Croatia is a relatively small country on the east shore of the Adriatic Sea. With only a population of four million people, it has produced an inordinate number of scientists and inventors over its multi-century history. However, today the world knows Croatia best for its Dalmatian coast - perhaps the most beautiful in all of Europe. In addition to its 1700 islands and 116 Blue Flag beaches (worldwide recognition for clean, sustainable waters), Dalmatia offers its visitors stunning sunsets.
As a nation with a high income economy, it is no wonder that Croatia has a healthy e-commerce market that is expected to grow at 7.8% annually until 2025. Add to that an increasing internet penetration rate, it shows that Croatians are doing more than bathing on their beaches.
Easily compare the best and cheapest shipping options to Croatia through a variety of carriers using Secureship
Secureship provides safe and affordable shipping from Canada to Croatia. 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 Croatia
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
Jun 2, 2023
8:49 am
Sesvete ,SE, HR
Delivered
Jun 1, 2023
7:18 am
Osijek ,OS, HR
In transit
May 31, 2023
9:03 pm
Split, SP, HR
International Clearance
May 31, 2023
8:14 am
Zagreb , ZA, HR
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 Croatia 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:
Gift shipments from Canada are allowed into Croatia duty and VAT free if:
The value of the shipment is no more than €45 (about $65 CAD)
They are sent from one individual to another individual without any expectation of payment for the goods
The gift is for the use of the recipient or his or her family
The shipment is non-commercial in nature, i.e. the contents are not for sale
Gifts of the following items are allowed duty and VAT exemption when sent to Croatia provided they abide by the outlined quantities.
Gift
Quantity limits
Tobacco products
40 cigarettes; or
20 cigarillos (max. weight of 3 g per cigarillo); or
10 cigars; or
50 g of tobacco;
Or a proportional amount of the above items
Alcoholic beverages
1 L of spirits with 22% alcohol or more; or
1 L sparking, dessert wines; and aperitifs, sake, tafia with more than 22% alcohol, or a proportional amount of these products; and
2 L of still wine
Perfumes
50 mL perfume or 250 mL of eau de toilette
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
A gift shipped from an individual in Canada to an individual in Croatia will be exempt from VAT and duty charges provided:
Only the recipient or his or her family uses or benefits from the gift
No exchange of monies occurs as a result of the shipment
The shipment's content are not sold, i.e. it is a non-commercial parcel
The value of the goods is a maximum of €45 (about $65 CAD)
Particular gifts have quantity limitations in addition to the value maximum. These products are shown in the table below:
Gift
Quantity limits
Perfumes
250 mL of eau de toilette or 50 mL of perfume
Tobacco products
10 cigars; or
50 g of tobacco; or
20 cigarillos (max. weight of 3 g per cigarillo); or
40 cigarettes; or
A proportional amount of the above items
Alcoholic beverages
2 L of still wine; and
1 L sparking, dessert wines; and aperitifs, sake, tafia with more than 22% alcohol, or a proportional amount of these products; or
1 L of spirits with 22% alcohol or more
Shipments from Business-to-Business
A gift shipment from a business in Canada to a business in Croatia will incur duty and taxes regardless of the value of the gift.
Shipments from Business-to-Individual
If a business in Canada were to ship a gift to an individual in Croatia, the shipment will have VAT and duty charges applied to it.
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 Croatia City 01001 Croatia
Phone: +502 2208 7777
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 a shipment contains 2 or more gifts each of which has a value of 300 kuna or more (about $65 CAD), only the gifts whose value adds up to 300 kuna (or less) will be duty-free.
Also, be sure to wrap and tag each gift separately.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
Ship To
Invoice
Miguel Ángel Asturias Calle 24 3-81 Croatia City 01001 Croatia
Phone: +502 2208 7777
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
Personal effects shipped to Croatia from Canada by Canadian and Croatian citizens may enter exempt from duty charges provided:
The beneficiary has lived outside of Croatia for a minimum of 1 year
The imported goods were owned and used by the individual for at least 6 months
The items in the shipment are only for the use by the beneficiary and his or her family
The shipment does not contain tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, or tools and instruments for professional purposes
Allowable duty-free items include:
Furniture and appliances
Kitchen implements and materials for serving food
Bicycles and other sports equipment
Clothing and footwear
Moving Temporarily
Students
There is no information at this time concerning students moving temporarily to Croatia, and importing their personal effects for the purposes of academic studies.
