Customs Regulations in Paraguay

Document- and Good-Standards*

Documents Required

• Valid ID card
• Packing list (2 copies)
• Original Bill of Lading (OBL) / Air Waybill (AWB) (2 copies)
• Permanent residence certificate valid for 5 years (foreigners) – or documents relevant to immigrants and returning citizens by the responsible authorities
• Diplomatic franchise (diplomats)
• Immigrants must validate certain documents at the embassy and apply for immigration at the Migration Office of Paraguay
• Repatriation identification (returning citizens seeking a tax exemption) – Returning migrants obtain corresponding documents from the Paraguayan embassies abroad
• Certificate of residence (returning citizens seeking a tax exemption)

Specific Information

• The OBL / AWB require 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 continuous use by the owner of the goods after arrival
• The Paraguayan Custom Offices do not accept “express release” OBLs
• The packing list must include a realistic value for each item, quantity, description, and unit value (excludes diplomatic shipments)
• Transshipments through the port of Buenos Aires should is managed by the Paraguayan Franco Port.
• The packing list and, as well as OBL / AWB must be approved with a stamp from the Paraguayan Consulate at origin
• Foreigners may import household goods and personal effects duty free within the first 6 months of a permanent residence (valid for 5 years) – Note: Contrary to this rule, taxes are levied
• Returning citizens may import goods free 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
  • Custom clearance takes approximately 3 days
• No documents are required for the import of artworks/antiques, household appliances, gifts, souvenirs, machines, spare parts, and carpets if part of the household goods shipment
• All wooden packing materials must comply with International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures Publication 15 (ISPM-15)

Motorized Vehicles*

Documents Required

• Copy of passport
• Commercial invoice
• OBL
• Details of the vehicle including country of manufacture, etc. (foreigners, returning citizens)
• For private car imports, the current regulations should be requested shortly before the project starts
• Title / registration

Specific Information

• The commercial invoice must be verified with a stamp by the Paraguayan Consulate at origin
• Only diplomats can import vehicles duty free
• Import taxes are approximately 35-37% of the value determined by Customs
• Vehicles older than 10 years cannot be imported (except diplomatic shipments)

Pets

Documents Required

• Vaccination record
• Veterinary health certificate – Note: Valid for 30 days after issuing by official veterinarian

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 30 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, as well as pet’s breed, gender, date of birth, size, color, description, country of origin, and a statement declaring that the animal is free from disease – Validated by the Paraguayan Embassy
• Quarantine is not required if document requirements are met

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 where an inheritance certificate is required)

Prohibited Items

• Plants
• Alcohol
• Military equipment

Consignment Instructions

Recommended: Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements for the customs regulations in Paraguay have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea shipments.