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
Most documents may be shipped to Uruguay from Canada duty-free
provided they have no commercial value. Document shipments include:
- Annual reports
- Bids
- Business cards
- Computer print-outs
- Credit cards
- Drawings
- Driver's licence
- Intercompany mail
- Manuscripts
- Passports
- Proposals
- Specifications sheets
- Visa applications
The following items may be shipped to Uruguay from Canada duty-free if
they meet the criteria as shown in the table below:
| Item |
Restriction |
|---|
| Airline tickets |
Must be validated |
| Blue prints |
For non-commercial use only |
| Books |
For non-commercial use only |
| Catalogues |
Maximum weight of 8 kg and a maximum value of $50 USD (about
$60 CAD) |
| Cheques |
Only if cancelled |
| Greeting cards and invitations |
Only if shipment weighs less than 100 g |
| Films |
Maximum weight of 8 kg and a maximum value of $50 USD (about
$60 CAD) |
| Diskettes |
Only used diskettes (i.e. containing data) |
| Newsletters |
Only intercompany documents for use within the company |
| Magazines |
Maximum weight of 8 kg and a maximum value of $50 USD (about
$60 CAD) |
| Price lists |
Non-commercial use only |
| Travellers cheques |
Only if used |
Sources:
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_US
Shipping Gifts
Shipping gifts to Uruguay from Canada may be exempt from duty
depending on the quantity and type of items being shipped.
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
Shipments sent from an individual in Canada to an individual in
Uruguay are exempt from duty and taxes if:
- The shipment is valued at $50 USD or less (about $60 CAD)
- Items are sent for personal use only
- They have no commercial value
- Only 3 gift shipments per year are allowed to benefit from the
exemption
Shipments from Business-to-Business
A gift shipped from a business in Canada to a business in Uruguay will
incur duty and taxes.
Shipments from Business-to-Individual
A gift shipped from a business in Canada to an individual in Uruguay
will be exempt from duty if its value does not exceed $50 USD (about
$60 CAD). Items shipped must be for personal use and have no
commercial value.
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 |
|---|
Carlos Páez Vilaró
Av Toma Giribaldi 2283
11300 Montevideo
Departamento de Montevideo
Uruguay
Phone:
+598 2711 6054 |
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 are sending more than one gift in one shipment, be sure to wrap
and tag each one individually.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
| Ship To |
Invoice |
|---|
Carlos Páez Vilaró
Av Toma Giribaldi 2283
11300 Montevideo
Departamento de Montevideo
Uruguay
Phone:
+598 2711 6054 |
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.aduanas.gub.uy/innovaportal/file/1409/1/od-2001-047.pdf
https://www.correo.com.uy/como-declarar-su-compra-u-obsequio
Shipping Personal Effects
Personal effects shipped to Uruguay from Canada are exempt from duty
for the following situations:
- Foreigners with valid work permits
- Retired foreigners moving permanently to Uruguay
- Permanent residents of Uruguay returning after having lived in
Canada for a minimum of 2 consecutive years
The conditions for a duty-free importation include:
- Items arrive in Uruguay within 3 months prior to and up to 6 months
after the arrival of the owner
- Household goods may be used or new, and are intended for personal
use or for family members only
- The goods are the personal property of the owner or his or her
family
- Items may include the tools, machines, and instruments required for
a profession, trade, or artistic endeavour
Moving Temporarily
Students
There is no information at this time regarding students moving
temporarily from Canada to Uruguay for their studies.
Non-students
Foreigners moving temporarily to Uruguay may ship their personal
effects as a temporary import. A guarantee payment will be required
and some taxes may apply.
If the move becomes permanent, the guarantee and fees will be
reimbursed.
Moving Permanently
Uruguayan nationals who are returning to Uruguay to live permanently
may import their personal effects duty-free under the following
conditions:
- Personal effects must be for use of the shipper and/ or his or her
family
- The goods arrive within 3 months prior or up to 6 months after the
date of the move
- He or she has lived in Canada for a minimum of 2 consecutive years
Foreigners and retired foreigners who obtain permanent residence in
Uruguay may import duty-free their household property and personal
effects of their home.
