Types of Shipments
Not all types of shipments are created equal. Shipping a television will
require different paperwork, duties, and taxes than shipping an accounting
statement, for example.
Here is a list of the most common types of shipments:
You can also skip ahead to the table containing the list of
Commonly Required Documents.
Documents Only
Most documents can be shipped from Canada to Angola duty-free provided
they have no commercial value.
Document shipments include:
- Airline tickets
- Annual reports
- Proposals
- Blueprints, drawings
- Business cards
- Calendars
- Cash letters, cheques
- Catalogues, price lists
- Charts, maps
- Diplomas
- Driver's licence
- Photographs
- Manuscripts
- Passports
- Proposals
The following items may also be shipped from Canada to Angola
duty-free as long as they abide by the criteria shown below:
| Document Type |
Restriction |
|---|
| Envelopes |
Must be blank |
| Forms |
Must be blank |
| Manuals |
Technical manuals only |
| Newsletters |
Only intercompany documents for internal use and with no
commercial value
|
Sources:
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_US
Shipping Gifts
Gift shipments to Angola will incur duty and taxes. There is no
threshold below which duty and taxes are not collected.
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
A gift shipment to an individual in Angola from an individual in
Canada will be subject to duty and taxes regardless of the value of
the gift.
Shipments from Business-to-Business
A gift shipped from a business in Canada to a business in Angola will
be liable to duty and taxes no matter the value of the gift.
Shipments from Business-to-Individual
If a business in Canada sends a gift to an individual in Angola,
customs authorities will apply duty and taxes to the shipment even if
its value is small.
Gift Checklist
- A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
- The words 'Gift Shipment' or 'Unsolicited Gift' are included on the
commercial invoice, even if the shipment is sent at Christmas time (see sample)
- List the items in the parcel and write the value of each
- Sending more than one gift in the parcel? Wrap and tag each one
individually.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
| Ship To |
Invoice |
|---|
António Neto
Nossa Senhora da Muxima
Luanda
Angola
Phone:
+244 921 360 872 |
Carrier tracking number:
736534736
General Description:
Personal Shipment / Gift Shipment
Invoice number:
123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker:
UPS
Date:
28 May 2023 |
| QTY |
Description of Goods |
C/O |
SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Each |
Gift Shipment: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
|
CA |
$79.99 |
Terms of Sale:
None
Total number of packages:
1
Reason for export:
Gifts
Contact Name:
James Smith
|
Total Invoice Amount:
$79.99
Total Weight:
10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
|
Multiple Gifts in One Shipment
If you are sending more than one gift in one shipment, be sure to wrap
and tag each one individually.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
| Ship To |
Invoice |
|---|
António Neto
Nossa Senhora da Muxima
Luanda
Angola
Phone:
+244 921 360 872 |
Carrier tracking number:
736534736
General Description:
Unsolicited Gift: Consolidated Gift Package
Invoice number:
123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker:
UPS
Date:
28 May 2023 |
| QTY |
Description of Goods |
C/O |
SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Each |
Gift - Roger: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
|
CA |
$39.99 |
| 1 Each |
Gift - Erica: Handwoven French Canadian Catalogne Blanket
|
CA |
$49.99 |
Terms of Sale:
None
Total number of packages:
1
Reason for export:
Gifts
Contact Name:
James Smith
|
Total Invoice Amount:
$89.98
Total Weight:
10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
|
Sources:
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_US
Shipping Personal Effects
Shipping personal effects to Angola from Canada may be exempt from
duty depending on the nature and quantity of items being imported, and
who is the shipper of the goods.
Moving Temporarily
Students
Students moving temporarily from Canada to Angola may ship their
personal effects duty-free if:
- Their stay in Angola to study exceeds 6 months
- They have lived in Canada for at least 6 consecutive months
- The items are for personal use and have no commercial value
- Items are shipped to Angola within 6 months prior to their departure
from Canada or arrival in Angola
- They can prove attendance at an Angolan education institution
- They must return to Canada after their study period in Angola
Non-students
Non students may ship their personal effects to Angola duty-free
provided:
- They will live in Angola for a minimum of 6 months
- They provide proof of their work abroad to Angolan customs
- They return to Canada after their term or contract has ended
Moving Permanently
Angolan nationals returning to live permanently in Angola may import
their personal effects duty-free if the conditions below are followed:
- Items are shipped to Angola within 6 months prior to their departure
from Canada and/or their arrival in Angola
- Items are authorised by Angola Customs
- Items shipped are for personal use and have no commercial value
Personal effects are for the use of its owner and his or her family
and they must also meet the following criteria:
- Provide proof that the goods are older than 6 months and that they
are intended for personal use only
- Items are not intended for sale and have no commercial value
- Items are shipped to Angola within 6 months prior to their departure
from Canada or arrival in Angola
NOTE:
Goods such as alcoholic
beverages, tobacco products, perfumes, perishable foods, and medicines
are not allowed in shipments.
