Guatemala's landscape is filled with rich rainforests, magnificent Mayan ruins, and volatile volcanoes. And from those volcanoes rich soil supports bountiful harvests of life's two basic pleasures: cacao and coffee.
From pre-Columbian times, Guatemala has supported a large population, which continues today as it is the most populous nation of Central America. Like elsewhere, COVID-19 has encouraged a big shift to online purchasing in Guatemala - 27% increase in the last year alone. Given that the nation's median age is a tender 22, there is a huge emerging consumer market more than ready to embrace e-commerce.
Easily compare the best and cheapest shipping options to Guatemala through a variety of carriers using Secureship
Secureship provides safe and affordable shipping from Canada to Guatemala. 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 Guatemala
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
Apr 3, 2023
8:49 am
Chiquimula, CH, GT
Delivered
Apr 2, 2023
7:18 am
Chimaltenango, CH, GT
In transit
Apr 1, 2023
9:03 pm
Baja Verapaz, BV, GT
International Clearance
Apr 1, 2023
8:14 am
Alta Verapaz, AV, GT
In transit
Apr 1, 2023
12:17 am
Toronto, ON, CA
In transit
Mar 31, 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 Guatemala 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:
Shipments of documents to Guatemala may enter the country duty and tax free, and include items made from paper or electronic storage devices providing they have no commercial value.
The following items qualify as document shipments:
Advertising literature
Airline tickets
Annual reports
Business cards
Cash letters, negotiable bonds and drafts
Cheques
Computer print-outs
Credit cards
Driver's licence
Graphs
Intercompany mail
Passports
Proposals and bids
Seismic data
Specifications sheets
Visa applications
The following items are allowed as a document shipment if they abide by the restriction shown.
Item
Restriction
CD roms and discs
Providing they contain intercompany data only and have no commercial value; data cannot be software
Guatemala does NOT have a duty or tax exemption on gift shipments. Therefore, all gift shipments from Canada will incur duty and taxes regardless of their value.
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
A gift shipment from an individual in Canada to an individual in Guatemala will be liable to duty and taxes when it enters the country.
Shipments from Business-to-Business
A gift shipment to a business in Guatemala cannot enter without a payment of duty and taxes by the Guatemalan business.
Shipments from Business-to-Individual
A gift shipment from a business in Canada to an individual in Guatemala will be charged duty and taxes no matter its value. There are no thresholds on gift shipments to Guatemala.
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 Guatemala City 01001 Guatemala
Phone: +502 2208 7777
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal Shipment / Gift Shipment
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 31 Mar 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
Gift shipments to Guatemala cannot enter the country without payment of taxes and duty.
If there are multiple gifts in a parcel, ensure that they have been wrapped and tagged individually.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
Ship To
Invoice
Miguel Ángel Asturias Calle 24 3-81 Guatemala City 01001 Guatemala
Phone: +502 2208 7777
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Unsolicited Gift: Consolidated Gift Package
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 31 Mar 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 shipped to Guatemala from Canada will be exempt from duty charges if:
The individual is a Guatemalan citizen
The individual has been living in Canada for 24 months or more
Moving Temporarily
Students
There is no information available at this time regarding students moving temporarily to Guatemala to study, and shipping their personal effects there.
Non-students
Foreigners who are moving to Guatemala temporarily as renters of property may ship their personal effects exempt from duty charges.
Moving Permanently
Guatemalan citizens returning to Guatemala to live permanently may ship their household goods and personal effects
exempt from duty if they have lived outside of Guatemala for a minimum of 24 months.
Canadian citizens who are either retiring to Guatemala permanently or renting a property there long-term may ship their personal household goods exempt from duty charges.
Personal Effects Checklist
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Personal Effects' (see sample)
Miguel Ángel Asturias Calle 24 3-81 Guatemala City 01001 Guatemala
Phone: +502 2208 7777
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal effects being delivered to my new address.
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 31 Mar 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
Importation of foodstuffs into Guatemala are restricted and will incur duty and taxes. Shipments to private individuals are restricted to a maximum of 10 items per parcel.
You May Ship
Chocolate
Candy
Do Not Ship
Perishable foodstuffs such as produce, dairy, and meat
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
Miguel ángel Asturias Calle 24 3-81 Guatemala City 01001 Guatemala
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: 31 Mar 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 are shipped to demonstrate products and promote their sale; they are not for sale. Samples are typically displayed at trade fairs or other similar exhibitions.
