Guide to Sending Parcels to Portugal

The mighty Atlantic Ocean washes heavily upon Portugal's major coastline. Centuries ago, many of its brave sailors set forth into those dangerous waters and made huge contributions to the world map - Magellan, da Gama, Henry the Navigator, to name a few.

Portugal's long and storied history is now firmly anchored in the modern era as shown by its e-commerce numbers for 2020. The country's future certainly looks as sunny as its famed Algarve.

Information for this page was taken from the Portuguese Ministry of Finance and the European Commission.

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Easily compare the best and cheapest shipping options to Portugal through a variety of carriers using Secureship

Secureship provides safe and affordable shipping from Canada to Portugal. 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.

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IconEasy Tracking Information

Shipments through Secureship come with full, easy to read tracking information to Portugal


IconDisclaimer

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 Portugal before shipping any goods.

Full tracking information for parcels to Portugal is available with Secureship
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
Apr 1, 2024
8:49 am
Guarda, GU, PT
Delivered
Mar 31, 2024
7:18 am
Leiria, LE, PT
In transit
Mar 30, 2024
9:03 pm
Viseu, VI, PT
International Clearance
Mar 30, 2024
8:14 am
Faro, FA, PT
In transit
Mar 30, 2024
12:17 am
Toronto, ON, CA
In transit
Mar 29, 2024
4:30 pm
Ottawa, ON, CA
Pickup Scan

IconTypes 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.

Shipping Documents Only to PortugalDocuments Only

Most documents can be shipped to Portugal duty-free as long as they have no commercial value.

Document shipments include:

  • Bids
  • Diplomas
  • Driver's licence
  • Examination papers
  • Visa applications

Certain items may be shipped duty-free if they abide by the restriction shown in the table below:

Airline tickets Must be validated
Annual reports Must only be shipped to shareholders or company officials
Blueprints Must have no commercial value and are for intercompany use or as a bid invitation (for example, architectural plans for an EU contract)
Brochures Only for intercompany use or if they have no commercial valueMust be for intercompany use or for non-commercial purposes
Business cards A maximum of 15 business cards allowed
Cheques Only personalised cheques allowed
Credit cards Must be personalised
Event tickets Tickets for football (soccer) matches, concerts, or stage performances may be sent, but to a maximum of 10 kg per shipment. Tickets shipped from a printing company to the ticket sales office or an organiser of an event may not be sent as documents.
Greeting Cards and Invitations Only considered documents if personalised Non-personalised invitations and greeting cards require an invoice
Manuals (Technical) Only the appropriate number of manuals are allowed.
Negatives Only negatives, slides or print films being sent to a press or publishing agency are allowed. If the items have had value added through press or editorial charges, they then require an invoice.
Newsletters (Company) Only intercompany documents for use within the company and with no commercial value are allowed Shipments from a publisher or printing company are considered non-documents
Newspapers Only those for non-commercial purposes are allowed
Stationery Stationery must be personalised with no commercial value and the number of pieces is appropriate for non-commercial use
Traveller's cheques Must be personalized

Sources:
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_US

Shipping Gifts to PortugalShipping Gifts

Parcels shipped as gifts to Portugal of €45 EUR (about $65 CAD) or less will be duty-free.

Alcohol, tobacco products, cosmetics and perfumes may be shipped as gifts within certain restrictions as shown in table below.

Item Restriction
Tobacco products
  • 50 cigarettes
  • 25 cigarillos (cigars weighing a maximum of 3 g per unit)
  • 10 cigars or 50 g of smoking tobacco
Alcoholic beverages Distilled beverages and spirits with maximum alcohol content of 22% (1 L maximum)
Perfumes or cologne 50 g or 250 mL
Coffee 500 g (Extracts and essences 200 g)
Tea extracts or essences 40 g

Shipments from Individual-to-Individual

Shipments from individual to individual of €45 (about $67 CDN) or less will be duty-free with some restrictions for certain products such as alcohol, tobacco products, cosmetics and perfumes.

Shipments from Business-to-Business

Shipments to a business in Portugal from a business in Canada do not classify as gifts and will incur duties and taxes.

Shipments from Business-to-Individual

Shipments from a business in Canada to an individual in Portugal will incur taxes and charges regardless of the value of the gift.

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
Jose Saramago
Rua dos Bacalhoeiros 10
1100-135 Lisboa
Portugal

Phone: 84 24 37563474
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

Multiple gifts sent in one shipment should be wrapped and tagged individually.

Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts

Ship To Invoice
Jose Saramago
Rua dos Bacalhoeiros 10
1100-135 Lisboa
Portugal

Phone: 84 24 37563474
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://pauta.portaldasfinancas.gov.pt/pt/PARTESPAUTA/PARTESANEXOS/Documents/PARTE6_DL398_86.pdf

Shipping personal effects/belongings to PortugalShipping Personal Effects

Portuguese citizens returning to live permanently in Portugal can import their personal goods free of duty and tax providing:

  • They are used and have been owned for 6 months or more
  • They have lived outside of Portugal for 1 year or more
  • Personal goods are declared within 12 months from the date on which returning citizens establish residence

Personal effects are for the use of its owner and his or her family. They include items such as:

  • Household furniture and appliances
  • Portable instruments of mechanical arts or liberal professions necessary for the exercise of the profession

Excluded from exemption on duty and tax are:

  • Alcoholic products
  • Tobacco and tobacco products
  • Materials for professional use

Moving Temporarily

Students

Students may ship their personal effects to Portugal if they move there temporarily to study.

Personal effects are considered to be:

  • Household goods such as linens, shoes, and clothing
  • Educational materials (paper and pens, computers and books)
  • Furniture that a student would use, like a desk and chair

NOTE: The student exemption may be granted several times in each school year.

Moving Permanently

If you are moving to Portugal having lived outside the country for 1 year or more, you may bring your used personal effects into the country tax and duty-free.

The following conditions apply:

  • Your goods may not be lent, sold or given away for at least after your arrival.
  • The goods must match your social and economic status.
  • Your effects must arrive in Portugal within 1 year of having obtained a Residence or Work permit AND no later than 3 months after you arrive in Portugal.
  • Goods cannot be shipped until all documents have been accepted by Portuguese authorities and they have approved their entry.
  • You must be in Portugal at the time your personal effects arrive.
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:
https://portaldascomunidades.mne.gov.pt/pt/atendimento/no-estrangeiro/certificados/certificado-de-bagagem#documentos-necessarios
https://dre.pt/web/guest/pesquisa/-/search/610909/details/normal?destaquesExcertosDisabled=TRUE&naoVigentesEnabled=TRUE&filterAction=TRUE&q=importa%C3%A7%C3%A3o+ocasional&docType_facet=LEGISLACAO&fqs=importa%C3%A7%C3%A3o+ocasional&perPage=25

Sample Commercial Invoice for Personal Effects

Ship To Invoice
Jose Saramago
Rua dos Bacalhoeiros 10
1100-135 Lisboa
Portugal

Phone: 84 24 37563474
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

Shipping Food, Chocolate, Candies to PortugalFood, Chocolate, Candies

Food and food items like chocolate and candy can be shipped to Portugal providing they follow the rules and standards established by the European Union.

You May Ship

  • Bread, cakes, biscuits, chocolate, and confectionery (including sweets) providing they do not contain meat products
  • Food supplements
  • Meat extracts and meat concentrates
  • Olives stuffed with fish
  • Pasta and vermicelli without meat products
  • Broths
  • Honey*
  • Powdered baby milk and food, and foods for special medical diets*
  • Cured, cooked, or smoked fish*

*Maximum of 2 kg

Do Not Ship

  • Meat and meat products
  • Milk and milk 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

Sources:
https://pauta.portaldasfinancas.gov.pt/pt/PARTESPAUTA/PARTESANEXOS/Documents/Reg_206_2009.PDF
https://dre.pt/web/guest/pesquisa/-/search/610909/details/normal?destaquesExcertosDisabled=TRUE&naoVigentesEnabled=TRUE&filterAction=TRUE&q=importa%C3%A7%C3%A3o+ocasional&docType_facet=LEGISLACAO&fqs=importa%C3%A7%C3%A3o+ocasional&perPage=25

Sample Commercial Invoice for Food, Chocolate, Candies

Ship To Invoice
Jose Saramago
Rua dos Bacalhoeiros 10
1100-135 Lisboa
Portugal

Phone: 84 24 37563474
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

Shipping Promotional Material to PortugalSamples

Commercial samples are those that can only be used for demonstration purposes. The aim is to encourage people to place orders of the samples, not sell them.