Personal Effects Checklist
- A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
- Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Personal Effects' (see sample)
- A detailed description of each item is provided, which includes
estimated value and reason for importation
- Provide a photocopy of passport or ID card
Sources:
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_US
https://www.ucm.minfin.gov.ao/cs/groups/public/documents/document/aw4x/mtay/~edisp/minfin1102962.pdf
https://agt.minfin.gov.ao/PortalAGT/#!/sala-de-imprensa/comunicados
Sample Commercial Invoice for Personal Effects
| Ship To |
Invoice |
|---|
António Neto
Nossa Senhora da Muxima
Luanda
Angola
Phone:
+244 921 360 872 |
Carrier tracking number:
736534736
General Description:
Personal effects being delivered to my new address.
Invoice number:
123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker:
UPS
Date:
28 May 2023 |
| QTY |
Description of Goods |
C/O |
SubTotal |
|---|
| 5 Pairs |
Personal Effects: 5 pairs of various types of shoes
|
IN |
$40.00 |
| 1 Each |
Personal Effects: Arc'terix Winter Jacket
|
CA |
$478.00 |
Terms of Sale:
None
Total number of packages:
1
Reason for export:
Personal Effects
Contact Name:
James Smith
|
Total Invoice Amount:
$678.00
Total Weight:
10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
|
Food, Chocolate, Candies
Certain foodstuffs may enter Angola, but there may be restrictions to
quantity and customs rules regarding standards.
You May Ship
- Chocolate
- Animal products
- Salt
- Canned fish
Do Not Ship
- Homemade or artisanal drinks and medicines
- Items harmful to public health
- Perishable items
Food, Chocolate, Candies Checklist
- Clearly indicate 'Food' on the commercial invoice in the General Description
or Remarks section (see sample)
- Ensure that your food, chocolate, or candies may be imported into the
country
- You are not shipping commercial quantities (for any duty & tax exemption)
- Check with your carrier that they will accept food shipments
Sources:
https://www.ucm.minfin.gov.ao/cs/groups/public/documents/document/aw4x/mtay/~edisp/minfin1102962.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Food, Chocolate, Candies
| Ship To |
Invoice |
|---|
António Neto
Nossa Senhora da Muxima
Luanda
Angola
Phone:
+244 921 360 872 |
Carrier tracking number:
736534736
General Description:
Food Shipment - Assorted chocolate bars in their original manufacturer's packaging
Invoice number:
123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker:
UPS
Date:
28 May 2023 |
| QTY |
Description of Goods |
C/O |
SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Box |
Nestle Chocolate Bars in original packaging expiring May 2021 (shelf life of 6 months or longer)
|
CA |
$20.00 |
Terms of Sale:
None
Total number of packages:
1
Reason for export:
Permanent / Sold
Contact Name:
James Smith
|
Total Invoice Amount:
$20.00
Total Weight:
10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
|
Samples
Commercial samples are those shipped for display and demonstration
purposes at exhibitions or sales promotion events. The objective is to
encourage future purchases of the samples, not to sell them.
Samples shipped from Canada to Angola may be exempt from duty
provided:
- Items are displayed at exhibitions or sales promotional events
- They have no commercial value
- They are not a prohibited good
NOTE:
Samples imported for free
distribution require an authorisation by Customs.
Commercial Sample Checklist
- A Commercial Invoice must be included with your shipment
- Clearly indicate 'Commercial Samples' on the commercial invoice in the
General Description & Detailed Description of Goods (see sample)
- The item shipped has tearing, perforation, slashing, defacing, or has
permanent marking clearing indicating the item as commercial sample
Sample Commercial Invoice for Commercial Sample
| Ship To |
Invoice |
|---|
António Neto
Nossa Senhora da Muxima
Luanda
Angola
Phone:
+244 921 360 872 |
Carrier tracking number:
736534736
General Description:
Commercial Sample - Not for Resale
Invoice number:
123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker:
UPS
Date:
28 May 2023 |
| QTY |
Description of Goods |
C/O |
SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Box |
Commercial Sample - Advanced reading copy of Dan Brown's novel.
|
CA |
$20.00 |
Terms of Sale:
None
Total number of packages:
1
Reason for export:
Commercial Sample
Contact Name:
James Smith
|
Total Invoice Amount:
$20.00
Total Weight:
10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
|
Advertising Material
Advertising material shipped temporarily from Canada to Angola may be
exempt from duty under the following conditions:
- Goods are intended for an advertising event exclusively
(exhibitions, fairs, seminars, workshops, etc.)
