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:
You can also skip ahead to the table containing the list of
Commonly Required Documents.
Documents 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
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
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 |
Food, 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 |
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
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 |
Advertising 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 |
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
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
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/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 |
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.
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
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.
Does UPS ship to Dominica?
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How long does it take to ship from Canada to Dominica?
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How much is it to send a parcel to Dominica?
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Shipping Rates
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Information
Prohibited &
Restricted Imports
Dominica Shipping Insurance