🇭🇳 Import Customs & Duties: Honduras
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$0
Duty applies from $0
VAT / Sales Tax
15%
CIF value + duty. ISV (Impuesto Sobre Ventas) at 15%. Luxury goods (alcohol, tobacco, vehicles) at 18%.
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 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
SAR (Servicio de Administración de Rentas, sar.gob.hn) manages customs, having replaced DEI. SARAH electronic customs system. CAFTA-DR FTA with US eliminates/reduces many duties. ISV (Impuesto Sobre Ventas) at 15% on imports. Central American Common Tariff (DAI). Puerto Cortés, busiest port in Central America. San Pedro Sula as secondary cargo hub.
What to Actually Expect
CAFTA-DR reduces many US duties. Puerto Cortés is the main port, busiest in Central America. ISV at 15% adds to cost. Customs can be slow and bureaucratic, especially for postal items (3-6 weeks). DHL and FedEx available in major cities (Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula). Some corruption, informal payments sometimes requested. Maquiladora (free zone) sector is significant for manufacturing. Infrastructure challenging for rural areas.
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, explosives, and certain food products. Sanitary registration from ARSA (Agencia de Regulación Sanitaria) required for food and cosmetics.
Certificate of Origin
CAFTA-DR certificate for US trade. Central American integration certificates. FTA with EU (AdA). Issued by FIDE (Fundación para la Inversión y Desarrollo de Exportaciones) or CCIT (Cámara de Comercio e Industrias de Tegucigalpa).
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 Honduras:
| 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 Honduras
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Honduras?
Honduras has no duty-free threshold. All imported goods are subject to duties regardless of their value.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Honduras?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Honduras is 15%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. ISV (Impuesto Sobre Ventas) at 15%. Luxury goods (alcohol, tobacco, vehicles) at 18%.
How long does customs clearance take in Honduras?
Typical customs clearance in Honduras takes 3-7 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Honduras?
To import into Honduras, 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 Honduras?
Honduras 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.