Guide to Sending Parcels to Dominica

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.

IconShipping Rates

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.

find the cheapest way to ship to Dominica from Canada
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IconEasy Tracking Information

Shipments through Secureship come with full, easy to read tracking information to Dominica


IconDisclaimer

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.

Full tracking information for parcels to Dominica is available with Secureship
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
Mar 31, 2024
8:49 am
Berekua, BE, DM
Delivered
Mar 30, 2024
7:18 am
Marigot, MA, DM
In transit
Mar 29, 2024
9:03 pm
Portsmouth, PO, DM
International Clearance
Mar 29, 2024
8:14 am
Roseau,RO, DM
In transit
Mar 29, 2024
12:17 am
Toronto, ON, CA
In transit
Mar 28, 2024
4:30 pm
Ottawa, ON, CA
Pickup Scan

IconTypes 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.

Shipping Documents Only to DominicaDocuments Only

Dominica will allow the items below into the country as a document shipment:

  • Blueprints
  • Brochures and catalogues
  • Drawings
  • Driver's licence
  • Intercompany mail
  • Magazines and newspapers
  • Photographs
  • Publications

Dominican customs allows the following items entry as documents if they abide by the restriction shown.

Item Restriction
Cheques Only if cheques are for business purposes
Manuals Must be of a technical nature

Sources:
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_CA

Shipping Gifts to DominicaShipping Gifts

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: 28 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 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: 28 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

Sources:
https://www.fedex.com/en-us/ancillary-clearance-service.html

Shipping personal effects/belongings to DominicaShipping Personal Effects

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)
  • A detailed description of each item is provided

Sources:
http://www.customs.gov.dm/index.php/customs-procedures/returning-residents
http://www.customs.gov.dm/images/documents/HS_2017_new.pdf

Sample Commercial Invoice for Personal Effects

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 effects being delivered to my new address.

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 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

Shipping Food, Chocolate, Candies to DominicaFood, Chocolate, Candies

Certain foodstuffs require licences or certificates issued by the relevant Dominican department before they enter Dominica. Details can be found here.

You May Ship

  • Rice (less than 10 kg)
  • Chocolate
  • Candy

Do Not Ship

  • Meat and perishable foodstuffs
  • Produce - for example, potatoes
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

Sources:
https://www.fedex.com/en-us/ancillary-clearance-service.html
http://www.customs.gov.dm/index.php/trade/prohibited-and-restricted-items

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: 28 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

Shipping Promotional Material to DominicaSamples

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

Sources:
http://www.customs.gov.dm/images/documents/HS_2017_new.pdf
https://www.fedex.com/en-us/ancillary-clearance-service.html

Sample Commercial Invoice for Commercial Sample

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:
Commercial Sample - Not for Resale

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
1 Box Commercial Sample - Advanced reading copy of Dan Brown's novel.

CA $20.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Commercial Sample
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge

Sending Promotional material to DominicaAdvertising Material

Provided advertising materials have no commercial value, i.e. cannot be sold, they may enter Dominica exempt from duty fees.

Advertising Material Checklist
  • Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Promotional Material - Not for Resale' (see sample)
  • A detailed description of each item is provided

Sources:
http://www.customs.gov.dm/images/documents/HS_2017_new.pdf
https://www.fedex.com/en-us/ancillary-clearance-service.html

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: 28 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

Have your goods warranty repaired in DominicaRepairs

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

Sources:
https://www.fedex.com/en-us/ancillary-clearance-service.html

Sample Commercial Invoice for Warranty Repair

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:
Repair and Return - Watch being sent for repair

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 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 / Exports for shipments to DominicaTemporary 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

Sources:
https://www.atacarnet.com/carnet-countries
http://www.customs.gov.dm/images/documents/dominica_customs_act_no_20_of_2010.pdf

 

Sample Commercial Invoice for Temporary Imports

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:
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment returning Jan 2020

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 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 Goods / Sold To an individual or business within DominicaPermanent/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.

Sources:
http://www.customs.gov.dm/index.php/trade/imports/non-commercial-imports
https://docs.wto.org/dol2fe/Pages/SS/directdoc.aspx?filename=q:/WT/TPR/S299R1-03.pdf&Open=True
http://www.customs.gov.dm/index.php/trade/courier-packages/importers-guidelines

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: 28 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

IconRequired 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

Learn more about the B13a form here.
Certificate of Origin (COO) Infrequently required

Allows a reduced or zero-rated import duty.
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.

See Temporary import section
Packing list Infrequently required

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
  • Counterfeit coins or fictitious stamps
  • Pencils or pens that are actually a pistol

Restricted Items

  • Tobacco products, and their essences
  • Alcoholic products
  • Fireworks and firecrackers
  • Tear gas
  • Plants, plant parts, seeds
  • Rice and sugar
  • Human remains
  • Radio transmission equipment
  • Pesticides, fungicides, etc
  • Arms and ammunition

Sources:
http://www.customs.gov.dm/index.php/trade/prohibited-and-restricted-items
http://www.customs.gov.dm/images/documents/dominica_customs_act_no_20_of_2010.pdf

Duty & Taxes

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.

  • Candy20%*
  • Chocolate20%
  • Spirits and winesVariable
  • Tobacco products$24.20/kg
  • Books0%
  • Documents0%
  • Video games & consoles20%
  • Computers & laptops0%
  • Tablets0%
  • Mobiles5%
  • Cameras10%
  • Accessories for Electronics5%
  • Coats20%
  • Beauty products & cosmetics20%
  • Jewellery10%
  • Shirts & pants20%
  • Home appliances20%
  • Toys10%
  • Sports equipment10% - 20%

*Including tobacco substitutes

Sources:
https://www.macmap.org/
https://docs.wto.org/dol2fe/Pages/SS/directdoc.aspx?filename=q:/WT/TPR/S299R1-03.pdf&Open=True
http://www.customs.gov.dm/index.php/trade/courier-packages/importers-guidelines

IconDominica Shipping Insurance

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.

Questions about Shipping to Dominica

Can I ship to Dominica?

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.

Find out how fast the Secureship trusted carriers can get your shipment delivered to Dominica by getting a quote now.


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