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 order and without commercial purposes.
- 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. Shipments from the United States for up to USD 200 are exempt from VAT (TIFA trade agreement), as are family gifts.
- 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 with non-automatic licenses.
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: tax exempt
Books, pamphlets and educational material maintain their special regime and are exempt from all taxes by law. It is advisable to buy them separately from other items: this way you do not consume one of your 3 annual franchises, since books have no frequency limit (video games are excluded).
Cell phones, drones and radioelectric equipment: URSEC procedure
Equipment that emits radio (cell phones, devices with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, drones, wireless cameras, etc.) require authorization from URSEC before entering the country. 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 for shipments from the United States for up to USD 200, exempt by trade agreement).
How many purchases abroad can I make per year in Uruguay?
With duty free, 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 pay taxes when imported to Uruguay?
No. Books, brochures and educational materials are exempt from all taxes by law and have no frequency limit. It is advisable to buy them separately to avoid consuming one of the 3 annual deductibles.
Can I import a cell phone or a drone to Uruguay?
Yes, but equipment that emits radio (cell phones, drones, devices with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, etc.) requires prior authorization from the URSEC. You must verify or obtain approval and register the import in the VUCE before the package arrives in the country.
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.
