Vehicle import Eligibility

Allowed Vehicles

• New and used vehicles can be imported.
• Age Limit: No strict age limit, but used vehicles over 5 years may require additional inspections.
• Must meet emissions and safety standards.
• Must be left-hand drive (right-hand drive is prohibited).

Duty Taxes & Fees

💰 Duties & Taxes

• Import Duty: 0%–25% depending on vehicle type and origin.
• Luxury Tax: Applied to high-value vehicles.
• ITBMS (Sales Tax): 7% of CIF (Cost + Insurance + Freight) value.
• Environmental Tax: May apply to older or high-emission vehicles.

🌍 FTA Consideration

• Vehicles from countries with Free Trade Agreements (e.g., USA) may qualify for reduced or waived duties if manufactured in that country (must prove origin via Certificate of Origin).

"El menaje de casa"

(Returning residents)

✅ Who Qualifies

• Panamanian citizens or permanent residents returning after living abroad at least 1 year.
• Foreigners relocating with residency visa.

🏠 What You Can Bring

• Personal belongings, clothing, furniture, appliances, electronics.
• Items must be used and clearly for personal/family use (not for resale).
• Some electronics (e.g., TVs, computers) may be limited to 1 unit per item type.

💵 Taxes

• Duty-Free Allowance: Up to $10,000 in used personal household goods may be exempt.
• Excess may be taxed at standard import rates (5%-20% + 7% ITBMS).
• Appliances and electronics may be subject to separate review/tax.

Important notes and recommendations ⚠️

🚫 Restricted & Prohibited Items

• Firearms and ammunition (require special permits).
• Narcotics, explosives, pornographic materials.
• Right-hand drive vehicles.
• Certain plants, seeds, and animal products (require agriculture/health clearance).

✅Use a trusted Panamanian customs broker
✅ Get a pre-shipping inspection to confirm vehicle eligibility
✅ Expect port fees and inland delivery costs in Panama.
✅ Keep all original documentation with you or your authorized agent during pickup

✅Vehicles with liens must have a release letter from the lienholder

✅Vehicles under "El menaje" still undergo inspections

✅Fraudulent declarations can lead to fines or seizure

✅If the vehicle is sold within the exempted period, taxes must be paid retroactively

01

Required Documentation

• Original title and registration (in your name).
• Commercial invoice or  bill of sale (if recently bought).
• Passport or residency card.
• Customs declaration (DUA).
• Vehicle inspection certificate (if applicable).
• Power of attorney (We provide).

02

Vehicle Preparation

• Clean the vehicle: Wash exterior and

interior (to comply with customs and

quarantine inspections)

• Remove Personal Items: No personal 

belongings inside the car (Unless otherwise

authorized-check with us first!)

• Check fluids & battery: Prevent unnecessary

delays and issues during transport

• Document condition: Take photos of the vehicle from all angles as proof of pre-shipment condition. 

03

Booking the shipping

• Contact us early to reserve space

(ocean freight slots fill quickly)

• Provide accurate vehicle dimensions and

weight

• Select your desired shipping method:

RORO (Roll-On/Roll-Off) — most economical, vehicle is driven on/off the ship

• Container provides added security and option to include spare parts or personal goods (restrictions apply)

04

Delivery to port

• Deliver vehicle to the designated U.S. port of departure or schedule door-to-port transport through us
• Bring all required documents at delivery time