Customs Information

Paraguay - All

 CUSTOMS REGULATIONSParaguay

  • The OBL / AWB must show the actual weight of the cargo and the tare weight of the container (2 copies)
  • Household goods and personal effects must have been used and in the possession of the owner abroad for at least 1 year and in continued use by the owner after arrival.
  • The Paraguayan Customs Offices does not accept "Express Release” OBLs.
  • The Packing List must include a value for each item, quantity, description, and unit value (excludes diplomatic shipments)
  • Transshipments through the Port of Buenos Aires should be managed by the Paraguayan Franco Port.
  • The Packing List and OBL / AWB must have the stamp of the Paraguayan Consulate at origin.
  • Foreigners may import household goods and personal effects duty free within the first 6 months of a Permanent Residence if valid for 5 years.
  • Returning citizens may import goods exempt from taxes if having lived abroad for at least 2 years and have obtained the required documents from the repatriation office, including the following:
  • Diplomats may import household goods and personal effects duty free.
  • To obtain the Diplomatic Franchise, the owner must be accredited by the Paraguayan Government and arrive in Paraguay at least 2 weeks prior to shipment arrival.
  • Customs clearance takes approximately 3 days.
  • A charge of approximately USD 90 will apply to all OBLs.
  • No documents are required for the import of works of art and antiques, household appliances, gifts and souvenirs, machines, spare parts and carpets if part of the household goods shipment.
  • All wood packing materials must comply with International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures Publication 15 (ISPM-15).
DOCUMENTATION
  • Original ID card
  • Certificate of Customs
  • Copy of Packing List (2 copies)
  • Original Bill of Lading (OBL) / Air Waybill (AWB) (2 copies)
  • Permanent Residence Certificate valid for 5 years (foreigners)
  • VISA (returning citizens)
  • Diplomatic Franchise (Diplomats)
  • Country of origin document (returning citizens seeking a tax exemption)
  • Repatriation identification (returning citizens seeking a tax exemption)
  • Certificate of Residence (returning citizens seeking a tax exemption)

MOTOR VEHICLES

Required documentation:

  • Copy of Passport
  • Commercial Invoice
  • OBL
  • Pre-shipment Inspection Certificate
  • Name and address of pre-inspection location (foreigners, returning citizens)
  • Details of the vehicle including country of manufacture, etc. (foreigners, returning citizens)
  • SGS / VERITAS Verification Certificate for vehicles over USD 3,000 of value at origin (does not apply to diplomatic shipments)
  • Original Commercial Invoice
  • Title / Registration

Specifics:

  • The Commercial Invoice must have the stamp of the Paraguayan Consulate at origin.
  • Vehicles imported by foreigners and returning citizens must be inspected prior to import by one of two authorized international companies:  Bureau VERITAS (BIVAC) or S.G.S.
  • Vehicles to meet the inspection requirement for foreigners and returning citizens are subject to re-exportation of the shipment.
  • Only Diplomats may import vehicles duty free.
  • Import taxes are approximately 35-37% on the value determined by Customs.
  • Vehicles older than 10 years cannot be imported (except diplomatic shipments).

PETS

  • The Vaccination Record must be dated not less than 30 days and not more than 1 year prior to arrival.
  • The documents must accompany the pet during travel.
  • The Veterinary Health Certificate must not be dated more than 10 days prior to the arrival of the pet and stamped by the Department of Agriculture at origin; it must contain the owner’s name and address, pet’s breed, gender, date of birth, size, color, description, country of origin, and statement declaring the animal free from disease.
  • Quarantine is not required if documents requirements are met.
  • Vaccination Record and Veterinary Health Certificate required.

RESTRICTED/DUTIABLE ITEMS

  • Food items, including tins (a health inspection is required)
  • Firearms and ammunition (authorization by the police / authorities is required)
  • Dangerous objects and weapons (authorization by the police / authorities is required)
  • Wedding trousseaux (is subject to duties)
  • Inheritances (are subject to duties and an Inheritance Certificate is required)

PROHIBITED ITEMS

  • Molds and machinery designated for the manufacture of currency
  • Daggers, Stilettos, hatchets
  • Canes or fans
  • Firearms, swords
  • Immoral or obscene books or films, folders, printed matters, paintings, illustrations or objects
  • Military equipment, arms or any war machinery
  • Gambling items
  • Plants
  • Alcohol
  • Food items (restricted: requires health inspection that will prolong process)