🇵🇾 Import Customs & Duties: Paraguay
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$50
Packages under $50, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
10%
CIF value + duty. IVA at 10% on most imports. 5% reduced rate on some basic goods.
Clearance Time
3-10 days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0-14% MERCOSUR TEC (smartphones 12%, laptops 14%, TVs 20%) | HS 85 |
| Clothing | 20-35% MERCOSUR TEC (all garments 35%) | HS 61-62 |
| Footwear | 20-35% MERCOSUR TEC (all footwear 35%) | HS 64 |
| Food products | 0-14% (rice 10%, meat 10%, dairy 12-14%, processed food 12-14%) | HS 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-6% (industrial machinery 0-2%, agricultural 0%) | HS 84 |
| Cosmetics | 14-20% (perfumes 18%, skincare 14%) | HS 33 |
| Books | 0% | HS 49 |
| Toys | 14-20% (basic toys 14%, electronic toys 20%) | 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!: $50 USD
Customs Clearance Process
Dirección Nacional de Aduanas (DNA, aduana.gov.py). SOFIA electronic customs system. MERCOSUR member, Common External Tariff (TEC) applies but Paraguay negotiates lower rates on many items. IVA at 10% on imports. Ciudad del Este free trade zone is a massive informal import/re-export hub for Brazil. Asunción river port is the main entry point.
What to Actually Expect
Landlocked, all imports via river ports (Asunción) or through Brazil/Argentina. Ciudad del Este is a massive re-export hub to Brazil (grey market electronics). MERCOSUR TEC rates but Paraguay gets lower rates on many items. IVA at 10% is low for the region. Customs can be slow and bureaucratic. Corruption is a known issue. DHL and FedEx available in Asunción. Postal mail very unreliable, 4-8 weeks. Contraband significant at borders.
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. SENACSA handles animal product certification. SENAVE for plant products. DINAVISA for pharmaceutical imports.
Certificate of Origin
MERCOSUR certificate for regional trade (Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay). ACE certificates for ALADI partners. Issued by REDIEX (Red de Inversiones y Exportaciones) or Cámara de Comercio.
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 Paraguay:
| Goods Value | Duty | VAT/Tax | Total Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | $0 | $0 | Free |
| $100 | $5 | $11 | $16 |
| $200 | $15 | $22 | $37 |
| $500 | $45 | $55 | $100 |
| $1000 | $95 | $110 | $205 |
Estimates only. Actual duties depend on product category and HS code.
Popular routes to Paraguay
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Paraguay?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Paraguay is $50. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Paraguay?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Paraguay is 10%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. IVA at 10% on most imports. 5% reduced rate on some basic goods.
How long does customs clearance take in Paraguay?
Typical customs clearance in Paraguay takes 3-10 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Paraguay?
To import into Paraguay, 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 Paraguay?
Paraguay 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.