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.
Shipping Rates
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
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.
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
Feb 21, 2026
8:49 am
Chiquimula, CH, GT
Delivered
Feb 20, 2026
7:18 am
Chimaltenango, CH, GT
In transit
Feb 19, 2026
9:03 pm
Baja Verapaz, BV, GT
International Clearance
Feb 19, 2026
8:14 am
Alta Verapaz, AV, GT
In transit
Feb 19, 2026
12:17 am
Toronto, ON, CA
In transit
Feb 18, 2026
4:30 pm
Ottawa, ON, CA
Pickup Scan
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: 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
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: 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
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: 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
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: 28 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Box
Nestle Chocolate Bars in original packaging expiring May 2027 (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: 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
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: 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
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 2027
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
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: 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
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
E-cigarette liquid (UPS cannot clear)
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.
