data.

6) Cookies

We use essential cookies for secure login/session management. Optional cookies (e.g., analytics) are used only if you consent. You can manage your cookie choices at any time via the cookie banner or “Cookie Settings” link.

7) Security

We implement technical and organizational measures to protect personal information, including encryption in transit, access controls, monitoring, and secure development practices. No system is perfectly secure; we continuously improve our defenses.

8) Your rights

Subject to applicable law, you may request access, correction, or deletion of your data, and object to or restrict certain processing. Where processing is based on consent (e.g., optional cookies), you may withdraw consent at any time.

9) International transfers

If data is processed or stored outside of Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, we ensure appropriate safeguards consistent with applicable law.

10) Contact

For privacy questions or requests, contact:
Customs & Excise Department
Kingstown, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines
privacy@customs.gov.vc

11) Changes to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time. Significant changes will be posted on this page with a new “Last updated” date.