Before Juan de Bermúdez, the 181 isolated islands of Bermuda were undiscovered and uninhabited. Today, Bermuda is a self-autonomous British Territory. While that may be hard work, Bermudians relax on their fine beaches that face cerulean waters and bask under sub-tropical skies.
Bermuda may sit a 1,000-plus km off the U.S. east coast, but it is as connected electronically as any other first-world nation - 98% internet penetration rate, and boasts very high figures for social media use. So, shipping to this very rich nation - 3rd highest per capita income in the world - should be as enticing as having a day out on a Bermudan pink-sand beach.
Easily compare the best and cheapest shipping options to Bermuda through a variety of carriers using Secureship
Secureship provides safe and affordable shipping from Canada to Bermuda. 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 Bermuda
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
Jun 1, 2023
8:49 am
Camden, CA, BM
Delivered
May 31, 2023
7:18 am
Hinson Hall, HH, BM
In transit
May 30, 2023
9:03 pm
Hill View, HV, BM
International Clearance
May 30, 2023
8:14 am
Hamilton, HA, BM
In transit
May 30, 2023
12:17 am
Toronto, ON, CA
In transit
May 29, 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 Bermuda 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:
A gift shipment with a value of not more than $30 USD (about $35 CAD) may enter Bermuda duty-free.
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
A gift parcel from someone in Canada to an individual in Bermuda will be duty-free up to a value of $30 USD (about $35 CAD).
Shipments from Business-to-Business
A gift shipment from a business in Canada to a business in Bermuda may enter the country duty-free if its value is $30 USD or less (about $35 CAD).
Shipments from Business-to-Individual
A gift parcel from a business in Canada to an individual in Bermuda will be exempt from duty charges if the shipment's value is less than $30 USD (about $35 CAD).
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
Miguel ángel Asturias Calle 24 3-81 Bermuda City 01001 Bermuda
Phone: +502 2208 7777
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal Shipment / Gift Shipment
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 29 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
A shipment with multiple gifts with a value of no more than $30 USD (about $35 CAD) will be allowed entry into Bermuda duty-free.
Be sure to wrap and tag each gift separately.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
Ship To
Invoice
Miguel Ángel Asturias Calle 24 3-81 Bermuda City 01001 Bermuda
Phone: +502 2208 7777
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Unsolicited Gift: Consolidated Gift Package
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 29 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
Bermudian citizens and those with a temporary work permit who move to Bermuda are allowed entry of their personal effects exempt from duty. This is called a transfer of residence allowance (TRA) by Bermuda's customs department.
Exemption of duty is allowed on the following items provided they are for your household only (they cannot be in a commercial quantity):
Portable tools of your trade or profession
Computers
Clothing and footwear
Appliances and furniture
NOTE: Duty will be applied to alcoholic beverages and tobacco products.
The conditions of your shipment include:
The items have been in your possession for at least 6 months
You have lived outside of Bermuda for a minimum of 1 year
You may not sell, lease, or give away your goods for at least 6 months
Moving Temporarily
Students
There is no information at this time regarding students moving temporarily to Bermuda with their personal effects.
Non-students
Non-students with a temporary work permit may ship their personal effects to Bermuda from Canada exempt from duty under the country's transfer of residence allowance (TRA).
Duty exemption is granted if:
You have owned the goods for 6 months or more
You have been a resident of Canada for 1 year or more
The goods are not leased, donated, or sold for a minimum of 6 months
Goods considered eligible for duty exemption must be for your household only (they cannot be in a commercial quantity), and include:
Footwear and clothing
Furniture and household appliances
Computers
Small, portable tools and instruments for a profession or trade
NOTE: Tobacco products and alcoholic beverages are dutiable.
Moving Permanently
If you are moving permanently to Bermuda from Canada, you are allowed a transfer of residence allowance for your personal effects, i.e. duty-free entry of your property. The quantity of goods in the shipment must be suitable to the size of your family, that is they are not a commercial quantity.
Duty exemption is allowed if:
You have lived in Canada for 1 year or more
The goods have belonged to you for more than 6 months
The items remain in your possession for a minimum of 6 months (they cannot be sold, lent out, or given away)
The following goods qualify for a duty-free entry to Bermuda (NOTE: alcoholic beverages and tobacco products will incur duties):
Clothing, footwear
Furniture, appliances
Portable tools used as part of your trade or profession
Electronics, for e.g. computers
Personal Effects Checklist
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Commercial invoice must clearly state 'Personal Effects' (see sample)
A detailed description of each item is provided
Returning Bermudian residents require proof that they have lived outside of the country for at least 1 year
Miguel Ángel Asturias Calle 24 3-81 Bermuda City 01001 Bermuda
Phone: +502 2208 7777
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Commercial Sample - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 29 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
Printed advertising material may enter Bermuda exempt from duty for the following items:
Brochures
Pamphlets
Catalogues
Photographs
Tourism information
Other advertising goods and materials destined for meetings, conferences, exhibitions, or conventions are allowed duty-free entry into Bermuda. Be aware that customs officials may require a security deposit to cover duties owed should the items be lost or sold.
