🇵🇦 Import Customs & Duties: Panama
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$100
Packages under $100, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
7%
CIF value + duty. ITBMS at 7%. Alcohol and tobacco at 10-15%. Basic food basket and medicines exempt.
Clearance Time
1-3 days
typical processing
Note: Uses USD; Colon Free Zone for re-exports
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 5-15% (smartphones 5%, laptops 5%, TVs 15%, Colón FTZ goods may be 0%) | HS 85 |
| Clothing | 10-15% (knitted garments 10%, woven shirts 15%) | HS 61-62 |
| Footwear | 10-15% (leather shoes 10%, sports shoes 15%) | HS 64 |
| Food products | 5-40% (rice 30-40%, meat 25-30%, dairy 15-25%, processed food 5-15%) | HS 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-5% (industrial machinery 0%, agricultural 0%) | HS 84 |
| Cosmetics | 5-10% (perfumes 10%, skincare 5%) | HS 33 |
| Books | 0% | HS 49 |
| Toys | 5-10% (basic toys 5%, electronic toys 10%) | HS 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Import Duty Calculator
Below de minimis threshold, no duty!: $100 USD
Customs Clearance Process
Autoridad Nacional de Aduanas (ANA, ana.gob.pa). SIGA electronic customs system. Colón Free Trade Zone (Zona Libre de Colón), largest free trade zone in the Western Hemisphere, second globally after Hong Kong. Panama Canal makes the country a global logistics crossroads. ITBMS (VAT) at 7% on imports. FTAs with US (TPA), EU, Central America, and many others.
What to Actually Expect
One of Latin America's best logistics hubs. Colón Free Trade Zone makes Panama a global shipping hub, goods for re-export enter duty-free. Non-FTZ imports follow normal clearance in 2-3 days. ITBMS at 7% is very low for the region. US dollar is legal tender (no exchange rate risk). DHL, FedEx, UPS, Copa Airlines cargo well-established. Courier clearance 1-2 days. Postal mail via COTEL 1-2 weeks. Tocumen International Airport is a major regional hub.
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, food products (sanitary registration via AUPSA). DEPA for pharmaceutical imports. Colón Free Zone imports exempt from most licensing for re-export goods.
Certificate of Origin
TPA certificate for US preferential rates. FTA certificates for EU, Central America, Singapore, and other partners. Issued by MICI (Ministry of Commerce) or Cámara de Comercio de Panamá. Colón Free Zone has separate documentation.
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 Panama:
| Goods Value | Duty | VAT/Tax | Total Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | $0 | $0 | Free |
| $100 | $0 | $0 | Free |
| $200 | $10 | $15 | $25 |
| $500 | $40 | $38 | $78 |
| $1000 | $90 | $76 | $166 |
Estimates only. Actual duties depend on product category and HS code.
Popular routes to Panama
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Panama?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Panama is $100. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Panama?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Panama is 7%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. ITBMS at 7%. Alcohol and tobacco at 10-15%. Basic food basket and medicines exempt.
How long does customs clearance take in Panama?
Typical customs clearance in Panama takes 1-3 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Panama?
To import into Panama, 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 Panama?
Panama 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.