Customs St. Maarten

Customs Department intercepts illegal fi****ms during routine shipment inspection.

On Tuesday, July 29th, attentive officers from the Customs Department discovered several illegal
fi****ms hidden within one of the selected consignments during a routine inspection of shipments from
a local shipping company.

This discovery was part of the Department’s ongoing risk-based enforcement operations, which aim to
safeguard national security and protect the public from illicit trade. The illegal items were promptly
seized in accordance with national laws and established procedures.

As the investigation is still in its early stages, further details regarding the shipment and the individuals
involved cannot be disclosed at this time. Updates will be provided as the inquiry progresses, in
coordination with other law enforcement agencies.

The Customs Department reaffirms its unwavering commitment to upholding the law and protecting our
borders from illegal activity. Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspicious behavior
that may threaten the safety and security of our nation.

Join us...

Dear Customs Team Sint Maarten,

I hope this message finds you all in high spirits as we celebrate Customs Day 2024, a day that holds great significance in recognizing our collective efforts and achievements as a dedicated team.

Customs Day is not just a celebration of our profession; it reflects the commitment, diligence, and resilience that you bring to our esteemed department. Today, we take a moment to acknowledge the integral role we play in safeguarding our nation's borders, facilitating trade, and upholding the principles of fairness and integrity.

In the face of evolving challenges and dynamic global trade landscapes, your unwavering dedication and professionalism have been the cornerstone of our success. It is your vigilance that ensures the smooth flow of goods, protects our economy, and contributes to the safety and security of our citizens.

As we celebrate this day, let us take pride in our achievements, learn from our experiences, and look ahead to new opportunities for growth and excellence. Your hard work and commitment do not go unnoticed, and I am immensely proud to lead such a remarkable team.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each one of you for your tireless efforts and commendable service. Let us continue to work together with determination, integrity, and a sense of purpose, contributing to the success and prosperity of our great nation.

Happy Customs Day to the incredible team of Customs Sint Maarten!



Franklin Bernadina

Acting Head of Customs Sint Maarten

Join us this Saturday, October 28th at the Justice Open House at the Port Sint Maarten cruise terminal in Point Blanche, from 10:00am to 4:00pm!

Come and meet the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard, Immigration and Border Protection, Customs, Police (KPSM), the Dutch Marines, and much more!

A Special Thanks to the Customs St. Maarten



Minister Anna E. Richardson
Government of Sint Maarten
Parliament of Sint Maarten

Speaker & guest at the Upcoming ACIP Conference in Sint Maarten, October 19th & 20th, 2023 | 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Franklin Bernadina
Acting Chief of Customs
Customs Sint Maarten

Franklin Bernadina is an experienced Customs professional with a career spanning several years. He started his Customs career in 1996 in Curacao and received his training there. He worked as a Customs officer in Sint Maarten from 1998 to 2000, then returned to Curacao for further training while also exploring a career in computer technology. Between 2001 and 2004, he worked at the ICT department of Customs Netherlands Antilles in Curacao, supporting various islands.

In 2006, he became a certified Microsoft Systems Engineer and used his skills to design and configure networks for various companies, including ACU Curacao, The Tax Office in Sint Maarten, and Customs Sint Maarten. Despite his involvement in ICT support, his passion remained in the field of Customs.

In August 2018, Franklin was appointed as the Interim Head of Customs due to his extensive knowledge and experience in Customs matters. During his tenure, he aimed to modernize the Customs Department and prepare it for the 21st century, focusing on "Professionalism and growth" as the department's new theme. Under his leadership, the Customs department significantly expanded, growing from 22 employees to 46 within two years. They acquired modern detection equipment with support from the Netherlands and sent staff members abroad for training, which enhanced their effectiveness.

In the last four months of 2018, the department achieved a notable increase in interceptions compared to the entire previous year. Money intercepted at the border also saw a remarkable 750%+ increase. In 2019, the department set a record by booking over 100 police reports in a single year, and this number doubled to over 210 police reports in 2020. Franklin Bernadina's leadership and efforts have significantly transformed and improved the Customs Department.

Combatting Counterfeit

In 2022, the Customs department intensified its focus on combatting the import of counterfeit goods at the border. To achieve this, risk analysis played a crucial role in the process. Suspicious containers were singled out for physical inspections, and any confirmed counterfeit items were seized and subsequently destroyed. Collaborating closely with companies like DISOSA has been a vital aspect of this effort, as they assist in verifying confiscated merchandise.

Notably, Customs received technical support from a counterfeit expert from Customs Netherlands during a raid on a store in Back Street, resulting in the confiscation of numerous counterfeit items. In addition to enforcement measures, the department also utilizes social media and local newspapers to raise awareness about the dangers of counterfeit products among the public.

Moreover, the public is actively encouraged to report any instances of the importation or sale of counterfeit products, reinforcing the collective effort to combat this pervasive issue.

Speaker & Guest at the upcoming 2nd Annual ACIP Conference in Sint Maarten: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

FESI /Federation of European sporting goods Industry / PUMA

Mr. Neil Narriman
President & Chairman of the federation since 2019 to present

The Federation of the European Sporting Goods Industry (FESI) is a Brussels-based European platform representing the interests of some 1,800 European sporting goods manufacturers before the European Institutions, other international sport federations and other associations.

FESI - Provides opportunity for sporting goods companies to collaborate on non-commercial pre-competitive issues of common interest - Monitors all legislative initiatives relating to the sporting goods industry at a European level - Offers an established and recognized platform for the voice of the sporting goods industry to be heard in Brussels - Communicates with a variety of European stakeholders across a wide range of issues from trade and the supply chain, the environment to product safety and many more.

One of the main goals of FESI is to promote free trade between European Member States and, of course, to facilitate trade world-wide. FESI is a member of the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI).

Mr. Neil Narriman is also the Global head of intellectual Property at PUMA and has held that function since 2012, so for nearly10 years.

Mr. Narriman was in attendance last year at the first annual ACIP conference. He is returning for the second annual and will be delivering a presentation on behalf of the FESI and PUMA. We look forward to his arrival and contribution to the awareness and strategy discussions.

See you soon Mr. Narriman!

Honorable Minister of Justice to Host 2nd Annual Anti-Counterfeit and Intellectual Property Conference in Sint Maarten

Response To Open Letter to The Minister of Justice

Justice day 2023 celebration