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
The Bahamas considers the items below as document shipments.
NOTE:
Documents must be shipped in
a document envelope. If they are shipped in a box or parcel, they will
incur duties.
- Bids and proposals
- Books, magazines, and periodicals
- Blueprints, drafts
- Catalogues
- Charts and maps
- Cash letters
- Computer print-outs
- Drawings
- Driver's licence
- Graphs
- Intercompany mail
- Newspapers and publications
- Pamphlets and brochures
- Passports
- Photographs, negatives, and slides
- Price lists
- Seismic data
- Specifications sheets
The following items may be shipped as documents provided meet the
criteria.
| Item | Restriction |
|---|
| Advertising literature | Must be completed |
| Airline tickets | Only if validated |
| BluNegotiable bonds, draftseprints | Completed bonds only |
| Newsletters | MFor company use only |
| Annual reports | Only print copies |
| Calendars | Only if printed |
| Manuals | Only if they are technical in nature |
| Manuscripts | Must be completed |
Sources:
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_US
Shipping Gifts
There are no exemptions on gift shipments sent to The Bahamas. All
goods shipped to The Bahamas require registration through customs
through the Click2Clear system, including gifts.
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
Gift shipments sent from an individual in Canada to an individual in
The Bahamas will incur duty and taxes regardless of their value.
Shipments from Business-to-Business
Because gifts are not exempted from duty or taxes in The Bahamas, a
gift shipment sent from a business address in Canada to a business in
The Bahamas will also incur duty and taxes.
Shipments from Business-to-Individual
Gift shipments sent from a business in Canada to an individual in The
Bahamas will incur duty and taxes since there are no value exemptions
for gifts.
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 |
|---|
Leonard M. Thompson
Yamacraw Hill Rd.
Nassau
Bahamas
Phone: +1 242-364-1567 | 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 you send more than one gift in one shipment, be sure to wrap and
tag each gift individually. All gifts in the parcel, regardless of
their value, will be charged duty and taxes.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Leonard M. Thompson
Yamacraw Hill Rd.
Nassau
Bahamas
Phone: +1 242-364-1567 | 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.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_US
https://www.bahamascustoms.gov.bs/imports-and-exports/about-click2clear/
Shipping Personal Effects
Personal effects shipped to The Bahamas from Canada by Bahamian
residents are exempt from duty if they meet the following criteria:
- They have lived outside of the country for more than 2 consecutive
years
- They are retired; OR
- Have been in full-time employment at some time during the absence
period
- They have been a full-time student in a post-secondary school at
some time during the absence period
Moving Temporarily
Students
There is no information at this time regarding students moving
temporarily from Canada with their personal effects to study in The
Bahamas.
Non-Students
There is no information at this time regarding non-students moving
temporarily from Canada to The Bahamas to work or live.
Moving Permanently
Returning residents* of The Bahamas may ship their goods exempt from
duty if they:
- Have lived outside of The Bahamas for more than 2 consecutive years
- Are retired; OR
- Have been in full-time employment at some point during the 2 years
away; OR
- Were enrolled in a full-time course of study at a college or
university for a period during the absence
- The general exemption is claimed only once every 5 years
- The effects have a maximum value limit of $10,000 BSD (about $12,100
CAD)
The duty exemption applies to items for personal use only with no
commercial intent, including goods such as:
- Household effects
- Books
- Clothing and footwear
- Personal jewellery
- Goods for personal grooming
* NOTE:
A returning resident is a
person who was a citizen or permanent resident of The Bahamas prior to
leaving 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
Sources:
https://www.bahamascustoms.gov.bs/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Frequently-Imported-Listing-2018.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Personal Effects
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Leonard M. Thompson
Yamacraw Hill Rd.
Nassau
Bahamas
Phone: +1 242-364-1567 | 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
Food items may be shipped to The Bahamas from Canada provided they
meet customs criteria. These must be shipped for personal consumption
only.
You May Ship
- Candy
- Chocolate
- Non-perishable foodstuffs
Do Not Ship
- Meat provisions
- Fruits and vegetables
- Inedible foodstuffs
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:
Rates and Duties of Frequently Imported Items
Sample Commercial Invoice for Food, Chocolate, Candies
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Leonard M. Thompson
Yamacraw Hill Rd.
