In landmass, Nicaragua and England are in a dead heat. However, Nicaragua can boast about a number of significant geographical features:
The largest Central American country, and very rich in biodiversity
A dramatic landscape of 50 volcanoes, seven of which remain active
Central America's biggest lakes, which provide beauty, and recreation to its visitors and citizens
E-commerce activity in Nicaragua has been hampered by economic and regulatory issues. But this is a youthful nation - median age of 27 - with a 118% rate of mobile connections. And as everyone knows, it is the young who embrace technology, welcome the future, and force modernisation like no other group. So, it is only time before Nicaraguans will be e-commerce shopping like their neighbours.
Easily compare the best and cheapest shipping options to Nicaragua through a variety of carriers using Secureship
Secureship provides safe and affordable shipping from Canada to Nicaragua. 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 Nicaragua
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
Oct 6, 2023
8:49 am
Granada , GR, NI
Delivered
Oct 5, 2023
7:18 am
Chinandega , CH, NI
In transit
Oct 4, 2023
9:03 pm
Masaya, MA, NI
International Clearance
Oct 4, 2023
8:14 am
Managua , MA, NI
In transit
Oct 4, 2023
12:17 am
Toronto, ON,CA
In transit
Oct 3, 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 Nicaragua 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 entering Nicaragua will incur duty and taxes. However, a small shipment to a family member in Nicaragua may be sent without a commercial invoice provided:
The recipient is a person not a corporation
It has been 6 months since the recipient received the last shipment
The amount of goods in the shipment is too small to be used for commercial purposes
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
A gift shipment to an individual in Nicaragua from an individual in Canada will be liable to duty and tax charges. But if a family member in Canada sends a small parcel to a family member in Nicaragua, no commercial invoice is required if the recipient:
Is a person, i.e. it cannot be a corporation
Has not received a parcel for at least 6 months from the same sender
Cannot sell the goods because the amount in the shipment is too for a commercial purpose
Shipments from Business-to-Business
A gift shipment from a business in Canada to a business in Nicaragua will incur taxes and duty regardless of its value.
Shipments from Business-to-Individual
A gift shipment destined for an individual in Nicaragua from a business in Canada will be charged duty and customs even if it is a trivial amount.
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
Miguel ángel Asturias Calle 24 3-81 Nicaragua City 01001 Nicaragua
Phone: +502 2208 7777
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal Shipment / Gift Shipment
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 3 Oct 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
All gift shipments, whether containing 1 gift or multiple, will incur duty and taxes. Be sure to wrap and tag each gift separately.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
Ship To
Invoice
Miguel Ángel Asturias Calle 24 3-81 Nicaragua City 01001 Nicaragua
Phone: +502 2208 7777
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Unsolicited Gift: Consolidated Gift Package
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 3 Oct 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
Miguel Ángel Asturias Calle 24 3-81 Nicaragua City 01001 Nicaragua
Phone: +502 2208 7777
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal effects being delivered to my new address.
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 3 Oct 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
Most foodstuffs entering Nicaragua will require permits from the Nicaraguan Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture.
You May Ship
Chocolate
Candy
Do Not Ship
Perishables
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
Miguel ángel Asturias Calle 24 3-81 Nicaragua City 01001 Nicaragua
Phone: +502 2208 7777
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Food Shipment - Assorted chocolate bars in their original manufacturer's packaging
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 3 Oct 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 may enter Nicaragua exempt from duties provided they are sent to recipients at no cost to them for the purposes of demonstrating or publicising products. They must have no commercial value either because of their size or quantity when shipped or they have been physically marked or rendered unusable.
Commercial samples may include perfumes, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, beverages, and food items that will be destroyed upon use because of being:
Analysed
Tested
Or otherwise sampled
Samples of consumables must be shipped in small containers that are clearly only for sampling and have no value as a sold item.
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
Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material
Ship To
Invoice
Miguel Ángel Asturias Calle 24 3-81 Nicaragua City 01001 Nicaragua
Phone: +502 2208 7777
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Promotional Material - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 3 Oct 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
If repairs to equipment or machinery are carried out in Canada under a warranty time period, duty will be incurred only on the expenses not covered by the guarantee's conditions.
