Paraguay is a South American nation overshadowed by its larger and more populated neighbours: Argentina and Brazil, which is a pity because it hosts spectacular lush national forests and remnants of quaint Spanish-era colonial structures and cities.
Nevertheless, Paraguayans are a friendly and peaceful melting pot formed by the native Guaraní and Spanish peoples.
While still a developing country, Paraguay has an export-based economy that has experienced an accelerated internet usage in the last several years. Based on this, Paraguay's e-commerce activity is expected to grow annually at nearly 20% from now till 2025.
Easily compare the best and cheapest shipping options to Paraguay through a variety of carriers using Secureship
Secureship provides safe and affordable shipping from Canada to Paraguay. 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 Paraguay
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
Jun 1, 2023
8:49 am
San Antonio , SA, PY
Delivered
May 31, 2023
7:18 am
Villa Elisa , VI, PY
In transit
May 30, 2023
9:03 pm
Asuncion , AS, PY
International Clearance
May 30, 2023
8:14 am
San Lorenzo , SA, PY
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 Paraguay 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:
Gifts shipped to Paraguay from Canada will be exempt from duties (but not VAT) provided:
The shipment's value is $200 USD or less (about $250 CAD)
The gift is for an individual for their personal use only
It is an infrequent occurrence
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
A gift shipment from an individual in Canada to an individual in Paraguay will be duty-free (VAT will still be incurred, however) if:
The gift is for the personal use of the recipient or his or her family
It is an occasional event
The value of the gift is no more than $200 USD (about $250 CAD)
Shipments from Business-to-Business
A gift shipment from a business in Canada to a business in Paraguay will incur duties and taxes regardless of its value.
Shipments from Business-to-Individual
If a business in Canada ships a gift to an individual in Paraguay, it will be liable to duties and taxes no matter its value. (There is no threshold below which no fees apply.)
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
Augusto Roa Bastos De la Residenta 82 Asuncíon Paraguay
Phone: +595 21 204 670
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, it will be duty-free up to a value of $200 USD (about $250 CAD) provided it is shipped from one individual to another. And that it is for the personal use of the recipient.
NOTE: VAT will be charged on the parcel.
Also, be sure to wrap and tag each gift separately.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
Ship To
Invoice
Augusto Roa Bastos De la Residenta 82 Asuncíon Paraguay
Phone: +595 21 204 670
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
Paraguayan nationals who return to live in Paraguay permanently may import their personal belongings up to the following limits:
Personal effects: Up to 850 times the value of the minimal daily wage
Tools and machines: Up to 3,000 times the value of the minimal daily wage
The following conditions must also be followed:
The claimant has lived continuously outside of Paraguay for a minimum of 2 years
The goods clear customs at one time only
The claimant possesses a valid Paraguayan identity card
Permanent residence outside of Paraguay can be validated
Moving Temporarily
Students
There is no information at this time regarding students moving to Paraguay with their personal effects.
Non-students
Non-students who move temporarily to Paraguay may ship their personal effects provided they are for the use of the individual only; and the quantity of goods in said shipment cannot be mistaken for a commercial consignment.
Moving Permanently
Personal belongings of Paraguayan nationals who are returning to Paraguay for permanent re-settlement may enter the country provided:
All the belongings enter the country in one shipment
The returning individual has lived continuously in Canada for 2 years or more, and can prove residency there
He or she can present a valid Paraguayan identity card
The limits to the monetary value of imported belongings of returning Paraguayans are as follows:
For machinery and tools - a maximum of 3,000 times the minimal daily wage
For personal effects - a maximum of 850 times the minimal daily wage
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 returning Paraguayan nationals, proof of residence abroad and a Paraguayan identity card
Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material
Ship To
Invoice
Augusto Roa Bastos De la Residenta 82 Asuncíon Paraguay
Phone: +595 21 204 670
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
Goods and equipment exported from Paraguay for repairs in Canada will be allowed a duty-free return to Paraguay as long as the work was done under a warranty at no cost.
Items Under Warranty
Goods sent to Canada from Paraguay for warranty repairs will be allowed re-entry into Paraguay exempt from duty charges if there has been no charge for the repair work.
Items No Longer Under Warranty
Machinery and equipment no longer under warranty that are repaired in Canada will incur duties when they are returned to Paraguay. As well, Canadian GST will be incurred on the value of the repair and any parts used in the process.
Sending Product for Repair to Paraguay
There is no information available at this time concerning repairs to machinery and other goods shipped from Canada and done in Paraguay.
Returning Repaired Product to Paraguay
As long as goods were repaired in Canada at no cost under a warranty agreement, they may be returned to Paraguay exempt from duty charges.
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 Paraguay or exported to Canada (depending on which case applies)
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Augusto Roa Bastos De la Residenta 82 Asuncíon Paraguay
Phone: +595 21 204 670
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 imported for a temporary stay in Paraguay may do so exempt from duty charges provided they stay no longer than 12 months in the country. (This time limit may be extended once.)
Goods allowed a temporary entry into Paraguay include:
Equipment, tools, and machinery for construction work
Equipment for scientific research
Commercial samples and machinery for display at exhibitions, trade fairs, etc.
Equipment for sporting events
ATA Carnets
Paraguayan customs authorities do 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
Augusto Roa Bastos De la Residenta 82 Asuncíon Paraguay
Phone: +595 21 204 670
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
Courier shipments of an occasional nature of sold goods from Canada to Paraguay will be allowed a duty-free entry into the country if their value is $100 USD or less (about $125 CAD).
NOTE: VAT will be charged on those shipments.
Occasional Shipper
Occasional shipments of sold goods to Paraguay, for e.g. via eBay, will be exempt from duties up to a value of $100 USD (about $125 CAD). They will, however, incur VAT.
Regular shipper
Regular shippers of sold goods are recommended to use the services of a Paraguayan customs broker. This is mandatory for consignments valued at $1,000 USD or more (about $1,250 CAD).
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
Ship To
Invoice
Augusto Roa Bastos De la Residenta 82 Asuncíon Paraguay
Phone: +595 21 204 670
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 Paraguay. A COO proves that an item has been produced, manufactured or processed in Canada.
When an item with a COO is imported into Paraguay, 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 items will not be permitted entry into Paraguay whereas those deemed restricted will either be limited in quantity or require a licence or certification to be allowed entry into the country.
Prohibited Items
Firearms and explosives
Toy guns and toys resembling weapons
Narcotics and other dangerous substances like drugs
Used footwear
Detergents and soaps that contain sodium tripolyphosphate
Restricted Items
Sugar
Maté
Household products such as toiletries, cosmetics, and sanitary supplies
The amount of duty and taxes applied to imports entering Paraguay is calculated using the sum of the customs value plus insurance amount plus freight costs - called the CIF value of the parcel.
CIF Value = Customs Value + Insurance Amount + Freight Costs
By calculating the CIF value of a parcel, you will be able to predict the duty and taxes owed by the recipient.
Thresholds
Paraguayan customs officials do not recognise thresholds (also known as de minimis values) on imports. That is to say, all goods entering Paraguay will incur both duties and taxes regardless of their value with one notable exception: Occasional shipments of sold goods of $100 USD or less (about $125 CAD) will be duty-free (VAT will be charged).
Currency
Guaraní (PYG)
Duty Exemption (De minimis Value)
N/A
Duty Calculation Method
CIF
TAX (VAT)
10%
Tax Exemption
(De minimis Value)
N/A
Tax Calculation Method
CIF
Duties on Imports
Excise Taxes
The following items will incur excise taxes at the stated rate when they enter Paraguay:
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 Paraguay 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.
