Country Guide: Bolivia
Due to the current coronavirus/COVID-19 situation and restrictions in various countries, the below information may not be accurate. This pandemic is a fluid situation. Check with authorities for local laws and restrictions concerning movements.
Updated: August 22, 2016
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 the 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 an 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
- A 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.
Cultural and Other Information
CIA World Factbook Entry for Bolivia
Wikipedia Entry for Bolivia