However, if the goods are not covered by a warranty, then duty will be applied to the cost of parts, labour for the repair itself, and on any other charges incurred by the process, for example insurance, packaging, and transportation.
Items Under Warranty
Equipment repaired under warranty in Canada will be exempt from duty charges when it re-enters Nicaragua if there was no charge for the work done. Also, the equipment must be returned to Canada within the time allotted for a temporary export.
Items No Longer Under Warranty
Equipment no longer under warranty that is repaired in Canada will incur duty when it returns to Nicaragua. Duty will be applied to labour and parts as well as to charges for packaging, freight, and insurance.
Sending Product for Repair to Nicaragua
When equipment or machinery is sent to Nicaragua for repairs, it is accepted under the country's inward processing rules, which allow duty-free work to be done. Also, the equipment must leave the country for Canada within 12 months of its entry.
Returning Repaired Product to Nicaragua
Non-warranty items repaired in Canada will incur Nicaraguan duty on the cost of the repair - parts and labour - and on any fees for insurance, packaging, and freight.
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 Nicaragua or exported to Canada (depending on which case applies)
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Miguel Ángel Asturias Calle 24 3-81 Nicaragua City 01001 Nicaragua
Phone: +502 2208 7777
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Repair and Return - Watch being sent for repair
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 3 Oct 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 entering Nicaragua as a temporary import may do so duty-free and for a maximum period of 6 months. (A security bond will be required to cover duties owed.)
Items that are allowed temporary entry include:
Goods for display at conventions, meetings, international trade fairs
Commercial samples (must be in a reasonable quantity)
Equipment and materials for artistic presentations or sporting events
Machinery and equipment that promote technology, science, or education
Material that promotes tourism
ATA Carnets
Nicaraguan authorities do not recognise ATA Carnets for temporary imports.
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
Miguel Ángel Asturias Calle 24 3-81 Nicaragua City 01001 Nicaragua
Phone: +502 2208 7777
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment returning Jan 2020
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 3 Oct 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 sold goods arriving in Nicaragua will incur duty and VAT upon entry into the country. There are no thresholds below which customs fees are waived. If a shipment has a value of not more than CA$1,000 (about $1,250 CAD), they may enter Nicaragua without employing a licenced customs broker.
Occasional Shipper
Shipments of sold goods to Nicaragua via parcel couriers may enter without the use of a licenced customs broker if their value is CA$1,000 or less (about $1,250 CAD).
Regular shipper
If you regularly ship sold goods to Nicaragua that have a value of CA$1,000 (about $1,250 CAD), they must be cleared by a licenced customs broker.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
Ship To
Invoice
Miguel Ángel Asturias Calle 24 3-81 Nicaragua City 01001 Nicaragua
Phone: +502 2208 7777
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Permanent/Sold: Parts and accessories for Canon B78n camera
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 3 Oct 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 Nicaragua. A COO proves that an item has been produced, manufactured or processed in Canada.
When an item with a COO is imported into Nicaragua, 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 be refused entry into Nicaragua whereas restricted goods are allowed entry, but they may be limited in quantity or require regulatory approval from government agencies.
Prohibited Items
Articles and materials
considered immoral or
obscene
Silver, platinum, and gold
Jewels and precious
stones
Ivory
Lottery tickets
Military uniforms
Unpackaged tobacco products
Medications and other pharmaceuticals without markings or labelled containers
Duty and tax calculations on imported goods entering Nicaragua are done using the CIF value of the shipment, which is 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 parcel before shipping, you will be able to predict the duty and taxes owed by the recipient.
Thresholds
There are no thresholds (also known as de minimis values) on imported goods entering Nicaragua. This means that all shipments regardless of value will incur duty and VAT.
Currency
Nicaraguan Cordoba NIO
Duty Exemption (De minimis Value)
N/A
Duty Calculation Method
CIF
TAX (VAT)
15%
Tax Exemption
(De minimis Value)
N/A
Tax Calculation Method
CIF
Duties on Imports
Selective Consumption Tax
The selective consumption tax is applied to non-essential goods such as alcoholic beverages and tobacco products. Specific tax rates for these items can be found here.
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 Nicaragua 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.