Nassau
Bahamas
Phone: +1 242-364-1567 | 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 may be shipped to The Bahamas from Canada exempt
from duty.
The purpose of shipping samples is to promote sales and encourage
orders, not to sell them.
Samples shipped to The Bahamas from Canada may qualify for duty-free
entry if:
- The samples are displayed at a convention or similar business
meeting
- Goods are re-exported to Canada within 3 months of the date of
importation
- A security is paid through a temporary bond
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:
http://laws.bahamas.gov.bs/cms/images/LEGISLATION/SUBORDINATE/1976/1976-0096/CustomsRegulations_1.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Commercial Sample
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Leonard M. Thompson
Yamacraw Hill Rd.
Nassau
Bahamas
Phone: +1 242-364-1567 | 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 be shipped to The Bahamas from Canada under
certain conditions.
Advertising material may include:
- Goods intended for display at a convention or similar business
meeting held in The Bahamas
- Items intended for display, demonstration, or promotion
- Security is provided for the exportation of the goods
- Goods must be re-exported within one month of the date of the
conclusion of convention or meeting
Advertising Material Checklist
- Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Promotional Material - Not for
Resale' (see sample)
- A detailed description of each item is provided
- Be sure to abide by the rules mentioned above
- The approximate date on which, and the port at which temporary goods will be re-exported
Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Leonard M. Thompson
Yamacraw Hill Rd.
Nassau
Bahamas
Phone: +1 242-364-1567 | 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 |
Sources:
http://laws.bahamas.gov.bs/cms/images/LEGISLATION/SUBORDINATE/1976/1976-0096/CustomsRegulations_1.pdf
Repairs
Equipment sent to The Bahamas from Canada for repairs or renovation
may be exempt from duty provided it is under warranty and it abides by
customs regulations.
Items Under Warranty
Equipment shipped to The Bahamas for repair while under a warranty
will be exempt from duty provided it meets the following conditions:
- Item repaired is not intended for use in The Bahamas
- Item is re-exported within 3 months of the date of importation
- Shipper provides information on the approximate date on which item
will be re-exported
Items No Longer Under Warranty
Equipment that is no longer under warranty and is returning to Canada
from The Bahamas after repairs will be charged GST on the value of the
repair and on any new parts required to complete the repair.
Sending Product for Repair to The Bahamas
Equipment sent to The Bahamas from Canada for repair or renovation
will be exempt from duty provided they meet the criteria below:
- The repaired items are not destined for use in The Bahamas
- Goods are re-exported to Canada within 3 months of the date of
importation
- A temporary bond is placed to cover the value of the import charge
of the equipment
Returning Repaired Product to The Bahamas
Equipment repaired in Canada under a warranty will not incur duty when
it re-enters The Bahamas.
For detailed information, visit the Bahamian Customs by clicking here.
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 The Bahamas or exported to Canada (depending on
which case applies)
- A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Sources:
http://laws.bahamas.gov.bs/cms/images/LEGISLATION/SUBORDINATE/1976/1976-0096/CustomsRegulations_1.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Warranty Repair
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Leonard M. Thompson
Yamacraw Hill Rd.
Nassau
Bahamas
Phone: +1 242-364-1567 | 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 The Bahamas as temporary imports from Canada are
exempt from duty charges providing:
- A temporary, refundable bond* is placed to cover the value of the
import charge
- Goods are re-exported in accordance to the type of merchandise
Examples of items often shipped as temporary imports include:
- Goods for business meetings or conventions
- Samples of travelling salesmen
- Equipment and goods for amusement park operators
- Tools and machines required for repair work
- Equipment used in film production or other short-term activities
NOTE: An import tax of 10% is applied every
90 days.
*There is a processing fee of 1% of the CIF Value (minimum $10 BSD to
a maximum of $500 BSD: $12 - $600 CAD) is associated with the
temporary import approval process. For additional detailed information
on this process, click here.
