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:
You can also skip ahead to the table containing the list of
Commonly Required Documents.
Seychelles customs allows the following entry to the country as a
document shipment:
- Advertising literature and price lists
- Airline tickets, passports and visa applications
- Annual reports and intercompany mail
- Blueprints
- Business cards, calendars, and labels
- Catalogues, pamphlets, and brochures
- Charts and graphs
- Cheques
- Computer print-outs
- Diplomas
- Drawings (which includes sepia drawings)
- Driver's licence
- Greeting cards and invitations
- Magazines and periodicals
- Manuscripts and publications
- Mylars and transparencies
- Negatives, photographs, and slides
- Proposals and bids
- Seismic data
- Specifications sheets
If any of the following items is shipped to Seychelles, it must comply
with its restriction to be allowed entry as a document. See below for
details.
| Item | Restriction |
|---|
| Envelopes | Must be blank |
| Examination papers | Maximum parcel weight of 10 kg |
| Forms | Only if blank |
| Manuals | If they are of a technical nature |
| Maps | Maximum of 1 map per shipment |
| Newsletters | Company newsletters are allowed |
| Stationery | Only if blank |
Sources:
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_CA
Gifts shipped to Seychelles will be allowed a duty- and VAT-free entry
up to a value of $200 USD (about $250 CAD).
NOTE:
Any powders or liquids in
excess of 100 mL in volume will require a Material Safety and Data
Sheet (MSDS).
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
Gifts shipped from an individual in Canada to an individual in
Seychelles will be duty and VAT free if the shipment's value is $200
USD or less (about $250 CAD).
Shipments from Business-to-Business
In general, gift shipments to Seychelles will be exempt from duties
and taxes if the parcel's value is no more than $200 USD (about $250
CAD).
Shipments from Business-to-Individual
A gift shipment valued at no more than $200 USD (about $250 CAD) may
enter Seychelles exempt from VAT and duty.
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
Seychelles
Phone: +(960) 300 7200 | 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
Should your parcel contain multiple gifts to different people, please
wrap and tag each gift separately.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Husain Salahuddin
Medhuziyaaraly Magu
Malé 20158
Seychelles
Phone: +(960) 300 7200 | 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://www.fedex.com/en-us/ancillary-clearance-service.html
Citizens of Seychelles and those moving to the islands will be allowed
a duty-free admission of their personal effects provided the goods
have been used*, owned, and possessed by the claimant for at least 1
year.
Customs officials will allow entry to all goods that are normally
required to maintain a household. However, containers of CFC gases are
strictly prohibited.
*New items will be given a duty-free concession up to a value of Rs
1,000 per member of the household (about $95 CAD).
Moving Temporarily
Students
There is no information available at this time regarding students
moving from Canada to Seychelles to study with their personal effects.
NOTE:
Seychellois students who
have been studying in Canada may ship their personal effects home
exempt from the payment of customs duties if he or she has lived
outside Seychelles for a minimum of 12 months. (The student will
require documentation that certifies they were sent overseas to study
or that they had attended an educational facility in Canada.)
Non-students
Non-students moving temporarily to Seychelles will be allowed to ship
their personal effects duty-free provided the goods are used and owned
by the claimant. Also, those goods must have been in the possession of
the individual for at least 12 months.
Moving Permanently
Personal effects shipped to Seychelles by immigrants and returning
citizens moving permanently will be exempt from duties provided the
goods have been:
- Used*; and
- Owned; and
- Possessed by the claimant for a minimum of 1 year
*Each person of the household will be entitled to a duty-free entry
for new household items up to the limit of Rs 1,000 (about $95 CAD).
Personal Effects Checklist
- A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
- Commercial invoice must clearly state 'Personal Effects' (see sample)
- A detailed description of each item is provided
- Students returning to Seychelles, must provide documentation
certifying attendance at a Canadian education institute or having
been sent abroad to study
Sources:
https://www.tradeportal.sc/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Import-guide-April-2022.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Personal Effects
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Husain Salahuddin
Medhuziyaaraly Magu
Malé 20158
Seychelles
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: 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 |
Foodstuffs (including food samples) shipped from Canada to Seychelles
will require a health certificate before they will be allowed entry
into the country. This is particularly important for fruits and
vegetables, fish and seafood, and meat.
NOTE:
Non-commercial shipments of
meat (maximum of 10 kg) will require a single-use import permit from
the Veterinary Services of Seychelles
You May Ship
- Chocolate
- Candies
- Non-perishable foodstuffs
Do Not Ship
- Perishables - fresh meat and fish, produce
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://www.fedex.com/en-us/ancillary-clearance-service.html
https://docs.wto.org/dol2fe/Pages/SS/directdoc.aspx?filename=q:/G/LIC/N3SYC3.pdf&Open=True
Sample Commercial Invoice for Food, Chocolate, Candies
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Husain Salahuddin
Medhuziyaaraly Magu
Malé 20158
Seychelles
Phone: +(960) 300 7200 | 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 |
Commercial samples* are shipped solely for the display and
demonstration of products and to solicit sales of goods. They are not
meant to be sold.
