Though Belize is a small Caribbean-coast nation of Central America, it has protected vast swaths of its terrestrial and marine environments. And because of its prized ecological sanctuaries - including the 300 kilometre long Belize Barrier Reef - Belize has become a prime destination for ecotourism, and a haven to elusive jaguars and colourful scarlet macaws.
E-commerce is still a young industry in Belize; however, recent government legislation has strengthened the financial security of electronic transactions. As 94% of Belizeans have a mobile phone, e-commerce revenues are predicted to grow at 16% annually from now until 2025. Good news for Canadians wishing to trade with an English-speaking, Commonwealth country.
Easily compare the best and cheapest shipping options to Belize through a variety of carriers using Secureship
Secureship provides safe and affordable shipping from Canada to Belize. In case you are an everyday shopper or a business,
you can easily save up to 50% on your international shipping costs by way of accessing our group buying power.
Shipments through Secureship come with full, easy to read tracking information to Belize
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
Jun 2, 2023
8:49 am
Punta Gorda , PG, BZ
Delivered
Jun 1, 2023
7:18 am
Orange Walk , OW, BZ
In transit
May 31, 2023
9:03 pm
San Ignacio , SI, BZ
International Clearance
May 31, 2023
8:14 am
Belize City , BC, BZ
In transit
May 31, 2023
12:17 am
Toronto, ON, CA
In transit
May 30, 2023
4:30 pm
Ottawa, ON, CA
Pickup Scan
Disclaimer!
While we have made every effort to ensure that the information on this page is accurate, Customs laws and procedures change regularly so it is
important to consult a licensed broker in Belize before shipping any goods.
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:
All gift shipments entering Belize will incur duties and taxes regardless of their value. There are no thresholds below which customs authorities will not assess fees on gift parcels.
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
Duties and taxes will be incurred on gift shipments sent from an individual in Canada to an individual in Belize. This includes parcels with a minimal value.
Shipments from Business-to-Business
Any gift shipment from a business in Canada to a business in Belize will have duty and taxes applied to it. There are no thresholds below which no fees are owed.
Shipments from Business-to-Individual
All shipments of gifts from a business in Canada to an individual living in Belize will be liable for duties and taxes no matter the value of the gift.
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
Andy Palacio 12 Floral Park Road Belmopan Belize
Phone: +501 822-1054
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal Shipment / Gift Shipment
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 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 parcel contains multiple gifts, it is recommended that you wrap and tag each gift separately.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
Ship To
Invoice
Andy Palacio 12 Floral Park Road Belmopan Belize
Phone: +501 822-1054
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Unsolicited Gift: Consolidated Gift Package
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 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
Non-belizean citizens and residents will incur duties on their personal effects when they move to Belize. (An individual may apply for duty relief from the Belizean Ministry of Finance.)
Belizeans (Citizens or Holders of a Belizean Residency Permit)
Personal effects and household goods* may be shipped to Belize exempt from duties provided:
They are used
They have been in the claimant's possession for a minimum of 1 year
The items will not be sold or lent out to anyone
The shipment arrives from 3 months before to 3 months after the arrival of the claimant
*May include tools and instruments required for a trade, profession, or employment if they are used and have been owned for a reasonable time period. (Permission by the Ministry of Finance will be required.)
For new and unused household and personal effects, they will be admitted into Belize duty-free up to a value of BZ$20,000 (about $12,850 CAD) as long as:
The claimant has been outside of Belize continuously for 3 years or more
The goods are for their use only, and will not be for sale or given away
NOTE: Wooden furniture requires an importation licence from the Ministry of Trade prior to the entry of the items into the country.
Moving Temporarily
Students
There is no information at this time regarding students moving to Belize with their personal effects.
Non-students
No information regarding non-students moving temporarily to Belize with personal effects is available at this time.
Moving Permanently
Belizeans Citizens or Holders of a Belizean Residency Permit
New and unused household goods and personal effects of Belizean citizens will be allowed entry into Belize duty-free if:
Their value is BZ$20,000 or less (about $12,850 CAD)
The goods will only be used by the individual or his or her family
The claimant has live outside of Belize continuously for a minimum of 3 years
Used household goods* and personal effects may enter Belize duty-free provided:
They have been owned and used by the claimant for at least 12 months
The goods arrive in Belize between 3 months before to 3 months after the individual or family
They are for the use of the individual or his or her family exclusively
*Instruments and tools for a person's employment - profession or trade - can be claimed for a duty-free entry as long as they have been owned and used for a suitable length of time. (This will require approval by the Ministry of Finance.)
NOTE: Furniture made of wood may enter Belize but must be accompanied by an importation licence issued by Belize's Ministry of Trade. This must be done before the items enter the country.
Non-belizean Citizens
Non-belizean citizens and residents will be liable to duties on their personal effects when they move to Belize. (Duty-relief may be granted by the Belizean Ministry of Finance; an application is required.)
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
Documentation of a Belizean Residency Permit or citizenship (for those moving permanently)
Sample Commercial Invoice for Food, Chocolate, Candies
Ship To
Invoice
Andy Palacio 12 Floral Park Road Belmopan Belize
Phone: +501 822-1054
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Food Shipment - Assorted chocolate bars in their original manufacturer's packaging
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 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 shipped to promote products; they are not for sale. Therefore, they are to be rendered unusable - torn, perforated, etc. - before being displayed.