ATA Carnets
At this time The Bahamas does not accept ATA Carnets for temporary
imports.
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.bahamascustoms.gov.bs/imports-and-exports/temporary-imports/
http://laws.bahamas.gov.bs/cms/images/LEGISLATION/SUBORDINATE/1976/1976-0096/CustomsRegulations_1.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Temporary Imports
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Leonard M. Thompson
Yamacraw Hill Rd.
Nassau
Bahamas
Phone: +1 242-364-1567 | 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 Bahamian recipients of sold goods, including online shoppers, must
be registered with The Bahamas Click2Clear
system.
Occasional Shipper
Even if you only ship sold goods occasionally to The Bahamas from
Canada, we recommend you consult with a licenced Bahamian customs
broker. All recipients in The Bahamas must be registered on the
government's Click2Clear
system.
Regular Shipper
For detailed information on shipping sold goods to The Bahamas we
recommend you consult a licenced Bahamian customs broker. For further
information click here.
Sources:
https://www.bahamascustoms.gov.bs/landing-page/click2clear/
https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/bahamas-import-requirements-and-documentation
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Leonard M. Thompson
Yamacraw Hill Rd.
Nassau
Bahamas
Phone: +1 242-364-1567 | 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 |
Duty &
Taxes
Duty and taxes on goods shipped to The Bahamas are calculated using the
CIF value of the shipment, i.e. the sum of the customs value plus
freight costs plus insurance charges.
By knowing the CIF value, you will be able to predict the duty and taxes
charged to the recipient.
Thresholds
The Bahamas does not have a threshold or de minimis value on imports.
This means all imports, regardless of value, will incur duty and
taxes.
| Currency | Bahamian Dollar BSD |
| Duty Exemption (De minimis Value) | N/A |
| Duty Calculation Method | CIF |
| TAX (VAT) | 12% |
Tax Exemption
(De minimis Value) | N/A |
| Tax Calculation Method | CIF |
| |
Duties on Imports
In The Bahamas, customs duty ranges between 0% and 220% and is
applicable on all imports. The average rate of duty is 5% to 35%.
Specific rates of duty are also applicable to some items (mostly
alcoholic beverages and tobacco products).
Excise Taxes
Excise taxes are imposed on imported goods such as tobacco products
and alcoholic beverages.
- Candy60%
- Chocolate40%
- Spirits and WinesVariable*
- TobaccoVariable*
- Books0%
- Documents0%
- Video Games & Consoles45%
- Computers & Laptops0%
- Tablets0%
- Mobiles10%
- Cameras0%
- Accessories for Electronics5%
- Coats20%
- Beauty Products & Cosmetics20%
- Jewellery0%
- Shirts & Pants20%
- Home Appliances5% - 35%
- Toys20%
- Sports Equipment20%
*Spirits: $15 BSD per proof gallon (about $18 CAD); wine: 50%
*Cigars 50¢ BSD each (about 60¢ CAD) + 220%; cigarettes:
15¢ BSD per item (about 18¢ CAD); cigarillos: 25¢ BSD
per item (about 30¢ CAD)
Sources:
https://www.bahamascustoms.gov.bs/tariffs-and-various-taxes-collected-by-customs/other-taxes/
https://www.bahamas.gov.bs/wps/wcm/connect/4c1bec52-f44e-43b0-baf7-d9fd0c4ad01d/Excise+Bill%2C+2018.PDF?MOD=AJPERES
https://www.macmap.org/
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NalVAGGjEJhJDQ8up443vq5QGBLfotoF/view
Questions
about Shipping to The Bahamas
Can I ship to The Bahamas?
Shipping to The Bahamas from Canada can take between 1-3 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 The Bahamas by getting a quote now.
Does UPS ship to The Bahamas?
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How long does it take to ship from Canada to The Bahamas?
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How much is it to send a parcel to The Bahamas?
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What is the cheapest way to ship from Canada to The Bahamas?
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How do I send a package to The Bahamas?
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How can I ship my luggage?
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How do I get a FedEx shipping estimate / FedEx quote to The Bahamas?
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How do I ship gifts to The Bahamas?
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