Samples with a value of less than Rs 300 (about $30 CAD) will be
admitted to Seychelles duty-free. The samples must also be permanently
marked 'SAMPLE' or rendered unsellable, for example, by defacement.
In the case of dutiable goods, customs will allow them to enter
duty-free if they are marked as a sample as noted above.
NOTE:
Samples of foods shipped for
tasting in Seychelles must enter the country with a health
certificate. This also applies to vegetables and fruits.
*Any powders or liquids in excess of 100 mL in volume will require a
Material Safety and Data Sheet (MSDS).
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://tradeportal.sc/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/SI-4-of-2014-Value-Added-Tax-Amendment-of-Schedules-Regulations2014.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Commercial Sample
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Husain Salahuddin
Medhuziyaaraly Magu
Malé 20158
Seychelles
Phone: +(960) 300 7200 | 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 |
Advertising and promotional materials with a maximum value of Rs1,000
per item (about $95 CAD) will be allowed a duty-free entry into
Seychelles. The goods must not be sold whilst in the country.
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://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/acc_e/syc_e/wtaccsyc48_leg_2.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Husain Salahuddin
Medhuziyaaraly Magu
Malé 20158
Seychelles
Phone: +(960) 300 7200 | 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 |
Equipment and machinery that has been repaired in Canada will be
allowed a VAT-free re-entry into Seychelles (duties will be incurred).
However, if the work was done free of charge because of warranty
obligations, no duties, levies, or other taxes will be applied to the
shipment.
Items Under Warranty
Goods such as machinery and equipment that were shipped to Canada for
warranty repairs will be exempt from all duties, taxes, or levies when
they return to Seychelles provided the items were repaired at no
charge.
Items No Longer Under Warranty
Items repaired in Canada that are not covered by a warranty will incur
partial relief of duties and taxes when they return to Seychelles.
Sending Product for Repair to Seychelles
No information is available concerning machinery and equipment shipped
to Seychelles for repairs.
Returning Repaired Product to Seychelles
Products repaired in Canada at no charge under a warranty obligation
will be not liable to any taxes, levies, or duties when they return to
Seychelles
Non-warranty repairs will be eligible for a partial exemption of
taxes, levies, and duties
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 Seychelles or exported to Canada (depending on
which case applies)
- A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Sources:
https://www.nation.sc/archive/230467/conditions-for-importation-of-re-imported-goods
Sample Commercial Invoice for Warranty Repair
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Husain Salahuddin
Medhuziyaaraly Magu
Malé 20158
Seychelles
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: 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 |
Goods imported for a temporary stay in Seychelles may enter exempt
from duty, taxes, and levies if they remain in the country no more
than 12 months. (An extension to 24 months may be granted by a request
to the Assistant Commissioner of Customs.)
Goods are to remain unchanged during their stay in Seychelles except
for normal wear-and-tear.
NOTE:
Goods cannot be sold, hired
out, or lent whilst in Seychelles
Goods granted a tax exemption because of a temporary stay in
Seychelles include:
- Commercial samples
- Equipment used for a stage production, concert, or exhibition
- Any item imported for a specific purpose
ATA Carnets
Seychelles customs 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
Sources:
https://www.atacarnet.com/carnet-countries
https://media.seylii.org/files/legislation/akn-sc-act-2011-22-eng-2017-11-08.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Temporary Imports
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Husain Salahuddin
Medhuziyaaraly Magu
Malé 20158
Seychelles
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: 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 |
Sold goods shipped to Seychelles from Canada will be allowed a VAT-
and duty-free entry into the country provided the shipment's value is
Rs 3,000 or less (about $300 CAD).
While most goods may enter Seychelles, they are controlled - see the
Prohibited and Restricted section for details.
Occasional Shipper
Occasional shipments of sold goods to the Seychelles, for example
through eBay, will be duty and VAT free if the value of the goods is
no more than Rs3,000 (about $300 CAD).
Regular shipper
Secureship recommends that regular shippers of sold goods consult a
licenced Seychellois customs broker to ensure that all procedures are
followed for a smooth importation of goods.
Sources:
https://tradeportal.sc/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/SI-4-of-2014-Value-Added-Tax-Amendment-of-Schedules-Regulations2014.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Husain Salahuddin
Medhuziyaaraly Magu
Malé 20158
Seychelles
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: 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 |
