Cyprus sits in the eastern Mediterranean Sea at the crossroads of three continents, and as a result it has been a target for invasion and occupation for the past 11,000 years. And no wonder - with a pleasant climate, bountiful waters, and both sandy beaches and skiable mountains, who wouldn't want to visit this complex and culturally-rich island?
Over the last number of years, the Cypriot government has encouraged the development and improvement of the digital skills of its citizens. Which has paid dividends during the COVID-19 pandemic - Cypriots have noticeably increased their e-commerce activity, and once that ball starts rolling, it only gathers speed.
Easily compare the best and cheapest shipping options to Cyprus through a variety of carriers using Secureship
Secureship provides safe and affordable shipping from Canada to Cyprus. 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 Cyprus
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
Oct 6, 2023
8:49 am
Famagusta , FA, CY
Delivered
Oct 5, 2023
7:18 am
Strovolos , ST, CY
In transit
Oct 4, 2023
9:03 pm
Limassol , LI, CY
International Clearance
Oct 4, 2023
8:14 am
Nicosia , NI, CY
In transit
Oct 4, 2023
12:17 am
Toronto, ON, CA
In transit
Oct 3, 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 Cyprus 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 with a value of €45 or less (about $60 CAD) will be allowed a duty-* and tax-free entry into Cyprus provided:
The shipment is for an occasional event, like a birthday or anniversary
They are from one person to another person without any exchange of money
They are for the personal use of the recipient or his or her family
*Gift shipments up to the value of €150 (about $200 CAD) will only be allowed a duty-free exemption (VAT will be incurred at values above €45).
NOTE: Shipments of the following will incur duty if their value is €45 or more: alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, perfumes, and colognes.
Gifts of the following products will be allowed a duty exemption if the shipment's value is no more than €45 (about $60 CAD) and are limited to the quantities shown in the table.
Item
Quantity Restriction
Tobacco products
50 cigarettes; or 25 cigarillos (max. weight of 3 g each); or 10 cigars; or 50 g loose tobacco
Alcoholic beverages
1 L of distilled spirits; or 2 L of still wine
Perfumes
50 g
Toilet waters
250 mL
Coffee
500 g; coffee extracts and essences - 200 g
Tea
100 g; tea extracts and essences - 40 g
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
Gift shipments from an individual in Canada to an individual in Cyprus will be allowed a duty- and tax-free entry if:
Its value is €45 or less (about $60 CAD)
The gift is intended for an individual or his or her family
No exchange of money has been involved between the sender and the recipient
NOTE: A gift shipment of not more than €150 (about $200 CAD) will be exempt from duty, but NOT VAT, provided there are no gifts of colognes, perfumes, tobacco products, or alcoholic beverages.
A gift parcel of €45 or less (about $60 CAD) may be allowed a duty-free entry into Cyprus if it contains the following items up to the limits stated below:
Cigarettes (50); or cigarillos (25 - each item no more than 3 g); or cigars (10); smoking tobacco (50 g)
Distilled spirits (1 L); or still wine (2 L)
Perfumes (50 g)
Toilet waters (250 mL)
Coffee (500 g); coffee extracts and essences (200 g)
Tea (100 g); tea essences and extracts (40 g)
Shipments from Business-to-Business
A gift shipment from a business in Canada to a business in Cyprus will incur duties and taxes no matter the value of the gift.
Shipments from Business-to-Individual
If a business in Canada ships a gift to an individual in Cyprus, it will be liable to taxes and duties regardless of 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
Galaktioni Tabidze 8 Gia Chanturia St. Tbilisi 0108 Cyprus
Phone: +995 32 299 86 67
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal Shipment / Gift Shipment
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 3 Oct 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 2 or more gifts whose value is greater than €45 (about $60 CAD), the value of one of the gifts CANNOT be divided such that it will be less than €45.
For example, a shipment with 2 gifts, one at €35 and the other at €20, will be allowed a duty exemption up to €35 only. The second gift would incur duty on its full value of €20.
