Australia Shipping - Import Regulations

Import Regulations – Peru

Australia's commercial ties with Peru continue to grow steadily. In 2007-2008 merchandise trade between Australia and Peru totaled approximately $152 million. Major Australian merchandise exports ($84 million in 2007-2008) to Peru included milk and cream, measuring instruments, mining equipment, toys, games and sporting equipment and heating and cooling equipment.

Product certification, labelling and packaging
Documents covering all farm and fisheries produce must be accompanied by a import permit by the Peruvian Ministry of Agriculture (see 'Public health requirements' above). In addition to this, butter, cheese and powdered milk require certificates of quality and chemical analysis issued by the Department of Primary Industries and Energy. Liquor imports require one commercial invoice, one certificate of purity, and certificate of origin. Livestock, animal products, plants and plant products require sanitary or phytosanitary certificates, issued by the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service, Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry-Australia or the relevant state department of agriculture.

All manufactured products must be labelled to indicate brand name, name of manufacturer, country of manufacture, and expiry date (if warranted). Outer containers should bear consignee's mark and port mark, must show gross and net weights (in kilos), external dimensions and should also be numbered.
Goods should be packed securely, having due regard to the nature of the goods, means of transport and likely climatic conditions during transit and delivery. There are no restrictions on the type of packing material.

Documentary requirements
One original and a minimum of 4 copies of commercial invoice required.

Invoices must contain the following information:
• country where the merchandise was manufactured or produced;
• name and address of both consignor and importer;
• complete description of the merchandise indicating serial numbers if applicable;
• the value of each item if they fall under different customs items;
• marks and numbers;
• number of the invoice and place and date of issue;
• number and date or order involved and the irrevocable letter of credit (if applicable);
• quantity and class plus gross weight of packages;
• discounts if given indicating reasons;
• harmonised system number and description of each item;
• unit and total value of merchandise;
• FAS, FOB and CIF value (Incoterms 1990), indicating all expenses and showing freight separately.

Bill of lading is required in six copies (one must be an original). If it is in English, it should be accompanied by a Spanish translation.

Public health requirements
As issued by the Peruvian Ministry of Agriculture, imports of all farm and fisheries products in all their forms and types (plants, seeds, cuttings, fresh fruits, vegetables and fish as well as preserved fruits, vegetables and fish and live farm animals) require import permits. All types of processed milk are subject to analysis in Peru before they can be cleared by customs. Alcoholic beverages, colouring materials and essences, pharmaceuticals, medical and veterinary products, require prior analysis of samples and approval and registration by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Toiletries, cosmetics and perfume preparations are subject to prior analysis, approval and registration by the Ministry of Public Health.