- Items must display the logo, symbol, or name of the event
- Shipments of goods valued at $1,000 CAD or more requires the use of
a clearing agent
NOTE:
Depending on the product, a pre-shipment inspection may be required.
The customs deposit may be waived for official trade shows when
accompanied by a formal letter from the Ministry of Foreign Relations
Angola does not accept ATA Carnets for the temporary import of goods.
Advertising Material Checklist
- Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Promotional Material - Not for
Resale' (see sample)
- A detailed description of each item is provided
- A Declaration of Commitment to Exclusivity, issued by the organisers, must be presented to Customs
Sources:
https://www.ucm.minfin.gov.ao/cs/groups/public/documents/document/aw4x/mtay/~edisp/minfin1102962.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material
| Ship To |
Invoice |
|---|
António Neto
Nossa Senhora da Muxima
Luanda
Angola
Phone:
+244 921 360 872 |
Carrier tracking number:
736534736
General Description:
Promotional Material - Not for Resale
Invoice number:
123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker:
UPS
Date:
28 May 2023 |
| QTY |
Description of Goods |
C/O |
SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Each |
Promotional Material: Not for Resale. Product pamphlets to hand out at trade show.
|
CA |
$163.00 |
Terms of Sale:
None
Total number of packages:
1
Reason for export:
Promotional Material
Contact Name:
James Smith
|
Total Invoice Amount:
$163.00
Total Weight:
10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
|
Repairs
Sending a piece of equipment for repair to Angola from Canada can be
done through temporary importation. Goods may stay in Angola for up to
no more than 12 months. A deposit must be paid to Angolan Customs
amounting to 50% of the duties and taxes on the declared value.
Items Under Warranty
Goods sent for repairs to Angola from Canada may be done via temporary
importation. A deposit must be paid to Angolan Customs equal to 50% of
the duties and taxes on the declared value.
Items No Longer Under Warranty
An item that is no longer under warranty and returns to Canada from
Angola will be charged GST. The GST will be charged on the value of
the repair and on any parts required for the repair.
Sending Product for Repair to Angola
Sending equipment for repair to Angola will require payment of a
deposit to Angolan Customs equivalent to 50% of the duties and taxes
on the declared value. Goods may remain in the country as a temporary
import, and stay for no longer than 1 year.
Returning Repaired Product to Angola
Returning repaired equipment from Angola may be exempt from taxes
provided:
- Goods are under warranty and repairs were made free of charge
- The cost of the repairs does not add value to the equipment
Repair Checklist
- Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'REPAIR & RETURN' under the General
Description or Remarks, and include the estimated time of return(see sample)
- Include repair contract with shipment
- Serial or product number and the cost of repairs should be indicated under
the Detailed Description of Goods section
- Include the original shipping documents or tracking number from when the
item was first exported to Angola or exported to Canada (depending on
which case applies)
- A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Sources:
https://www.ucm.minfin.gov.ao/cs/groups/public/documents/document/aw4x/mtay/~edisp/minfin1102962.pdf
http://www.ucm.minfin.gov.ao/cs/groups/public/documents/document/zmlu/mjiy/~edisp/minfin222423.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Warranty Repair
| Ship To |
Invoice |
|---|
António Neto
Nossa Senhora da Muxima
Luanda
Angola
Phone:
+244 921 360 872 |
Carrier tracking number:
736534736
General Description:
Repair and Return - Watch being sent for repair
Invoice number:
123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker:
UPS
Date:
28 May 2023 |
| QTY |
Description of Goods |
C/O |
SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Each |
Fossil Watch being sent for repair - Model E5, serial # 789456FG7E2 - Repair Cost $76.00
|
US |
$163.00 |
Terms of Sale:
None
Total number of packages:
1
Reason for export:
Warranty Repair
Contact Name:
James Smith
|
Total Invoice Amount:
$163.00
Total Weight:
10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
|
Temporary Imports
Goods imported temporarily into Angola may be exempt from complete or
partial duty. Other criteria may include the following:
- For each temporary importation order, the payment of customs fees
are calculated by applying a 2% rate
- Also, the shipper or his/her representative a guarantee payment to
the AGT (Autoridade Geral Tributária) to ensure payment of
customs duties
- Depending on the shipment, thel guarantee payment may be calculated
applying a 50% rate
The following list include goods that often qualify as temporary
imports:
- Commercial samples
- Goods for display at exhibitions, such as trade or industrial fairs,
including exhibition booths and decorations
- Equipment required to evaluate and test the operation of other goods
- Tools and specialised equipment required for repairing, exploring,
producing, or manufacturing
- Equipment and other facilities, printed matter, office supplies etc.
