🇸🇻 Import Customs & Duties: El Salvador
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$0
Duty applies from $0
VAT / Sales Tax
13%
CIF value + duty. IVA at 13% on all imports.
Clearance Time
2-4 days
typical processing
Note: Uses USD
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 0-5%) | 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
DGA (Dirección General de Aduanas, aduana.gob.sv) under Ministry of Finance. SIDUNEA++ (ASYCUDA) electronic system. CAFTA-DR FTA with US eliminates/reduces many duties. Central American Common Tariff (DAI). IVA at 13% on all imports. US dollar is legal tender since 2001 (no exchange rate risk). Port of Acajutla handles most cargo.
What to Actually Expect
Smallest Central American country but dollarized economy eliminates currency risk. CAFTA-DR reduces US duties. IVA at 13%. Port of Acajutla handles most cargo. DHL, FedEx, UPS available in San Salvador. Courier clearance 2-3 days. Postal mail 2-4 weeks via Correos de El Salvador. Bitcoin legal tender since 2021 but minimal customs impact. Security situation improved under Bukele government. Customs modernizing with electronic systems.
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, and certain food products. Sanitary registration from MINSAL for food imports. Free trade zones (zonas francas) for maquiladora manufacturing.
Certificate of Origin
CAFTA-DR certificate for US trade. Central American integration certificates. FTA with EU (AdA). Issued by CENTREX (Centro de Trámites de Exportación) or CAMARASAL (Cámara de Comercio e Industria de El Salvador).
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 El Salvador:
| Goods Value | Duty | VAT/Tax | Total Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | $8 | $7 | $15 |
| $100 | $15 | $15 | $30 |
| $200 | $30 | $30 | $60 |
| $500 | $75 | $75 | $150 |
| $1000 | $150 | $150 | $300 |
Estimates only. Actual duties depend on product category and HS code.
Popular routes to El Salvador
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for El Salvador?
El Salvador has no duty-free threshold. All imported goods are subject to duties regardless of their value.
What is the VAT rate on imports to El Salvador?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to El Salvador is 13%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. IVA at 13% on all imports.
How long does customs clearance take in El Salvador?
Typical customs clearance in El Salvador takes 2-4 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into El Salvador?
To import into El Salvador, 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 El Salvador?
El Salvador 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.