Lebanon is a small country - less than twice the size of P.E.I. - hemmed in by the Mediterrean Sea on one side and a formidable mountain range on the other. But it may be the only place in the world where you can ski in the morning and swim in the sea in the afternoon.
The Lebanese population is also small, but it is considered to be the most liberal and free in the Arab world - in part because 83% of its people use the internet.
So, while e-commerce is still in its infancy in Lebanon, most Lebanese have smartphones and they are ready to use them. And since Canada has a 250,000-strong Lebanese expatriate community, the future looks bright for shipping goods to the homeland.
Easily compare the best and cheapest shipping options to Lebanon through a variety of carriers using Secureship
Secureship provides safe and affordable shipping from Canada to Lebanon. 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 Lebanon
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
Jun 2, 2023
8:49 am
Tyre, TY, LB
Delivered
Jun 1, 2023
7:18 am
Sidon, SI, LB
In transit
May 31, 2023
9:03 pm
Beirut, BE, LB
International Clearance
May 31, 2023
8:14 am
Tripoli, TR, LB
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 Lebanon 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:
Personal effects may be shipped to Lebanon from Canada exempt from duty providing:
The items are for use in a regular household
The amount is in line for the size of the household
Furniture, clothing, and appliances are used, not new
NOTE:
Clothing and linen may be new if they are part of a bride's marriage trousseau and as long as one of the spouses lives in Lebanon.
Moving Temporarily
Students
Students moving temporarily to Lebanon to study may ship their personal effects (clothes and linens) duty-free provided they are registered in a Lebanese educational institution.
This exemption also applies to married students coming to Lebanon to study and is extended beyond clothing and linens to include household appliances.
Non-Students
Non-students may move temporarily to Lebanon and ship their personal effects duty-free provided they are returned to Canada within 1 year of arrival in Lebanon.
NOTE: Prohibited goods cannot be included in the shipment.
Moving Permanently
If you are moving permanently to Lebanon, you may ship your personal effects exempt from duty. Personal effects are to arrive within 3 months of the person or
family taking up residence in Lebanon.
Items allowed as personal effects include:
Furniture
Clothing and linens
Home appliances
Sports equipment
Bicycles
Musical instruments
Computers
NOTE: Household supplies are not accepted as personal effects.
There are 2 sets of rules depending on whether you are Lebanese or a foreigner:
1- In order for returning Lebanese to qualify for the exemption:
The person must have lived in Canada for a minimum of 3 consecutive years (a certificate is required)
Furniture must clearly be used
The amount of furniture and goods corresponds to the size of family claiming the exemption
2- In order for foreigners to qualify for the exemption when they take up permanent residence in Lebanon, the following must be demonstrated:
Proof of ownership of furniture
Furniture is used and was owned whilst living in Canada
A resident visa for a minimum period of 1 year
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 Lebanese returning permanently, a certificate from proving residence in Canada local authorities is required
For foreigners moving permanently, a resident visa is required
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Commercial Sample - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 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
Goods such as professional equipment - computers, tools - that will be shown at an exhibition or trade fair require an ATA Carnet (see Temporary Imports for details).
Advertising Material Checklist
Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Promotional Material - Not for Resale' (see 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
Equipment shipped to Lebanon from Canada for repair may enter duty-free for a period up to 3 months.
Items Under Warranty
Equipment under warranty that is returned to Canada for repair may have import duty and tax charges refunded
providing the item leaves Lebanon within 3 months of its entry.
Items No Longer Under Warranty
Equipment no longer under warranty that is returned to Canada for repair will not be eligible for refund of import duty and taxes.
Sending Product for Repair to Lebanon
Equipment shipped to Lebanon from Canada for repair may enter duty-free for a period up to 3 months.
Returning Repaired Product to Lebanon
There is no information at this time regarding shipping repaired equipment to Lebanon from Canada.
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 Lebanon 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
Goods of a temporary nature may enter Lebanon duty-free for a period of 6 months. This may be renewed, but cannot extend past 2 years in total.
Items typically shipped as temporary imports include:
Commercial samples
Jewellery and other adornments intended for display at a show or exhibition
Professional equipment and machinery, for e.g., movie projectors and cameras
Goods required to present a stage production or other artistic event
Qualifying for Duty & Tax Free Temporary Import
In order to import your goods duty and tax free into Lebanon, 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. More details are shown in the table.
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 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 6 months in Lebanon
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:
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment returning Jan 2020
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 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
Most shipments of sold goods to Lebanon will incur a minimum duty rate of 5% and will require a certificate of origin (COO).
Occasional Shipper
Even if you only occasionally ship sold goods to Lebanon from Canada, the shipment will likely incur a minimum 5% duty.
However, shipments valued up to LBP 200,000 (about $165 CAD) will be duty and tax free.
Regular shipper
If you regularly ship goods to Lebanon from Canada, we recommend you consult a licenced Lebanese customs broker.
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 Lebanon. A COO proves that an item has been produced, manufactured or processed in Canada.
When an item with a COO is imported into Lebanon, 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.
Duty and taxes on goods shipped to Lebanon are assessed using the CIF value, which is the sum of the customs value plus insurance costs plus freight expenses.
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 and tax threshold of a shipment is 200,000 LBP (about $165 CAD). This means that a shipment valued at or below this amount does not incur duty or tax.
This is also called the de minimis value.
Currency
Lebanese Pound (LBP)
Duty Exemption
(De minimis Value)
200,000 LBP (about $165 CAD)
Duty Calculation Method
CIF
TAX (VAT)
11%
Tax Exemption
(De minimis Value)
200,000 LBP (about $165 CAD)
Tax Calculation Method
CIF
Duties on Imports
Other Taxes
Tobacco products and alcoholic beverages incur other charges such as the Local Consumption Duty and Excise taxes.
Excise taxes for alcoholic products can be found here, and for tobacco products you can click
here.
Candy20%
Chocolate20%
Spirits and WinesVariable
TobaccoVariable
Books0%*
Documents0%
Video Games & Consoles5%
Computers & Laptops0%
Tablets0%
Mobiles5%
Cameras5%
Accessories for Electronics0%
Coats6%,
Beauty Products & Cosmetics15%
Jewellery5% - 10%
Shirts & Pants6%
Home Appliances5% - 15%
Toys5%
Sports Equipment5%
* Children's picture, drawing or colouring books incur a 5% duty but 0% VAT.
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 Lebanon 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.
