Iceland sits on the active geologic border between North America and Europe, which has produced active volcanoes, abundant hot geysers, and thundering waterfalls. As a result, Iceland is an island of stark beauty and contrast.
While Iceland is home to a mere 365,000 people, it is one of the most developed nations in the world and can boast a very high standard of living. This has led to Icelanders using the internet a lot, which means they also are shopping online much more recently. And since Canada has the largest ethnic Icelandic population outside Iceland, isn't it time to say halló to our Icelandic friends?
Easily compare the best and cheapest shipping options to Iceland through a variety of carriers using Secureship
Secureship provides safe and affordable shipping from Canada to Iceland. 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 Iceland
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
Jun 2, 2023
8:49 am
áRBORG - SELFOSS, AS, IS
Delivered
Jun 1, 2023
7:18 am
AKRANES, AK, IS
In transit
May 31, 2023
9:03 pm
AKUREYRI, AK, IS
International Clearance
May 31, 2023
8:14 am
KóPAVOGUR, KO, IS
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 Iceland 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:
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
Multiple gifts in one shipment will be exempt from duty and taxes if each gift is wrapped and tagged individually and the shipper or receiver of the gift is not a business.
Icelandic nationals returning to live permanently in Iceland can import their personal goods free of duty and tax providing:
They have lived outside of Iceland for 1 year or more
The goods are used and have been owned for 1 year or more
The goods are declared within 12 months from when the returning citizen takes up residence
The value of the does not exceed ISK 140,000 (about $1415 CAD)
Personal effects are for the use of its owner and his or her family. They include items such as:
Personal items such as clothing and footwear
Household furniture and appliances
Audio equipment, computers, artworks, ornaments, books, and musical instruments
Sports equipment and outdoor gear
Stamp and coin collections
Portable instruments required for a profession or trade
The following items are not exempt from duty and tax:
Tobacco and tobacco products
Alcoholic beverages
Materials for professional use
Moving Temporarily
Students
Students may ship their personal effects to Iceland if they move there temporarily for their studies.
Personal effects are considered to be:
Educational materials (paper and pens, computers and books)
Household goods such as linens, shoes, and clothing
Furniture used by a student, like a desk and chair
Non-students
Canadian citizens may ship their personal effects to Iceland exempt from duty and taxes when moving temporarily.
Exemption will be granted under the following conditions:
The goods have been owned for 1 year or more and have been used
The owner has lived in Canada for a minimum of 12 continuous months
Moving Permanently
If you are moving to Iceland after having lived outside of the country for 1 year or more, you may bring your used personal effects into the country tax and duty-free.
The following conditions apply for a tax and duty exemption:
Your goods may not be lent, sold or given away for at least after your arrival.
Household effects have been owned by the importer and his/her family for at least one year and are exclusively for the household
Goods are valued at ISK 140,000 (about $1415 CAD) or less (based on the retail value at the purchase location)
The amount applies to each member of family 18 years of age or older
Personal Effects Checklist
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Personal Effects' (see sample)
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 are those that can only be used for demonstration purposes. The purpose is to promote products and solicit sales. Samples are not to be sold.
Samples shipped to Iceland may be exempt from duty and tax if they are of negligible value (up to ISK 5000 - about $50 CAD - and no more than 10 kg in weight), and:
Goods have no commercial value
Goods are sent to an exhibition or for demonstration purposes
There is no more than one sample of each style or quality in the shipment
Letters, booklets, and printed material are not intended for redistribution
Before shipping commercial samples to Iceland, you must ensure the following:
The commercial invoice must clearly state that the package contains samples
Package is labelled 'Mutilated Samples' or 'Marked Samples not for Resale'
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
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
Sending a piece of equipment for repair to Iceland from Canada is easy. Duty and taxes are exempt because of the European Union's inward processing rules. Inward processing means items shipped from Canada to Iceland for repair will be duty-free.
Free warranty repairs done in Canada and returned to Iceland will not incur VAT.
Items Under Warranty
As Canada and Iceland are part of the EU free-trade agreement (CETA), repairs under warranty returning to Canada from Iceland 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 Iceland 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 Iceland
Sending equipment for repair to Iceland is straightforward because of the European Union's inward processing rules, which means items shipped from Canada to Iceland for repair will be duty-free.
Returning Repaired Product to Iceland
Equipment repaired in Canada under a warranty will not incur duty and taxes when they re-enter Iceland.
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 Iceland or exported to Canada (depending on which case applies)
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
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
Temporary imports of certain goods into Iceland will be exempt from duty and taxes for a period of up to 12 months.
Goods that often qualify as temporary imports include:
Commercial samples
Materials used to decorate an exhibition booth
Items that will be used or displayed at an exhibition, meeting, or trade or industrial fair
Equipment required to evaluate and test the operation of other goods or equipment
Tools and specialised equipment required for repairing, exploring, producing, or manufacturing
Equipment, printed matter, office supplies, etc. for use at conferences, meetings, or celebrations
Computers and related equipment
Equipment intended to ensure the security of participants
Printed material, table coverings, and tableware, e.g. with the company logo
ATA Carnets
Advertising shipped for display at a trade fair or exhibition may be sent to Iceland using an ATA carnet.
Temporary imports must meet the following criteria:
The goods are not to be altered except through natural wear-and-tear
Goods may not stay in Iceland longer than 12 months
Qualifying for Duty & Tax Free Temporary Import
In order to import your goods duty and tax free into Iceland, 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. 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.
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 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, i.e. they undergo no repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
Stay no longer than 12 months in Iceland
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
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 Iceland. A COO proves that an item has been produced, manufactured or processed in Canada.
When an item with a COO is imported into Iceland, 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 to be shipped to Iceland while restricted goods may enter the country; however, restricted goods may have quantity limitations or must abide by other rules.
Used riding gear* - saddles, bridles, halters, and leather whips
Restricted Items
Telephones and other
communications equipment
Angling gear and
riding clothing*
Firearms and ammunition
Flowers, bulbs, tubers,
and potted plants
NOTE: Angling gear and riding clothes used outside of Iceland (gloves, boots, and waders) must have a certificate of disinfection issued by an authorized veterinary officer. Otherwise the gear will be disinfected upon entry at the cost to the owners.
Shipments to Iceland 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
The duty threshold for shipments sent to Iceland is ISK 2,000 (about $20 CAD). This is also known as the de minimis value.
As of 1 July 2021, all shipments, regardless of value, will be subject to VAT.
Currency
Icelandic krona (ISK)
Duty Exemption (De minimis Value)
ISK 2,000 (about $20 CAD)
Duty Calculation Method
CIF
TAX (VAT)
24%
Tax Exemption
(De minimis Value)
0*
Tax Calculation Method
CIF
*From 1 July 2021, all shipments to Iceland will incur VAT no matter their value.
Even if a shipment left Canada on 30 June 2021 or earlier, it will be liable to VAT if it arrived in Iceland on 1 July 2021 or later.
Duties on Imports
Because of the free trade agreement between Canada and the European Free Trade Association, most shipments from Canada will enter Iceland with a reduced or zero rate of duty.
Excise Duties
Excise duty applies to imported alcohol and tobacco products.
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 Iceland 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.
