Trade Agreement:CETA (Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement)
Guide to Sending Parcels to Hungary
Though landlocked, water is an important part of the Hungarian psyche. For starters, its thermal waters have been a destination since the time of the Romans, and to this day, the country has 450 public baths and 1500 hot springs. Perhaps this is why they are noted as the winningest water polo players in the world.
Hungarians, who know their country as Magyarország - Land of Magyars - are also unique in Europe because the origins of Hungarian is unrelated to any other major European language.
Since the early 2000s, Hungary has experienced a steady increase of e-commerce. Out of a population of nearly 10 million, over 65 percent are now online shoppers, with numbers continuing to grow - making Hungary an attractive market for Canadian shippers.
Shipping Rates
Easily compare the best and cheapest shipping options to Hungary
through a variety of carriers using Secureship
Secureship provides safe and affordable shipping from Canada to Hungary. 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 Hungary
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 Hungary before shipping any
goods.
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
Feb 21, 2026
8:49 am
Sopron, SO, HU
Delivered
Feb 20, 2026
7:18 am
Tihany, TI, HU
In transit
Feb 19, 2026
9:03 pm
Lillafured, LI, HU
International Clearance
Feb 19, 2026
8:14 am
Tapolca, TA, HU
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:
Shipping gifts from Canada to Hungary with a value of €45 (about
$65 CAD) or less will not incur duty.
Alcohol, tobacco products, cosmetics and perfumes may also be shipped
as gifts but with certain restrictions (see table below).
Items
Restrictions
Alcoholic beverages
Maximum of 1 L of distilled spirits Maximum of 2 L of wine
Tobacco products
50 cigarettes; or 25 cigarillos (cigars weighing a maximum of 3
g per unit); or 10 cigars or 50 g of smoking tobacco
Perfumes or cologne
50 g or 250 mL
Coffee
500 g (extracts and essences 200 g)
Tea extracts or essences
40 g
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
A gift shipment from an individual in Canada to an individual in
Hungary of €45 EUR (about $65 CAD) or less will be exempt from
duty with some restrictions for certain products such as alcohol,
tobacco products, cosmetics, and perfumes.
Shipments from Business-to-Business
Shipment of a gift to a business in Hungary will be charged duties and
taxes. As well, gifts sent to an individual care of a business address
will also incur taxes and charges regardless of the value of the gift.
Shipments from Business-to-Individual
Shipping a gift to an individual to their work address will be viewed
as a commercial shipment and will incur duties and taxes.
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
Franz Liszt 8 Liszt Ferenc Square Budapest 1061 Hungary
Phone: +36 1 321-0690
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
Multiple gifts sent in one shipment should be wrapped and tagged
individually.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
Ship To
Invoice
Franz Liszt 8 Liszt Ferenc Square Budapest 1061 Hungary
Phone: +36 1 321-0690
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
People moving to reside in Hungary can import their personal property
free of duty and tax provided they are intended to be used as
household goods and:
They are used and have been owned for 6 months or more
Their goods are intended for the same purpose in the new household
in Hungary
They have lived outside of Hungary for more than a year
Their personal goods are declared within 12 months from the date on
which returning citizens establish residence
Personal property means any items intended for the personal use of its
owner and his or her family members. These goods include:
Household furniture and appliances
Clothing and linens
Portable instruments required for the practice of a profession or
trade
The following items are excluded from the duty exemption:
Alcoholic beverages
Tobacco and tobacco products
Materials for professional use
Moving Temporarily
Students
Students moving to Hungary temporarily to study may ship their
personal belongings duty-free. They must provide proof of enrollment
in an educational institution and a photocopy of their passeport.