Samples shipped to Portugal may qualify for duty-free entry if:

  • They are of negligible value (up to €22 - about $35 CAD - and no more than 10 kg in weight)
  • They are for encouraging orders related to the sample
  • There is no more than one sample of each style or quality in the consignment
  • The goods are supplied directly from outside Portugal
  • They must be consumed or destroyed during demonstration or exported within 12 months of entry

Before shipping commercial samples to Portugal, you must ensure:

  • The commercial invoice must clearly state that the package contains samples
  • Package is labelled: 'Mutilated Samples' or 'Marked Samples not for Resale'
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:
https://dre.pt/web/guest/pesquisa/-/search/610909/details/normal?l=1
https://dre.pt/web/guest/pesquisa/-/search/403360/details/normal?q=importa%C3%A7%C3%A3o+tempor%C3%A1ria

Sample Commercial Invoice for Commercial Sample

Ship To Invoice
Jose Saramago
Rua dos Bacalhoeiros 10
1100-135 Lisboa
Portugal

Phone: 84 24 37563474
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

Sending Promotional material to PortugalAdvertising Material

Printed material for advertising purposes is exempt on imports such as:

  • Calendars
  • Catalogues
  • Instructions for use
  • Price lists
  • Posters
  • Unframed photographs

Shipping advertising material is fairly straightforward. Ensure that:

  • Forms clearly show name of the company that produces, sells or leases the goods or that supplies the services to which they refer
  • Package weight does not exceed 1 kg
  • A shipment with printed advertisements must be for only one service or product

Advertising shipped for display at a trade fair or exhibition may be sent 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:
https://dre.pt/web/guest/pesquisa/-/search/610909/details/normal?destaquesExcertosDisabled=TRUE&naoVigentesEnabled=TRUE&filterAction=TRUE&q=importa%C3%A7%C3%A3o+ocasional&docType_facet=LEGISLACAO&fqs=importa%C3%A7%C3%A3o+ocasional&perPage=25
https://dre.pt/web/guest/pesquisa/-/search/403360/details/normal?q=importa%C3%A7%C3%A3o+tempor%C3%A1ria

Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material

Ship To Invoice
Jose Saramago
Rua dos Bacalhoeiros 10
1100-135 Lisboa
Portugal

Phone: 84 24 37563474
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

Have your goods warranty repaired in PortugalRepairs

Sending a piece of equipment for repair to Portugal is straightforward. Duty and taxes are exempt because of the European Union's inward processing rules. Inward processing means items shipped from Canada to Portugal for repair will be duty-free.

Free warranty repairs done in Canada and returned to Portugal will not incur VAT.

Items Under Warranty

As Canada and Portugal have a free-trade agreement (CETA), repairs under warranty returning to Canada from Portugal are duty-free and will not be charged GST.

Items No Longer Under Warranty

An item that is no longer under warranty and returns to Canada from Portugal 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 Portugal

Sending equipment for repair to Portugal is fairly easy and exempt of duty and taxes are exempt because of the European Union's inward processing rules.

Returning Repaired Product to Portugal

Equipment repaired in Canada under a warranty will not incur duty and taxes when they re-enter Portugal.

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 Portugal or exported to Canada (depending on which case applies)
  • A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment

Sources:
http://www.taxfile.pt/file_bank/news2611_1_1.pdf
https://santandertrade.com/en/portal/international-shipments/portugal/customs-procedures

Sample Commercial Invoice for Warranty Repair

Ship To Invoice
Jose Saramago
Rua dos Bacalhoeiros 10
1100-135 Lisboa
Portugal

Phone: 84 24 37563474
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 / Exports for shipments to PortugalTemporary Imports

Temporary importation of certain goods into Portugal, without incurring duties or taxes, is allowed for a period of up to 24 months. This may include an article shipped to Portugal for improvement, or for exhibition.

The following list includes goods that are often part of a temporary import:

  • Commercial samples
  • Professional and scientific equipment
  • Items that will be used or displayed at an exhibition, fair, or similar events
  • Equipment required to evaluate and test the operation of other goods and equipment
  • Tools and specialised equipment required for repairing, exploring, producing or manufacturing
  • Materials and goods to be used for entertainment or during a public exhibition such as a trade show booth

Advertising shipped for display at a trade fair or exhibition may be sent using an ATA carnet. Temporary imports must follow the conditions below:

  • The goods are not to be altered except through natural wear-and-tear
  • Goods may not stay in Portugal longer than 24 months

Qualifying for Duty & Tax Free Temporary Import

In order to import your goods duty and tax free into Portugal 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.

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 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

Sources:
https://www.ctt.pt/ajuda/empresas/receber/importacoes-e-desalfandegamento/importacao-temporaria
https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/specific-use_en

 

Sample Commercial Invoice for Temporary Imports

Ship To Invoice
Jose Saramago
Rua dos Bacalhoeiros 10
1100-135 Lisboa
Portugal

Phone: 84 24 37563474
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 Goods / Sold To an individual or business within PortugalPermanent/Sold Goods

The duty threshold for shipments to Portugal is €150 (about $225 CAD). This means that duty is only incurred if the value of the shipment is above €150.

Starting 1 July 2021, all shipments, regardless of value, will incur VAT.

