Dominica has been dubbed the Nature Island of the Caribbean in part because its national symbol, the Sisserou parrot, is found only in Dominica's mountainous rainforests. As well, its waters are home to a dozen different types of whales and dolphins, which also makes this island a scuba diving mecca.
A goal of Dominica's Ministry of Public Works is to 'increase the percentage of businesses using the internet as a business tool'. And it would seem that Dominicans are more than ready for that: Mobile phone subscriptions outnumber the population and 70% of their citizens are internet users.
Easily compare the best and cheapest shipping options to Dominica through a variety of carriers using Secureship
Secureship provides safe and affordable shipping from Canada to Dominica. 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 Dominica
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
Oct 6, 2023
8:49 am
Berekua, BE, DM
Delivered
Oct 5, 2023
7:18 am
Marigot, MA, DM
In transit
Oct 4, 2023
9:03 pm
Portsmouth, PO, DM
International Clearance
Oct 4, 2023
8:14 am
Roseau,RO, DM
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 Dominica 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:
Gifts of small value, $10 USD or less (about $13 CAD), will be exempt from duties and taxes.
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
Shipments of gifts of nominal value ($10 USD or less - about $13 CAD) shipped from Canada to Dominica will be allowed a duty- and VAT-free entry into Dominica.
Shipments from Business-to-Business
A gift shipment valued at $10 USD or less (about $13 CAD) shipped to a business in Dominica from a business in Canada may enter the island duty and tax free.
Shipments from Business-to-Individual
Gift parcels from a business in Canada to an individual in Dominica will be exempt from duties and taxes provided the shipment is valued at no more than $10 USD (about $13 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
Shand Alfrey La Plaine Bus Stop Queen Mary St Roseau Dominica
Phone: +1 767-266-3341
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 multiple gifts, we recommend that they are wrapped and tagged separately.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
Ship To
Invoice
Shand Alfrey La Plaine Bus Stop Queen Mary St Roseau Dominica
Phone: +1 767-266-3341
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
Dominican citizens returning to their country with their personal effects may do so exempt from duties and VAT.
The following new and used items will be eligible for the exemption:
Clothing and footwear
Toiletries
Furniture
Household appliances
Tools and instruments required to exercise a trade or profession
Goods disallowed tax and duty exemptions include:
Alcoholic beverages
Foodstuffs
Building materials
Moving Temporarily
Students
No information is available at this time concerning students moving temporarily to Dominica with their personal effects.
Non-students
Non-students may ship their personal effects to Dominica duty-free provided the goods arrive from 3 months before up to 3 months after the claimant's arrival
Allowable duty-free goods include:
Personal items - footwear, clothing, toiletries
Household goods
Tools and instruments for the trade of the claimant
Moving Permanently
Personal effects of Dominican citizens who are moving permanently to Dominica will be duty and VAT free provided they do not consist of foodstuffs, building materials, or alcoholic drinks.
However, the following items, whether they are used or new, will be exempt of duties and taxes:
Household furniture
Appliances
Footwear and clothing
Toiletries
Instruments and tools for an individual's work or trade
Personal Effects Checklist
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Commercial invoice must clearly state 'Personal Effects' (see sample)
Sample Commercial Invoice for Food, Chocolate, Candies
Ship To
Invoice
Shand Alfrey La Plaine Bus Stop Queen Mary St Roseau Dominica
Phone: +1 767-266-3341
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 may enter Dominica duty-free provided they have been mutilated such that they are unsuitable for sale. This could include defacement, permanent marking, etc.
NOTE: Shipments with a value of EC$1,350 or greater (about $650 CAD) will require a formal customs entry.
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
Shand Alfrey La Plaine Bus Stop Queen Mary St Roseau Dominica
Phone: +1 767-266-3341
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
Little information is available concerning either shipping goods for repair to Dominica or shipping items repaired in Canada back to Dominica.
Items Under Warranty
Information regarding items under warranty requiring repair entering Dominica has not been made available. Similarly, Dominican customs regulations covering said repairs done in Canada are not available.
Items No Longer Under Warranty
No information is available concerning machinery and equipment serviced outside of a warranty guarantee. This applies to goods repaired in Canada and returning to Dominica as well as repair work-to-be-done shipped to Dominica from Canada.
Sending Product for Repair to Dominica
No information is available concerning the shipment of products in need of repair to Dominica from Canada
Returning Repaired Product to Dominica
Concerning the return of repaired machinery and equipment to Dominica, no information has been accessed.
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 Dominica or exported to Canada (depending on which case applies)
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Shand Alfrey La Plaine Bus Stop Queen Mary St Roseau Dominica
Phone: +1 767-266-3341
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 imported into Dominica from Canada for a temporary stay will be allowed a duty-free entry provided:
The items are returned to Canada within 1 year of their entry
A refundable security in the amount of duties owed is made
ATA Carnets
Dominican customs authorities do not accept ATA Carnets for the importation of temporary 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
Shand Alfrey La Plaine Bus Stop Queen Mary St Roseau Dominica
Phone: +1 767-266-3341
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
Shipments of sold goods with a value of EC$150 or less (about $115 CAD) will be allowed a duty- and VAT-free entry into Dominica if they enter through a courier service.
NOTE:
The shipment cannot include tobacco products or alcoholic beverages; the items are for personal use of the recipient only, and are neither prohibited or restricted goods.
Occasional Shipper
Occasional shipments of sold goods to Dominica from Canada, for example via eBay, are exempt from duty and taxes as long as:
The value of the shipment is no more than EC$150 (about $115 CAD)
The package contains neither alcoholic beverages nor tobacco products
The goods are not for resale, i.e. it is a non-commercial shipment
It does not contain prohibited or restricted goods
Regular shipper
Regular shippers of sold goods to Dominica are advised to employ the services of a licenced Dominican customs broker to ensure all procedures for importation of commercial shipments are followed.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
Ship To
Invoice
Shand Alfrey La Plaine Bus Stop Queen Mary St Roseau Dominica
Phone: +1 767-266-3341
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 Dominica. A COO proves that an item has been produced, manufactured or processed in Canada.
When an item with a COO is imported into Dominica, 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 to enter Dominica. Restricted goods, on the other hand, may enter the country but must abide by quantity limits or have a permit or licence before entering.
Prohibited Items
Any item displaying the Dominican coat of arms
Obscene, indecent, or pornographic material in any form
Dominican customs calculates the duties and taxes on incoming shipments using the CIF value of the shipment, i.e. the sum of the customs value plus insurance amount plus freight costs.
CIF Value = Customs Value + Insurance Amount + Freight Costs
As a shipper, you can predict the amount of duty and taxes owed by the recipient by calculating the CIF value of the sent parcel.
Thresholds
The threshold - also called the de minimis value - on imported goods is EC$150 (about $115 CAD). This means on shipments of less than this value, no duty or taxes will be incurred.
The exemption will be granted if the following conditions apply:
Shipment does not contain alcoholic drinks or tobacco products
The goods are NOT destined for one of the following: commercial resale; manufacturing or industrial sectors; church, school, hospital, etc.
Currency
East Caribbean dollar (XCD)
Duty Exemption (De minimis Value)
EC$150 (about $115 CAD)
Duty Calculation Method
CIF
TAX (VAT)
15%
Tax Exemption
(De minimis Value)
EC$150 (about $115 CAD)
Tax Calculation Method
CIF
Duties on Imports
Other Taxes
A customs service charge of 3%.
Excise duties on alcoholic beverages, candy, chocolate, and energy drinks (details can be found
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 Dominica 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.
