Tucked up against the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Finland with its 2,222 islands and islets, Estonia has both maritime and continental features and climate. For instance, though a small country, it harbours many species extinct elsewhere in Europe - species recognisable to Canadians like the brown bear, wolf, lynx, moose, beaver, seal, and badger.
Estonia may only have 1.3 million people, but it's a highly educated and hard working population that has created a high-income, advanced economy. So, no surprise that half its highly computerised population regularly shops online and e-commerce revenues are steadily climbing.
Easily compare the best and cheapest shipping options to Estonia through a variety of carriers using Secureship
Secureship provides safe and affordable shipping from Canada to Estonia. 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 Estonia
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
Jun 2, 2023
8:49 am
Viljandi,VI, EE
Delivered
Jun 1, 2023
7:18 am
Paernu, PA, EE
In transit
May 31, 2023
9:03 pm
Narva, NA, EE
International Clearance
May 31, 2023
8:14 am
Tallinn , TA, EE
In transit
May 31, 2023
12:17 am
Toronto, ON, CA
In transit
May 30, 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 Estonia 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:
A gift shipped to someone in Estonia from Canada will be allowed a duty-free entry into the country provided:
Its value is €45 or less (about $65 CAD)
It is shipped from one individual to another only, and at no charge to the recipient
Only sent on an occasional basis
Gift shipments above €45 up to a value of €700 (about $1,010 CAD) will incur a flat duty rate of 2.5%.
Shipments containing certain gifts as shown below will be limited to the monetary value of €45 and by the outlined quantity restrictions:
100 g of tea or 40 g or tea extract
500 g coffee or 200 g of coffee extract
250 mL toilet waters or 50 g perfume
6 L beer and 2 L fermented beverages
50 cigarettes, or 25 cigarillos, or 10 cigars, or 50 g smoking tobacco, or 120 g tobacco substitute
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
A gift shipment from an individual in Canada to an individual in Estonia is exempt from duty charges if:
The value of the parcel is no more than €45 (about $65 CAD)
There has been no exchange of money between the sender and the recipient
The shipment is an infrequent occurrence
NOTE: Gift shipments with a value in excess of €45 but not exceeding €700 (about$1,010 CAD) will incur a flat duty rate of 2.5%.
Gift Restrictions
Gifts of tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, coffee, tea, and perfumes may be shipped duty-free up to €45, but they must abide by quantity limits as shown below:
Any one of: cigarettes (50); cigarillos (25); cigars (10); tobacco (50 g); tobacco substitute (120 g)
Beer (6 L); fermented drinks (2 L)
Coffee (500 g); coffee extract (200 g)
Tea (100 g); tea extract (40 g)
Perfume (50 g); toilet waters (250 mL)
Shipments from Business-to-Business
A gift shipped from a business in Canada to a business in Estonia will incur duty and taxes regardless of the value of the gift.
Shipments from Business-to-Individual
If you ship a gift from your business in Canada to an individual in Estonia, it will be liable to duty and tax charges no matter the monetary value of the gift. There are no thresholds below which no duties and taxes will be incurred.
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
Miguel ángel Asturias Calle 24 3-81 Estonia City 01001 Estonia
Phone: +502 2208 7777
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal Shipment / Gift Shipment
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 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 gift shipment contains multiple gifts, it will be exempt from duty and taxes if the shipment has a total value of €45 or less (about $65 CAD).
In the event that some gifts are less than €45, you may claim only those that in aggregate remain less than €45. For example, a shipment with 3 gifts (say €10, €30, and €40), only the €10 and €30 gifts will be exempt.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
Ship To
Invoice
Miguel Ángel Asturias Calle 24 3-81 Estonia City 01001 Estonia
Phone: +502 2208 7777
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Unsolicited Gift: Consolidated Gift Package
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 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
Canadian residents who move to Estonia may ship their personal effects exempt from import duties. Documentation such as a residency permit will be required. Information concerning this and other paperwork can be found here.
