Perhaps because of the pending implementation of the US – Panama Free trade agreement, or maybe just to lower the cost of imports for Super 99, the government has eliminated some import duties. This change does not eliminate the 7% ITBMS just the import duty.
If the savings are passed on to consumers some prices on some items might decline in some stores. More likely, those of us who import for ourselves will save money and merchants who import goods will gain profit. Time will tell; perhaps I am too jaded and cynical.
According to Airbox express (link) the duties have been eliminated on the following items:
LIST OF ENTERING TARIFF “FREE” SCANNER, CELL PHONE, COMPUTER ACCESSORIES, ACCESSORIES FOR CELL FOR COMPUTER PART, A (data) SWITCH, ROUTER, COMPUTER (NO LIMIT VALUE) KINDLE / iPad / PALM / TABLETS, DIGITAL CAMERA, AUTOVIDEO CAMERA, MONITOR TV , COMPUTER MONITOR, TV, modem, HEADPHONES, HEADSETS, TELEPHONE OR RADIO ANTENNA, RADIO TELEGRAPHY, RADIO COMMUNICATION, SOFTWARE, TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT
I could not find the law making this change but with the help of Velkes from Mail Box Etc, I now have a copy. If you would like to see the actual list you can click on this link and download the PDF file. LINK
Happy importing!
The list attached has to do with electronic devices. They are free of customs taxes in Panama independently of their origin.
The US – Panama FTA list of products free of taxes or with lower customs taxes will be available in the US Website of Department of Commerce or Customs and Border.
Good news! Shall I send down some rammaflammers and doojaflatchies? They’ve also got a super special on krankatators down at the Round Tuit Store.
That will really help out anyone deciding to relocate to Panama when shipping an entire household. The customs usually tax the heck out of euxury items and electronics.
Wish they did something about cars though. I am going to have to sell my ‘Stang because that 23% tax on the value of the car is insane.
Has anyone had experience bringing their handguns and rifles into Panama? I have “heard” that there is a hefty import tax on them. The process, as I have heard it, is to contact a Panama gun store, fill out forms, submit to a background check, much like our (USA) background check and when approved, ship the weapons to the gun store and pay the tax. I’m hoping to move down in the next year, and would not like to give up my target shooting.
go to boquetening.com and do a search this has been discussed several times