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:
You can also skip ahead to the table containing the list of
Commonly Required Documents.
Documents Only
Most documents can be shipped from Canada to Ivory Coast duty-free
provided they have no commercial value.
Document shipments include:
- Advertising literature
- Airline tickets
- Annual reports
- Bids, proposals
- Blueprints
- Brochures
- Business cards
- Calendars
- Cash letters, negotiable bonds, drafts
- Catalogues, price lists
- Charts, maps
- Computer printouts
- Manuscripts, books
- Newspapers, publications
- Seismic data
- Sepia drawings
- Specifications sheets
The following items may also be shipped from Canada to Angola
duty-free if they abide by the criteria shown below:
| Document Type | Restriction |
|---|
| Cheques | Only if they are company-to-company, payroll, or personal
cheques; they CANNOT be blank |
| Event tickets(stage performances,football matches) | Cannot be from a printing company to the organiser of an event
or ticket sales office |
| Examination papers | Maximum shipment weight of 25 kg |
| Forms | Must be blank |
| Manuals | Technical manuals only |
| Newsletters | Only if they are intercompany documents, and have no commercial
value |
| Passports | Only if they are shipped from company-to-company; they CANNOT
be from one individual to another individual |
| Traveller's cheques | Only if used |
Sources:
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_US
Shipping Gifts
All gift shipments to Ivory Coast will incur duty and taxes. There is
no threshold below which no duty and taxes are collected.
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
A gift shipment to an individual in Ivory Coast from an individual in
Canada will be subject to duty and taxes regardless of the value of
the gift.
Shipments from Business-to-Business
A gift shipped from a business in Canada to a business in Ivory Coast
will be liable to duty and taxes no matter the value of the gift.
Shipments from Business-to-Individual
If a business in Canada sends a gift to an individual in Ivory Coast,
customs authorities will apply duty and taxes to the shipment even if
its value is small.
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 |
|---|
Gabriel Tiacoh
Av. des Grande écoles
Abidjan
Côte d'Ivoire
Phone: +225 07 49 76 0737 | 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
If you are sending more than one gift in the parcel, be sure to wrap
and tag each one individually.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Gabriel Tiacoh
Av. des Grande écoles
Abidjan
Côte d'Ivoire
Phone: +225 07 49 76 0737 | 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 |
Sources:
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_US
Shipping Personal Effects
Shipping personal effects to Ivory Coast from Canada may be exempt
from duty depending on the nature and quantity of items being
imported, and who is the shipper of the goods.
Moving Temporarily
Students
Students moving temporarily to Ivory Coast for their studies are
allowed duty-free entry of their personal effects provided:
- Their home address is abroad
- They present documentation from the educational institution where
the student is, or will be, studying
- Items are shipped in one shipment within one month from the date of
enrollment in the educational establishment
Non-students
Non-students may ship their personal effects to Ivory Coast from
Canada duty-free provided:
- Items shipped are returned to Canada within 1 year
- A deposit is made as a guarantee for duty owed
- They have paperwork showing that permits a temporary stay in the
country
Moving Permanently
Both foreigners moving permanently and nationals returning to live in
Ivory Coast are allowed exemption from duty and taxes on the
importation of their personal effects if:
- They have paperwork certifying a change of residence from Canada
- The shipment consists of 1 consignment only
- The change of residence and arrival of the shipment occurs at the
same time
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
Sources:
http://www.douanes.ci/sites/default/files/code_de_douanes/Code_des_Douanes_Partie_Partie_Legis.pdf
http://www.douanes.ci/sites/default/files/code_de_douanes/Code_des_Douanes_Partie_Reglementaire.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Personal Effects
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Gabriel Tiacoh
Av. des Grande écoles
Abidjan
Côte d'Ivoire
Phone: +225 07 49 76 0737 | 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
There is limited information available at this time regarding the
shipment of foodstuffs to Ivory Coast from Canada.
You May Ship
Do Not Ship
- Perishable items
- Dairy products
- 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 |
|---|
Gabriel Tiacoh
Av. des Grande écoles
Abidjan
Côte d'Ivoire
Phone: +225 07 49 76 0737 | 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 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 promote products and solicit sales.
They are not meant to be sold.
Shipping samples from Canada to Ivory Coast are exempt from duty and
taxes provided they have no commercial value.
NOTE:
Samples may enter Ivory
Coast as a temporary import or by using an ATA Carnet (see Temporary
Imports for details).
Commercial samples may be destined for display at events such as:
- Trade or industrial fairs
- Exhibitions, meetings, and congresses
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
Sources:
http://www.douanes.ci/sites/default/files/code_de_douanes/Code_des_Douanes_Partie_Reglementaire.pdf
http://www.douanes.ci/info/presentation-regimes-economiques
Sample Commercial Invoice for Commercial Sample
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Gabriel Tiacoh
Av. des Grande écoles
Abidjan
Côte d'Ivoire
Phone: +225 07 49 76 0737 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Commercial Sample - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023 |
| QTY | Description of Goods | C/O | SubTotal |
|---|
| 1 Box | Commercial Sample - Advanced reading copy of Dan Brown's novel.
| CA | $20.00 |
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Commercial Sample
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 |
Advertising Material
Advertising material may enter Ivory Coast exempt from duty and taxes
if it is shipped as a temporary import or by using an ATA Carnet (see
Temporary Imports for details).