Personal effects are to abide by the following conditions:
The claimant has lived outside of Estonia for 12 or more months
The goods are used
The items are owned by the claimant and will be used by them in Estonia (they cannot be sold, lent out, or traded)
The amount of goods are clearly for a household and cannot be construed as a commercial quantity
Goods must remain in the possession of the owner for a minimum of 12 months after arriving in Estonia
Personal effects include the following items:
Portable tools and instruments for the claimant's craft or profession
Footwear and clothing
Linens
Furniture
Appliances, kitchen implements
Sports equipment, such as bicycles
NOTE: No exemptions are allowed for alcoholic beverages and tobacco products.
Moving Temporarily
Students
Students enrolled in an educational institution in Estonia will be allowed a duty-free entry of their personal effects provided they are only for the student's use.
Personal effects include items such as:
Clothing and footwear
Furniture typical for a student's room
Equipment and materials required for studying
NOTE: Goods bought online whilst in Estonia will incur duties and taxes even though the student is a temporary resident of the country.
Students require various pieces of paperwork, for e.g. a certificate from the educational institution, the details of which can be found
here.
Non-students
No information is available at this time regarding non-students moving temporarily to Estonia.
Moving Permanently
Anyone who moves permanently to Estonia will be allowed a duty-free entry of their used personal effects provided:
The claimant owns the goods and they will remain in his or her possession in Estonia for at least 12 months (they are not to be sold, lent, or rented out)
The claimant has not lived in Estonia for at least 1 year
The size of the shipment and the number of items are reasonable for the size of the household, i.e. it is not a commercial quantity
NOTE: Moving permanently to Estonia will require paperwork such as a residency permit. For details regarding this and other requirements, please click
here.
The shipment may include items such as*:
Bed linens, towels, etc.
Appliances and furniture
Tools and equipment to prepare and consume food
Clothing and footwear
Bicycles and other pieces of sports equipment
Portable instruments required for a trade or profession
*Tobacco products and alcoholic beverages will incur duty and taxes.
Moving Because of Marriage
If a Canadian resident is moving permanently to Estonia as a result of marriage to an EU citizen, personal effects will be allowed entry exempt from duty. This also applies to any gifts and dowry resulting from the marriage.
Customs authorities will require the immigrant to present a marriage certificate and residency permit. Details can be found
here.
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
Students require a residency permit and a confirmation from the educational institute (click here for details)
Those moving permanently require a residency permit amongst other pieces of paperwork; click
here for details
Sample Commercial Invoice for Food, Chocolate, Candies
Ship To
Invoice
Miguel ángel Asturias Calle 24 3-81 Estonia City 01001 Estonia
Phone: +502 2208 7777
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Food Shipment - Assorted chocolate bars in their original manufacturer's packaging
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 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 shipped to Estonia for the display and promotion of products may enter the country duty and tax free if they are in small, non-commercial quantities.
The samples must also follow the conditions below:
They are in an amount suitable for the size of the promotional event
They have been supplied without charge
They are unsuitable for sale (quantities are too small, rendered unsaleable)
Samples of beverages and foods are also allowed a duty and tax exemption provided:
They are consumed at the event at which they are displayed
They are given out as small packaged samples, not in their retail containers
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
Miguel Ángel Asturias Calle 24 3-81 Estonia City 01001 Estonia
Phone: +502 2208 7777
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Commercial Sample - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 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
Advertising material may enter Estonia duty and tax free provided the goods will only be displayed or demonstrated. Also, the quantity of goods in a shipment must be suitable for the size of the event.
Advertising Material Checklist
Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Promotional Material - Not for Resale' (see sample)
Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material
Ship To
Invoice
Miguel Ángel Asturias Calle 24 3-81 Estonia City 01001 Estonia
Phone: +502 2208 7777
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Promotional Material - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 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
Estonia, as a member of the EU, allows duty-free entry of goods repaired without charge in Canada. This is a result of the free-trade agreement between Canada and the EU (CETA).
Items Under Warranty
The Canada-EU free-trade agreement (CETA) allows for repair work done under a warranty in Estonia to be exempt from duty. Also, those items will be exempt from GST when they are returned to Canada.
Items No Longer Under Warranty
If equipment or machinery that is no longer under warranty is repaired in Estonia, it will be liable to Estonian duty charges, and GST when said items return to Canada.
Sending Product for Repair to Estonia
Provided items are under a warranty, they will not incur Estonian duty charges when they enter the country for repairs. This is due to the provisions of CETA (the Canada-EU free-trade agreement).
