Used Household Goods and Personal Effects

Documents Required

• Passport
• Original bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB)
• Insurance policy
• Detailed inventory in Spanish
• Tax exemption (diplomats)
• Accreditation from the Chancellor (diplomats)

Specific Information

• The destination agent must receive all documentation prior to arrival of the shipment.
• The owner of the goods or owner of the goods’ legal representative must be present for Customs clearance (repatriating citizens).
• Shipments valued up to USD 35,000 for non-citizens and repatriating citizens are exempt from Customs duties and taxes.
• Returning citizens must have lived abroad for at least 2 years, without entry for the 30 days prior to shipment arrival, to qualify for free import.
• For returning citizens, an exemption from the payment of customs tax may be granted one time per family if the shipment arrives no more than 1 month prior and less than 4 months after the owner of the goods’ arrival.
• Customs clearance takes approximately 20-25 days for repatriating citizens and 7-10 days for diplomatic shipments.
• For returning citizens – Bolivian Affidavit.
• Most wood packing materials / products must comply with ISPM-15 guidelines and be clearly marked in a visible location on at least two opposite sides of the item in permanent, black ink. 
  • A seal certifying the shipment has been treated through methyl bromide (MB) or heat must be present. 
  • If evidence of treatment cannot be found, the shipment will be returned to the country of origin at the owner of the goods’ / agent’s expense.
  • Contact the destination agent for exceptions to this requirement.

Motor Vehicles

Documents Required

• Passport
• Original purchase invoice
• Original bill of lading  / air waybill
• Inspection certificate
• Title / registration
• Commercial invoice (used vehicles only)

Specific Information

• Vehicles for personal use are subject to customs duties of 55% over the cost, insurance and freight (CIF) value.
• Diplomats may import vehicles duty free.
• Details of the vehicle should be forwarded to the destination prior to shipment arrival.
• Vehicles must be no older than 2015 to be imported.

Pets

Documents Required

• Vaccination record
• Veterinary health certificate
• Zoo sanitary certificate
• Certificate of value

Specific Information

• The import of pets is subject to a payment of 12% duties in addition to the cost, insurance, freight (CIF) value for non-commercial shipments.
• Diplomats may import pets duty free.

Restricted/Dutiable Items

• Potential contaminants (items deemed a potential contaminates to the environment are subject to inspection upon arrival, such as refrigerators, vehicles, all equipment which has AC, etc.)
• Diplomatic imports are duty free; however, diplomats must pay duties on the import or firearms and ammunition.
• Industrial machinery / equipment require authorization
• Firearms and ammunition (a special permit is required)
• The following items imported for private or personal use by non-diplomats are subject to the approximate payment of duties as identified below:
  • Medicines                                                                                  32% over CIF value
  • Carpets                                                                                     42% over CIF value
  • Plants                                                                                        32% over CIF value
  • Food items                                                                                 42% over CIF value
  • Gifts and souvenirs                                                                      32% over CIF value
  • Precious metals (jewelry, coins, etc.)                                             32% over CIF value
  • Appliances, machinery/tools, etc.                                                  32% over CIF value
  • Inheritances                                                                               32% over CIF value
  • New furniture and household goods                                                42% over CIF value
  • Antiques and works of art                                                            32% over CIF value
  • Electrical items (televisions, personal computers, printers, etc.)         42% over CIF value
• Alcohol:
• Diplomats may import alcohol duty free.
• A commercial invoice, original bill of lading / air waybill / surface freight bills, and certificate of origin are required for the import of alcohol.
• A pro-forma is required if the free on board (FOB) value exceeds USD 1,000.
• Alcohol for private and personal use is subject to a payment of approximately 42% over the cost, insurance, freight (CIF) value.
• Imports exceeding USD 1,000 require the intervention of other agencies and the presentation of the pro-forma invoice / commercial invoice to verify the shipment; contact the destination agent for specific details.

Prohibited Items

• Narcotics and drugs
• Explosives
• Pornographic materials
• Refrigerators (check with agent for specific models prohibited for import)

Consignment Instructions

Recommended: Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea shipments.

Helpful Website(s):

https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/bolivia.html

http://bolivia.usembassy.gov