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
Trinidad and Tobago allows the following items as document shipments:
- Computer print-outs
- Drawings
- Driver's Licence
- Intercompany mail
- Newspapers
- Traveller's cheques
Certain document shipments to Trinidad and Tobago have restrictions as
shown in the table below:
| Document Type | Restriction |
|---|
| Cheques | Only if cancelled |
| Forms | Must be blank |
| Newsletters | Only if they are for use within a company |
| Photographs | Only if sent for business purposes |
| Publications | Only if they are intercompany publications |
Sources:
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_US
Shipping Gifts
Shipping a gift to Trinidad and Tobago will incur duty and taxes no
matter its value. There are no exemptions for gifts.
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
A gift of any value shipped to an individual in Trinidad and Tobago
will be charged duty and taxes. There are no exceptions.
Shipments from Business-to-Business
A shipment of a gift from a business in Canada to a business in
Trinidad and Tobago will have duty and taxes applied. There are no
exemptions.
Shipments from Business-to-Individual
A gift shipment from a business in Canada to an individual in Trinidad
and Tobago will be liable to taxes and duty charges.
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 |
|---|
Julia Edwards
P.O. Box 3453
La Romaine
Trinidad
Phone: +1 868 480 3445 | 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
Multiple gifts in one shipment should be tagged and wrapped
separately.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Julia Edwards
P.O. Box 3453
La Romaine
Trinidad
Phone: +1 868 480 3445 | 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
Shipping Personal Effects
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
Sources:
https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/trinidad-and-tobago-business-travel
http://www.customs.gov.tt/travelling/returning-nationals
Sample Commercial Invoice for Personal Effects
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Julia Edwards
P.O. Box 3453
La Romaine
Trinidad
Phone: +1 868 480 3445 | 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
There is limited information at this time regarding allowable
shipments of foodstuffs to Trinidad and Tobago.
You May Ship
Do Not Ship
- Perishable items
- Beans and nuts
- Oilseeds
- Coconut in any form
- Unrefined sugar
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://ttpost.net/index.php/tools-and-tips/prohibited-items/
https://www.finance.gov.tt/services/customs-and-excise/importing-and-exporting/#howDoIimportGoods
Sample Commercial Invoice for Food, Chocolate, Candies
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Julia Edwards
P.O. Box 3453
La Romaine
Trinidad
Phone: +1 868 480 3445 | 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 display and demonstrate a product to
potential customers. The intent is to solicit sales.
Commercial samples may enter Trinidad and Tobago duty-free from Canada
under the following conditions:
- The goods will be returned to Canada within 6 months of their entry
- The sample is a representative of a category of goods sent in a
quantity that cannot be mistaken for an ordinary commercial shipment
- The item can be identified when it is re-exported
- The sample will only be used for demonstration purposes
NOTE: The customs agent may direct that a
deposit or other security be supplied to secure the duty-free status of
the importation.
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://tradeind.gov.tt/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Customs-Regulations-Subsidiary-Legislation-78.01.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Commercial Sample
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Julia Edwards
P.O. Box 3453
La Romaine
Trinidad
Phone: +1 868 480 3445 | 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
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: 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
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
Sources:
http://customs.gov.tt/content/Customs%20Act.pdf
http://statistics.caricom.org/Files/Methodologies/Trade/Trinidad%20and%20Tobago%20TR%20in%20Standard%20format.pdf
https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/trinidad-and-tobago-temporary-entry
Sample Commercial Invoice for Warranty Repair
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Julia Edwards
P.O. Box 3453
La Romaine
Trinidad
Phone: +1 868 480 3445 | 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
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
Sources:
https://www.atacarnet.com/carnet-countries
http://www.customs.gov.tt/content/Customs%20Act.pdf
https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/trinidad-and-tobago-temporary-entry
Sample Commercial Invoice for Temporary Imports
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
Julia Edwards
P.O. Box 3453
La Romaine
Trinidad
Phone: +1 868 480 3445 | 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
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.
Sources:
http://www.customs.gov.tt/content/Notice%20to%20Importers%20No.%2023%20of%202016%20-%20Amendments%20to%20the%20Miscellaneous%20Taxes%20Act,%20Chap.%2077.01%20-%2028.10.2016.pdf
http://www.customs.gov.tt/content/Notice%20To%20Importers_23_06_2013_18_07_22.pdf
https://www.ttbizlink.gov.tt/trade/tnt/cmn/pdf/Importer%20Registration%20Requirements.pdf
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: 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
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.
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.
- Candy20%
- Chocolate20%
- Spirits and WinesVariable*
- TobaccoVariable*
- Books0%
- Documents0%
- Video Games & Consoles20%
- Computers & Laptops0%
- Tablets0%
- Mobiles0%
- Cameras25%
- Accessories for Electronics0%
- Coats20%
- Beauty Products & Cosmetics20%
- Jewellery30%
- Shirts & Pants20%
- Home Appliances20%
- Toys20%
- Sports Equipment10%
*See excise taxes for details
Sources:
https://www.ceintelligence.com/files/documents/DOING_BUSINESS_WITH_TRINIDADANDTOBAGO.pdf
https://taxsummaries.pwc.com/trinidad-and-tobago/corporate/other-taxes
https://rgd.legalaffairs.gov.tt/laws2/Alphabetical_List/lawspdfs/75.06.pdf
https://rgd.legalaffairs.gov.tt/laws2/alphabetical_list/lawspdfs/78.50.pdf
http://www.news.gov.tt/content/waiver-vat-and-opt-laptops-notebooks-and-tablets-effective-4-september-2020#.YGrXKxNKhTY
http://www.customs.gov.tt/content/Notice%20to%20Importers%20No.%2023%20of%202016%20-%20Amendments%20to%20the%20Miscellaneous%20Taxes%20Act,%20Chap.%2077.01%20-%2028.10.2016.pdf
https://www.macmap.org/e
http://www.customs.gov.tt/importing/duties-and-payment
Questions
about Shipping to Trinidad and Tobago
Can I ship to Trinidad and Tobago?
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.
Find out
how fast the Secureship trusted carriers can get your shipment
delivered to Trinidad and Tobago by getting a quote now.
Does UPS ship to Trinidad and Tobago?
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How long does it take to ship from Canada to Trinidad and Tobago?
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How much is it to send a parcel to Trinidad and Tobago?
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What is the cheapest way to ship from Canada to Trinidad and Tobago?
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How do I send a package to Trinidad and Tobago?
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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 Trinidad and
Tobago?
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How do I ship gifts to Trinidad and Tobago?
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