Less-than-Container-Load | Affordable International Shipping | 7-Step Guide

Shipping to Panama from the USA

Panama Import Regulations: A Complete Guide for U.S. Shippers

Panama is a key logistics hub in the Americas, known for its favorable trade policies and strong economic ties with the United States. Whether you're shipping from the USA for personal relocation or commercial trade, understanding Panama’s import requirements helps avoid delays, penalties, and unexpected costs.

This guide explains how to prepare for international shipping to Panama, the required documentation, duties and taxes, and how a reliable international shipping company can help lower your international shipping cost and ensure smooth, affordable shipping.

Key Facts About Importing to Panama

Panama maintains a Free Trade Agreement (TPA) with the U.S., eliminating or reducing duties on many goods.
Imports are managed by the Panama Customs Authority (Autoridad Nacional de Aduanas).
All non-exempt goods are subject to Import Duty, ITBMS (VAT), and potentially selective taxes.
Used personal effects can be shipped duty-free under relocation rules.

Working with a trusted international shipping company ensures compliance, efficiency, and better control over your total international shipping cost.

Step-by-Step: How to Import to Panama

1. Use a Licensed Customs Broker

Commercial shipments must be cleared through a registered customs broker in Panama.
Individuals importing personal effects or relocating should also consider hiring a broker or an experienced international shipping company to manage the process.

2. Required Documents

To clear your shipment with Panamanian customs, the following documents are usually required:

Bill of Lading (BOL) or Air Waybill
Commercial invoice detailing product, value, and HS codes
Packing list
Certificate of Origin (to claim duty-free benefits under TPA)
Import declaration
Import permits or licenses (for restricted items)

For personal effects:

Copy of passport
Panama residency visa or proof of relocation
Inventory list
A letter declaring goods are for personal, non-commercial use

Accuracy and consistency of paperwork are essential to avoid clearance delays or fines.

3. Duties, ITBMS Tax, and Trade Agreement Benefits

#Standard Charges:

Import duties: 0–15%, depending on the type of goods
ITBMS (VAT): 7% applied to most goods (10% on alcohol, 15% on luxury items)
Selective Consumption Tax (ISC): May apply to specific goods like tobacco, vehicles, and luxury products

#U.S.-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement (TPA):

Eliminates duties on most U.S.-origin products
Requires a valid Certificate of Origin and U.S. manufacturing documentation

Tax-Free Import for Personal Effects

If you are relocating to Panama, you may import used household goods duty-free, provided:

The goods are for personal use only
They have been used for at least 6 months
You are establishing legal residency in Panama

A professional international shipping company can help determine your eligibility and reduce your international shipping costs.

Restricted and Prohibited Items

Restricted Items (Require Special Authorization):

Firearms and ammunition – Ministry of Public Security approval
Medications and supplements – Ministry of Health registration
Cosmetics and hygiene products – Require sanitary permits
Food and agricultural items – Subject to quarantine and phytosanitary rules

Prohibited Items:

Narcotics and controlled substances
Counterfeit or pirated goods
Obscene or offensive materials
Used tires (in commercial quantities)

Shipping Personal Effects to Panama

Panama offers tax exemptions to returning citizens and foreigners who establish permanent residency. These exemptions include:

Used household goods up to \$10,000 USD in value
A vehicle import exemption under certain immigration categories

Required Documents:

Passport
Panama immigration/residency approval
Inventory list (with value estimates)
Proof of ownership and use of items
Customs declaration for exemption

New items or shipments that appear commercial in nature may be fully taxed.

Packaging & Labeling Requirements

All retail goods entering Panama must comply with local labeling laws:

Labels must be in Spanish
Must include product name, origin, expiration/manufacturing dates, and ingredients (for consumables)
Electrical goods should conform to local voltage (110V/60Hz) or be properly labeled

Wooden packaging, such as crates or pallets, must follow ISPM 15 standards—heat-treated and marked — to prevent pest contamination.

Who Can Help?

Work With a Licensed Customs Broker or International Shipping Company

A local Panamanian customs broker or a U.S.-based international shipping company can:

Prepare and submit the required documentation
Apply TPA benefits to reduce import duties
Advise on exemptions for personal effects
Manage delivery to Panama City or beyond

Expert guidance ensures fast, affordable shipping with minimized international shipping costs.

Final Import Checklist for Panama

✅ Requirement	Applies to	Action
Import declaration	All goods	Must be filed with the Panamanian Customs
ITBMS VAT (7%)	Most imports	Charged on CIF value + duties
Certificate of Origin	Commercial goods	Required for TPA duty-free treatment
Residency visa	Personal effects	Required for exemption from duties
ISPM 15 compliance	Wood packaging	Mandatory for entry
Spanish labeling	Retail products	Required on all consumer goods

Conclusion: Shipping to Panama from the USA

Panama’s modern port infrastructure and friendly trade policies make it a prime destination for U.S. exports and relocations. With proper documentation and the help of a reliable international shipping company, you can simplify the process and ensure affordable shipping from the U.S. to Panama.

By understanding the customs requirements and leveraging trade agreement benefits, you can keep your international shipping costs low and avoid unexpected delays.