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.
Belize customs allows the following items into the country as document
shipments:
- Advertising literature and business cards
- Airline tickets
- Annual reports and intercompany mail
- Bids and proposals
- Blueprints
- Books, manuscripts, and publications
- Brochures and pamphlets
- Business cards and labels
- Calendars
- Cash letters, negotiable bonds, and drafts
- Catalogues and price lists
- Charts and maps
- Cheques and credit cards
- Computer print-outs
- Drawings
- Driver's licence
- Graphs
- Greeting cards and invitations
- Magazines, newspapers, and periodicals
- Passports and visa applications
- Photographs
- Specifications sheets
Belizean customs authorities will allow the following items into their
country as a document shipment provided they abide by the restrictions
below:
| Item | Restriction |
|---|
| Envelopes and stationery | Provided they are blank |
| Forms | Only if they are blank |
| Manuals | Must be of a technical nature |
| Newsletters | Must be for inter-company use |
| Traveller's cheques | Must have been used |
Sources:
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_CA
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: 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 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: 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_CA
https://www.fedex.com/en-us/ancillary-clearance-service.html
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)
Sources:
https://www.customs.gov.bz/personal_household.html
Sample Commercial Invoice for Personal Effects
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Andy Palacio
12 Floral Park Road
Belmopan
Belize
Phone: +501 822-1054 | 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 |
May foodstuffs entering Belize from abroad have restrictions.
You May Ship
The following are also allowed entry into Belize, but with
restrictions:
- Peanut butter
- Jellies and jams
- Pasta
- Wheat flour
- Rice
- Pepper sauces and peppers
- Carbonated beverages
Do Not Ship
- Perishable items - meat, fish, and produce
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.fedex.com/en-us/ancillary-clearance-service.html
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: 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 |
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
Sources:
https://www.customs.gov.bz/tariffs_PDF/124_LIST%20OF%20CONDITIONAL%20DUTY%20EXEMPTIONS.pdf
https://www.fedex.com/en-us/ancillary-clearance-service.html
Sample Commercial Invoice for Commercial Sample
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Andy Palacio
12 Floral Park Road
Belmopan
Belize
Phone: +501 822-1054 | 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 materials may enter Belize duty-free except for:
- Penknives
- Playing cards
- Any item that is a replacement for an ordinary article in a
commercial exchange
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.customs.gov.bz/tariffs_PDF/124_LIST%20OF%20CONDITIONAL%20DUTY%20EXEMPTIONS.pdf
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: 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 |
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
Sources:
https://www.customs.gov.bz/tariffs_PDF/124_LIST%20OF%20CONDITIONAL%20DUTY%20EXEMPTIONS.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Warranty Repair
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Andy Palacio
12 Floral Park Road
Belmopan
Belize
Phone: +501 822-1054 | 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 |
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
Sources:
https://www.customs.gov.bz/download/customsexcise_duties.pdf
https://www.atacarnet.com/carnet-countries
Sample Commercial Invoice for Temporary Imports
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Andy Palacio
12 Floral Park Road
Belmopan
Belize
Phone: +501 822-1054 | 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 |
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).
Sources:
https://docs.wto.org/dol2fe/Pages/SS/directdoc.aspx?filename=q:/WT/TPR/S353R1.pdf&Open=True
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: 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 |
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.
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
- Cameras
- Candy20%
- Chocolate20%
- Spirits and winesVariable
- TobaccoBZ$65.00*/ 1,000 units
- Books0%
- Documents0%
- Video games & consoles20%
- Computers & laptops0%
- Tablets0%
- Mobiles5%
- Cameras25%
- Accessories for Electronics0%
- Coats20%
- Beauty products & cosmetics20%
- Jewellery50%
- Shirts & pants20%
- Home appliances20%
- Toys20%
- Sports equipment10%
*About $40 CAD
Sources:
https://www.macmap.org/
https://www.customs.gov.bz/PDF/excise%20exempt%20list%20revised.pdf
https://global-express.org/index.php?id=422&act=10&ite=21
