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:
You can also skip ahead to the table containing the list of
Commonly Required Documents.
Documents Only
Suriname customs allows the following items into the country as a
document shipment:
- Advertising literature
- Airline tickets
- Annual reports
- Business cards
- Computer print-outs
- Drawings
- Driver's licence
- Greeting cards and invitations
- Intercompany mail
- Magazines and periodicals
- Manuscripts and publications
- Passports and visa applications
- Photographs
- Price lists
- Proposals and bids
- Seismic data
- Specifications sheets
The following items will be allowed entry into Suriname as a document
if they abide by the criteria shown:
| Document Type | Restriction |
|---|
| Blueprints | Only for non-commercial use |
| Books | Can only be shipped if they are for non-commercial purposes |
| Brochures | Non-commercial shipments only |
| Cheques | Personal and payroll cheques allowed; cannot be blank |
| Newsletters | Only if they are for intercompany use |
| Traveller's cheques | Must be used; blank cheques are not allowed |
Sources:
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_CA
Shipping Gifts
Gift shipments to Suriname will be allowed duty-free entry to the
country if their value is $100 USD or less (about $125 CAD).
Goods shipped as gifts are for the personal use of the recipient only,
and may include items such as:
- Footwear and clothing
- Used bicycles
- Items for household purposes
- Foodstuffs
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
Gift shipments from an individual in Canada to an individual in
Suriname are duty-free up to a value of $100 (about $125 CAD) provided
they are to be used only by the recipient or his or her household.
Shipments may include goods like:
- Bicycles (must be second-hand)
- Foodstuffs
- Items destined for the household's use
- Clothing, footwear
Shipments from Business-to-Business
Gift shipments from a business in Canada to a business in Suriname are
allowed a duty-free entry as long as the gift's value is $100 USD or
less (about $125 CAD).
Shipments from Business-to-Individual
A business in Canada may ship a gift to an individual in Suriname
exempt from duty charges if the shipment's value is no more than $100
USD (about $125 CAD).
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 |
|---|
André Kemperveen
Stadionlaan 3
Paramaribo
Suriname
Phone: +597 871-7834 | 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
If your gift shipment to Suriname contains 2 or more gifts, be sure to
wrap and tag each item separately. duty-free entry of the parcel is
allowed up to a maximum shipment value of $100 USD (about $125 CAD).
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
André Kemperveen
Stadionlaan 3
Paramaribo
Suriname
Phone: +597 871-7834 | 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.douanesuriname.com/vrijstelling1.html
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_CA
Shipping Personal Effects
Personal effects may enter Suriname from Canada exempt from duty
charges provided the goods are used.
Exemptions are granted in the following situations:
- The recipient is inheriting used items
- The individual has lived outside of Suriname for a minimum of 185
days of each calendar year that he or she has been away
- The claimant is moving permanently to Suriname
- A person who is moving to Suriname having married a Surinamese
resident and the shipment comprises wedding gifts (they can be new)
Moving Temporarily
Students
There is no information at this time regarding students moving
temporarily to Suriname with their personal effects as a result of
taking up studies in the country.
Non-students
No information is currently available for non-students moving
temporarily to Suriname with their personal effects.
Moving Permanently
Both Surinamese and Canadian citizens may ship their personal effects
to Suriname without incurring duty fees.
To qualify for a duty exemption, the following conditions apply:
- The claimant is changing his or her residence to Suriname
- The owner of the goods can show that he or she has lived abroad for
at least 185 days of each calendar year that they were outside of
Suriname
- The goods are used
- In the case of inherited items, they are used
- In the event of moving because of marriage, the goods can be new,
but the claimant has married a Suriname resident and he or she is
moving to the country
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 those moving permanently, they can prove to the Central
Registration Office that they are changing their residence
Sources:
https://www.douanesuriname.com/werkinstructies4.html
https://www.dna.sr/wetgeving/surinaamse-wetten/geldende-teksten-tm-2005/wet-tarief-van-invoerrechten-1996/
Sample Commercial Invoice for Personal Effects
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
André Kemperveen
Stadionlaan 3
Paramaribo
Suriname
Phone: +597 871-7834 | 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 |
Food, Chocolate, Candies
Foodstuffs may be shipped to Suriname duty-free up to a value of $100
(about $125 CAD).