Advertising Material Checklist
Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Promotional Material - Not for Resale' (see sample)
Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material
Ship To
Invoice
Miguel Ángel Asturias Calle 24 3-81 Bermuda City 01001 Bermuda
Phone: +502 2208 7777
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Promotional Material - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 29 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
Goods repaired in Canada under a warranty and at no charge will be able to return to Bermuda exempt from duty.
Items Under Warranty
Items shipped to Canada from Bermuda for a warranty repair may re-enter Bermuda exempt from duty charges as long as the repairs were completed at no charge. The duty exemption also applies to the replacement of defective parts.
Items No Longer Under Warranty
Machinery and equipment no longer under warranty that are repaired in Canada will incur duties when they are returned to Bermuda. Also, GST will be applied to the repair charges and any parts used for the repair.
Sending Product for Repair to Bermuda
Equipment and machinery repaired in Bermuda will incur duty and GST when it re-enters Canada.
Returning Repaired Product to Bermuda
Provided equipment was repaired in Canada because of warranty obligations, and at no charge to the customer, it will be admitted into Bermuda exempt from duties.
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 Bermuda or exported to Canada (depending on which case applies)
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Miguel Ángel Asturias Calle 24 3-81 Bermuda City 01001 Bermuda
Phone: +502 2208 7777
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Repair and Return - Watch being sent for repair
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 29 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 that are temporary imports into Bermuda are eligible for a duty exemption provided:
They are returned to Canada within 6 months of their entry into Bermuda
They remain unchanged whilst in Bermuda aside from normal wear-and-tear
Goods typically allowed temporary importation include:
Commercial samples
Items for display at conventions, conferences, and other exhibitions
ATA Carnets
Bermuda does not allow ATA Carnets 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
Miguel Ángel Asturias Calle 24 3-81 Bermuda City 01001 Bermuda
Phone: +502 2208 7777
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment returning Jan 2020
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 29 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 entering Bermuda with a value of $30 BMD or less (about $35 CAD) will be exempt from duty. Above that value, both duty and wharfage fees (1.25% of the customs value) will be charged. There is no VAT or GST in Bermuda.
Occasional Shipper
If you only occasionally ship sold goods to Bermuda, for example through eBay, you will need to complete a commercial invoice. The recipient will be required to pay duties and wharfage fees if the value of the shipment is above $30 BMD (about $35 CAD); Bermuda does not have a VAT or GST.
Regular shipper
Regular shippers of sold goods to Bermuda should consult a Bermudian licenced customs broker to ensure that all regulations are followed, such as payment of wharfage fees.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
Ship To
Invoice
Miguel Ángel Asturias Calle 24 3-81 Bermuda City 01001 Bermuda
Phone: +502 2208 7777
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Permanent/Sold: Parts and accessories for Canon B78n camera
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 29 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 Bermuda. A COO proves that an item has been produced, manufactured or processed in Canada.
When an item with a COO is imported into Bermuda, 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.
Duty and taxes on shipments entering Bermuda are calculated using the CIF value of the shipment: The sum of the customs value plus insurance amount plus freight costs
CIF Value = Customs Value + Insurance Amount + Freight Costs
By calculating the CIF value of your shipment, you will be able to predict the monies owed by the recipient.
Recently, the country reduced to 0% the duty tax for certain healthy foods. Furthermore, there was an increase to the scope of items subject to a 75% 'sugar tax' imposed on certain 'non-nutritive luxury' food items.
Thresholds
The threshold (also called the de minimis value) for goods entering Bermuda is $30 BMD (about $35 CAD). This means that for shipments below this value, no duty charges or wharfage fees are incurred.
There is no GST or VAT in Bermuda.
Currency
Bermudian dollar BMD
Duty Exemption (De minimis Value)
$30 (about $35 CAD)
Duty Calculation Method
CIF
TAX (VAT)
N/A
Tax Exemption
(De minimis Value)
N/A
Tax Calculation Method
N/A
Duties on Imports
Wharfage Fees
Imported goods incur a wharfage fee of 1.25% of their customs value.
Food Taxes
Foods deemed 'healthy', there is a 0% duty tax. For those deemed 'non-nutritive luxury' foods, a 75% 'sugar tax' is imposed upon them.
Candy0%
Chocolate75%
Spirits and winesVariable*
TobaccoVariable*
Books0%
Documents0%
Video games & consoles25%
Computers & laptops25%
Tablets25%
Mobiles25%
Cameras10%
Accessories for Electronics25%
Coats6%
Beauty products & cosmetics25%
Jewellery6.50%
Shirts & pants6%
Home appliances25%
Toys25%
Sports equipment25%
*Specific rates for these products can be found on p. 406 - 408 here.
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 Bermuda 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.
