Customs Regulations in Panama

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

• Residence Visa (or letter from Registered Lawyer and copy of petition for Residence Visa, if Customer does not have one)
• Work Permit (or certificate from attorney)
• Passport (original)
• Certificate of Change of Residence
• Letter confirming employment
• Detailed inventory (English or Spanish)

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS

• CUSTOMER MUST BE IN COUNTRY AT TIME OF CUSTOMS CLEARANCE
• Household goods and personal effects duty-free for:
  • Foreigners with Residence Visa
  • Panamanians returning after two years abroad
• Shipments must arrive within six months of Customer
• All shipments inspected
• Customs inspection, Customs charges and Customs Broker's charges all payable by Customer at time of clearance
• Additional charges incurred for storage or customs delays will be for Customer's account

DUTIABLE/RESTRICTED ITEMS

• New items, alcohol, jewelry, coins

PROHIBITED ITEMS

• Foodstuff and plants
• Narcotics and drugs
• Straw or hay packing in lift-vans
• Firearms, weapons and ammunition

MOTOR VEHICLES

• High duty payable by customer at approximately 27%-30% of CIF value
• Customer and broker must process documentation and pay duties. Customs clearance process is lengthy and demurrage is likely.
• Documents required:
  • Title
  • Original Passport
  • Bill of Sale
  • Original Certificate of Ownership
  • Pollution Certificate

PETS

• Certificate of Health and Rabies Vaccination required
• 30 day quarantine period required