Also, be sure to wrap and tag each gift separately.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
Ship To
Invoice
Galaktioni Tabidze 8 Gia Chanturia St. Tbilisi 0108 Cyprus
Phone: +995 32 299 86 67
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Unsolicited Gift: Consolidated Gift Package
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 3 Oct 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 by persons moving permanently from Canada to Cyprus will be allowed a VAT- and duty-free entry of their goods as long as:
The claimant has owned and used the goods for at least 6 months
The goods arrive in Cyprus between 6 months before and 12 months after the entry of the owner
The items are for the use of the importer only; they are not to be sold, lent, or given away
Personal effects may include items such as:
Small, portable items for the use in a person's trade or profession
Linens and clothing
Furniture and decorations
Kitchen appliances
Bicycles
NOTE: The following will NOT be eligible for duty and VAT relief:
Tobacco products
Alcoholic beverages
Large or immobile pieces of equipment used in a profession or trade
Moving Temporarily
Students
Students whose residence is outside of Cyprus will incur duties on their personal effects when they ship them to the country for the purposes of study.
Non-students
Non-students who move temporarily to Cyprus may ship their personal effects without payment of duty fees provided the quantity is clearly for personal purposes and cannot be construed as a commercial shipment.
Goods may be new or used and may include sports equipment.
NOTE: Goods may stay in Cyprus for a period of 3 months though this can be extended by Customs.
Moving Permanently
If you are moving permanently to Cyprus, your personal effects may enter the country exempt from duty and tax fees provided:
The goods belong to you, and you have used them for a minimum of 6 months
Only you or your family will be using the goods
The items are not to be given away, lent out, or sold
The goods must arrive no more than 6 months before and 12 months after your entry into Cyprus
Goods eligible for duty and tax relief include:
Clothing and footwear
Appliances and other items for the preparation and consumption of food
Decorations and furniture
Children's toys and bicycles
Portable and small tools and equipment required to conduct the claimant's profession or trade
Ineligible items for tax and duty exemption include:
Alcoholic beverages
Tobacco and tobacco products - cigars, cigarettes, etc.
Large, stationary equipment used for your trade or profession
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
Complete Form
An.2 (for persons moving permanently to Cyprus)
For those moving permanently, a proof of residence in Canada for a minimum of 12 months
Sample Commercial Invoice for Food, Chocolate, Candies
Ship To
Invoice
Galaktioni Tabidze 8 Gia Chanturia St. Tbilisi 0108 Cyprus
Phone: +995 32 299 86 67
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Food Shipment - Assorted chocolate bars in their original manufacturer's packaging
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 3 Oct 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 to Cyprus from Canada will be allowed a duty- and tax-free entry provided they are re-exported once their time in the country is finished.
Commercial samples are intended to be displayed to promote products; they are not for sale, and they are to remain unchanged whilst in Cyprus save for routine wear-and-tear.
NOTE: An ATA Carnet may also be used to ship commercial samples to Cyprus. See the Temporary Imports section for details.
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
Galaktioni Tabidze 8 Gia Chanturia St. Tbilisi 0108 Cyprus
Phone: +995 32 299 86 67
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Commercial Sample - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 3 Oct 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 materials shipped to Cyprus, which can take the form of goods displayed at trade fairs, exhibitions, and industrial fairs, will be allowed into the country as a temporary import.
Such goods will be allowed a partial or full tax and duty exemption provided they leave Cyprus when their purpose in the country is completed.
Advertising may also enter with an ATA Carnet. See Temporary Imports for further details.
Advertising Material Checklist
Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Promotional Material - Not for Resale' (see sample)
Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material
Ship To
Invoice
Galaktioni Tabidze 8 Gia Chanturia St. Tbilisi 0108 Cyprus
Phone: +995 32 299 86 67
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Promotional Material - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 3 Oct 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
Under the free-trade agreement between Canada and the EU (CETA), equipment repairs done under a warranty may re-enter Canada exempt from duties and GST.
Items Under Warranty
Items under warranty that are repaired in Cyprus will be allowed a GST- and duty-free return to Canada. This is a result of Canada and Cyprus being part of CETA (the free-trade agreement between the EU and Canada).
Items No Longer Under Warranty
Equipment and machinery no longer under warranty that is repaired in Cyprus will incur duty and GST when it re-enters Canada. Fees will apply to the cost of the repair and any parts required during the repair process.
Sending Product for Repair to Cyprus
Goods shipped to Cyprus from Canada for repair may enter the country without payment of duties and VAT.
Returning Repaired Product to Cyprus
Products repaired in Canada under warranty will be allowed a duty- and VAT-free re-entry into Cyprus. This is due to the terms of CETA - the free trade agreement between the EU and Canada.
