Importing Goods into Portugal from USA
The rules and regulations for importing goods into Portugal from the United Stated of America can be confusing if you don’t know which category your shipment falls under. The information below is limited to household items and motor vehicles which are not for commercial use. This is just a guide, though. For more detailed information, consignees are advised to consult the Portugal Embassy in their area.
For Household Items
Household items imported from the USA to Portugal must be accompanied by a “Certificado de Bagagem”. This document is issued by the Portugal Embassy or Consulate. The inventory should be in Portuguese and should detail the type of item, a description of the item, its quantity and its declared value. For these items to be imported into the country, the consignee must have owned and used them at least six months prior to the shipping. Whether the consignee is a Portuguese national returning to the country or a foreign resident, s/he must also provide the Customs Agency with his/her passport and residence certificate. A document declaring abidance of the EEC Regulations must also be filled out.
Electronic devices like T.V. sets must be registered with the Post Office. License Control, serial numbers, type, make and other pertinent details must be declared on the inventory. The consignee must also arrive before the shipment. In fact, the consignee must be in Portugal a week before the arrival of the shipment. These items are subject to taxes and duties.
Diplomatic removals
As with other countries, Portugal gives leeway to its diplomats. The Diplomat consignee just needs to acquire a Diplomatic Franchise from the Portugal Embassy in the USA. This document will have to be approved by the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The said document must be obtained at least 15 days before the arrival of the shipment. This pertains to both vehicles and household items.
A detailed inventory is still necessary. This should be in Portuguese. Proofs of ownership for motor vehicles and pertinent documents like registration and lading bills must be complete for the items to be cleared. Most of the time, household items are transferred from the USA to Portugal duty-free as long as they meet diplomatic protocols. Generally, each diplomat is allowed one imported vehicle each. Additional vehicles imported into the country will be taxed and dutiable.
Importing vehicles (non-diplomat)
It is not advisable to import vehicles from the USA to Portugal. The taxes are hefty, and it is very seldom for non-diplomats to import vehicles duty- and tax-free. If you would like to apply for permanent importation of these vehicles, especially from non-EU countries, you should brace yourself for the paperwork which awaits you.
The application form which declares your transfer of residence from the USA to Portugal, for example, must be submitted at least six months prior to your arrival to the country. The importation process and the laws regarding vehicle import also have a reputation for changing without warning. The Portuguese Customs Agency can’t be held liable to vehicle losses of impoundment because of these law changes. Temporary admissions are also limited to EU-imported vehicles.
Still, if you’re prepared to brave the hefty duties, taxes, and paperwork, prepare your vehicle’s registration and pertinent documents proving your stay outside Portuguese, your ownership of the vehicle, the vehicle’s age, the length of your ownership, and proof of your residence or residence transfer to Portugal. Always consult the Embassy before importing any item to the country, especially motor vehicles.
Boats, industrial machinery and aircrafts are also dutiable and taxable. Similar proofs of ownership, registration documents, and permits are required for the importation. For these vehicles to be used in the country, EU environmental protocols must be met. For more information about the shipping requirements of these vehicles, contact the Embassy of Portugal in the USA.