Non-students
Non-students, whether Croatian or Canadian citizens, who live in Canada may ship their personal effects duty-free for a temporary stay in Croatia. Suspension of import duties is allowed provided:
The goods are only for the use of the applicant or his or her family
The items leave Croatia when the stay terminates
Nothing in the shipment is for commercial purposes, i.e. for sale or trade
A duty-free shipment for a temporary stay may include:
Citizens of both Canada and Croatia who return to Croatia to live permanently are allowed to do so without payment of import duties on their personal effects.
Duty exemption is allowed under the following conditions:
The claimant has lived in Canada or outside the EU for at least 12 months
The goods are used and have been owned by the claimant for a minimum of 6 months
Only the claimant or his or her family will be using the items in the shipment once they settle in Croatia
A shipment of duty-free personal effects may include:
Footwear and clothing
Equipment, appliances, and implements needed to prepare and serve meals
Appliances, furniture, rugs, and decorations used in the living space
Sports equipment, including bicycles
NOTE: The following items are not eligible for a duty exemption:
Tools and instruments that are intended for professional activities
Alcoholic beverages
Tobacco and tobacco products
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 (two copies)
A certificate that confirms the individual has lived outside of Croatia for a minimum of 12 months
Documents to show that the personal effects have been owned for at least 6 months before entering Croatia
Documentation to show registered residence in Croatia
Miguel Ángel Asturias Calle 24 3-81 Croatia City 01001 Croatia
Phone: +502 2208 7777
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal effects being delivered to my new address.
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 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
The EU has strict rules governing the entrance of foodstuffs, and all food shipments entering Croatia will be examined by Croatian customs authorities. Food shipments in excess of the stated quantity limits below would require veterinary certificates to enter the country.
You May Ship
Honey (max. 2 kg)
Special foods for medical purposes, infant food, including powdered milk (max. 2 kg)
Small quantities of smoked, dried, marinated fish and seafood products
Chocolate
Candy
Baked goods, pastry
Do Not Ship
Meat and meat byproducts
Dairy products
Perishables
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
Sample Commercial Invoice for Food, Chocolate, Candies
Ship To
Invoice
Miguel ángel Asturias Calle 24 3-81 Croatia City 01001 Croatia
Phone: +502 2208 7777
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 demonstrate products and solicit orders for them. To be eligible for a duty-free entry into Croatia, the samples must:
Have little value; and
Be made unsellable through indelible marking or other means
Are not to be sold
Samples may include instructional printed matter that is distributed without charge at public exhibitions - industrial trade fairs, international meetings, scientific symposia, etc.
Consumable Samples
Samples of food and drink that will be given out to visitors at a trade fair or similar event are allowed duty-free entry into Croatia provided:
They are packaged in quantities smaller than what would sold in stores
They are distributed to participants at no charge and consumed at the event itself
They have no commercial value, i.e. cannot be sold
They are imported in a quantity that is suitable for the size of the event and the number of expected visitors
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
Miguel Ángel Asturias Calle 24 3-81 Croatia City 01001 Croatia
Phone: +502 2208 7777
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
The free trade agreement between Canada and the EU (CETA) means that machinery and equipment repaired in Croatia under warranty will be duty-free and exempt from GST when they re-enter Canada.
Items Under Warranty
CETA - the free trade agreement between Canada and the EU - allows for items repaired under warranty a duty and GST exemption when they are shipped back to Canada.
Items No Longer Under Warranty
Equipment, machinery, and instruments that are no longer under warranty will be liable to duty and taxes when the items are returned to their country of origin.
Sending Product for Repair to Croatia
Equipment sent to Croatia for repair will be liable to duty and GST upon its return to Canada unless the work was done under a warranty.
Returning Repaired Product to Croatia
Provided equipment is under a warranty, it will be readmitted to Croatia exempt from duty charges.
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 Croatia 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 Croatia City 01001 Croatia
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: 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 imported into Croatia temporarily may do so exempt from duty only if:
They remain in the country for no longer than 2 years (an extension may be allowed if circumstances are warranted)
They are unchanged during their stay in Croatia aside from normal wear-and-tear
Goods typically shipped as a temporary import include:
Commercial samples
Equipment and machine whose only purpose is to advertise product
Professional equipment and instruments
Items for display at conventions, symposia, meetings, trade fairs, etc
Qualifying for Duty & Tax Free Temporary Import
In order to import your goods duty and tax free into Croatia, you can pick from 1 of the 2 Temporary Import Methods listed below.
Each option has its pros and cons. Regardless, each of the following methods requires you to complete a commercial invoice. More details are shown in the table.