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 Cyprus or exported to Canada (depending on which case applies)
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Galaktioni Tabidze 8 Gia Chanturia St. Tbilisi 0108 Cyprus
Phone: +995 32 299 86 67
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Repair and Return - Watch being sent for repair
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 3 Oct 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 may enter Cyprus with either total or partial exemption from duties.
The following conditions must be abided by for duty exemption:
The items cannot be changed except for normal wear-and-tear
The goods can be clearly identified
Examples of temporary imports include goods such as:
Commercial samples for display at trade fairs and similar exhibitions
Equipment and machinery required for tests and evaluation of other goods
Sporting equipment
Tools and machinery destined for professional services
Qualifying for Duty & Tax Free Temporary Import
In order to import your goods duty and tax free into Cyprus, you can pick from Option 1 or 2 of the 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 (CI). More details can be found below.
Option
Temporary Import Method
Risk of paying Duties and Taxes
1
Commercial Invoice Only (no other documentation is provided)
High (if broker cannot clear goods temporarily)
2
Commercial Invoice +
Very Low
ATA Carnet
1. Complete a Commercial Invoice 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. CI + an ATA Carnet
This option is ideal for items that frequently travel in and out of Canada. It's also extremely handy because once you have an ATA Carnet, it is accepted by 176 countries worldwide, which makes the application process a one-time occurrence.
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.
ATA Carnets are beyond the scope of this article. You can, however, contact your local chamber of commerce and they will be able to guide you along. You can also find more information
here.
In addition to the 2 options above, 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
The goods are returned to Canada when their service in Cyprus is complete
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
Galaktioni Tabidze 8 Gia Chanturia St. Tbilisi 0108 Cyprus
Phone: +995 32 299 86 67
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment returning Jan 2020
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 3 Oct 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
The duty exemption for sold goods entering Cyprus is €150 (about $200 CAD). This means that any parcel under this value will not incur duty fees, but VAT must be paid no matter the value of the shipment.
Occasional Shipper
Sold goods with a value of no more than €150 (about $200 CAD) may enter Cyprus duty-free; however, all shipments regardless of value will incur VAT.
Regular shipper
Regular shippers of sold goods to Cyprus are recommended to use the services of a licenced Cypriot customs broker.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
Ship To
Invoice
Galaktioni Tabidze 8 Gia Chanturia St. Tbilisi 0108 Cyprus
Phone: +995 32 299 86 67
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Permanent/Sold: Parts and accessories for Canon B78n camera
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 3 Oct 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 Cyprus. A COO proves that an item has been produced, manufactured or processed in Canada.
When an item with a COO is imported into Cyprus, 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 will not be allowed entry into Cyprus whereas restricted goods may enter, but will be restricted in quantity or require a permit from the relevant government agency.
Prohibited Items
Controlled medications, such
as narcotics
Psychotropic substances
Any obscene or pornographic object or material - including DVDs, films, books, etc.
Pirated or counterfeit goods,
including banknotes
Cannabis and its derivatives
Weapons, including daggers and flick knives
Firearms
Toxic weapons of a biological, nuclear, or chemical nature
Direct sales to consumers of tobacco products, e-cigarettes and refill containers
The amount of duties and taxes owed on a shipment entering Cyprus is calculated using the CIF method: the sum of the customs value plus insurance costs plus freight expenses.
CIF Value = Customs Value + Insurance Amount + Freight Costs
If you calculate the CIF value of your shipment before sending it off, you will have an estimate of the duties and taxes owed by the recipient.
Thresholds
The duty threshold on imports* entering Cyprus from Canada (also known as the de minimis value) is €150 (about $200 CAD). This means any shipment valued at €150 or less will be duty-free.
*The following items are NOT exempt from duty charges:
Tobacco and tobacco products
Toilet waters
Perfumes
Alcoholic beverages
NOTE:
All imports will incur VAT regardless of their value.
Currency
Euro (€)
Duty Exemption (De minimis Value)
€150
Duty Calculation Method
CIF
TAX (VAT)
19%
Tax Exemption
(De minimis Value)
N/A
Tax Calculation Method
CIF
*From 1 July 2021, all imports entering Cyprus will incur VAT regardless of their value.
Duties on Imports
Most goods entering Cyprus from Canada will be duty-free as a result of the free trade agreement between Canada and the EU (CETA).
Excise Duties
Excise taxes will be applied to the following imports:
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 Cyprus 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.
