Customs regulations for your trip to Panama

Customs regulations

When traveling to Panama, it’s important to be aware of the customs regulations for importing personal effects and household goods. Upon arrival, all items are subject to inspection by Customs authorities. To ensure a smooth process, travelers must complete a customs declaration form, which should be submitted along with their passport.

Duty-Free Allowances and Restrictions

Panama allows duty-free importation of personal use items. However, there are certain restrictions to keep in mind. Gifts and souvenirs valued up to $100 can also be imported duty-free. It’s important to note that any new items, including gifts, that exceed the duty-free allowances are subject to duties ranging from 10% to 15%. To facilitate the customs process, it’s advisable to keep receipts for all new items as proof of ownership and value.

Dutiable Items

Items that are not considered as used household goods and that should be declared for payment of duties/taxes
 
New items, construction materials, vehicles (car, motorcycles), kayaks, cargo or vehicle trailers, vehicle parts, vehicle accessories, scooters, tools, oil, electric generators, boats, canoes, distilled water, or any other item not considered by customs as used household goods.
 
Please note that if large quantity of a specific item are included in the move, this could be interpreted by customs as commercial goods even if they are part of the move as for example, 10-15 guitars, 5-10 refrigerators, 10 bicycles, 10 printers, 5-10 sewing machines, etc. We need to verify case by case.
 
Remarks: The Moving agent would not be liable due to confiscations if prohibited articles or if items applicable for duties/taxes and large quantity items are not informed previously and declared.  

Prohibited Items

To ensure safety, good handling and to avoid additional expenses in an international move, we list below items that should not be included:

• Bottles of Alcohol (liquor)
• Food (frozen food, canned food, dry food)
• Munitions
• Money
• Pyrotechnic games
• Bengal lights
• Gasoline
• Kerosene
• Color paints and its derivates
• Perishable’s products
• Gas tank
• Very expensive jewelry
• Explosives
• Collection of coins etc.
• Pornography
• Guns
• High value documents (irreplaceable)
• Aerosol or sprays
• Drugs
• Flammable materials
• Insecticides
• Wood not treated
• Live plants
• Land
• Vehicle oil

Miscellaneous (Pets, Motors, and others)

Pets

Pets may be imported but require a health certificate issued by a veterinarian in the country of origin and an import permit from the Ministry of Health in Panama.

Motor Vehicles

Vehicles can be imported, but they are subject to import duties. The amount of duty depends on the value of the vehicle.

Currency

Currency regulations: amounts over $10,000 must be declared upon arrival.