Advertising Material Checklist
- Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Promotional Material - Not for
Resale' (see sample)
- A detailed description of each item is provided
Sources:
http://www.douanes.ci/info/presentation-regimes-economiques
Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Gabriel Tiacoh
Av. des Grande écoles
Abidjan
Côte d'Ivoire
Phone: +225 07 49 76 0737 | 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 for repair to Ivory Coast from Canada are
exempt from duty and taxes under the following conditions:
- The equipment is shipped as a temporary import (max. of 12 months in
Ivory Coast)
- Authorisation is obtained from the General Directorate of Customs
Items Under Warranty
Goods sent for repairs to Ivory Coast from Canada are exempt from duty
and taxes if done via a temporary importation.
Items No Longer Under Warranty
An item that is no longer under warranty and returns to Canada from
Ivory Coast 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 Ivory Coast
Sending equipment for repair to Ivory Coast must be done as a
temporary import in order to qualify for duty and tax free entry to
the country. Further conditions include:
- The equipment is returned to Canada within 12 months of its entry
into Ivory Coast
- Authorisation from the General Directorate of Customs has been
obtained
Returning Repaired Product to Ivory Coast
Equipment repaired in Canada under warranty will not incur duty and
taxes when it re-enters Ivory Coast.
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 Ivory Coast or exported to Canada (depending on
which case applies)
- A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Sources:
http://www.douanes.ci/info/presentation-regimes-economiques
Sample Commercial Invoice for Warranty Repair
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Gabriel Tiacoh
Av. des Grande écoles
Abidjan
Côte d'Ivoire
Phone: +225 07 49 76 0737 | 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
Goods imported temporarily into Ivory Coast will be exempt from duty
and taxes if they remain in the country no longer than 12 months.
Temporary imports may include the following categories of goods:
- Equipment for repair
- Commercial samples for display at trade fairs or exhibitions
- Equipment or goods to be tested or used in experiments
- Items that require assembly or added labour
Qualifying for Duty & Tax Free Temporary Import
In order to import your goods duty and tax free into Ivory Coast, you
can pick from 1 of the 2 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 the 2 options listed 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, allowing for
normal wear-and-tear; maintenance and minor repairs are allowed
under certain conditions
- If an ATA Carnet is used, the goods may stay no longer than 12
months in Ivory Coast
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
Sources:
https://www.atacarnet.com/carnet-countries
http://www.douanes.ci/info/presentation-regimes-economiques
http://www.douanes.ci/sites/default/files/code_de_douanes/Code_des_Douanes_Partie_Partie_Legis.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Temporary Imports
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Gabriel Tiacoh
Av. des Grande écoles
Abidjan
Côte d'Ivoire
Phone: +225 07 49 76 0737 | Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment returning Jan 2020
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
All importations of sold goods will incur duty and taxes regardless of
their value. There are no thresholds below which customs does not
apply import charges.
Occasional Shipper
Even if you only ship sold goods on occasion to someone in Ivory
Coast, be advised that duty and tax charges will be incurred by all
shipments regardless of their value.
Regular shipper
If you are a regular shipper of sold goods to Ivory Coast, we
recommend that you consult a licenced Ivorian customs so that all
regulations are followed by you and the importer.
Sources:
http://uatwcm01.webbfontaine.ci:8080/web/tip/importations
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Gabriel Tiacoh
Av. des Grande écoles
Abidjan
Côte d'Ivoire
Phone: +225 07 49 76 0737 | 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 |
Duty &
Taxes
Duties and taxes on imports entering Ivory Coast are calculated using
the CIF method: The sum of the customs value plus insurance amount plus
freight costs.
As a shipper, you can predict the duty and taxes owed by the recipient
of your consignment by using the CIF calculation.
Thresholds
The customs department of Ivory Coast imposes duty and taxes on all
shipments regardless of their value. There are no thresholds (also
known as de minimis values) below which charges are not applied.
| Currency | West African Franc CFA |
| Duty Exemption (De minimis Value) | N/A |
| Duty Calculation Method | CIF |
| TAX (VAT) | 18% |
Tax Exemption
(De minimis Value) | N/A |
| Tax Calculation Method | CIF |
| |
Duties on Imports
Excise Taxes
Shipments of energy and non-alcoholic drinks, alcoholic beverages, and
tobacco products will incur excise duties when they enter Ivory Coast.
Specific details for various products can be found here.
- Candy35%
- Chocolate35%
- Spirits and winesVariable
- Tobacco38%
- Books0%
- Documents0%
- Video games & consoles20%
- Computers & laptops5%
- Tablets5%
- Mobiles10%
- Cameras20%
- Accessories for Electronics5%
- Coats20%
- Beauty products & cosmetics20%
- Jewellery20%
- Shirts & pants20%
- Home appliances5% - 20%
- Toys20%
- Sports equipment20%
Sources:
https://taxsummaries.pwc.com/ivory-coast/corporate/other-taxes
https://www.dgi.gouv.ci/index.php/doctrine-fiscale-2/24-vos-besoins/97-droits-d-accises
Questions
about Shipping to Ivory Coast
Can I ship to Ivory Coast?
Shipping to Ivory Coast 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.
Find out
how fast the Secureship trusted carriers can get your shipment
delivered to Ivory Coast by getting a quote now.
Does UPS ship to Ivory Coast?
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How long does it take to ship from Canada to Ivory Coast?
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How much is it to send a parcel to Ivory Coast?
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What is the cheapest way to ship from Canada to Ivory Coast?
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How do I send a package to Ivory Coast?
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