CUSTOMS REGULATIONS:
- CUSTOMER MUST BE IN COUNTRY AT TIME OF CLEARANCE
- Used household goods and personal effects are usually dutiable for foreign citizens
- Returning Salvadorian citizens, after more than three years abroad, may import duty-free used or new household goods up to a maximum of U.S. $15,000.00 of the C.I.F. value. Customs will tax anything in excess of this amount.
- Foreign citizens could avoid paying duties by obtaining a “Bank Guarantee” for the amount that Customs evaluates the shipment at. The guarantee should be renewed every six months and will permit Customs to collect duties on the items not being re-exported when the foreign citizen leaves the country
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED:
- Passport of customer (original) and a copy
- Inventory (preferably in Spanish) original and one copy which shows electrical appliances – have to specify brand name, model and serial number
- Inventory must be detailed showing exact amounts of each item in the shipment
- Detailed packing list needs to be made by the owner, using the packing list made by the packers. This needs to show the value of each item (with lower values (1/3 is OK for customs purposes) than the ones shown in the Insurance Certificate), the approximate weight of each item, and the numer of each item
- Example: 10 pairs of shoes, 5 pounds, $500.00. You, the shipper, will need to make this list before the packing of your goods takes place. If teh detailed list is not completed, there will be extra charges of U.S. $125.00 for Customs to unload your shipment for a detailed inspection. Customs will inspect and count each item in the shipment. After this exam, the shipment will go through the normal Customs Clearance process.
- Above documents must be in order before shipment arrives, otherwise shipment will incur storage charges and additional customs charges for the customer’s account
- Residence Permit
- Certificate of Residence Change
- Foreign citizens require a Resident Visa, temporary Resident Permit or Work Permit
- Certification of Migratory Movement obtained from the Salvadorian Migration Direction in El Salvador after client arrives to El Salvador. (Consignee is the only one who can obtain this document.)
- If a returning Salvadorean citizen, he must show proof he has been residing outside El Salvador for at least three years and they are allowed $15,000 CIF, duty free.
PROHIBITED ITEMS:
- Weapons and ammunition (special permit is required to import)
- Pornographic materials
DUTIABLE/RESTRICTED ITEMS:
- New items
- Alcohol products
PETS:
- Required documentation:
- Health certificate issued at the country of origin
- Vaccination certificate
MOTOR VEHICLES:
- Documents required
- Title of Ownership (original), showing consignee as legal owner
- Original Invoice
- Original Passport
- Certificate from repair shop from origin showing it complies with emission control requirements for gases, smoke and particles for such auto type and model. Certificate should be obtained at least 60 days before arrival.
- Subject to import duties based on C.I.F. value. Duty rates on autos would vary depending on the auto’s year and model. The highest percentage of duties to be paid is 30% of the CIF value. Client will also pay the 13% sales tax.
- Clearance of vehicles separate from household goods
- New Autos
- Factory certification showing it complies with emission control requirements for gases, smoke and particles for such auto type and model
- Certificate (in Spanish) and authenticated at a Salvadorian origin
Both documents need to be certified by the Salvadorian Consulate at the country of origin.
NOTE: Customs regulations are subject to change at any time. The proceeding information is a brief summary of customs regulations applicable to household goods shipments to this destination and is being provided for general guidance to assist our Agents and Customers. Since such regulations are subject to change without notice, we cannot be held liable for any costs, damage, delays, or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance. Always double check with your local embassy or consulate.