Samples shipped to Guatemala must have been supplied without any charge to the recipient.
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
Miguel Ángel Asturias Calle 24 3-81 Guatemala City 01001 Guatemala
Phone: +502 2208 7777
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Promotional Material - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 31 Mar 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
Items repaired in Canada are allowed re-entry to Guatemala exempt from duty if the work was done at no charge as a result of warranty guarantees.
Items Under Warranty
Equipment repaired in Canada under warranty will be allowed to return to Guatemala exempt from duty providing the work was done at no charge.
Items No Longer Under Warranty
Equipment no longer under warranty that is repaired in Canada will be liable to duty charges on the cost of repairs and any other expenses incurred as a result of replaced parts, freight, etc. when it re-enters Guatemala.
Sending Product for Repair to Guatemala
There is no information at this time regarding sending products for repair to Guatemala from Canada.
Returning Repaired Product to Guatemala
Products repaired in Canada under warranty and without charge will be exempt from duty when they are returned to Guatemala.
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 Guatemala 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 Guatemala City 01001 Guatemala
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: 31 Mar 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
Temporary imports to Guatemala are allowed for goods that will be:
Exhibited at conventions, symposia, trade fairs, and other similar events
Demonstrated to show their features and functions
To avoid duty fees, temporary imports are not to be sold, and are expected to leave Guatemala once their display period has ended.
ATA Carnets
Guatemala does not allow the use of ATA Carnets for the temporary importation of 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
Miguel Ángel Asturias Calle 24 3-81 Guatemala City 01001 Guatemala
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: 31 Mar 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
Providing small shipments to one's family in Guatemala are of an occasional, non-commercial nature, they will be duty-free.
Such parcels are allowed without completing a commercial invoice, and if:
Its value is 500 Central American pesos or less (about $80 CAD)
You are related to the recipient
The goods are for the personal use of the recipient and/or his or her family
The shipment is only 1 of 2 allowed per year, and NOT within 6 months of each other
Occasional Shipper
A small shipment to a family or private individual in Guatemala is duty-free providing:
The size of the shipment is clearly non-commercial in nature
The recipient has NOT received a shipment from the same sender within the previous 6 months
Its customs value is 500 Central American pesos or less (about $80 CAD)
Regular shipper
Shipments of goods in commercial quantities to companies and non-family members will require the completion of a commercial invoice and payment of duties and taxes. We therefore recommend that you consult a Guatemalan customs broker to assist you with this process.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
Ship To
Invoice
Miguel Ángel Asturias Calle 24 3-81 Guatemala City 01001 Guatemala
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: 31 Mar 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 Guatemala. A COO proves that an item has been produced, manufactured or processed in Canada.
When an item with a COO is imported into Guatemala, 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
Goods prohibited from entering Guatemala cannot be shipped there whereas those deemed restricted may enter the country; however, restricted goods may be limited in quantity or require an inspection or certification before being allowed in.
Prohibited Items
Narcotics and other
similar drugs
Obscene or pornographic material
Firearms and other weapons
Seeds
Animal products, for e.g. ivory
Jewellery
Gambling machines
Chemicals, powders
Materials that could be considered seditious
Restricted Items
Alcoholic beverages
Foodstuffs
Tobacco, tobacco products,
and vaping products
Firecrackers and pyrotechnic items
Radio equipment and
sound and image recording devices
The amount of duty and tax assessed on a shipment to Guatemala is calculated using the CIF value of a shipment. The CIF value is the sum of the customs value plus insurance costs plus freight fees.
CIF Value = Customs Value + Insurance Amount + Freight Costs
If you were to calculate the CIF value of your shipment, you will be able to predict the tax and duty owed by the recipient.
Thresholds
There are no thresholds (also known as de minimis values) on imports into Guatemala. Therefore, all shipments, regardless of value, will incur duty and taxes.
Currency
Guatemalan Quetzal GTQ
Duty Exemption (De minimis Value)
N/A
Duty Calculation Method
CIF
TAX (VAT)
12%
Tax Exemption
(De minimis Value)
N/A
Tax Calculation Method
CIF
Duties on Imports
Excise Taxes
Certain shipments to Guatemala will incur excise taxes. They include:
Alcoholic beverages
Bottled natural water
Tobacco and tobacco products
Sports drinks
Syrups and concentrates
Juices - natural and artificial
Yoghurt drinks
Details for the products above can be found
here
and
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 Guatemala 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.
