Buying in stores in Europe and receiving your orders in Uruguay is easier and more predictable than ever today. But to make the most of it, it is worth knowing the country's web shopping regime, which changed on May 1, 2026. In this updated guide we explain how much you can import, what taxes are paid and how to buy in Europe and receive it in Uruguay with MDE.
How much can I import to Uruguay in 2026?
As of May 1, 2026, a new franchise regime applies for online purchases. In summary: you can use an annual allowance of up to USD 800 spread over a maximum of 3 shipments per year, and from there (or if you do not meet the requirements) you go to the simplified regime of 60%, with no limit on the number of times.
Franchise regime (up to 3 shipments per year)
With the franchise, your purchases are exempt from import duties. Requirements and details:
- Annual franchise of USD 800 in total (not per purchase), divided into several purchases, with a maximum of 3 shipments per year with this benefit. The fourth shipment automatically passes to the simplified regime.
- Maximum weight 20 kg per parcel, personal use without commercial purposes, and the recipient must be an adult individual with a Uruguayan ID card.
- The corresponding VAT is paid (the general rate in Uruguay is 22%), which is calculated separately and does not count towards the limit of USD 800. Postal shipments from the United States for up to USD 200 (shipped by a seller that is a tax resident there) are exempt from VAT under a trade agreement, as are family gifts; from 3 November, the invoice issuer must be registered with Customs.
- Payment must be made with an international card whose owner matches the recipient of the shipment.
- It cannot include products taxed by the IMESI (tobacco, alcoholic beverages, perfumes/cosmetics) or prohibited goods or goods that require authorization from another agency and lack it.
Simplified regime of 60% (without limit of times)
When you exceed the 3 annual franchise shipments, or prefer not to use it, you can import under the simplified regime:
- No limit on the number of times per year.
- Cap of USD 800 and 20 kg per shipment.
- A one-time benefit of 60% of the value of the purchase is paid, with a minimum of USD 20 per shipment, which replaces any other tax.
- It also cannot contain products taxed by the IMESI.
Books and medicines: outside the USD 800 cap
Decree 50/026 exempts books (and personal-use medicines authorized by the Ministry of Public Health) from the franchise cap of USD 800. Check with Customs whether they count towards the limit of 3 shipments per year and whether they pay VAT before shipping them.
Cell phones, drones and radioelectric equipment: URSEC procedure
Radio equipment (cell phones, drones, transmitters, etc.) requires authorization from URSEC before entering the country. Devices that only use Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth in the authorized bands (2.4 GHz and 5.725-5.850 GHz) and arrive as postal parcels do not need URSEC's prior intervention (URSEC Resolution 275/021). The procedure is simple but must be done before the package arrives in Uruguay: verify that the equipment is approved (or process its approval) and register its import with the VUCE. Do not request shipping from Spain until you have the documentation ready. If you have questions, contact us and we will guide you.
How to buy in Europe and receive it in Uruguay with MDE
- Register in MDE and get your address in Europe.
- Buy in the European stores you want using that address as a destination.
- We receive your package, we consolidate it with others if you want and we notify you.
- We forward it to Uruguay, helping you adjust the income to the regime that best suits you.
Frequently asked questions about web purchases in Uruguay
How much can I import into Uruguay without paying tariffs in 2026?
From May 1, 2026 you can use an annual franchise of up to USD 800, spread over a maximum of 3 shipments per year and up to 20 kg per shipment. These purchases are exempt from import duties, although the corresponding VAT is paid (except postal shipments from a seller resident in the United States for up to USD 200, exempt by trade agreement).
How many purchases abroad can I make per year in Uruguay?
With the franchise, up to 3 shipments per year. From the fourth shipment (or if you do not meet the requirements of the franchise) you move to the simplified 60% regime, which has no limit on the number of times.
What is the simplified 60% regime in Uruguay?
It is the unlimited number of times per year to import purchases of up to USD 800 and 20 kg per shipment. A one-time benefit of 60% of the purchase value is paid, with a minimum of USD 20 per shipment, which replaces any other tax. It cannot include products taxed by the IMESI.
Do books count towards the franchise cap?
Decree 50/026 exempts books and personal-use medicines (the latter with Ministry of Public Health authorization) from the USD 800 cap. Check with Customs whether they count towards the limit of 3 shipments per year and whether they pay VAT before shipping them.
Can I import a cell phone or a drone to Uruguay?
Yes, but cell phones, drones and other radio equipment require prior authorization from URSEC. You must verify or obtain approval and register the import in the VUCE before the package arrives in the country. Devices that only use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth in the authorized bands and arrive as postal parcels do not need it (URSEC Resolution 275/021).
How do I buy in Europe and receive it in Uruguay?
With MDE you get an address in Europe to buy in any European store. We receive your package, we consolidate it if you want and we forward it to Uruguay, helping you to frame the entry in the regime that best suits you.
Ready to buy in Europe and receive it in Uruguay? Register today for MDE, get your European address and make your first shipment. You have a 14-day trial with a money-back guarantee.
