Haiti is the most mountainous country in the Caribbean, whose verdant flanks backstop pristine white sand beaches. No wonder Haiti deserves its moniker: Pearl of the Antilles. Idyllic scenery aside, Haiti's strength is its people, who have created a rich and unique culture that encompasses the arts, voodoo, and creole cuisine.
Haiti's geological and economic challenges have made it difficult for Haitians to develop a robust e-commerce activity; nonetheless, 40% of the population is connected to the internet and mobile banking is becoming ever more popular. This all bodes well for Canada's Haitian diaspora.
Easily compare the best and cheapest shipping options to Haiti through a variety of carriers using Secureship
Secureship provides safe and affordable shipping from Canada to Haiti. 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 Haiti
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
Feb 8, 2023
8:49 am
Les Cayes, LC, HT
Delivered
Feb 7, 2023
7:18 am
Delmas, DE, HT
In transit
Feb 6, 2023
9:03 pm
Gonaïves, GO, HT
International Clearance
Feb 6, 2023
8:14 am
Carrefour, CA, HT
In transit
Feb 6, 2023
12:17 am
Toronto, ON, CA
In transit
Feb 5, 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 Haiti 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:
Gifts shipments entering Haiti from Canada will be exempt from duty and taxes provided:
The parcel is only for the use of the recipient or his or her family
The quantity of goods in the shipment is clearly a non-commercial amount
The shipper and recipient are private individuals
The goods are considered to be low value
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
A gift shipment from an individual in Canada to an individual in Haiti will not incur duty and taxes if:
The gift is of low value
The shipment is small and its contents are low in number, which is clearly a non-commercial quantity
The gift is for the personal use of the recipient or his or her family only
Shipments from Business-to-Business
All gift shipments from a business in Canada to a business in Haiti will incur duty and taxes regardless of the value of the gift. (There are no thresholds or de minimis values.)
Shipments from Business-to-Individual
If a business in Canada sends a gift to an individual in Haiti, it will be considered a commercial transaction; therefore, duty and charges will be applied to the shipment no matter how low in value it is.
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 Haiti City 01001 Haiti
Phone: +502 2208 7777
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal Shipment / Gift Shipment
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 5 Feb 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
Provided the shipment contains gifts that are low in value and quantity, they may enter Haiti exempt from tax and duty charges. Also, the shipment must be sent from a private person in Canada to a private person in Haiti.
Finally, be sure to tag and wrap each gift separately.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
Ship To
Invoice
Miguel Ángel Asturias Calle 24 3-81 Haiti City 01001 Haiti
Phone: +502 2208 7777
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Unsolicited Gift: Consolidated Gift Package
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 5 Feb 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
Anyone who is moving to Haiti from Canada permanently will be granted a duty and tax exemption on their personal effects.
The conditions of the exemption includes the following:
The goods were purchased in Canada
They have been owned and used by the claimant for at least 1 year
The goods are not to be sold, given away, or transferred
The claimant has lived outside of Haiti for at least 1 year
They shipment must arrive within 6 months of the individual taking up residence in Haiti
Personal effects comprise the following items:
Household furniture and appliances
Musical instruments
Kitchen utensils, cutlery, tableware, etc.
Decorations and furnishings
Clothing and footwear
Portable tools and instruments used for an occupation or profession
NOTE: The following are disallowed duty and tax exemption entry as personal effects:
Foodstuffs
Alcoholic beverages
Non-portable instruments and tools
Commercial quantities of goods
Moving Temporarily
Students
There is no information at this time concerning students who move to Haiti with their personal effects in order to study in the country.
Non-students
Non-students who move temporarily to Haiti may ship their personal effects exempt from duties and taxes provided the items are for their personal use only, and will leave with them when they return to Canada.