Personal belongings include:
Educational materials (paper, pens, calculator, computer, and books)
Furniture used during their students such as a chair and a desk
Household goods such as linens, shoes, and clothing
Non-Students
Non-students moving to live in Hungary temporarily can import their
goods without duty and tax provided they are intended to be used as
household goods and:
They have lived outside of Hungary for a minimum of 1 year
They must provide documentation such as an employment contract or
certificate from an employer containing date of termination or end
of contract
Their goods are used and have been owned for 6 months or more
Proof of residence in Hungary or a certificate of registration
Moving Permanently
Returning Hungarians may ship their goods free of duty providing:
They have lived outside Hungary for more than 12 months before
moving to Hungary
All required documents have been approved by Hungarian Customs prior
to the arrival of shipment
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
For Hungarians returning permanently, proof of having lived in
Canada for at least 12 months
Franz Liszt 8 Liszt Ferenc Square Budapest 1061 Hungary
Phone: +36 1 321-0690
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
Food and food items like chocolate and candy can be shipped to Hungary
providing they correspond to the rules and standards established by
the European Union.
You May Ship
Baked goods providing they do not contain meat products
Chocolate
Candy
Meat concentrates and extracts
Food supplements
Pasta and vermicelli without meat products
Olives stuffed with fish
Broths
Honey*
Powdered baby milk and food, and foods for special medical diets*
Cured, cooked, or smoked fish*
*Maximum of 2 kg
Do Not Ship
Meat and meat products
Margarine of animal origin
Perishable items
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
Franz Liszt 8 Liszt Ferenc Square Budapest 1061 Hungary
Phone: +36 1 321-0690
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 for demonstration purposes at meetings
and trade fairs. The objective is to promote future purchases by
encouraging people to place orders of the samples, not to sell them.
Samples shipped from Canada to Hungary may qualify for duty-free entry
if:
They are of negligible value - maximum of €22 (about $35 CAD)
Shipment weighs no more than 10 kg
They are intended to solicit orders of the product
The goods are supplied directly from outside Hungary
An ATA carnet can be used to ship samples with no commercial value. See Temporary Imports
section for more details.
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
Shipment is labelled: 'Mutilated Samples' or 'Marked Samples not for Resale'
Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material
Ship To
Invoice
Franz Liszt 8 Liszt Ferenc Square Budapest 1061 Hungary
Phone: +36 1 321-0690
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
Sending a piece of equipment to be repaired in Hungary is fairly
simple. Items shipped from Canada to Hungary for repair will be duty
and VAT free provided they are under warranty, and free warranty
repairs done in Canada and returned to Hungary will not incur VAT.
Items Under Warranty
As Canada and Hungary have a free-trade agreement (CETA), repairs
under warranty returning to Canada from Hungary are duty-free and will
not be charged GST.
Items No Longer Under Warranty
An item that is no longer under warranty and returns to Canada from
Hungary will be charged GST. The GST will be charged on the value of
the repair and on any parts required for the repair.
Sending Product for Repair to Hungary
Sending equipment for repair to Hungary will be exempt from duty and
VAT.
Returning Repaired Product to Hungary
Equipment repaired in Canada under a warranty will not incur duty and
taxes when they re-enter Hungary.
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 Hungary or exported to Canada (depending on
which case applies)
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Franz Liszt 8 Liszt Ferenc Square Budapest 1061 Hungary
Phone: +36 1 321-0690
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
Importing goods temporarily into Hungary will be exempt from duties
and taxes for a period up to 24 months. These temporary imports may
include an article shipped to Hungary for repair or for display at an
exhibition.
Temporary imports often include the following:
Items that will be used or displayed at an exhibition, fair, or
trade show
Professional and scientific equipment
Commercial samples
Tools and specialised equipment required for repairing, exploring,
producing, or manufacturing
Instruments required to evaluate and test the operation of other
goods and equipment
Materials and goods to be used for entertainment, for example
concerts and artistic events
NOTE: Advertising material shipped
for display at a trade fair or exhibition may be sent using an ATA
Carnet.
Temporary imports must respect the following criteria:
The goods are not to be altered except through natural wear-and-tear
Goods may not stay in Hungary longer than 24 months
Qualifying for Duty & Tax Free Temporary Import
In order to import your goods duty and tax free into Hungary, 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 below.
