Canadian visitors to the Czech Republic feel at home hiking in its forests and slapping pucks on its ice rinks. But being in the path of invaders and conquerors for centuries, the Czech Republic has a complex history that has led it to being an advanced industrial nation.
So, it is no surprise that in this small, landlocked country in the middle of Europe, 88% of its 10 million people use a very fast internet service to increasingly shop online.
Easily compare the best and cheapest shipping options to the Czech Republic through a variety of carriers using Secureship
Secureship provides safe and affordable shipping from Canada to the Czech Republic. 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 the Czech Republic
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
Jun 1, 2023
8:49 am
Tabor, TA, CR
Delivered
May 31, 2023
7:18 am
Prague, PR, CR
In transit
May 30, 2023
9:03 pm
Olomouc, OL, CR
International Clearance
May 30, 2023
8:14 am
Karlovy Vary, KV, CR
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 the Czech Republic 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 a private individual in Canada to a private individual in the Czech Republic will be duty and VAT free providing its value is no more than €45 (about $70 CAD).
Gift shipments that qualify for duty and tax exemption are those that:
Are of an occasional nature
Are for the personal use of the recipient or his or her family
Are in an amount appropriate for the size of the owner's household
Gifts may be tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, perfumes and toilet waters up to the limits stated here.
NOTE:
Shipments over €45 (about $70 CAD) will incur VAT only on the amount over €45 plus on the amount of the transportation cost of the parcel.
For a shipment up to a value of €700 (about $1050 CAD), the duty rate will be a flat 2.5% providing there is no monetary exchange between the sender and recipient.
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
A gift shipment to an individual in the Czech Republic from an individual in Canada may be shipped duty and VAT free if its value is a maximum of €45 (about $70 CAD).
Gift shipments may include perfumes, toilet waters, alcoholic beverages, and tobacco products up to the limits stated here.
Shipments from Business-to-Business
Gift shipments from a business in Canada to a business in the Czech Republic will incur duty and VAT. There are no exemptions.
Shipments from Business-to-Individual
Gift shipments from a business in Canada to an individual in the Czech Republic will incur duty and VAT. There are no exemptions.
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
Václav Havel Ostrovní 129/13 110 00 Praha 1 Czechia
Phone: +420 222 220 1123
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
If there are multiple gifts in a shipment that are over €45 (about $70 CAD), duty and tax will be exempt on the item(s) if they add up to a maximum of €45. However, an item's value cannot be split to increase the value from exemption to €45.
For example, if a shipment has 2 gifts valued at €40 and €10 each. The maximum exemption allowed is €40; €5 cannot be added to the €40 gift from the €10 gift.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
Ship To
Invoice
Václav Havel Ostrovní 129/13 110 00 Praha 1 Czechia
Phone: +420 222 220 1123
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
Personal effects can be shipped to the Czech Republic from Canada exempt from duty charges providing:
They have been owned by the shipper for at least 6 months before he or she left Canada
They will be used in the same way in the Czech Republic as they were in Canada
The person shipping the goods has lived in Canada for a continuous period of 12 months
They remain in possession of the owner for at least 12 months from when they arrived in the Czech Republic
A shipment may include portable instruments and devices required for the person's occupation; however, this DOES NOT apply to alcoholic beverages and tobacco products - they will incur duty.
Moving Temporarily
Students
Students may ship their personal effects to the Czech Republic from Canada exempt from duty fees.
Allowed duty-free items in a shipment include:
Household effects
Clothing and footwear
Educational materials
NOTE:
The student will have to present the following documents:
A declaration that the goods are for the education and personal use of the student
A list of the items being shipped
A certificate indicating registration in an educational facility
Non-Students
Personal effects of non-students can be shipped to the Czech Republic from Canada exempt from duty charges providing:
The person shipping the goods has lived in Canada for a continuous period of 12 months
The effects have been owned by the shipper for at least 6 months before he or she left Canada
The goods will serve the same function in the Czech Republic as they did in Canada
A shipment may not include alcoholic beverages and tobacco products. However, portable instruments and devices required for the person's occupation are allowed and will be duty-free.
Moving Permanently
There is no information at this time regarding shipping personal effects because of a permanent move to the Czech Republic.
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
For students, provide documentation that the personal effects are for the education and use of the student
Students need a proof of attendance at an educational institution in the Czech Republic
Václav Havel Ostrovní 129/13 110 00 Praha 1 Czechia
Phone: +420 222 220 1123
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal effects being delivered to my new address.
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 29 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
There are strict controls governing the shipment of animal, dairy, and plant products into the European Union in order to prevent the spread of diseases and potentially harm agricultural production.
