With the Carpathian mountains in its backyard, Slovakia is a haven for skiers and hikers. This Nova Scotia-sized central European country is also packed with numerous scenic lakes and hundreds of huge caves, 30 of which provide stunning and varied examples of stalagmites and stalactites for curious tourists.
Though smaller than any of its five neighbours - both in area and population - Slovakia is per capita the world's largest producer of cars. No surprise then that Slovakians have a developed, high-income economy, and 70% of its population are avid e-commerce shoppers. As Slovakia also sits at the commercial crossroads of Europe, this nation is very much a worthy shipping destination.
Easily compare the best and cheapest shipping options to Slovakia through a variety of carriers using Secureship
Secureship provides safe and affordable shipping from Canada to Slovakia. 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 Slovakia
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
Jun 2, 2023
8:49 am
Zilina, ZI, SK
Delivered
Jun 1, 2023
7:18 am
Presov, PR, SK
In transit
May 31, 2023
9:03 pm
Kosice, KO, SK
International Clearance
May 31, 2023
8:14 am
Bratislava, BR, SK
In transit
May 31, 2023
12:17 am
Toronto, ON, CA
In transit
May 30, 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 Slovakia 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:
A gift shipment to an individual in Slovakia will be admitted to the country exempt from duty and taxes if its value is €45 or less (about $65 CAD).
The gift exemption is conditional upon the gift being:
An occasional event
A non-commercial transaction, i.e. no money exchanged hands
Only for the use of the recipient or his or her family
Certain gifts, such as tobacco products and alcoholic beverages, may also be shipped exempt from duty and VAT, but must abide by the quantity limits shown in the table below.
Gift
Quantity limits
Tobacco products
50 cigarettes; or
10 cigars; or
50 g of tobacco;
Or a proportional amount of the above items
Alcoholic beverages
1 L of spirits with 22% alcohol or more;
1 L of wine, liqueurs, etc. with less than 22% alcohol; or a proportional amount of the above 2
2 L of still wine
Perfumes
50 g
Eau de toilette
250 ml
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
Gift shipments from an individual in Canada to an individual in Slovakia are duty and tax free provided:
The value of the gift is €45 or less (about $65 CAD)
The gift is only for the recipient or his or her family, and is in a quantity for personal use, i.e. it is not a commercial amount
The parcel has been sent at no charge to the recipient
The shipment is an isolated or occasional occurrence
NOTE: There are quantity limitations to certain gifts. They are outlined below:
Gift
Quantity limits
Perfumes
Maximum of 50 g
Eau de toilette
No more than 250 mL
Alcoholic beverages
Spirits with 22% alcohol or more (1 L);
Liqueurs, wine, sake, etc. with less than 22% alcohol (1 L); or a proportional quantity of the 2 items above
2 L still wine
Tobacco products
Tobacco (50 g); or
Cigars (10); or
Cigarettes (50); or a proportional amount of the previous 3 items
Shipments from Business-to-Business
Gift shipments from a business in Canada to a business in Slovakia will incur duty and taxes regardless of the monetary value of the gift.
Shipments from Business-to-Individual
A gift shipped from a business in Canada to an individual in Slovakia will be charged duty and taxes no matter the value of the shipment. There are no duty and tax thresholds for this situation.
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 Slovakia City 01001 Slovakia
Phone: +502 2208 7777
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal Shipment / Gift Shipment
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 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 a shipment has multiple gifts in it, it will be duty and tax free if the total value of the parcel is €45 or less (about $65 CAD).
Also, you should wrap and tag each gift separately.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
Ship To
Invoice
Miguel Ángel Asturias Calle 24 3-81 Slovakia City 01001 Slovakia
Phone: +502 2208 7777
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Unsolicited Gift: Consolidated Gift Package
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 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
If you move to Slovakia from Canada, your personal effects may enter the country duty-free as long as:
You are the owner of the items in the shipment
You have lived in Canada for at least 12 months before moving to Slovakia
The goods have been used by you for at least 6 months
NOTE: The following items will not be allowed duty-free entry:
Tobacco and tobacco products
Alcoholic beverages
Tools and instruments used for your trade or profession (portable items are allowed, for example, musical instruments and medical tools)
Moving Temporarily
Students
Students who move to Slovakia for the purposes of studying may enter with their personal effects exempt from duty charges provided the items are for their use only.
Typical allowable personal effects include:
Desk and chair
Books, paper, computer, etc.
Clothing and footwear
NOTE: This exemption will be granted once per year.
Non-students
There is no information currently regarding non-students moving temporarily from Canada, and shipping their personal effects to Slovakia.
Moving Permanently
If you move to Slovakia from Canada, your personal effects may enter the country duty-free as long as:
Your residence has been in Canada for a minimum of 12 continuous months
The shipment only contains your goods
You have used the goods for 6 months or more
NOTE: The following items will not be allowed duty-free entry:
Non-portable instruments and tools required for a profession or trade
Alcoholic beverages
Tobacco and tobacco products
Marriage
If you are moving to Slovakia from Canada as a result of a marriage, you may ship your personal effects, including wedding presents, duty-free up to a value of €1,000 (about $1,450 CAD). (Tobacco, tobacco products and alcoholic drinks are not included and will incur duties and taxes.)
Personal Effects Checklist
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Commercial invoice must clearly state 'Personal Effects' (see sample)
Miguel Ángel Asturias Calle 24 3-81 Slovakia City 01001 Slovakia
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: 30 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
Because of the risk of introducing agricultural pests and diseases into the EU, imports of meat and meat products into Slovakia are strictly controlled.
