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
Any of the following items are allowed entry into Barbados as a
document shipment:
- Annual reports
- Blueprints, drawings
- Brochures, price lists
- Charts
- Computer print-outs
- Credit cards
- Driver's licence
- Intercompany mail
- Magazines, newspapers
- Manuscripts
- Passports, visa applications
- Proposals
- Specifications sheets
Barbados customs officials will allow entry to the following items as
documents if the criteria listed is abided by:
| Document Type | Restriction |
|---|
| Airline tickets | Must be validated |
| Cheques | Must be blank or cancelled |
| Forms | Only if blank |
| Photographs | Only if they are related to a business |
| Publications | Must be for intercompany use only |
Sources:
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_US
Shipping Gifts
All gift shipments entering Barbados from Canada will incur duty and
taxes regardless of the value of the parcel. There or no thresholds
below which no duty or taxes will be charged.
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
A gift shipment from an individual in Canada to an individual in
Barbados will be liable to duty and taxes even if it is a low value
item.
Shipments from Business-to-Business
Gift shipments from a business in Canada to a business in Barbados
will incur duty and taxes regardless of the value of the shipment.
Shipments from Business-to-Individual
If a business in Canada sends a gift parcel to an individual in
Barbados, it will have duty and taxes applied to it no matter its
value.
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 |
|---|
Garfield Sobers
Fontabelle Rd.
St. Michael, Bridgetown
BB11149
Barbados
Phone: +1 246-227-2651 | 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 your shipment contains multiple gifts, be sure to wrap and tag each
gift separately.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Garfield Sobers
Fontabelle Rd.
St. Michael, Bridgetown
BB11149
Barbados
Phone: +1 246-227-2651 | 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
https://barbados.org/customs.htm#.YUmitWZKiZx
Shipping Personal Effects
Barbadian nationals may return to Barbados with their personal effects
exempt from duty.
The exemption is allowed provided:
- The items are for the use of the shipper or his or her family
- The effects will not be sold or traded once in Barbados
- The goods have been owned by the shipper for a minimum of 1 year
- The shipment arrives no more than 2 months before or after the
arrival of the owner of the goods
NOTE:
The allowances for duty-free
entry of personal effects can be found in Appendix 1
here.
Moving Temporarily
Students
There is no information at this time concerning students moving
temporarily to Barbados with their personal effects.
Non-students
No information is available regarding non-students moving temporarily
to Barbados with their personal effects.
Moving Permanently
If you are a Barbadian citizen returning to live permanently in
Barbados, you may ship your personal belongings to the country
duty-free provided:
- The goods arrive sometime between 2 months before or 2 months after
your own arrival
- You have owned the goods for at least 1 year before returning to
Barbados
- The items will not be sold, given away, or traded in the first year
of returning to the country
- You or your family will be the only ones using the personal effects
- For details as to the amount of specific goods that will be allowed
a duty-free entry into Barbados, please click here (Appendix 1).
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
Sources:
https://www.foreign.gov.bb/returning-to-reside-in-barbados/
https://www.barbadosintoronto.com/uploads/6/8/0/8/680878/barbados_network_information_booklet.pdf
https://www.barbadosparliament.com/uploads/sittings/attachments/b005d3e1cb5cd0a475eea964a0016c37.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Personal Effects
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Garfield Sobers
Fontabelle Rd.
St. Michael, Bridgetown
BB11149
Barbados
Phone: +1 246-227-2651 | 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
Information concerning the entry of foodstuffs into Barbados is
limited at this time.
You May Ship
Do Not Ship
- Perishables
- Plants and cuttings
- Meat, dairy, and their products
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:
http://www.vertic.org/media/National%20Legislation/Barbados/BB_Customs_List_Prohibited_Restricted_Imports_Exports_Order.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Food, Chocolate, Candies
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Garfield Sobers
Fontabelle Rd.
St. Michael, Bridgetown
BB11149
Barbados
Phone: +1 246-227-2651 | 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 shipped by a commercial traveller may enter
Barbados exempt from duty though either a refundable duty deposit or
bond will be required by customs officials.
The traveller must ensure that the samples:
- Are of negligible value
- Are returned to Canada within 3 months of their entry into Barbados
- Are not sold whilst in Barbados
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
Sources:
http://104.238.85.55/en/ShowPdf/1963_61.pdf
https://www.barbadosparliament.com/uploads/sittings/attachments/b005d3e1cb5cd0a475eea964a0016c37.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Commercial Sample
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Garfield Sobers
Fontabelle Rd.
St. Michael, Bridgetown
BB11149
Barbados
Phone: +1 246-227-2651 | 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 to Barbados will be exempt from duty if
it has no commercial value, i.e. it cannot be sold.
Advertising Material Checklist
- Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Promotional Material - Not for
Resale' (see sample)
- A detailed description of each item is provided
Sources:
https://www.barbadosparliament.com/uploads/sittings/attachments/b005d3e1cb5cd0a475eea964a0016c37.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Garfield Sobers
Fontabelle Rd.
St. Michael, Bridgetown
BB11149
Barbados
Phone: +1 246-227-2651 | 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
Equipment and machinery shipped to Barbados for repair will be exempt
from duty charges provided the items are returned to Canada within 1
year of their entry into Barbados.
Items Under Warranty
Goods shipped to Canada for repair under warranty will be exempt from
GST on both the repair charges and any parts required to make the
repairs.
