Venezuela: Import (general)

General import regulations and requirements

Shipping documents should be presented for customs clearance within six working days after arrival of the shipment.
All documents must be in Spanish or have Spanish translation attached.
Misrepresentations, inaccurate data or omissions on documentation may result in fines.

(Last updated on 2011-08-30)

Samples, low value and non-commercial importations

Samples having commercial value are treated as ordinary commercial imports and are subject to import requirements. Samples for exhibitions, demonstrations, scientific or cultural purposes, or specific contracts may enter duty-free provided a permit is obtained and goods are re-exported within 6 months. A customs handling fee must be paid and a bond must be posted covering applicable duties and charges.

(Last updated on 2012-04-18)

Import customs tariff

The Harmonized Tariff System (HTS) is used for product classification. For tariff and tax information see Laws, Customs, Tariff and Tax Information.

Imported goods are subject to the following taxes and surcharges:

• Value added tax (VAT), 9% to for most goods
• Customs handling charge, 1% of FOB value
• Luxury tax, 10-20% for certain items only

(Last updated on 2011-08-30)

Customs valuation basis

Certain products (i.e., agricultural products) are subject to specific duty rates. These are typically assessed on gross weight (bolivars per gross kilogram). Some products may be subject to compound duty rates.

Ad Valorem rates are assessed on CIF value. Customs may in some cases use references prices to determine customs value.

In general:

For items subject to ad valorem duties, the WTO Customs Valuation Agreement applies. According to this agreement, there are six acceptable methods of determining customs value. Typically the first method is used (unless the buyer and seller are related parties). When the value cannot be obtained this way, or is rejected by customs, one of the other methods is to be used, in descending order:

1. Transaction value (the price actually paid or payable by the importer, plus certain costs and expenses)
2. Transaction value of identical goods
3. Transaction value of similar goods
4. Deductive value (the sale or resale value, reduced by certain costs such as customs duties, taxes, and commissions)
5. Computed value (calculated by adding together certain costs/values for production, materials, profit and other expenses)
6. Fall-back method

See additional information on the WTO website under WTO Customs Valuation.

(Last updated on 2013-04-24)

General import license/permit requirements

Not required for general goods. Certain agricultural products and food imports require an import license. Special permits are required for items regulated for health and safety reasons (i.e., weapons, ammunition, explosives, chemicals, drugs, and some agricultural products).

(Last updated on 2012-02-17)

Prohibited or highly restricted imports

Used clothing, used automobiles, and used tires are prohibited.

(Last updated on 2011-08-30)

Foreign exchange controls and letters of credit

Foreign currency exchange is controlled by the government through the Foreign Exchange Administration Board (CADIVI) with the assistance of the central bank, the

Banco Central de Venezuela (BCV) (Central Bank of Venezuela), Ave. Urdaneta, Esquina Las Carmelitas, Torre Financiera BCV, VE-1010 Venezuela; phone: +58 212 801 5111; fax: +58 212 861 1649

It manages foreign exchange control by fixing a monthly allocation of foreign currency to be administered by the Foreign Exchange Administration Board (CADIVI), purchases foreign currency from residents, and sells foreign currency to the public and the private sector subject to approval from CADIVI.

The unit of currency is the VEF = Venezuelan Bolívar Fuerte [Bs.F] (subdivided into 100 Céntimos)

(Last updated on 2013-01-30)

Commercial invoice

Required, in duplicate, for commercial shipments. A single invoice should be used to cover all items in the shipment.
The commercial invoice must show:

• Invoice number
• Place and date of issue
• Seller's name and address
• Buyer's name and address
• Harmonized Tariff System (HTS) number (HTS code) for every line item listed
• Detailed description of goods for every item
• FOB cost for each line item
• Unit price
• Currency
• Quantity
• Total FOB value of the transaction
• Freight charges listed separately
• Insurance charges listed separately
• Total CIF value of the transaction
• Transaction Incoterm and corresponding place of delivery
• Other reference numbers (i.e., purchase order/purchase order number, etc.)

Commercial invoice should be in Spanish.
Invoice should be typewritten.
Photocopies are not accepted.
See also definition of commercial invoice.
Provide at least two (2) original, signed copies in Spanish, to be forwarded to consignee or consignee's agent.
For more information on preparing and distributing commercial invoices, see Commercial Invoice and Shipping Document Distribution Based on Specific Functional Needs.
For airfreight shipments, documents in most cases should accompany cargo AWB.
A proforma invoice should be sent in advance for shipments requiring import permit or government authorization.
Consular legalization is not required but may be requested by the operative letter of credit or by the importer.

