Christopher Columbus was the first European to advertise the beauty of The Bahamas to the world. Since then, this archipelago, which stretches across 800 km of tropical paradise, has become a dream destination for scuba divers. As a result, it derives a large part of its income from tourism, and along with banking, The Bahamas is the third wealthiest country in the Americas.
E-commerce is on the rise in The Bahamas, and Bahamians make good use of eBay and Amazon for their purchases. This is good news for Canadian shippers - a rich, English-speaking Commonwealth nation sitting only a hop, skip, and a jump from the Florida coast.
Easily compare the best and cheapest shipping options to The Bahamas through a variety of carriers using Secureship
Secureship provides safe and affordable shipping from Canada to The Bahamas. 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 The Bahamas
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
Apr 3, 2023
8:49 am
San Andros, SA, BS
Delivered
Apr 2, 2023
7:18 am
West End, WE, BS
In transit
Apr 1, 2023
9:03 pm
Freeport, FR, BS
International Clearance
Apr 1, 2023
8:14 am
Lucaya, LU, BS
In transit
Apr 1, 2023
12:17 am
Nassau, NA, CA
In transit
Mar 31, 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 The Bahamas 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:
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: 31 Mar 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: 31 Mar 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
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
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: 31 Mar 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
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: 31 Mar 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.
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: 31 Mar 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 The Bahamas. A COO proves that an item has been produced, manufactured or processed in Canada.
When an item with a COO is imported into The Bahamas, 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.
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.
CIF Value = Customs Value + Insurance Amount + Freight Costs
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.
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 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.