Returning Repaired Product to Estonia
Machinery and equipment repaired in Canada free of charge will be allowed re-entry into Estonia exempt from duty fees.
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 Estonia or exported to Canada (depending on which case applies)
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Miguel Ángel Asturias Calle 24 3-81 Estonia City 01001 Estonia
Phone: +502 2208 7777
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Repair and Return - Watch being sent for repair
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 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 imported temporarily into Estonia exempt from duty fees provided:
They remain in the country a maximum of 2 years
They remain unchanged save for normal wear-and-tear
They are clearly and easily identifiable
Typical temporary imports include goods such as:
Specimens and samples destined for exhibitions and similar demonstrations
Goods for display at public events, for example stage shows and concerts
Qualifying for Duty & Tax Free Temporary Import
In order to import your goods duty and tax free into Estonia, 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 + ATA Carnet
Very Low
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 often travel in and out of Canada. It's also very practical and useful 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 aside from normal wear-and-tear, and they undergo no repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
Stay no longer than 1 year in Estonia
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 (UPS, FedEx, 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
Miguel Ángel Asturias Calle 24 3-81 Estonia City 01001 Estonia
Phone: +502 2208 7777
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment returning Jan 2020
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 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
All sold goods entering Estonia, regardless of their value, will incur VAT whereas the threshold for duty charges is €150 (about $220 CAD). This means if the shipment's value is less than this, no duty will be applied to the contents (with the exception of alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, perfumes, and toilet waters).
NOTE: Goods won free of charge from any online social network must be declared and will be liable to customs duties.
Occasional Shipper
If you sell goods to an individual in Estonia, for example via eBay, all shipments will be liable to VAT no matter the value of the goods. Duty will only be applied if the shipment's value is more than €150 (about $220 CAD).
NOTE: Goods won free of charge from any online social network are NOT exempt from declaration or duties.
Regular shipper
It is recommended that regular shippers of sold goods to Estonia use the services of a licenced Estonian customs broker.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
Ship To
Invoice
Miguel Ángel Asturias Calle 24 3-81 Estonia City 01001 Estonia
Phone: +502 2208 7777
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Permanent/Sold: Parts and accessories for Canon B78n camera
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 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 Estonia. A COO proves that an item has been produced, manufactured or processed in Canada.
When an item with a COO is imported into Estonia, 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 Estonia while restricted imports may enter the country but must abide by quantity limits or other rules established by regulatory departments.
Prohibited Items
Weapons, weapon parts
Ammunition and any
associated parts
Psychotropic substances,
including medicines that
contain them
Narcotic drugs
Perishable foodstuffs
- produce, meat products
Counterfeit materials, pirated goods
Items and publications
considered immoral
or obscene
Restricted Items
Foodstuffs
Medications and other remedies - herbal preparations, vitamins
Sold goods entering Estonia will have duties and VAT assessed on the CIF Value of the shipment. That is, the sum of the customs value plus insurance amount plus freight costs.
CIF Value = Customs Value + Insurance Amount + Freight Costs
By calculating the CIF value of your shipment, you will have an estimate of the duty and taxes owed by the recipient.
Thresholds
All goods imported into Estonia will incur VAT regardless of their value, including goods sold online from Canada.
The duty threshold on imported goods* is €150 (about $220 CAD). Also known as the de minimis value, this means any item valued less than €150 will be exempt from duty.
*Shipments of the following items will incur duty even if their value is less than €150: perfumes, toilet waters, tobacco products, and alcoholic beverages.
Currency
Euro EUR
Duty Exemption (De minimis Value)
€150 (about $220 CAD)
Duty Calculation Method
CIF
TAX (VAT)
20%
Tax Exemption
(De minimis Value)
€0*
Tax Calculation Method
CIF
A change of EU regulations implemented 1 July 2021 means that all imports entering Estonia and EU countries will incur VAT at any value. (Even if the item was purchased before July 1st, 2021.)
Duties on Imports
As a result of the Canada-EU free-trade agreement (CETA), most goods entering Estonia from Canada are duty-free.
Excise Duties
Alcoholic beverages tobacco products are liable to excise duties when they enter Estonia. Details for alcohol can be found
here while those for tobacco are available 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 Estonia 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.