Option #
Temporary Import Method
Risk of paying
1
Commercial Invoice Only (no other documentation is provided)
High - if broker cannot clear goods temporarily
2
Commercial Invoice
+
ATA Carnet
Very Low
1. Complete a Commercial Invoice (CI) only
This is the simplest and quickest option. See example.
NOTE: You should be aware that shipping using this method doesn't guarantee that your items will be imported duty/tax free.
Not all brokers will clear goods as temporary imports (i.e. UPS, FedEx, DHL) nor is it a guarantee that customs won't charge any duties and taxes.
2. Commercial Invoice (CI) + an ATA Carnet
Completing an ATA Carnet is great option for items that frequently travel in and out of the country.
It's also great because once you have an ATA Carnet, it is accepted by 176 countries worldwide making the application process a one-time thing.
In addition to declaring your commercial invoice as a temporary import, you can get an ATA Carnet for the items that are of temporary nature.
NOTE: It is highly recommended to get an ATA Carnet for items that frequently
travel in and out of the country and especially so when it is valued over $2,500 USD
In addition to choosing option 1 or 2, the following conditions must also be met in order to qualify for a duty and VAT free exemption:
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 2 years in Croatia
NOTE:
If the above conditions are not followed, duties and taxes will be charged as though the goods have been imported permanently
A shipment must be re-exported in its entirety, i.e. no splitting or partial shipments are allowed to return to Canada
Your customs broker can clear goods of a temporary nature (FedEx, UPS, DHL, etc. typically cannot clear goods of a temporary nature)
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 Croatia City 01001 Croatia
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: 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
All sold goods that enter Croatia will only incur duty if their value is €150 (about $225 CAD) or more. Concerning VAT, all shipments will incur this tax no matter their monetary value. All thresholds (de minimis values) for VAT were eliminated as of 1 July 2021.
Occasional Shipper
An occasional shipment of a sold item will be duty-free if its monetary value is less than €150 (about $225 CAD). However, VAT will be collected by Croatian customs regardless of the value of the parcel. There is no threshold or de minimis value below which taxes are exempt.
Regular shipper
If you are a regular shipper of sold goods to Croatia, we recommend that you employ the services of a licenced Croatian customs broker. They will be able to assist you with customs clearance and obtaining an EORI (Economic Operator Registration and Identification) number.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
Ship To
Invoice
Miguel Ángel Asturias Calle 24 3-81 Croatia City 01001 Croatia
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: 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 Croatia. A COO proves that an item has been produced, manufactured or processed in Canada.
When an item with a COO is imported into Croatia, 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
Goods deemed prohibited by Croatian authorities will not be allowed entry into the country. Those declared as restricted will be allowed entry, but they may have quantity limits or require registration with a government agency.
Prohibited Items
Ammunition
Perishables - fruits and vegetables
Live plants and animals, including bees, leeches, and silkworms
Expired medications
Croatian currency
Animal products, including skins and furs
Dangerous goods, for example biological hazards, oxidisers, corrosive substances, etc.
The amount of duty and VAT owed by a Croatian recipient of a parcel is calculated using the CIF value of the shipment - the sum of the customs value added to the insurance costs and then added to the freight expenses.
CIF Value = Customs Value + Insurance Amount + Freight Costs
By calculating the CIF value of your shipment, you will enable you to predict what duty and VAT is owed by the recipient.
Thresholds
The duty threshold on imported goods* entering Croatia is €150 (about $225 CAD). This means that on shipments valued at €150 or less, no duty will be incurred. However, regardless of the monetary value of any shipment, VAT will be charged.
*Does not include tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, perfumes, and eau de toilette.
Currency
Croatian kuna HRK
Duty Exemption (De minimis Value)
€150 (about $225 CAD)
Duty Calculation Method
CIF
TAX (VAT)
25%
Tax Exemption
(De minimis Value)
N/A*
Tax Calculation Method
CIF
*As of 1 July 2021, all imports will incur VAT regardless of their value.
Duties on Imports
Excise Taxes and Special Taxes
A number of shipped goods will incur either an excise duty or special tax when they enter Croatia. Amongst them are:
Tobacco and tobacco products
Beer and other alcoholic beverages
Coffee - roasted and extracts
Soft drinks
Syrups and concentrates
Waters with added sugar or sweeteners
Granules and powders for preparing soft drinks
The specific excise or special tax for the products above can be found
here
Most goods entering Croatia from Canada are duty-free as a result of the Canada-EU free trade agreement (CETA).
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 Croatia 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.
