The name Uruguay derives from the indigenous Guarani language and probably means 'bird-river'. The country is the second smallest in South America, but is renowned for its farming of cattle and sheep, and its exports of high-quality soccer players.
Uruguay is also a high-income, egalitarian, and socially progressive nation. So, no surprise then that 90% of the population is connected to the internet and retail e-commerce activity is booming at 25% per year.
Easily compare the best and cheapest shipping options to Uruguay through a variety of carriers using Secureship
Secureship provides safe and affordable shipping from Canada to Uruguay. 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 Uruguay
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
Apr 3, 2023
8:49 am
Artigas, AR, UY
Delivered
Apr 2, 2023
7:18 am
Melo, ME, UY
In transit
Apr 1, 2023
9:03 pm
Rivera, RI, UY
International Clearance
Apr 1, 2023
8:14 am
Salto, SA, UY
In transit
Apr 1, 2023
12:17 am
Toronto, ON, 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 Uruguay 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:
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: 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 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: 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
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
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: 31 Mar 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
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: 31 Mar 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
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: 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
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
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: 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 Uruguay. A COO proves that an item has been produced, manufactured or processed in Canada.
When an item with a COO is imported into Uruguay, 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 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
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).
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.
CIF Value = Customs Value + Insurance Amount + Freight Costs
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
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 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.