Option #
Temporary Import Method
Risk of paying
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 (CI) 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. Commercial Invoice (CI) + an ATA Carnet
Completing an ATA Carnet is great option for items that frequently travel
in and out of the country. It's also great because once you have an ATA
Carnet, it is accepted by 176 countries worldwide making the application
process a one-time thing.
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 the article however, you can
find more information here: http://www.chamber.ca/carnet/
NOTE:It is highly recommended to get an ATA Carnet
for items that frequently travel in and out of the country and
especially so when it is valued over $2,500 USD
In addition to choosing option 1 or 2, 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, i.e. they undergo
no repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
Stay no longer than 24 months in Hungary
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 (FedEx,
UPS, 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
Franz Liszt 8 Liszt Ferenc Square Budapest 1061 Hungary
Phone: +36 1 321-0690
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
The duty threshold for shipments from Canada to Hungary is €150
(about $225 CAD). Therefore, duty is only incurred if the value of the
shipment is above €150.
Starting 1 July 2021, all shipments to Hungary, regardless of value,
will incur VAT.
Occasional Shipper
If you only ship occasionally to Hungary, for example via eBay, the
process is simple. You will need to:
Include 3 copies of the commercial invoice with your shipment
Provide a detailed description of the goods on the commercial
invoice (in order to avoid customs delays).
NOTE: An Economic Operator
Registration and Identification (EORI) number is NOT needed if you are
shipping as a private individual.
Regular shipper
If you regularly sell and ship goods to Hungary, we suggest you seek
advice from a licenced customs broker in Hungary
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
Ship To
Invoice
Franz Liszt 8 Liszt Ferenc Square Budapest 1061 Hungary
Phone: +36 1 321-0690
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 Hungary. A COO
proves that an item has been produced, manufactured or processed in
Canada.
When an item with a COO is imported into Hungary, 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 is 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 to be shipped to Hungary while
restricted goods indicate there are rules that apply to the amount or
who may send them.
Prohibited Items
Firearms and ammunition
Counterfeit goods
Narcotics and psychotropic drugs
Margarine of animal origin
Perishable items
Publications that are offensive or counter
to the public order or morality of the Hungarian Republic
Iron and steel products from Russia
(effective Sept 2023)
Diamonds and diamond products from Russia
(effective Jan 2024)
E-cigarette liquid (UPS cannot clear)
Restricted Goods
Medicines
Vegetables and derived products
Furniture
Plants and plant products for
personal consumption (5 kg/person)
Shipments to Hungary have VAT and duty charges calculated using the CIF
method, i.e. the sum of the customs value plus insurance fees plus
freight costs.
CIF Value = Customs Value + Insurance Amount + Freight Costs
By knowing the CIF value of a shipment, you will be able to predict the
duty and taxes owed by the recipient.
Thresholds
Some countries provide a duty and tax threshold (also called the de
minimis value), which means that below a certain amount no duty or
taxes are incurred on the import of that shipment.
A shipment to Hungary will be duty-free if its value is €150 (about
$225 CAD) or less. However, VAT is applied to all shipments no matter
their value.
Currency
Forint (HUF)
Duty Exemption (De minimis Value)
€150 (about $225 CAD)
Duty Calculation Method
CIF
TAX (VAT)
27%
Tax Exemption (De minimis Value)
€0*
Tax Calculation Method
CIF
*From 1 July 2021, all shipments to Hungary will incur VAT regardless
of value.
NOTE: Even if an item was
purchased on or before 30 June 2021 but arrives in Hungary on July 1
2021 or later, it will be liable to VAT charges.
Duties on Imports
Excise Taxes
Hungary imposes excise duties on:
Alcoholic beverages and beverages containing added sugar or other
sweeteners
CETA is the trade agreement between the European Union (EU) and
Canada. Through this agreement, most goods shipped from Canada to
Hungary are duty-free.
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 Hungary 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.