Items No Longer Under Warranty
Machines and equipment that are no longer under warranty will incur
GST on the value of the repair work and on any parts used during the
repair process.
Sending Product for Repair to Barbados
If you send products for repair to Barbados, they will be duty-free as
long as they stay in Barbados no longer than 1 year.
Returning Repaired Product to Barbados
If products no longer under warranty are repaired in Canada and
returned to Barbados, they will be charged Canadian GST on the value
of the repair and on any parts that were used to effect the repair.
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 Barbados or exported to Canada (depending on
which case applies)
- A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Sources:
http://104.238.85.55/en/ShowPdf/1963_61.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Warranty Repair
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Garfield Sobers
Fontabelle Rd.
St. Michael, Bridgetown
BB11149
Barbados
Phone: +1 246-227-2651 | 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 of a temporary nature - commercial samples for display at trade
fairs or exhibitions - may enter Barbados exempt from duty charges
provided they leave the country within 3 months of their entry.
NOTE:
A security deposit will be
required to cover the amount of duty owed.
ATA Carnets
ATA Carnets are not accepted by Barbadian customs for the temporary
importation of goods.
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.wcoomd.org/-/media/wco/public/global/pdf/topics/wto-atf/dev/survey-temporary.pdf?la=en
http://admin.theiguides.org/Media/Documents/Customs%20Act%20CAP66.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Temporary Imports
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Garfield Sobers
Fontabelle Rd.
St. Michael, Bridgetown
BB11149
Barbados
Phone: +1 246-227-2651 | 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
All imports entering Barbados with a value of $50 BBD (about $30 CAD)
or more will incur duty and VAT.
Occasional Shipper
Even occasional shipments of sold goods to Barbados will have duty and
VAT applied to them if their value is greater than $50 BBD (about $30
CAD). This includes items sold on sites such as eBay.
Regular shipper
Regular shippers of sold goods to Barbados are highly recommended to
consult a Barbadian licenced customs broker to ensure all parties are
adhering to customs regulations.
Sources:
https://asycuda.customs.gov.bb/files/COMMERCIAL%20DECLARATION%20PROCEDURE%20SOP%20Revised%20V7.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Garfield Sobers
Fontabelle Rd.
St. Michael, Bridgetown
BB11149
Barbados
Phone: +1 246-227-2651 | 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 |
Duty &
Taxes
The CIF value is the method by which duty and taxes are calculated on
imports entering Barbados.
If you were to calculate the CIF value of your shipment to Barbados, you
would have an estimate of the taxes and duty owed by the recipient.
Thresholds
The threshold (also known as the de minimis value) on shipments
entering Barbados is $50 BBD (about $30 CAD). This means that on
shipments of $50 BBD or less, no duty or VAT will be incurred.
| Currency | Barbadian Dollar BBD |
| Duty Exemption (De minimis Value) | $50 (about $30 CAD) |
| Duty Calculation Method | CIF |
| TAX (VAT) | 17.5% |
Tax Exemption
(De minimis Value) | $50 (about $30 CAD) |
| Tax Calculation Method | CIF |
| |
Duties on Imports
Excise Taxes
Wines and spirits as well as cigarettes, cigars, cheroots, and
cigarillos will be liable to excise taxes when entering Barbados. The
detailed values for these products can be found here.
- Candy20%
- Chocolate20%
- Spirits and winesVariable*
- TobaccoVariable*
- Books0%
- Documents0%
- Video games & consoles20%
- Computers & laptops0%
- Tablets0%
- Mobiles5%
- Cameras0%
- Accessories for Electronics5%
- Coats20%
- Beauty products & cosmetics20%
- Jewellery60%
- Shirts & pants20%
- Home appliances20%
- Toys20%
- Sports equipment10%
Sources:
https://www.barbadosparliament.com/uploads/sittings/attachments/b005d3e1cb5cd0a475eea964a0016c37.pdf
https://www.macmap.org/
https://taxsummaries.pwc.com/barbados/corporate/other-taxes
https://asycuda.customs.gov.bb/files/COMMERCIAL%20DECLARATION%20PROCEDURE%20SOP%20Revised%20V7.pdf
Barbados Shipping Insurance
You can purchase insurance
through Secureship, and it is provided by the carrier that will be transporting
your shipment.
Each carrier will charge a different amount per $100 of declared
insurance. If you indicate that you need insurance for your shipment, our
system will automatically include the insurance costs for your shipment.
Insurance is great to have in case your package is accidentally lost or
damaged by the carrier. But be careful, not everything you ship is
insurable. Worse - even if your package contains items that are insurable,
if it doesn't meet the ISTA 3A packaging standard, the insurance purchased
through the carrier would not be available to you.
Here are some items that cannot be insured by the carrier:
- Personal belongings
- Antiques
- Artwork
- Liquids (including alcohol)
- Televisions
- Jewellery in excess of $500
- Perishable goods
- Glass or Ceramic
- And many more items
For more information, please see the carrier's terms and conditions.
Questions
about Shipping to Barbados
Can I ship to Barbados?
Shipping to Barbados from Canada can take between 3-5 business days
through the fastest carriers available on the Secureship platform. More
economical services, such as Canada Post, can take up to 1-2
months to complete the delivery.
Find out
how fast the Secureship trusted carriers can get your shipment
delivered to Barbados by getting a quote now.
Does UPS ship to Barbados?
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