(Last updated on 2012-02-17)

Transport document

An original and at least one (1) non-negotiable copy of a bill of lading are required. More copies may be needed; check with the importer for exact number of copies.
For ocean cargo, an ocean bill of lading is typically used.
"To order" bills of lading are not accepted.
Container seal number should appear on the bill of lading.
A statement should appear on the master B/L indicating details pertaining to designation of warehouse or local handling agent. The exact language to show on the B/L will vary depending on the carrier and destination port. Consult with your agent in Venezuela for details.
Bill of lading information must be received by the carrier prior to departure. No additions to the shipment may be made after departure from the port of lading.

For detailed information on completing a bill of lading, please see our interactive bill of lading exhibit. (Scroll down to see the form, and click on any field for details on the information that goes in that box.)

An airwaybill (AWB) replaces the bill of lading for air cargo.

(Last updated on 2012-10-04)

Certificate of Origin (general)

A certificate of origin is usually not required for imports from the United States unless needed for preferential duty treatment.
A certificate of origin may also be required by the buyer (consignee) or letter of credit (L/C).
If the certificate is requested by the importer, consular legalization is required.

(Last updated on 2012-10-04)

Official cargo insurance requirements

Venezuelan insurance is required for shipments of government imports, imports that are financed by the Venezuelan government, and all goods with reduced duty. Exporters should coordinate closely with customers in Venezuela to ensure requirements are met.

(Last updated on 2011-08-30)

Other general import document requirements

A certificate of compliance is required for import of many items. For information on standards and certification, contact FONDONORMA or SENCAMER (Centro Comercial Los Cedros).

(Last updated on 2012-02-17)

Shipment packaging and marking requirements

Intermodal containers shipped to Venezuela must have a tamper-evident seal, and the seal number(s) must be stated on the bill of lading. A discrepancy between the seal number on the bill of lading and the actual seal found on the container may result in detention of the container by Venezuelan customs.

Note: As a result of problems with seal discrepancies, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) in 2006 began requiring that shipper-packed containers destined to Venezuela must be sealed with a higher-security bolt seal. Other carriers may have implemented the same requirement. Please check with carrier before shipping.

Wood packaging materials must be treated to conform with the ISPM-15 standard.

Packages may be marked with stencil or brush. Markings must include: identifying marks, port of destination, name and address of manufacturer, gross weight and measure in metric units, the registration number, if any, and description of goods.

Shipments of frozen and cold storage foods require an identification number. This number must be obtained by the importer and sent to the exporter prior to shipping. The number must be indelibly marked on the packages or cases with letters at least 10 cm. high.

Each package should be numbered if there are more than one in a shipment.

Dangerous goods require U.N. Performance Oriented Packaging (UN POP). Additional regulations may apply to dangerous goods. Check with importer for details.

Goods in-transit through Venezuela should be clearly marked "Transito".

(Last updated on 2012-10-05)

Product packaging/labeling requirements

Product labels should be in Spanish and should include the following information: product name, manufacturer name and address, importer, ingredients, contents in metric units, instructions, whether goods have been registered (if required), and registration number (if required). Stickers are acceptable.

Special labeling regulations are in effect for the following products: food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, explosives, paper products, textiles, jewelry, gold, and certain industrial materials.
Additional packaging and labeling requirements may apply to other products and commodities. Exporters should check with the customer for any specific product requirements.

(Last updated on 2012-01-12)

Standards

Product standards are regulated by the Venezuela Fondo para la Normalización y Certificación de la Calidad (FONDONORMA) (Venezuela Standard Organization), Ave. Libertador, Multicentro Empresarial del Este, Edif. Libertador, Nucleo "A", Piso 1, Chacao, Caracas; phone: +58 212 201 7711.

Also see FONDONORMA details (web-site in Spanish only).

Venezuela is not an ISO member, but it is informally connected to ISO Norms.

Note: A Certificate of Compliance is required for import of many items. For information on standards and certification, contact: SENCAMER, Servicio Autonomo Nacional de Normalización, Calidad, Metrología y Reglamentos Técnicos, Centro Comercial Los Cedros, Caracas (web-site in Spanish only).

(Last updated on 2013-04-07)