Country Guide: Bolivia

Updated: November 18, 2015

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 shipper or shipper’s legal representative must be present for Customs clearance (returning citizens).
  • Shipments valued up to USD 35,000 for foreigners and returning 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 shipper’s arrival.
  • Customs clearance takes approximately 5-6 days for returning citizens and 2-3 days for diplomatic shipments.
  • 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 shipper/agent expense. Contact the destination agent for exceptions to this requirement.

Motor Vehicles

Documents Required

  • Passport
  • Original Purchase Invoice
  • OBL / AWB
  • Inspection Certificate
  • Title / Registration
  • Commercial Invoice (used vehicles only)

 

Specific Information

  • Vehicles for personal use are subject to Customs duties of 52% 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.

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 30% duties in addition to the CIF value for noncommercial 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, etc.)
  • Diplomatic imports are duty free; however, Diplomats must pay duties on the import or firearms and ammunition.
  • Industrial machinery/equipment (authorization 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 o 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
  • Firearms and ammunition (a special permit is required) Alcohol
  • Diplomats may import alcohol duty free.
  • A Commercial Invoice, OBL / AWB / 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 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):

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1069.html

http://bolivia.usembassy.gov