Lane Panama
When it comes to importing or exporting, from or to Panama, we are your best option.
We have our own office in the country and it is one of our specialty trade lanes. One of Central America’s most strategically placed and hectic locations.
We have extensive experience in international shipments in all ports and airports, carrying out transportation from origin to destination.
General Data Panama 2021
- Its capital is Panama City.
- The most important cities in addition to the capital are: San Miguelito, Las Cumbres, La Chorrera, Tocumen, Pacora.
- The population is 4.27 million people.
- The official language is Spanish.
- The official currency is the Panamanian Balboa (PAB), but the US dollar (USD) is more used.
Seaports and airports.
The main seaports in Panama are: Balboa, Colón, Panama City, Manzanillo and Cristóbal.
The International Airport: Panama City (PTY).
Panama – Imports and exports
Main Trade lanes to Panama originate from: China, the United States, Brazil, Mexico and Europe.
Thanks to the presence of the Miraflores Canal, being an important international crossing point and monitoring high cargo movements, Panama has distinctive facilities such as:
- International HUB, with facilities in the Colon Free Zone, Pacific Panama.
- Customs facilities for cargo transshipment and inventory replenishment.
- Quick Release of loads (Approximately 2 days).
- Friendly customs system.
- Documentation
When importing or exporting, from or to Panama, certain aspects must be considered.
It is important to have the necessary documentation to be able to enter / exit merchandise.
Here we share the list of documents that will be requested, with which we will gladly help you:
- Commercial merchandise invoice
- Certificate of origin.
- Detailed packing list (content and type of goods).
- Transport documents according to route: Bill of lading (Ocean) / Airway bill (Air) / Carta Porte (Land).
- Insurance policy.
- Country of origin Label.
- Trademark and industrial property registration.
- Letter of instructions for Customs Agent.
- Customs documents (carried out by a Customs Agent for the dispatch of merchandise).
To avoid reprocessing, the packing list should be as detailed as possible. It is important to avoid the use of general descriptions such as “other” or “miscellaneous”, as they can lead to re-inspections by the authorities and unnecessary withholdings.
- Restrictions
- There are limiting guidelines for merchandise that can enter the country freely.
- Special authorization and import permits are required for products such as: Agriculture, processed food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and antiques.
- Within the category of prohibited objects, are used goods, since a commercial invoice is required, among them: Personal vehicles, clothing, accessories, tires, machinery; used, as well as any substance, waste or toxic residue.
- Customs duties and fees are generally based on the full value of the cargo. That is why you must present complete and detailed documentation so that the value is estimated with the greatest efficiency.
- In SCL we will make sure you have everything to facilitate customs clearance, since we have certified agents so you can relax.
ROUTE
PANAMÁ
Do you have cargo to transport to or from Panama?
We have extensive experience in international shipments at all ports and airports, providing transportation from origin to final destination.
MAIN EXPORT PRODUCTS
Technology and manufacturing, agricultural products, and other goods.
LOAD VOLUME MOVED
In 2023, Panama transported around 8.2 million TEUs
Economy
In 2023, Panama’s GDP was approximately 78.8 billion dollars
Market Size
Panama has a population of 4.395 million inhabitants
Key Business Partners
Estados Unidos, China, Japón, Corea del Sur, España
Puntos claves de la logística
PORTS
Balboa Port, Manzanillo International Terminal (MIT), Colon Container Terminal (CCT), Cristobal Port, PSA Panama International Terminal
AIRPORTS
Juan Santamaría (SJO), Daniel Oduber (LIR), Tobías Bolaños (SYQ), Limón (LIO), Quepos (XQP).
DOCUMENTS
Avoid reprocessing!
We can help you get your documentation in order
- Commercial invoice for the goods.
- Exporter Registry by Sector (In the case of alcoholic beverages, energy drinks, cigars, iron minerals, among others).
- Certificate of origin
- Detailed packing list (contents and type of goods).
- Transport documents by mode: Bill of lading (Maritime) / Airway bill (Air) / Waybill (Ground).
- Insurance policy.
- Documents of non-tariff regulations both in Mexico and in the destination country.
- Country of origin marking.
- Documents of non-tariff regulations both in Mexico and in the destination country.
- Instructions for Customs Agent.
- Customs documents (prepared by a Customs Broker for the clearance of goods).
The presence of the Miraflores Canal, being an important international crossing point, monitors high cargo movements.
- International HUB, with facilities in the Free Zone of Colón, Panama Pacific.
- Customs facilities for cargo transshipment and inventory replenishment.
- Speed in cargo release (Approximately 2 days).
- User-friendly customs system.
We are here to make everything flow smoothly
So consider these restrictions if Panama is a market you want to start working in
Special authorization and import permits are required for products such as: Agriculture, processed food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and antiques.
Prohibited items include used goods, as a commercial invoice is required, such as vehicles, clothing, accessories, tires, machinery; used, as well as any substance, waste, or toxic residue.
Customs duties and tariffs are based on the total value of the cargo. Therefore, it is essential to have complete and detailed documentation so that the value can be estimated as accurately as possible.