You May Ship
Infant formula and baby food*
Special foods required for medical reasons*
Honey*
Baked goods (providing they do not contain animal products)
Chocolate
Confectionary
Olives stuffed with fish
*Maximum of 2 kg and in unopened packages
Do Not Ship
Fruits and vegetables
Seeds
Meat and its byproducts
Milk and dairy products
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
Václav Havel Ostrovní 129/13 110 00 Praha 1 Czechia
Phone: +420 222 220 1123
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Food Shipment - Assorted chocolate bars in their original manufacturer's packaging
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 29 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
Samples are shipped to promote sales and advertise products.
Commercial samples with little or no value may enter the Czech Republic exempt from duty providing their sole purpose is for ordering goods from Canada.
The goods are to be made unsellable by being torn, marked permanently, perforated, or slashed.
Shipments of samples shipped to an exhibition or trade fair are to abide by the following provisions:
Be a small and representative quantity of goods
Have entered the Czech Republic free of charge
Are distributed without payment to the public at the fair or exhibition
If the sample is a foodstuff or beverage, it is consumed at the exhibition
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
Check with your carrier that they will accept food shipments
Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material
Ship To
Invoice
Václav Havel Ostrovní 129/13 110 00 Praha 1 Czechia
Phone: +420 222 220 1123
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
Equipment for repair may be shipped to the Czech Republic under the EU's inward processing rules. This means the work will be exempt from duty and VAT providing the equipment is returned to Canada.
Items Under Warranty
Equipment repaired in Canada under warranty without charge may re-enter the Czech Republic exempt from import duty.
Items No Longer Under Warranty
Equipment repaired in Canada from the Czech Republic that is no longer under warranty will incur GST on the value of the repair and on any new parts required to complete the repair.
Sending Product for Repair to the Czech Republic
Equipment for repair may be shipped to the Czech Republic from Canada under the EU's inward processing rules. This means the work will be exempt from duty and VAT providing the equipment is returned to Canada.
Returning Repaired Product to the Czech Republic
Equipment repaired under warranty in Canada may return to the Czech Republic exempt from duty and VAT.
All other repairs will incur duty and VAT.
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 the Czech Republic or exported to Canada (depending on which case applies)
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Václav Havel Ostrovní 129/13 110 00 Praha 1 Czechia
Phone: +420 222 220 1123
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 can be shipped to the Czech Republic as temporary imports exempt from duty fees providing the following conditions are followed:
They remain no longer than 24 months in the Czech Republic
The items can be clearly identified
The items are unchanged aside from normal wear-and-tear
If the goods were used during their stay in the Czech Republic, then they will incur a charge of 3% of the duty value for each month they were in the country.
Items that typically are shipped for temporary entry include:
Goods and products to be displayed at a trade fair or exhibition
Equipment required for a stage production or musical presentation
Qualifying for Duty & Tax Free Temporary Import
In order to import your goods duty and tax free into Lebanon, 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 6 months in Lebanon
NOTE:
If the above conditions are not followed, duties and taxes will be charged as though the goods have been imported permanently
Your Customs broker can clear goods of a temporary nature (FedEx, UPS, DHL, etc. typically CANNOT clear goods of 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
Václav Havel Ostrovní 129/13 110 00 Praha 1 Czechia
Phone: +420 222 220 1123
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
Under the free trade agreement between Canada and the EU, most items entering the Czech Republic will be duty-free, but VAT will be incurred on shipments valued above €22 (about $35 CAD).
Occasional Shipper
Even if you only ship sold goods occasionally to the Czech Republic, they will incur VAT if their value is greater than €22 (about $35 CAD).
Regular shipper
If you regularly ship sold goods to the Czech Republic, we recommend the use of a Czech customs broker.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
Ship To
Invoice
Václav Havel Ostrovní 129/13 110 00 Praha 1 Czechia
Phone: +420 222 220 1123
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 the Czech Republic. A COO proves that an item has been produced, manufactured or processed in Canada.
When an item with a COO is imported into the Czech Republic, 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 to the Czech Republic are assessed using the CIF method, i.e., the sum of the customs value plus the insurance costs plus freight fees.
CIF Value = Customs Value + Insurance Amount + Freight Costs
By knowing the CIF value of a shipment, you will be able to predict the duty and taxes owed by the recipient.
Thresholds
The duty threshold is €150 (about $230 CAD), which means no duty will be charged for a shipment that have a CIF value below this (also called the de minimis value). All shipments will incur VAT.
NOTE: Alcoholic beverages, perfumes, and eau de toilette are always subject to VAT, duties, and excise taxes.
Currency
Euro (EUR) - €
Duty Exemption
(De minimis Value)
€150 (about $230 CAD)
Duty Calculation Method
CIF
TAX (GCT)
21%
Tax Exemption
(De minimis Value)
€0 - effective July 1st, 2021
Tax Calculation Method
CIF
Duties on Imports
A trade agreement exists between Canada and the European Union, which means that goods shipped to the Czech Republic are duty-free for most items.
Excise Taxes
Excise taxes are levied on tobacco products and alcoholic beverages. Details for tobacco can be found here and for alcoholic beverages click
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 the Czech Republic 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.