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 Promotional Material
Ship To
Invoice
Andy Palacio 12 Floral Park Road Belmopan Belize
Phone: +501 822-1054
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Promotional Material - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 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
Instruments, machinery, and other equipment from Belize that is repaired in Canada will be liable to duty fees from Belizean authorities when they are returned to the country.
Items Under Warranty
No information regarding items under warranty that are repaired either in Canada or Belize, and returned to their country of origin.
Items No Longer Under Warranty
Machinery and equipment no longer under warranty that is repaired in Canada will incur Canadian duties and GST. These fees will be applied to the cost of repairing the item and on any parts used during the process.
Sending Product for Repair to Belize
There is no information at this time concerning sending products for repair to Belize.
Returning Repaired Product to Belize
Products repaired in Canada will incur Belizean duties on the cost of the repair plus parts required 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 Belize or exported to Canada (depending on which case applies)
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Repair and Return - Watch being sent for repair
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 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 shipped to Belize as a temporary import will be allowed a duty-free entry provided:
A security payment is made to cover duty fees
Goods* stay a maximum of 6 months in the country (this may be extended to a maximum time of 1 year in the country)
*Excluding cinematographic films for public exhibition
NOTE:
Belizean customs authorities do not accept ATA Carnets for temporary imports.
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
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment returning Jan 2020
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 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
Sold goods with a value of $50 USD (about $65 CAD) or less will be exempt from duties and GST when they enter Belize.
Occasional Shipper
Occasional shipments of sold goods to Belize with a value of no more than $50 USD (about $65 CAD) will be allowed a duty- and VAT-free entry into the country
Regular shipper
If you regularly ship sold goods to Belize, we recommend you employ the services of a licenced Belizean customs broker. This is absolutely necessary when a shipment's value is BZ$200 or more (about $130 CAD).
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
Ship To
Invoice
Andy Palacio 12 Floral Park Road Belmopan Belize
Phone: +501 822-1054
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Permanent/Sold: Parts and accessories for Canon B78n camera
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 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
Required Documents
Shipping packages internationally requires a lot of documentation. This process alone can be confusing and time-consuming.
So we’ve narrowed down what documents you might need and ranked them based on likeliness of being needed.
Document Type
When?
Details
Shipping Label / Bill of Lading
Always required
This is a label provided by the carrier (UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.). Always required because the carrier needs to know the parcel's destination.
Commercial Invoice
Required for all non-document shipments
For all non-document shipments, you will require 3 copies of the commercial invoice (to be included with your shipping labels).
These are for customs purposes and need to be included inside a document pouch outside of the box.
When creating a shipment through the Secureship website, the system will help you create this document automatically.
B13a
Required if value exceeds $2,000 per shipment or is a controlled good
A B13a is required if your shipment exceeds $2000 CAD or is a controlled good
and is destined to a country other than the US, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands
Canada has a preferential trade agreement with Belize. A COO proves that an item has been produced, manufactured or processed in Canada.
When an item with a COO is imported into Belize, it will incur a reduced or zero-rated import duty.
Certificate of Insurance (COI)
Infrequently required
Shows that the shipment has been insured.
Banks may request a certificate of insurance when providing letters of credit for the goods. Otherwise,
it is generally your choice whether to purchase insurance for the shipment.
ATA Carnet
Infrequently required
Used to avoid duties and taxes on shipments of temporary nature.
If you ship goods of temporary nature to and from a country, you can obtain an ATA Carnet to expedite the customs clearance process and
ensure that anything of temporary nature is not charged duties and taxes.
No specific form required, but generally includes information regarding:
The exporter, importer and transport company
Date of issue
Number of freight invoice
Type and number of packages
Contents of each package
Marks and numbers
Net weight, gross weight and measurements of each package
Prohibited & Restricted Imports
Prohibited goods may not enter Belize while those deemed restricted are allowed entry but may be limited in quantity or require permission from a government agency.
Prohibited Items
Any material
considered seditious
Shaving brushes
made in Japan
Obscene or indecent objects
or materials of any sort - photographs, books, drawings, etc.
The amount of duty and taxes on imports entering Belize is calculated using the CIF value of the parcel.
The CIF value is the sum of the customs value plus insurance costs plus freight fees.
CIF Value = Customs Value + Insurance Amount + Freight Costs
By calculating the CIF value of your parcel before shipping, you will have an estimate of the duty and taxes owed by the recipient.
Thresholds
The threshold for duties and taxes on imported goods entering Belize is $50 USD (about $65 CAD). Also known as the de minimis value, goods with a value of $50 USD or less will not incur duties or other taxes like GST.
Currency
Belize Dollar BZD
Duty Exemption (De minimis Value)
$50 USD (about $65 CAD)
Duty Calculation Method
CIF
TAX (GST)
12.5%
Tax Exemption
(De minimis Value)
$50 USD (about $65 CAD)
Tax Calculation Method
CIF
Duties on Imports
Other Taxes
In addition to GST on imports, Belize also applies a Revenue Replacement Duty (RRD) ranging from 10 - 50%, and an environmental tax of 3% on incoming shipments.
Excise Duties
The following items will incur excise duties. Details can be found
here.
Confectionary
Beer, wine, and spirits
Tobacco
Watches
Electronics such as digital cameras, video camera recorders, and televisions
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.
Shipping to Belize 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.
