Australia Shipping - Import Regulations

Import Regulations - Panama

Labelling and packaging
Labels are required to have main information regarding the name and address of manufacturer, list of ingredients, expiration date, lot number and the product form etc. Local regulations require labels to be in Spanish language, although now this is not enforced, except for medicines, toxic products, agricultural chemicals, and food products.

Packages may be marked in stencil or brush and should be numbered consecutively. Marks used must be registered at the Customs House.

Documentary requirements
Any company holding a commercial license can freely import goods into Panama. To import non-food agricultural products phytosanitary permits are required.

Basic import documentation required by the Panamanian Customs office includes:
• import declaration (prepared and signed by a Custom Broker);
• commercial invoice (original plus four copies to be presented in English or Spanish;
• certificate of origin;
• bill of lading (to be presented in triplicate);
• airway bill;
• certificate of free sale (if required);
• commercial license number;
• phytosanitary certificate (in case of animal and plant products).

The bill of lading in Spanish language must be presented for the clearance of goods without exception.
If a combination commercial invoice and packing list is not used, a separate packing list must be presented, showing marks, numbers and weights.

Public health requirements
All pharmaceutical and poisonous products (including cosmetics, pesticides and insecticides) must be registered at the Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy before retail sale is allowed.

All imports of animals and animal products must be authorised by the Director General of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine. Foods and beverages must be registered with the Department of Food Control of the Ministry of Public.