The people of Trinidad and Tobago are a diverse amalgam, and they have created a rich cultural heritage drawn from around the world. And they flaunt it enthusiastically in their dance, music, and festivals. The inventors of calypso, steel pan, and limbo, Trinidadians also celebrate Diwali, Christmas, Chinese New Year, Carnival, and Eid-Al-Fitr amongst a host of other holidays.
But this fun-loving two-island nation has worked hard to create one of the Caribbean's richest and most developed countries.
Thus, a thriving e-commerce economy exists in Trinidad and Tobago with government support and a 135% penetration rate for mobile phones and 73% for internet users.
For Canadian shippers, this is very good news indeed. Not only is English the official language of Trinidad and Tobago, but two of our big banks - BNS and RBC - are well established on the islands.
Easily compare the best and cheapest shipping options to Trinidad and Tobago through a variety of carriers using Secureship
Secureship provides safe and affordable shipping from Canada to Trinidad and Tobago. 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 Trinidad and Tobago
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
Jun 2, 2023
8:49 am
Chaguanas, CH, TT
Delivered
Jun 1, 2023
7:18 am
Mon Repos, MR, TT
In transit
May 31, 2023
9:03 pm
San Fernando, FE, TT
International Clearance
May 31, 2023
8:14 am
Port of Spain, PS, TT
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 Trinidad and Tobago 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:
People moving temporarily to Trinidad and Tobago may ship their household goods and personal effects duty and VAT free if they have an official work permit.
Moving Temporarily
Students
There is no information at this time regarding students moving temporarily to study in Trinidad and Tobago with their personal effects.
Non-Students
Non-students may enter Trinidad and Tobago with their personal effects and household goods duty and VAT free for the purposes of working as long as they have a valid work permit for the country.
Moving Permanently
If you are a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago and are returning there to live permanently, your goods will be free from taxes and duty providing:
Your goods are for the personal use of you and your family only
You have lived in Canada continuously for a minimum of 5 years
The goods will not be sold or traded
The shipment must arrive within 2 month before or 2 months after your arrival
Personal and household effects include the following:
Furniture, carpets, and decorations
Household appliances
Glassware, crockery, and cutlery
Furniture
Linens and bedding
Computers and other electronic equipment
NOTE: Relief from customs duty and taxes will be granted up to a value of $250,000 TT (about $46,000 CAD).
Over this amount, goods will incur their respective customs duty rates and VAT and a 10% Special Tax.
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 temporary entry, the entrant requires an official work permit
For a returning citizen of Trinidad and Tobago, provide proof of residence in Canada plus a sworn affidavit
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
There is no information at this time regarding the importation of advertising material to Trinidad and Tobago.
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
Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material
Ship To
Invoice
Julia Edwards P.O. Box 3453 La Romaine Trinidad
Phone: +1 868 480 3445
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
Equipment shipped to Trinidad and Tobago for repair work will incur duty on the value of the repair and any other associated costs when the item is re-exported to Canada.
Items Under Warranty
Equipment and items under warranty that are repaired in Trinidad and Tobago will be exempt from GST when they return to Canada.
Items No Longer Under Warranty
An item no longer under warranty that is shipped to Trinidad and Tobago for repair will incur GST upon its return to Canada calculated
on the value of the repair and on any parts required for the repair.
Sending Product for Repair to Trinidad and Tobago
Equipment from Canada that is shipped to Trinidad and Tobago for repair will be charged duty on the cost of the repair plus parts used
for the repair when the item returns to Canada.
Returning Repaired Product to Trinidad and Tobago
If equipment from Trinidad and Tobago has been repaired in Canada, it will incur duty charges calculated on the cost of the repair and parts when it re-enters the country.
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 Trinidad and Tobago or exported to Canada (depending on which case applies)
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
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
Temporary imports to Trinidad and Tobago are allowed entry exempt from duty providing:
They leave the country within 3 months of their entry
A deposit or other security is made in the amount of the duty of the goods
They are identifiable by a serial number or other marking
ATA Carnets
Trinidad and Tobago will soon accept ATA Carnets for the temporary importation of goods.
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
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
Sold goods shipped to Trinidad and Tobago will incur duty and VAT.
In addition, goods sold on-line will be charged the Online Purchase Tax with exception to laptop, notebook, and tablet computers (they will also be exempt from VAT).
Occasional Shipper
Goods that have been purchased on-line from Canada will incur the Online Purchase Tax (OPT) in addition to duty and VAT.
Goods exempt from the OPT and VAT include the following: notebook computers, laptop computers, and tablet computers.
Regular shipper
If you regularly ship sold goods for permanent entry to Trinidad and Tobago, we recommend that you consult a licenced customs broker.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
Ship To
Invoice
Julia Edwards P.O. Box 3453 La Romaine Trinidad
Phone: +1 868 480 3445
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 Trinidad and Tobago. A COO proves that an item has been produced, manufactured or processed in Canada.
When an item with a COO is imported into Trinidad and Tobago, 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 is 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 prohibited are not allowed entry into Trinidad and Tobago; however, those regarded as restricted may enter but with rules governing quantity or other regulations.
Prohibited Items
Toy guns
Firearms, ammunition, and explosives
Obscene and indecent materials
Money and counterfeit coins
Flammable solvents and solids
Items with camouflage patterns
Jewellery
Oxidising chemicals
Compressed gases - aerosols and flammable gases
like butane
Dangerous goods like corrosives, toys with batteries
The calculation of duty and taxes on imports is done by Trinidadian customs officials using the CIF value of a shipment, i.e. 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 value of a shipment you sent to Trinidad and Tobago, you would know the duty and taxes owed by its recipient.
Thresholds
There are no threshold or de minimis values on imports to Trinidad and Tobago.
That means all imports of any value will incur duty and taxes with one notable exception: On-line purchases of computers such as laptops, tablets, and notebook-style
will not incur duty, VAT, or the Online Purchase Tax.
Currency
Trinidad and Tobago Dollar (TTD)
Duty Exemption (De minimis Value)
N/A
Duty Calculation Method
CIF
TAX (VAT)
12.5%
Tax Exemption
(De minimis Value)
N/A
Tax Calculation Method
CIF
Duties on Imports
Excise Duties
Alcoholic beverages and tobacco products incur excise taxes upon importation to Trinidad and Tobago.
Alcohol excise taxes range from TT$16.43/L - TT$168.10/L (about $3 CAD - $30 CAD)
Tobacco product excise taxes range from TT$4.38 - TT30.16 (about $1 CAD - $6 CAD).
Inspection Fee
Certain imported goods - textiles, clothing, footwear, pre-packaged goods, batteries, and electronic and electric products -
will be charged a 0.5% inspection based on the item's CIF value.
Online Purchase Tax (OPT)
The Online Purchase Tax is incurred on items that have been ordered on-line by a consumer and then imported via a courier service.
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 Trinidad and Tobago 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.
