How to Export to Bolivia - Export to Bolivia

Bolivia

Import Regs.: Documentation

The following five documents should be presented to customs for all shipments into Bolivia. It is not necessary to present these documents to a Bolivian Consulate in the U.S.

Seller's Commercial Invoice:

This invoice may be completed in either Spanish or English on the shipper's letterhead. The invoice must include a detailed description of the products by item, the unit price and the total FOB price. The invoice must also include the freight costs (either air or surface) and the cost of insurance to the port of destination. If the invoice does not include insurance and freight, Bolivian customs will charge a flat 5% of the FOB price. This is necessary because the value-added tax is calculated on the basis of the CIF price.

Bill of Lading or Airway Bill: see Import Regs.: Bill of Lading

Insurance Policy: Customs requires a copy of the insurance policy to calculate the value-added tax.

Packing List: The packing list facilitates customs inspections and is beneficial to the importers in case of loss.

Special Documentation

Sanitary and Purity Certificates for Livestock:

Certificates of origin indicating the livestock's state of health are required for the import of live animals. Purebred livestock imported for breeding purposes also require a pedigree certificate. Live plants and all seeds, except for vegetable and flower seeds, require sanitary certificates.

Certificate of Analysis for Pharmaceutical Products:

Pharmaceuticals are subject to strict quality control regulations. A certificate of analysis in Spanish, which may be issued by a reliable manufacturer, must accompany imports. This certificate must include expiration dates. The FDA certificate fulfills the requirements of Bolivian authorities. See Import Regs.: Pharmaceuticals.

Product Labels for Pharmaceutical Products:

Labels on pharmaceutical products should be in Spanish. In addition, pharmaceuticals must be registered with the Vice Ministry of Health before they are imported.

Sale Permit Certificate for Insecticides:

Prior to import or sale, all insecticides must be approved by the Ministry of Agriculture and Cattle (MAG). The MAG will issue a sale permit certificate for products, which were previously approved in their country of origin.

Sanitary Certificate for Food Products:

Food shipments require a sanitary certificate issued by the pertinent authority of the exporting country -- e.g., from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Foodstuffs may be subject to analysis by an official entity in Bolivia, and most food and beverage labels must be registered in Bolivia. Exporters are encouraged to check with importers regarding relevant policies prior to shipment.

Used Products:

The only restriction placed on used products is a requirement that used clothing be accompanied by a sanitary certificate (i.e., fumigation) from the country of origin (except when brought in as personal belongings). There is also a total prohibition on the importation of used hats, shoes, underwear and lingerie.

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Information Source: Trade Information Center