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.
Shipping Rates
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
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.
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
Feb 21, 2026
8:49 am
Artigas, AR, UY
Delivered
Feb 20, 2026
7:18 am
Melo, ME, UY
In transit
Feb 19, 2026
9:03 pm
Rivera, RI, UY
International Clearance
Feb 19, 2026
8:14 am
Salto, SA, UY
In transit
Feb 19, 2026
12:17 am
Toronto, ON, CA
In transit
Feb 18, 2026
4:30 pm
Ottawa, ON, CA
Pickup Scan
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: 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
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: 28 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Box
Nestle Chocolate Bars in original packaging expiring May 2027 (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: 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
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
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
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
E-cigarette liquid (UPS cannot clear)
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.
