🇳🇮 Import Customs & Duties: Nicaragua
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$0
Duty applies from $0
VAT / Sales Tax
15%
CIF value + duty. IVA at 15% on all imports. ISC (selective consumption tax) on alcohol, tobacco, luxury goods.
Clearance Time
3-7 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 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, dga.gob.ni) under DGI. CAFTA-DR FTA with US reduces/eliminates many duties. Central American Common Tariff (DAI). IVA at 15% on imports. Electronic customs declaration system. Port of Corinto (Pacific) is the main cargo port. El Rama/Bluefields on Atlantic side.
What to Actually Expect
CAFTA-DR reduces many US duties. IVA at 15%. Port of Corinto is the main cargo port. Customs can be bureaucratic and slow. Postal mail unreliable, 3-6 weeks. DHL and FedEx available in Managua but service is limited. Political situation under Ortega government means some Western sanctions affect trade. ISC (selective consumption tax) on some goods. Infrastructure basic outside Managua.
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 some food products. Sanitary registration from MINSA (Ministry of Health) for food and cosmetics. Free trade zones (zonas francas) for manufacturing.
Certificate of Origin
CAFTA-DR certificate for US trade. Central American integration certificates. FTA with EU (AdA). Issued by CETREX (Centro de Trámites de las Exportaciones) or Cámara de Comercio de Nicaragua.
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 Nicaragua:
| Goods Value | Duty | VAT/Tax | Total Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | $8 | $9 | $16 |
| $100 | $15 | $17 | $32 |
| $200 | $30 | $35 | $65 |
| $500 | $75 | $86 | $161 |
| $1000 | $150 | $173 | $323 |
Estimates only. Actual duties depend on product category and HS code.
Popular routes to Nicaragua
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Nicaragua?
Nicaragua has no duty-free threshold. All imported goods are subject to duties regardless of their value.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Nicaragua?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Nicaragua is 15%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. IVA at 15% on all imports. ISC (selective consumption tax) on alcohol, tobacco, luxury goods.
How long does customs clearance take in Nicaragua?
Typical customs clearance in Nicaragua takes 3-7 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Nicaragua?
To import into Nicaragua, 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 Nicaragua?
Nicaragua 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.