Importing Goods into Venezuela from USA

Shipping household goods and vehicles into Venezuela from the USA or any other country is a bit more challenging and pricy compared to other countries. The paperwork can be cumbersome and time consuming, and in the case of importing vehicles, only the government and diplomats are allowed to do so. New items (those less than six months old) are also prohibited from entering the country. Below are the simplified customs regulations to help you understand the process better.

Diplomatic removals

Only used household items and personal effects may be brought into the country, and only diplomats with complete papers may import these items fully duty-free. To qualify for duty- and tax exemptions, the following documents are necessary:

i. Original AWB or OBL
ii. The consignee’s diplomatic passport
iii. A detailed inventory of the goods in Spanish
iv. Exemption Form from the Treasury Department of Venezuela
v. Consignee’s Sworn Declaration
vi. Customs Form A+B
vii. Letter of Authorization for the Customs Agency to clear the items

All used household items and personal effects will be inspected by the Venezuelan Customs Agency but no duties or taxes will be applied. If the shipment is made by air, the clearance period lasts up to three days; if by ocean, it would last up to five days. Personal appearance of the consignee is not required.

Non-diplomatic removals

Only used items (six months or older) are allowed into the country. The following documents need to be presented for clearance:

i. Original shipment bills
ii. Passport with Transient of Resident Visa
iii. Certificate of Usage (very important)
iv. Detailed inventory of shipment in Spanish
v. Sworn Value Declaration to be completed in Venezuela
vi. Customs Form A+B
vii. Authorization for the Agent at the Customs to clear items on the Consignee’s behalf

All shipped household items, with the exception of books and personal effects, are liable to taxes and customs duties. The clearance period for non-diplomatic removals is the same as the clearance period for diplomatic removals.

Vehicles

Importation of vehicles is only allowed into Venezuela if the consignee is a diplomat or a government official. For vehicles to be imported into the country, the following documents must be presented:

i. Proof of Ownership
ii. Deed of sale or Official Commercial Invoice
iii. Original shipment bills
iv. Passport indicating the consignee’s Visa Type (whether Transient or Resident)
v. Customs Forms A+B
vi. Authorization Letter for the customs agent to clear vehicle on behalf of the consignee

The clearance period for vehicles can be long, sometimes up to a week. However, the consignee’s presence is no longer needed for clearance.

This information pertains only to private vehicles. If you’re a diplomat or a government official of Venezuela and you would like to import industrial or commercial vehicles, or perhaps special vehicles like boats or airplanes, similar paperwork would be required from you but you would have to acquire special permits to use these vehicles.

The customs regulations of Venezuela also tend to change from time to time. It is best for any type of consignee to contact the Consulate of Venezuela in the USA before placing or booking any shipment, even for used household items.