Moving Permanently
If you move to Haiti permanently from Canada, your personal effects may enter the country exempt from duty and taxes provided:
You have owned and used the goods for 1 year or more
The goods were bought in Canada
You have lived continuously outside of Haiti for a minimum of 1 year
The shipment arrives within 6 months of you becoming a resident of Haiti
You do not transfer, sell, or give away your belongings
The following qualify as personal effects eligible for exemption:
Footwear and clothing
Utensils and equipment in the kitchen and for eating
Appliances and furniture
Portable instruments and tools that are needed for a profession or trade
Furnishings and decorations
Musical instruments
NOTE: The following will be taxed if they are included in a shipment of personal effects:
Commercial quantities of goods
Non-portable tools and instruments
Alcoholic beverages
Foodstuffs
Personal Effects Checklist
They are imported strictly for the use of the individual and/or his or her family
The amount of goods is clearly for the household only, and is not in a commercial quantity
The shipment arrives no more than 30 days before and 90 days after the arrival of the owner of the goods
Miguel Ángel Asturias Calle 24 3-81 Haiti City 01001 Haiti
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: 5 Feb 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
Information concerning importation of foodstuffs into Haiti is limited at this time.
You May Ship
Chocolate
Candies
Do Not Ship
Perishable items such as dairy and meat products
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 Haiti City 01001 Haiti
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: 5 Feb 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 representative items of a category of goods imported for display or demonstration. Their purpose is to solicit sales, and are not intended for sale.
Commercial samples may be imported into Haiti exempt from duty and taxes if they are of negligible value and have been rendered unsellable.
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 Haiti City 01001 Haiti
Phone: +502 2208 7777
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Promotional Material - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 5 Feb 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
Equipment shipped to Haiti for repair will be exempt from duty and tax charges as long as the equipment is returned to Canada after the work is completed. This process is part of Haiti's inward processing regime and may require a bond or guarantee to accompany the importation.
Items Under Warranty
Items that have been shipped to Canada for a warranty repair may return to Haiti exempt from duties and taxes provided the repairs were done without charge.
Items No Longer Under Warranty
Items repaired in Canada without being under a warranty will incur duty and taxes by Haitian authorities. Also, GST will be applied to the repair costs and on any parts used to make the repairs.
Sending Product for Repair to Haiti
Haiti accepts importation of items for repair duty and tax free provided they are re-exported to Canada once the repairs are done. Be aware that a financial guarantee or bond may be necessary when the items enter Haiti.
Returning Repaired Product to Haiti
Equipment repaired in Canada under a warranty and at no charge may re-enter Haiti exempt from duties and taxes.
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 Haiti 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 Haiti City 01001 Haiti
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: 5 Feb 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 may enter Haiti exempt from duties and taxes provided:
They leave Haiti when their time in the country is finished
They have remained unchanged except for normal wear-and-tear
They stay no longer than 2 years in the country
Goods that typically benefit from temporary import exemptions include:
Commercial samples that are displayed at exhibitions, fairs, or trade shows
Items of an artistic, scientific, or sporting nature that will be exhibited
ATA Carnets
Haitian customs do not accept ATA Carnets for temporary imports.
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 Haiti City 01001 Haiti
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: 5 Feb 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 Haiti will be liable to duties and taxes no matter their value. Haiti does not have a threshold or de minimis value below which no taxes or duties are incurred.
Occasional Shipper
Even if you only ship sold goods occasionally to Haiti, those items will incur duty and taxes regardless of their value.
Regular shipper
Regular shippers of sold goods to Haiti should consult a licenced Haitian shipping broker to ensure that all local rules and regulations are being followed.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
Ship To
Invoice
Miguel Ángel Asturias Calle 24 3-81 Haiti City 01001 Haiti
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: 5 Feb 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 Haiti. A COO proves that an item has been produced, manufactured or processed in Canada.
When an item with a COO is imported into Haiti, 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 are not allowed entry into Haiti while restricted goods may enter, but will require prior permission from a government department or they may be limited in quantity.
The amount of duty and taxes applied to a shipment entering Haiti will be calculated using the CIF value of the shipment. The CIF value is calculated as 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 duties and taxes owed by the recipient.
Thresholds
There are no thresholds (de minimis values) on imports entering Haiti. This means that all shipments regardless of their value will incur duties and taxes.
Currency
Gourde HTG
Duty Exemption (De minimis Value)
N/A
Duty Calculation Method
CIF
TAX (VAT)
10%
Tax Exemption
(De minimis Value)
N/A
Tax Calculation Method
CIF
Duties on Imports
Excise Duties
Haitian authorities charge an excise duty of 12% on the following items:
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 Haiti 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.
