Maldives comprises 26 atolls strung across 825 kilometres of the Indian Ocean like pearls on a string. Which makes this nation more than 99% water. And as a result, Maldives is home to important marine habitats that support creatures like endangered whale sharks, threatened sea turtles, 48 types of shrimp, and 1100 species of fish - many of which have fed Maldivians for millennia.
E-commerce in Maldives is still in its infancy; however, 95% of its population are on FaceBook, so it won't take long for Maldivians to apply those skills to online shopping and international shipping.
Easily compare the best and cheapest shipping options to Maldives through a variety of carriers using Secureship
Secureship provides safe and affordable shipping from Canada to Maldives. 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 Maldives
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
Jun 1, 2023
8:49 am
Dhidhdhoo , DH, MDV
Delivered
May 31, 2023
7:18 am
Thinadhoo , TH, MDV
In transit
May 30, 2023
9:03 pm
Hithadhoo , HI, MDV
International Clearance
May 30, 2023
8:14 am
Fuvahmulah , FU, MDV
In transit
May 30, 2023
12:17 am
Toronto, ON, CA
In transit
May 29, 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 Maldives 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:
Gift shipments to Maldives will incur duties and taxes no matter the value of the parcel. There are no thresholds below which customs officials do not apply fees.
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
A gift shipment from an individual in Canada to an individual in Maldives will be liable for import duties and taxes even if its value is minimal.
Shipments from Business-to-Business
Gift shipments from a business in Canada to a business in Maldives will be assessed taxes and duties even if the gift is of nominal value.
Shipments from Business-to-Individual
If a business in Canada ships a gift to an individual in Maldives, customs authorities will apply import duties and taxes to the shipment.
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
Husain Salahuddin Medhuziyaaraly Magu Malé 20158 Maldives
Phone: +(960) 300 7200
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal Shipment / Gift Shipment
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 29 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 your shipment contains multiple gifts, be sure to wrap and tab each one separately.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
Ship To
Invoice
Husain Salahuddin Medhuziyaaraly Magu Malé 20158 Maldives
Phone: +(960) 300 7200
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Unsolicited Gift: Consolidated Gift Package
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 29 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
Husain Salahuddin Medhuziyaaraly Magu Malé 20158 Maldives
Phone: +(960) 300 7200
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal effects being delivered to my new address.
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 29 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
All shipments of foodstuffs to Maldives will incur duties and taxes. (Those shipped to a business or company will be considered a commercial shipment and must follow the normal import declaration procedures.)
NOTE: The recipient will require approval of the shipment from Maldives Food and Drug Authority for food shipments and those containing supplements and vitamins.
You May Ship
Candy
Chocolate
Do Not Ship
Perishables
Pork and its byproducts
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
Husain Salahuddin Medhuziyaaraly Magu Malé 20158 Maldives
Phone: +(960) 300 7200
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Commercial Sample - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 29 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 shipped to Maldives to be advertised or displayed at trade fairs, international exhibitions, or other similar events are allowed a total* or partial duty-free entry to the country. They must be re-exported within 2 years of their arrival.
*The amount duty exemption depends on the time the item is in Maldives as shown below:
90 days or less, 100% exemption
91 - 180 days, 95% exemption
181 days to 1 year, 90% exemption
Greater than 1 year to 2 years, 80% exemption
More than 2 years, no duty exemption
Advertising Material Checklist
Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Promotional Material - Not for Resale' (see sample)
Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material
Ship To
Invoice
Husain Salahuddin Medhuziyaaraly Magu Malé 20158 Maldives
Phone: +(960) 300 7200
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Promotional Material - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 29 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 and machinery exported from Maldives for repairs in Canada will be exempt from duty charges provided the work was done under a warranty.
Items Under Warranty
Machinery and equipment sent to Canada for warranty repairs will be allowed a duty-free re-entry into Maldives.
Items No Longer Under Warranty
Items no longer under warranty shipped to Canada for repairs will be liable to duty charges upon their return to Maldives.
Also, the items will incur Canadian GST on the cost of repair and any parts used during the fixing process.
