🇬🇹 Import Customs & Duties: Guatemala
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$0
Duty applies from $0
VAT / Sales Tax
12%
CIF value + duty. IVA at 12% on all imports.
Clearance Time
2-5 days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0-15% (smartphones 0% under CAFTA-DR, laptops 0%, TVs 15%) | HS 85 |
| Clothing | 15% (all garments 15%) | HS 61-62 |
| Footwear | 15% (all footwear 15%) | HS 64 |
| Food products | 0-15% (rice 15%, meat 15%, dairy 15%, basic grains may be 0%) | HS 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-5% (industrial machinery 0%, tools 5%) | HS 84 |
| Cosmetics | 5-15% (perfumes 15%, skincare 5%) | HS 33 |
| Books | 0% | HS 49 |
| Toys | 5-15% (basic toys 5%, electronic toys 15%) | HS 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Import Duty Calculator
Customs Clearance Process
SAT (Superintendencia de Administración Tributaria, portal.sat.gob.gt) manages customs. DUCA electronic declaration system for Central American customs union. CAFTA-DR FTA with US eliminates/reduces many duties. IVA at 12% on all imports. Central American Common Tariff (DAI) applies. Puerto Quetzal (Pacific) and Santo Tomás de Castilla (Atlantic) are main ports.
What to Actually Expect
Largest Central American economy. CAFTA-DR reduces many US duties. IVA at 12% is moderate for the region. Customs can be bureaucratic, brokers essential. Courier services (DHL, FedEx) handle clearance in 2-3 days. Postal mail unreliable, 3-6 weeks, packages sometimes lost. Some corruption issues at customs. Used vehicle imports subject to age restrictions. Growing e-commerce volumes.
Required Documents
Commercial Invoice
Item description, quantity, value, sender and receiver details
Packing List
Detailed description of contents in each package
Customs Declaration (CN22/CN23)
Required for postal shipments
Air Waybill (AWB)
Generated by the carrier when booking the shipment
Certificate of Origin
May be required for reduced duties (FTA/preferential rates)
Export/Import License
For restricted goods (electronics, medicines, chemicals)
Import License Requirements
Required for firearms, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, used vehicles, and some food products. Sanitary registration for food and cosmetics (MSPAS, Ministry of Public Health). Used vehicle age restrictions apply.
Certificate of Origin
CAFTA-DR certificate for US preferential rates. Central American integration certificates (DUCA). FTA with EU (AdA). Issued by AGEXPORT or Cámara de Comercio de Guatemala.
Learn more →Prohibited & Restricted Items
Prohibited
- xNarcotics and illegal drugs
- xExplosives and flammable materials
- xWeapons and ammunition
- xCounterfeit goods
- xCounterfeit currency and documents
Restricted (permit required)
- !Medicines and pharmaceuticals
- !Food and beverages
- !Plants and seeds
- !Electronics (lithium batteries)
- !Perfumes and cosmetics (volume limits)
Useful Links
Duty & Tax Estimate
Estimated import charges when shipping goods to Guatemala:
| Goods Value | Duty | VAT/Tax | Total Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | $8 | $7 | $14 |
| $100 | $15 | $14 | $29 |
| $200 | $30 | $28 | $58 |
| $500 | $75 | $69 | $144 |
| $1000 | $150 | $138 | $288 |
Estimates only. Actual duties depend on product category and HS code.
Popular routes to Guatemala
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Guatemala?
Guatemala has no duty-free threshold. All imported goods are subject to duties regardless of their value.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Guatemala?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Guatemala is 12%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. IVA at 12% on all imports.
How long does customs clearance take in Guatemala?
Typical customs clearance in Guatemala takes 2-5 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Guatemala?
To import into Guatemala, you typically need: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, and customs declaration. Some goods may require a certificate of origin or import license.
What items are prohibited from import into Guatemala?
Guatemala prohibits the import of narcotics, weapons, counterfeit goods, certain animal products, and hazardous materials. Restrictions may also apply to alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and certain electronics.