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
- Provide personal data and information on members of their family
returning with them
- Provide information on their profession, art or trade and work
activity of their family members
- Personal affidavit stating the decision to return to the country to
settle permanently
- Provide address to be established in Uruguay, which may not be
modified without prior notification to the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs for a period of 4 years from the date of entry into Uruguay
Sources:
https://www.gub.uy/tramites/extranjeros-ingresan-residir-forma-permanente
https://www.aduanas.gub.uy/innovaportal/v/7479/3/innova.front/decreto-n%C2%B0-330_008.html
Sample Commercial Invoice for Personal Effects
| Ship To |
Invoice |
|---|
Carlos Páez Vilaró
Av Toma Giribaldi 2283
11300 Montevideo
Departamento de Montevideo
Uruguay
Phone:
+598 2711 6054 |
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
Some food items are authorized to enter Uruguay but are restricted in
quantity and may require a certificate of authorization to enter the
country.
You May Ship
- Non-perishable goods
- Coffee
- Chocolate
- Candy
Do Not Ship
- Perishable goods
- Food items containing meat
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://www.gub.uy/ministerio-ganaderia-agricultura-pesca/politicas-y-gestion/lista-productos-puedes-ingresar-uruguay
Sample Commercial Invoice for Food, Chocolate, Candies
| Ship To |
Invoice |
|---|
Carlos Páez Vilaró
Av Toma Giribaldi 2283
11300 Montevideo
Departamento de Montevideo
Uruguay
Phone:
+598 2711 6054 |
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 solicit sales and demonstrate
products. They are not intended to be sold. Samples are often sent to
exhibitions, trade fairs, and other promotional events.
Samples shipped to Uruguay from Canada are exempt from duty and tax
providing:
- They have no commercial value
- Their value does not exceed $500 USD (about $600 CAD)
- They are shipped to a maximum of 4 times per year
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://www.impo.com.uy/bases/decretos/200-2016
Sample Commercial Invoice for Commercial Sample
| Ship To |
Invoice |
|---|
Carlos Páez Vilaró
Av Toma Giribaldi 2283
11300 Montevideo
Departamento de Montevideo
Uruguay
Phone:
+598 2711 6054 |
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 temporarily to Uruguay from Canada
if the:
- Goods are for display at promotional events such as trade fairs and
exhibitions
- Material has no commercial value and is not intended for sale
- Value of the materials do not exceed $3,000 USD (about $3,650 CAD)
- Number of shipments per year is 4
Advertising Material Checklist
- Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Promotional Material - Not for
Resale' (see sample)
- A detailed description of each item is provided
Sources:
https://www.impo.com.uy/bases/decretos/200-2016
Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material
| Ship To |
Invoice |
|---|
Carlos Páez Vilaró
Av Toma Giribaldi 2283
11300 Montevideo
Departamento de Montevideo
Uruguay
Phone:
+598 2711 6054 |
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
Material sent from Canada to Uruguay for repair or renovation will be
exempt from duty as long as the material is under warranty.
Items Under Warranty
When material is shipped to Canada for repair work under a warranty,
i.e., provided free of charge, Uruguayan customs duty and taxes will
be exempted.
Items No Longer Under Warranty
Material no longer under warranty being repaired in Uruguay and
shipped back to Canada will be subject to duty and taxes and charged
GST on the value of the repair and on any added parts.
Sending Product for Repair to Uruguay
Material sent to Uruguay from Canada for repair will be exempt from
duty provided it is under warranty.
Returning a Repaired Product to Uruguay
Material returning to Uruguay after being sent to Canada for repairs
will be exempt from duty only if it is under warranty. Taxes will
apply to the value added to the equipment.
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 Uruguay or exported to Canada (depending on
which case applies)
- A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Sources:
https://www.aduanas.gub.uy/innovaportal/file/13509/1/codigo_aduanero_uruguayo.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Warranty Repair
| Ship To |
Invoice |
|---|
Carlos Páez Vilaró
Av Toma Giribaldi 2283
11300 Montevideo
Departamento de Montevideo
Uruguay
Phone:
+598 2711 6054 |
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
Importing items temporarily into Uruguay will be exempt from duties
and taxes for a period up to 18 months.
Examples of goods eligible for temporary imports include:
- Items displayed at an exhibition or an international event*
- Items shipped for processing, assembling, or transformation
- Commercial samples
- Those for repair and restoration
*For example, materials used to set up stands at an international car
race
ATA Carnets
Uruguay 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.trade.gov/knowledge-product/uruguay-temporary-entry
https://www.atacarnet.com/carnet-countries
Sample Commercial Invoice for Temporary Imports
| Ship To |
Invoice |
|---|
Carlos Páez Vilaró
Av Toma Giribaldi 2283
11300 Montevideo
Departamento de Montevideo
Uruguay
Phone:
+598 2711 6054 |
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
Shipments of sold goods sent from Canada to Uruguay may be exempt from
duty and taxes as shown below under Occasional Shipper.