Occasional Shipper

If only you ship occasionally to Portugal, for example, items sold on eBay, there isn't too much you need to do. You will need to:

  • Include 3 copies of the Commercial Invoice with your shipment
  • Provide a detailed description of the goods on the commercial invoice (in order to avoid customs delays).
NOTES:

An Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number is NOT needed if you are shipping as a private individual.

Regular shipper

If you regularly sell and ship goods to Portugal, we suggest you seek advice from a licenced customs broker in Portugal.

There may be specific requirements to consider, for instance, obtaining an Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number.

Sources:
https://www.ctt.pt/ajuda/empresas/receber/importacoes-e-desalfandegamento/importacao-temporaria
https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/specific-use_en
https://www.douane.gouv.fr/fiche/economic-operator-registration-and-identification-eori-number

Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods

Ship To Invoice
Jose Saramago
Rua dos Bacalhoeiros 10
1100-135 Lisboa
Portugal

Phone: 84 24 37563474
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

IconRequired 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

Learn more about the B13a form here.
Certificate of Origin (COO) Infrequently required

Allows a reduced or zero-rated import duty.
Canada has a preferential trade agreement with Portugal. A COO proves that an item has been produced, manufactured or processed in Canada.

When an item with a COO is imported into Portugal, 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.

See Temporary import section
Packing list Infrequently required

No specific form is 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 are not allowed to be shipped to Portugal while restricted indicates there are rules that apply to the amount or who may send them.

Prohibited Items

  • Explosives
  • Flammable materials
  • Tobacco and electronic cigarettes (or parts thereof)
  • Medicines
  • Radar detectors
  • Radioactive materials
  • Weapons
  • Counterfeit items, for example, watches, bags, and sports equipment
  • Narcotics and psychotropic drugs

Restricted Goods

  • Animal product
  • Food supplements
  • Cosmetic and hygiene products
  • Toys
  • Cigarette lighters (Must be child-proof)

Sources:
https://www.ctt.pt/ajuda/empresas/receber/importacoes-e-desalfandegamento/artigos-que-e-proibido-importar

Duty & Taxes

Shipments to Portugal have VAT and duty charges calculated using the CIF method, i.e, the sum of the customs value plus insurance fees plus freight costs.

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

Some countries provide a duty & tax threshold (also called the de minimis value), which means that below a certain amount no duty or taxes are incurred on the import of that shipment.

In Portugal, all shipments will incur VAT. Most products will be charged at a 23% VAT rate, however some are eligible for a reduced rate of 16% and others 13%.

Regarding duty, shipments with a CIF value of €150 (about $225 CAD) or below, incur no duty charges.

NOTE: Alcoholic beverages, perfumes, and eau de toilette are always subject to VAT, duties, and excise taxes.


Currency Euro (EUR) - €
Duty Exemption
(De minimis Value)
€150 (about $225 CAD)
Duty Calculation Method CIF
TAX (GCT) 23%
Tax Exemption
(De minimis Value)
€0 - effective July 1st, 2021
Tax Calculation Method CIF

Duties on Imports

CETA is a trade agreement between the EU and Canada. As a result, most shipments from Canada enter Portugal duty-free.

Excise Duty

Portugal imposes excise duties on:

  • Alcoholic beverages and beverages containing added sugar or other sweetening matter
  • Tobacco and tobacco products

Specific excise duty rates can be found here


  • Candy0%
  • Chocolate0%
  • Spirits and WinesVariable*
  • TobaccoVariable*
  • Books0%
  • Documents0%
  • Video Games & Consoles0%
  • Computers & Laptops0%
  • Tablets0%
  • Mobiles0%
  • Cameras0%
  • Accessories for Electronics0%
  • Coats0%
  • Beauty Products & Cosmetics0%
  • Jewellery0%
  • Shirts & Pants0%
  • Home Appliances0%
  • Toys0%
  • Sports Equipment0%

*Rates here

Sources:
https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/sites/taxation/files/vatecommerceexplanatory_notes_30092020.pdf
https://pauta.portaldasfinancas.gov.pt/pt/PARTESPAUTA/PARTESANEXOS/Documents/PARTE17_Anexo_IMP.PDF
https://eportugal.gov.pt/en/cidadaos-europeus-viajar-viver-e-fazer-negocios-em-portugal/impostos-para-atividades-economicas-em-portugal/impostos-especiais-de-consumo-em-portugal
https://info-aduaneiro.portaldasfinancas.gov.pt/pt/estatisticas/Pages/estatisticas.aspx

IconPortugal Shipping Insurance

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.

Questions about Shipping to Portugal

Can I ship to Portugal?

Shipping to Portugal from Canada can take between 2-3 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 Portugal by getting a quote now.


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