You May Ship
Chocolate
Candy
Baked goods
Meat extracts and concentrates
Foods for special medical diets, powdered infant food and milk*
Honey*
Baked goods (cannot contain meat)
Olives stuffed with fish
Pasta and noodles - provided they do not contain meat
Live mussels, snails, oysters*
Caviar (maximum of 125 g)
*Maximum of 2 kg
NOTE: Shipments of infant food and foods for medical diet must be:
Commercially prepared and packaged
Unopened
Stable at room temperature
Do Not Ship
Potatoes
Perishables, such as produce
Meat and meat byproducts
Dairy 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
Sample Commercial Invoice for Food, Chocolate, Candies
Ship To
Invoice
Miguel ángel Asturias Calle 24 3-81 Slovakia City 01001 Slovakia
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: 30 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
Samples
Commercial samples are shipped to promote products and solicit sales. The intent is not to sell the samples themselves.
Commercial samples will be exempt from duty and VAT when they enter Slovakia from Canada. An ATA Carnet may also be used to ship samples, for example if they are to be displayed at a trade fair, exhibition, symposium, etc. (See Temporary Imports for more details.)
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
Miguel Ángel Asturias Calle 24 3-81 Slovakia City 01001 Slovakia
Phone: +502 2208 7777
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Commercial Sample - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 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
Advertising material is exempt from duty charges when entering Slovakia.
Advertising includes items such as:
Tourist information literature
Printed material
Promotional goods
NOTE: An ATA Carnet may be used for advertising material destined for exhibition at trade fairs, meetings, or other similar events. (See Temporary Imports for more details.)
Advertising Material Checklist
Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Promotional Material - Not for Resale' (see sample)
Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material
Ship To
Invoice
Miguel Ángel Asturias Calle 24 3-81 Slovakia City 01001 Slovakia
Phone: +502 2208 7777
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Promotional Material - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 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
Under the free trade agreement between Canada and the EU (CETA), warranty repairs of equipment done in Slovakia will be duty-free when the items re-enter Canada.
Items Under Warranty
If a piece of equipment or machinery is repaired in Canada under a warranty, it may re-enter Slovakia exempt from duty. The provision is that the repairs were done at no charge.
Items No Longer Under Warranty
Items that are no longer covered by a warranty and are repaired in Canada will incur GST on the cost of the repair and any parts used to make the repairs.
Sending Product for Repair to Slovakia
Provided items are under warranty, they may be repaired in Slovakia and returned to Canada duty-free. This is as a result of CETA - the free trade agreement between Canada and the EU.
Returning Repaired Product to Slovakia
Product repaired in Canada that is returned to Slovakia will be exempt from duty if it can be shown that the repairs were done at no charge and under a warranty.
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 Slovakia 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 Slovakia City 01001 Slovakia
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: 30 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 for a temporary stay in Slovakia may enter the country exempt from importation duties provided they leave Slovakia within one year.
Examples of goods that qualify as a temporary import include:
Commercial samples for display at meetings, trade fairs, exhibitions, etc.
Advertising material
Instruments and tools of a professional nature, for example for testing or to be tested
Qualifying for Duty & Tax Free Temporary Import
In order to import your goods duty and tax free into Slovakia, 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.
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 1 year in Slovakia
NOTE:
If the above conditions are not followed, duties and taxes will be charged as though the goods have been imported permanently
A shipment must be re-exported in its entirety, i.e. split or partial shipments are not allowed to return to Canada
Your Customs broker can clear goods of a temporary nature (FedEx, UPS, DHL, etc. typically cannot clear goods of a 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
Miguel Ángel Asturias Calle 24 3-81 Slovakia City 01001 Slovakia
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: 30 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 sold and shipped to Slovakia will incur VAT no matter the value of the shipment; duties will apply to shipments of greater than €150 (about $220 CAD).
Occasional Shipper
Even if you only ship sold goods occasionally to Slovakia, for example on eBay, the recipient will incur VAT regardless of the value of the parcel. However, shipments with a value of €150 (about $220 CAD) or less will be duty-free.
Regular shipper
If you regularly ship sold goods to Slovakia, you should consult a licenced Slovakian customs broker to ensure your shipment follows all the rules and regulations of the state and the EU.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
Ship To
Invoice
Miguel Ángel Asturias Calle 24 3-81 Slovakia City 01001 Slovakia
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: 30 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 Slovakia. A COO proves that an item has been produced, manufactured or processed in Canada.
When an item with a COO is imported into Slovakia, 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.
The amount of duty and taxes owed on a shipment entering Slovakia is calculated by using the CIF value of the parcel. The CIF value is the sum of the customs value plus insurance amount plus freight costs.
CIF Value = Customs Value + Insurance Amount + Freight Costs
If you were to calculate the CIF of your shipment, it will give you an estimate of the duty and taxes the recipient will incur.
Thresholds
The threshold on sold goods entering Slovakia is €150 (about $220 CAD). Also known as the de minimis value, this means that shipments below this value will be duty-free. However, all imports of any value will incur VAT.
(This rule changed on 1 July 2021.)
Currency
Euro
Duty Exemption (De minimis Value)
€150 (about $220 CAD)
Duty Calculation Method
CIF
TAX (VAT)
20%
Tax Exemption
(De minimis Value)
N/A*
Tax Calculation Method
CIF
*As of 1 July 2021, all imports entering Slovakia will incur VAT no matter the value of the shipment. This represents a change of practice for Slovakia and all of the EU countries.
Duties on Imports
As a result of the Canada-EU trade agreement (CETA), most goods entering Slovakia from Canada are exempt from duty.
Excise Taxes
Alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and tobacco products will incur excise taxes when entering Slovakia. Specific details regarding 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 Slovakia 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.