Sending Product for Repair to Maldives
There is no information at this time concerning goods and machinery sent to Maldives for repairs.
Returning Repaired Product to Maldives
Provided products were repaired under a warranty, they will NOT incur Maldivian duty fees when they re-enter the country.
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 Maldives or exported to Canada (depending on which case applies)
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Husain Salahuddin Medhuziyaaraly Magu Malé 20158 Maldives
Phone: +(960) 300 7200
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Repair and Return - Watch being sent for repair
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 29 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 shipped to Maldives for a temporary stay in the country are allowed to do so with total or partial exemption from duty charges provided:
There is a guarantor in Maldives who will be responsible for the items
The items are re-exported within 2 years of their arrival
The amount of duty exemption is dependant on the time the goods spend in Maldives as outlined below:
Amount of Time in Maldives
Percentage Duty Exemption
90 days or less
100%
91 days to 180 days
95%
181 days to 1 year
90%
Greater than 1 year to 2 years
80%
Greater than 2 years
0%
Goods of a temporary nature include items such as:
Those to be displayed at international meetings and exhibitions, trade fairs, etc.
Equipment for sports and cultural events (concerts, stage presentations)
Tools and equipment required to effect repairs on goods in Maldives
ATA Carnets
Maldives does not accept ATA Carnets for the temporary importation of goods.
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
Husain Salahuddin Medhuziyaaraly Magu Malé 20158 Maldives
Phone: +(960) 300 7200
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment returning Jan 2020
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 29 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
Goods imported into Maldives for personal use will be exempt from duty provided the shipment's value is MVR 6,000 or less (about $500 CAD). (The recipient must be a person NOT a company to benefit from a duty-free entry to Maldives.)
Occasional Shipper
Occasional shippers of sold goods to individuals in Maldives, for example via eBay, may send their parcels without the recipient owing duties if its value is MVR 6,000 or less (about $500 CAD).
NOTE: The shipment must be addressed to a person and not a company to be eligible for duty exemption.
Regular shipper
If you are a regular shipper of sold goods to Maldives, we recommend that you use the services of a licenced Maldivian customs broker. This
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
Ship To
Invoice
Husain Salahuddin Medhuziyaaraly Magu Malé 20158 Maldives
Phone: +(960) 300 7200
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Permanent/Sold: Parts and accessories for Canon B78n camera
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 29 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 Maldives. A COO proves that an item has been produced, manufactured or processed in Canada.
When an item with a COO is imported into Maldives, 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 will not be allowed to enter Maldives whereas those deemed restricted may enter, but will require registration with a government agency or a permit.
Prohibited Items
Any item or material
considered pornographic - DVDs, films, magazines, etc.
Materials disrespectful or insulting to Islam
Any idols used for worship
Substances with narcotic or psychotropic properties
The amount of duty and taxes levied on shipments entering Maldives is calculated using the CIF method, i.e. 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 duty and VAT owed by the recipient.
Thresholds
There is no threshold (also known as a de minimis value) on shipments entering Maldives. This means that all parcels regardless of their value will incur duty and taxes.
However, provided a shipment is sent to a private individual by a courier service for his or her personal use, a duty exemption up to MVR 6,000 (about $500 CAD) is allowed.
Currency
Maldivian rufiyaa MVR
Duty Exemption (De minimis Value)
N/A
Duty Calculation Method
CIF
TAX (VAT)
6%
Tax Exemption
(De minimis Value)
N/A
Tax Calculation Method
CIF
Duties on Imports
Candy15%*
Chocolate0%*
Spirits and wines25%**
Tobacco200%***
Books0%
Documents0%
Video games & consoles0%
Computers & laptops0%
Tablets0%
Mobiles5%
Cameras5%
Accessories for Electronics0%
Coats0%
Beauty products & cosmetics0% - 5%
Jewellery25%
Shirts & pants0%
Home appliances0% - 20%
Toys0%
Sports equipment0%
*For products containing wine, a duty of 50% will be incurred
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 Maldives 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.