Occasional Shipper
Goods shipped occasionally to Uruguay from Canada will only be exempt
from duty and taxes if:
- The shipment is for personal use only
- The shipment is valued at $200 USD or less (about $240 CAD)
- A maximum of 3 shipments per calendar year are sent
Regular shipper
For detailed information on regularly shipping sold goods to Uruguay,
we recommend you consult a licenced Uruguayan customs broker.
Sources:
https://docs.wto.org/dol2fe/Pages/SS/directdoc.aspx?filename=q:/WT/TPR/S374R1.pdf&Open=True
https://www.cncs.com.uy/asesoria-comercio-internacional-como-importar/
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
| Ship To |
Invoice |
|---|
Carlos Páez Vilaró
Av Toma Giribaldi 2283
11300 Montevideo
Departamento de Montevideo
Uruguay
Phone:
+598 2711 6054 |
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
|
Prohibited &
Restricted Imports
Prohibited items are not allowed to be shipped to Uruguay while
restricted items may enter but may be limited in quantity or must abide
by other rules.
Prohibited Items
- Dairy products
- Foodstuffs containing meat
- Food and rations for animals of any species
- Perishable goods, including plants and
their parts
- Seeds and grains
- Crafts made with vegetable products
- Wooden furniture
- Home made products without labelling
- Vegetable products in packages over 500 g
(teas, spices, and marinades)
- Pornography
- Paints and varnishes
- Electronic devices for smoking
- Medicines containing triazolam
- Drugs or controlled substances
Restricted Items
Products of animal or vegetable origin may only be entered in Uruguay
with an official certificate. They include:
- Honey, beeswax, and bee pollen
- Veterinarian pharmaceuticals
- Coffee
- Raw beans
- Handmade crafts
- Products of animal origin
NOTE:
For authorized products, they
must come in their original packaging, factory sealed, and labelled in
one of the 3 official languages used in the World Trade Organization
(English, French, or Spanish).
Sources:
https://www.gub.uy/ministerio-ganaderia-agricultura-pesca/politicas-y-gestion/lista-productos-puedes-ingresar-uruguay
https://www.aduanas.gub.uy/innovaportal/file/13243/1/nuevo_procedimiento_para_compras_y_envios_web_arribados_correo_nacional_actualizado_2017.pdf
https://docs.wto.org/dol2fe/Pages/SS/directdoc.aspx?filename=q:/WT/TPR/S374R1.pdf&Open=True
Duty &
Taxes
Duty and taxes on goods shipped to Uruguay 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
owed by the recipient.
Thresholds
The duty and tax threshold on imports into Uruguay is set at $200 USD
(about $240 CAD). The threshold, or de minimis value, is the amount
below which no duty or taxes are incurred.
Shipments that exceed this amount will be liable to fees, and require
that you hire a customs broker.
| Currency |
Uruguayan Peso UYU |
| Duty Exemption (De minimis Value) |
$200 USD (about $240 CAD) |
| Duty Calculation Method |
CIF |
| TAX (VAT) |
22% |
Tax Exemption
(De minimis Value) |
$200 USD (about $240 CAD) |
| Tax Calculation Method |
CIF |
|
|
Duties on Imports
In Uruguay, customs duty ranges from 0% to 70%. The standard rate of
VAT for most goods and services is 22%.
Excise Taxes
Excise tax is imposed on a variety of products entering Uruguay
including:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Non-alcoholic beverages containing a minimum of 10% fruit juice
- Beverages containing sweeteners
- Cosmetics and perfumes
- Razors and supplies used in cosmetology
- Tobacco, cigars, and cigarettes
- Candy20%
- Chocolate20%
- Spirits and wines11% - 23%
- Tobacco70%
- Books0%
- Documents0%
- Video games & consoles20%
- Computers & laptops2%
- Tablets2%
- Mobiles2%
- Cameras18%
- Accessories for Electronics2%
- Coats20%
- Beauty products & cosmetics20%
- Jewellery20%
- Shirts & pants20%
- Home appliances20%
- Toys20%
- Sports equipment20%
Sources:
https://www.correo.com.uy/como-declarar-su-compra-u-obsequio
https://www.dgi.gub.uy/wdgi/afiledownload?2,147,1094,O,S,0,13928%3BS%3B12%3B115
https://www.macmap.org/
https://www.gub.uy/ministerio-economia-finanzas/sites/ministerio-economia-finanzas/files/2021-04/NCM_AEC%2010%202020_VI%20Enmienda_Febrero2021.xlsx
Questions
about Shipping to Uruguay
Can I ship to Uruguay?
Shipping to Uruguay 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 Uruguay by getting a quote now.
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