Suriname lies on South America's northeast coast, and it is the continent's smallest and least populated country. Nevertheless, its history and geographical location have conferred it with a high degree of diversity - both human and biological. Suriname supports a heterogeneous mix of religions, cultures, and languages (14, including Dutch as the official language), and a landscape that is 90% primaeval rainforest with new flora and fauna being discovered yearly.
E-commerce activity in Suriname is in its early stages and awaits supporting legislation to give it official status. However, the country's young median age - 29 - means that internet access and social media are used by nearly two-thirds of the population. So, the savvy Surinamese are shopping with eBay and Amazon - time for Canadians to start selling and shipping to Suriname.
Easily compare the best and cheapest shipping options to Suriname through a variety of carriers using Secureship
Secureship provides safe and affordable shipping from Canada to Suriname. 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 Suriname
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
Oct 6, 2023
8:49 am
Moengo, MO, SR
Delivered
Oct 5, 2023
7:18 am
Brokopondo , BR, SR
In transit
Oct 4, 2023
9:03 pm
Lelydorp, LE, SR
International Clearance
Oct 4, 2023
8:14 am
Paramaribo, BA, SR
In transit
Oct 4, 2023
12:17 am
Toronto, ON, CA
In transit
Oct 3, 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 Suriname 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:
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: 3 Oct 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: 3 Oct 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
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
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: 3 Oct 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)
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: 3 Oct 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
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: 3 Oct 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
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: 3 Oct 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.
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: 3 Oct 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 Suriname. A COO proves that an item has been produced, manufactured or processed in Canada.
When an item with a COO is imported into Suriname, it will incur a reduced or zero-rated import duty.
Certificate of Insurance (COI)
Infrequently required
Shows that the shipment has been insured.
Banks may request a certificate of insurance when providing letters of credit for the goods. Otherwise,
it is generally your choice whether to purchase insurance for the shipment.
ATA Carnet
Infrequently required
Used to avoid duties and taxes on shipments of temporary nature.
If you ship goods of temporary nature to and from a country, you can obtain an ATA Carnet to expedite the customs clearance process and
ensure that anything of temporary nature is not charged duties and taxes.
No specific form required, but generally includes information regarding:
The exporter, importer and transport company
Date of issue
Number of freight invoice
Type and number of packages
Contents of each package
Marks and numbers
Net weight, gross weight and measurements of each package
Prohibited & Restricted Imports
Goods that are not allowed entry into Suriname are deemed prohibited whereas those that are declared as restricted are allowed entry provided they have a permit or abide by quantity limitations.
Prohibited Items
Pesticides
Radioactive and chemical
waste
Weapons of a biological, chemical, or radioactive nature, and any materials used to create these substances
Restricted Items
Firearms
Fireworks
Medications and pharmaceutical products
Narcotics and psychotropic substances
Animal body parts - skins, hides, feathers, etc., and any products made from these items
The amount of duty owed on goods imported into Suriname is calculated by using the CIF value of the shipment. The CIF value is the sum of the customs value plus insurance amount plus freight costs.
CIF Value = Customs Value + Insurance Amount + Freight Costs
By calculating the CIF value of your shipment, you will have an estimate of the duty the recipient will have to pay upon its arrival.
NOTE: At this time, Suriname does not have a VAT or GST though the government has been planning for it for several years.
Thresholds
There are no thresholds (also called a de minimis value) on imported goods. This means that regardless of the value of the shipment, duty and other taxes will be applied to it.
Currency
Surinamese Dollar SRD
Duty Exemption (De minimis Value)
N/A
Duty Calculation Method
CIF
TAX (VAT)
N/A*
Tax Exemption
(De minimis Value)
N/A
Tax Calculation Method
CIF
*Suriname's government has planned for a VAT or GST, but it has not yet been implemented.
Duties on Imports
Consent and Statistical Fees
All imports entering Suriname will incur a 1.5% consent fee and a 0.5% statistical fee.
Turnover Tax
A turnover tax of 10% is applied to most imported goods. Luxury items will incur a 25% tax (video cameras, fireworks, television sets).
Excise Taxes
Suriname imposes excise taxes on a variety of imported products as outlined below:
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.
Additional Resources
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.