for use at conferences, meetings, or celebrations
- Printed material, table coverings, and tableware (must display the
company logo)
NOTE:
Temporary imports must meet
the following criteria:
- The goods are not to be altered except through natural wear-and-tear
- Goods may not stay in Angola longer than 12 months
ATA Carnets
Angola does not recognise ATA Carnets for temporary imports into the
country.
Temporary Imports Checklist
- Commercial Invoice clearly stating 'Temporary Import'. This must be written
in the General Description section and the Detailed Description of Goods. (see sample)
- The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no
repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
- Stay no longer than the period listed above
- Include your ATA Carnet with your shipment (if applicable)
- Include the expected return date or the date that it was originally received
within the country (whichever applies)
- Any above listed items not listed in this checklist
Sources:
http://www.ucm.minfin.gov.ao/cs/groups/public/documents/document/zmlu/mjiy/~edisp/minfin222423.pdf
https://www.ucm.minfin.gov.ao/cs/groups/public/documents/document/aw4x/mtay/~edisp/minfin1102962.pdf
https://www.ucm.minfin.gov.ao/cs/groups/public/documents/document/aw4x/mtay/~edisp/minfin1102962.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Temporary Imports
| Ship To |
Invoice |
|---|
António Neto
Nossa Senhora da Muxima
Luanda
Angola
Phone:
+244 921 360 872 |
Carrier tracking number:
736534736
General Description:
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment returning Jan 2020
Invoice number:
123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker:
UPS
Date:
28 May 2023 |
| QTY |
Description of Goods |
C/O |
SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 box |
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment
|
CA |
$1032.00 |
Terms of Sale:
None
Total number of packages:
1
Reason for export:
Temporary Imports
Contact Name:
James Smith
|
Total Invoice Amount:
$1032.00
Total Weight:
10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
|
Permanent/Sold Goods
The duty threshold for shipments sent to Angola from Canada is 880,000
Kwanzas (about $1,750 CAD). Therefore, duty is applied if the value of
the shipment is above this amount (also known as the de minimis
value).
All goods imported into Angola will incur VAT regardless of their
value.
Occasional Shipper
Occasional shipments of sold goods to Angola will incur duty charges
and VAT.
Regular shipper
If you regularly sell and ship goods to Angola, we suggest you consult
with an Angolan licenced customs broker as any shipment valued at
$1,000 CAD or more will require a clearing agent to process the
transaction.
Additional information:
- All imported goods must be cleared through customs.
- Importers must be registered with the Ministry of Commerce for the
category of product they are importing.
- Only registered companies can apply for an import license which is
required for imports of sensitive products such as food, medical
devices, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural inputs
- Any shipment of goods of value equal to or exceeding $1,000 CAD
requires the use of a clearing agent
Sources:
http://www.ucm.minfin.gov.ao/cs/groups/public/documents/document/zmlu/mjiy/~edisp/minfin222423.pdf
https://www.agt.minfin.gov.ao/PortalAGT/#!/servicos-aduaneiros//viajantes
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
| Ship To |
Invoice |
|---|
António Neto
Nossa Senhora da Muxima
Luanda
Angola
Phone:
+244 921 360 872 |
Carrier tracking number:
736534736
General Description:
Permanent/Sold: Parts and accessories for Canon B78n camera
Invoice number:
123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker:
UPS
Date:
28 May 2023 |
| QTY |
Description of Goods |
C/O |
SubTotal |
|---|
| 15 Each |
Camera Lenses: Canon EF 50mm, Canon EF 85mm & wide-angle lenses.
|
CA |
$132.00 |
Terms of Sale:
None
Total number of packages:
1
Reason for export:
Permanent/Sold
Contact Name:
James Smith
|
Total Invoice Amount:
$1980.00
Total Weight:
10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
|
Shipping Rates
Easy Tracking
Information
Prohibited &
Restricted Imports
Duty &
Taxes
Angola Shipping Insurance
Questions
about Shipping to Angola