You May Ship
Do Not Ship
- Perishables - fruits and vegetables
- Meat and 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
Sources:
https://www.douanesuriname.com/vrijstelling1.html
Sample Commercial Invoice for Food, Chocolate, Candies
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
André Kemperveen
Stadionlaan 3
Paramaribo
Suriname
Phone: +597 871-7834 | 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 |
Samples
Commercial samples are shipped to a country to demonstrate products
and solicit sales; the items themselves are not for sale.
Duties are waived on commercial samples shipped to Suriname if:
- They have little if any monetary value
- They have been imported in small quantities
- They will ultimately be returned to Canada when their time is
finished in Suriname
- They are printed matter - catalogues, price lists - and the company
is based outside of Suriname
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://www.dna.sr/wetgeving/surinaamse-wetten/geldende-teksten-tm-2005/wet-tarief-van-invoerrechten-1996/
Sample Commercial Invoice for Commercial Sample
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
André Kemperveen
Stadionlaan 3
Paramaribo
Suriname
Phone: +597 871-7834 | 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 Material
Advertising material may enter Suriname as a temporary import, but a
security deposit will be required to cover the applicable duties. This
will be refunded when the goods exit the country.
Advertising can be used for:
- Work purposes
- Exhibition at meetings or trade fairs
- Demonstrations
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.rvo.nl/onderwerpen/internationaal-ondernemen/landenoverzicht/suriname/exportregels
Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
André Kemperveen
Stadionlaan 3
Paramaribo
Suriname
Phone: +597 871-7834 | 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 |
Repairs
Machinery and equipment shipped to Suriname from Canada for repair may
receive a full or partial duty exemption provided they are returned to
Canada after the work is completed.
As well, equipment leaving Suriname for repairs in Canada will be
duty-free upon their re-entry into Suriname provided the repairs
return the equipment to its state when it first entered Suriname, i.e.
they were not improved beyond that.
Items Under Warranty
Items repaired under a warranty in Canada will be completely exempt
from duty charges when they return to Suriname.
Items No Longer Under Warranty
Machinery and equipment no longer under warranty will incur duty when
they return to Suriname. In addition, those goods will be charged GST
by Canadian customs on the value of the repair and on any parts used
during the repair process.
Sending Product for Repair to Suriname
Products sent to Suriname for repairs will receive a partial to full
exemption of duty as long as the items leave Suriname for Canada when
the work is done.
Returning Repaired Product to Suriname
Items repaired in Canada under a warranty will be eligible for a full
duty exemption when they re-enter Suriname.
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 Suriname or exported to Canada (depending on
which case applies)
- A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Sources:
https://www.dna.sr/wetgeving/surinaamse-wetten/geldende-teksten-tm-2005/wet-tarief-van-invoerrechten-1996/
Sample Commercial Invoice for Warranty Repair
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
André Kemperveen
Stadionlaan 3
Paramaribo
Suriname
Phone: +597 871-7834 | 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
Goods shipped to Suriname as a temporary import are exempt from duty
provided the items remain in Suriname no longer than 12 months.
Temporary imports include items destined for:
- Exhibitions
- Trade fairs
- Professional meetings and symposia
- Testing or laboratory analysis
ATA Carnets
As Suriname is not a signatory to the ATA convention, Carnets cannot
be used for temporary imports into the country.
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.rvo.nl/onderwerpen/internationaal-ondernemen/landenoverzicht/suriname/exportregels
Sample Commercial Invoice for Temporary Imports
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
André Kemperveen
Stadionlaan 3
Paramaribo
Suriname
Phone: +597 871-7834 | 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/Sold Goods
All sold goods imported into Suriname will incur duty regardless of
the value of the item. There are no thresholds or de minimis values.
NOTE:
Suriname has not implemented
a VAT or GST.
Occasional Shipper
Even if you only ship sold goods occasionally to Suriname, for example
via eBay, all shipments no matter their value will have duty charges
applied to them. (Suriname does not have a GST or VAT.)
Regular shipper
If you regularly ship sold goods to Suriname, we recommend that you
use the services of a licenced clearing agent to ensure all
importation procedures are correctly followed.
Sources:
https://www.douanesuriname.com/begripnormalewerk.html
https://www.douanesuriname.com/begripinenuitvoer.html
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
André Kemperveen
Stadionlaan 3
Paramaribo
Suriname
Phone: +597 871-7834 | 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 |
Questions
about Shipping to Suriname
Can I ship to Suriname?
Shipping to Suriname 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.
Find out
how fast the Secureship trusted carriers can get your shipment
delivered to Suriname by getting a quote now.
Does UPS ship to Suriname?
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