Customs regulations for your trip to Paraguay

The Paraguayan Customs Authority publishes regulations, decrees, customs code, and tariff nomenclature information on its website.  Paraguay requires all companies operating in the country to contract the services of a customs broker.  Customs broker fees are standardized by Paraguayan law.

All residents and visitors are required by law to carry an acceptable form of identification at all times. Foreign residents are issued with identity cards. You should carry a photocopy of the details page of your passport, as well as a copy of your entrance stamp.

Don’t become involved with drugs, as there are severe penalties for drug trafficking and possession. Prison sentences are mandatory, without bail, and prison standards are poor.

Homosexuality is not illegal and there is a small, active LGBT community in Asunción. There are no provisions, however, in Paraguayan law guaranteeing freedom from discrimination on any grounds, including sexual orientation. Same-sex marriages or unions are not recognised in Paraguay and public displays of affection between same-sex couples are likely to be frowned upon. You can find more local information on the website of the SOMOSGAY association. See our information and advice page for the LGBT community before you travel.

Documents required for general imports include a banker’s draft or letter of credit issued by a local bank as well as the following documents provided by the merchandise vendor:  (a) commercial invoice, (b) bill of lading, (c) packing list, and (d) certificate of origin.  Paraguay requires that specific documentation for each import shipment (e.g., commercial receipt, certificate of origin, and cargo manifest) be certified by either the Paraguayan consulate in the country of origin or, subject to payment of a fee, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Paraguay.

Used Household Goods and Personal Effects

Documents Required

• 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)

Specific Information

• 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 12 months and in continued use by the owner of the goods after arrival.
• The Paraguayan Customs Offices do 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 of the goods 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, 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)

Free import of reasonable quantities of perfume, tobacco products and alcoholic beverages, with a maximum of USD 300.-.

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

Paraguay’s customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning importation of items such as firearms, medications, toys resembling weapons, or protected species.  There are prohibitions for used motor vehicles over ten years old and soaps/detergents that contain sodium tripolyphosphate

• Plants
• Alcohol
• Military equipment

Miscellaneous (Pets, Motors, and others.)

Motor Vehicles

Documents Required

• 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

Specific Information

• 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

Documents Required

• Vaccination record
• Veterinary health certificate

Specific Information

• The vaccination record must be dated not less than 30 days and not more than 12 months 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 of the goods’ 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.

Arms and Ammunition regulations:

Import permit required. To be issued prior to arrival by DIMABEL Public Institution in Asuncion, Paraguay. Tel: 595 293440. For further details see www.dimabel.mil.py.

Wild Fauna and Flora:

The import of certain endangered species of plant, live animals and their products is prohibited or restricted under CITES.
For further details please refer to CITES: www.cites.org.

Export regulations:

Free export of reasonable quantities of perfume, tobacco products and alcoholic beverages, with a maximum of USD 300.-.

Crew members customs regulations:

Free import of reasonable quantities of perfume, tobacco products and alcoholic beverages, with a maximum of USD 300.-.

Pets

Cats and dogs must be accompanied by a veterinary good health certificate.

Currency

Currency Import regulations:

Local currency (Paraguayan Guarani-PYG) and foreign currencies: no restrictions.

Currency Export regulations:

Local currency (Paraguayan Guarani-PYG) and foreign currencies: no restrictions.