Shipping Goods to Peru from the USA

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

Peru is a growing trade partner of the United States, offering excellent opportunities for both commercial exports and personal shipments. Whether you're shipping from the USA for business or relocation, understanding Peru’s import rules will help ensure smooth customs clearance and cost-effective delivery.

This guide walks you through the basics of international shipping to Peru, documentation requirements, taxes, and how a professional international shipping company can help you manage the process and reduce your total international shipping cost.

Key Facts About Importing to Peru

Peru is a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and has a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United States.

Imports are regulated by SUNAT (Superintendencia Nacional de Aduanas y de Administración Tributaria) — Peru's Customs and Tax Authority.
Commercial imports are subject to customs duties, Value-Added Tax (IGV), and sometimes selective consumption taxes.
Personal effects can be imported with tax exemptions under relocation or travel allowances.

Partnering with a trusted international shipping company ensures that your goods are processed properly while helping you minimize international shipping costs.

Step-by-Step: How to Import to Peru

1. Use a Registered Importer or Customs Broker

Commercial shipments must go through a Peruvian-registered importer or customs broker.
For personal effects, an international shipping company or broker can assist you in filing documentation and representing you during customs clearance.

2. Required Documents

Standard documents for imports into Peru include:

Bill of Lading (BOL) or Air Waybill
Commercial invoice showing full value and HS codes
Packing list
Certificate of Origin (if using trade agreement benefits)
Import declaration (DUA)
Import license or special permits (for restricted items)

For personal effects:

Copy of passport
Peruvian residence visa or local ID
Inventory list (valued)
Proof of relocation or employment
Tax exemption request (if applicable)

Inaccurate or incomplete paperwork is a common cause of customs delays or extra charges.

3. Duties, IGV Tax, and Free Trade Agreement

Most U.S. goods shipped to Peru benefit from the U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement (TPA), which eliminates or reduces duties on many items.

Typical import charges:

Customs duties: 0–11%, depending on the product
IGV (VAT): 18% applied to CIF value + duty
Selective Consumption Tax (ISC): Applies to tobacco, alcohol, soft drinks, and luxury items

Tax-Free Import for Personal Effects

You may import used personal effects duty-free if:

You are moving your permanent residence to Peru
Items are for personal use only
Goods arrive within 6 months of your arrival
The shipment does not exceed \$5,000 USD in value (subject to verification)

A knowledgeable international shipping company can help determine if your items qualify under the trade agreement or relocation exemption, thereby lowering your international shipping costs.

Restricted and Prohibited Items

Restricted Items (Require Approval or Special Documents):

Medicines and pharmaceuticals – Must be approved by DIGEMID
Electronics and communications devices – May require homologation
Food and animal products – SENASA approval may be required
Cosmetics, supplements, and chemicals

Prohibited Items:

Used tires
Firearms without permits
Narcotics or controlled substances
Counterfeit goods
Certain pesticides and hazardous materials

Shipping Personal Effects to Peru

When relocating to Peru, you may bring your used personal belongings duty-free if:

You have not lived in Peru for the past 12 months
You are establishing residency or returning as a Peruvian national
Goods are used for personal use only
Items are not being imported for resale

Required Documents:

Valid passport
Residence visa or returnee status (Peruvian nationals)
Inventory list with descriptions and values
Customs declaration and exemption request
Bill of Lading or Air Waybill

New or high-value goods may still be subject to IGV or inspections.

Packaging & Labeling Requirements

For retail imports, Peru has clear product labeling rules:

Labeling must be in Spanish
Includes product name, manufacturer, importer, instructions, and safety details
Food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals must include expiration and production dates
The metric system is required for measurements.

Wooden packaging materials (e.g., crates or pallets) must comply with ISPM 15 standards (heat-treated and stamped), or they may be denied entry or require fumigation.

Who Can Help?

Work With a Licensed Customs Broker or International Shipping Company

A local Peruvian customs broker or full-service international shipping company can:

Submit import declarations and supporting documents
Help determine HS codes and tax exemptions
Arrange delivery to your home or warehouse in Peru
Ensure compliance with Peruvian regulations and trade agreement benefits

With professional support, you’ll enjoy faster clearance, fewer delays, and affordable shipping from the U.S.

Final Import Checklist for Peru

✅ Requirement	Applies to	Action
DUA (import declaration)	All imports	Must be submitted to SUNAT
IGV (18%)	All goods	Charged on CIF value + duties
Certificate of Origin	Commercial goods	Required for TPA duty reduction
ISPM 15 compliance	Wood packaging	Mandatory
Residence visa	Personal effects	Required for a duty-free exemption
Spanish labeling	Retail goods	Must include detailed product information

Conclusion: Shipping to Peru from the USA

Shipping to Peru is straightforward with the right planning. Whether you’re relocating, exporting, or sending personal effects, understanding customs rules and proper documentation is essential to a hassle-free experience.

A dependable international shipping company can guide you through the process, handle declarations, and help you reduce your international shipping costs, ensuring fast and affordable shipping from the U.S. to Peru.