Required Documents for Importing Forestry Equipment into Paraguay

Commercial Invoice
Details of the transaction, including buyer and seller information, a complete description of the equipment, and its declared value.

Bill of Lading (BOL)
A legal document issued by the carrier that outlines the type, quantity, and final destination of the goods being transported.

Packing List
An itemized list of the cargo, including weight, dimensions, number of packages, and packaging types.

Certificate of Origin
Certifies the country of manufacture. This may be necessary to qualify for preferential duties under trade agreements recognized by Paraguay, such as MERCOSUR.

Import License
Certain machinery types—especially used or specialized forestry equipment—may require import authorization from Paraguayan authorities, depending on the classification and intended use.

Customs Declaration
A detailed import declaration must be submitted to the Dirección Nacional de Aduanas (DNA), Paraguay’s customs authority.

Technical Documentation
Technical specifications, manuals, and certifications may be needed for customs clearance or compliance with national safety standards.

Insurance Certificate
Proof of insurance coverage for the shipment to protect against potential loss or damage during international transport.

Harmonized System (HS) Codes
Correct classification of goods using internationally recognized HS codes, aligned with Paraguay’s customs system for calculating duties and taxes.

Pro-forma Invoice
A preliminary document provided before the actual shipment, typically used to outline estimated costs and goods for import approval processes.

Environmental and Safety Certifications
Documentation proving the equipment complies with Paraguayan environmental and safety regulations—especially those issued by SEAM (Secretaría del Ambiente, now under the MADES – Ministerio del Ambiente y Desarrollo Sostenible) or INTN (Instituto Nacional de Tecnología, Normalización y Metrología).

Letter of Credit or Payment Terms Agreement
Outlines the agreed payment structure between buyer and seller, important for international financial and banking operations.

Import Duties and Taxes Payment
Proof of payment for any applicable customs duties, IVA (Impuesto al Valor Agregado), and other import-related fees as required by Paraguayan regulations.

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Compliance and Regulatory Requirements

Importer Registration with the DNA
Importers must be registered with the Dirección Nacional de Aduanas (DNA) and have a valid RUC (Registro Único del Contribuyente) issued by SET (Subsecretaría de Estado de Tributación).

Conformity with Paraguayan Standards
Forestry and heavy equipment imports must comply with national technical, safety, and environmental regulations governed by institutions such as MADES, INTN, and other relevant entities.

Use a Licensed Customs Broker
It is strongly recommended to work with a licensed customs broker (Despachante de Aduanas) in Paraguay to ensure proper documentation, classification, and regulatory compliance.

Commercial Invoice

Exporter Information:

• Name and Address: Full legal name and address of the seller/exporter.

• Contact Details: Phone number, email address, and fax number.

Importer Information:

• Name and Address: Full legal name and address of the buyer/importer in Paraguay.

• Contact Details: Phone number and email address for communication.

Invoice Number and Date:

• Invoice Number: A unique identifier for the invoice.

• Date of Issue: The date the invoice was generated.

Purchase Order Number:

• Reference Number: If applicable, include the buyer’s purchase order number for internal tracking.

Description of Goods:

• Detailed Description: Include model numbers, serial numbers, and distinguishing features.

• Harmonized System (HS) Codes: Use codes aligned with Paraguayan customs (Dirección Nacional de Aduanas – DNA).

Quantity and Unit of Measure:

• Quantity: Number of units per item.

• Unit of Measure: Specify whether measured in pieces, kilograms, etc.

Unit Price and Total Price:

• Unit Price: Cost per unit.

• Total Price: Total per line item and the full invoice amount.

Currency:

• Currency Type: Specify the transaction currency (e.g., USD, EUR).

Terms of Sale (Incoterms):

• Incoterms: Define terms such as FOB, CIF, etc., to clarify liability and delivery conditions.

Shipping and Delivery Information:

• Port of Loading and Destination: Indicate locations (e.g., Port of Miami as origin; Port of Asunción, or river ports for Paraguay as destination).

• Estimated Shipping Date: Projected departure date.

Payment Terms:

• Payment Method: Define the payment terms (e.g., Letter of Credit, Net 30).

Signature:

• Authorized Signature: Signature of the exporter’s designated representative.

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Bill of Lading (BOL)

Shipper Information:

• Name and Address: Exporter/shipping party’s full details.

Consignee Information:

• Name and Address: Details of the receiving party in Paraguay.

Carrier Information:

• Name of Carrier: Shipping company name.

• Vessel Details: Name of the vessel or river barge (if applicable).

Description of Goods:

• Must match the Commercial Invoice exactly.

Gross Weight and Dimensions:

• Weight and Volume: Overall weight and measurements of the shipment.

Freight Charges:

• Charge Details: Clarify which party is responsible for freight costs.

Bill of Lading Number:

• Tracking Number: Unique identifier for shipment tracking.

Date of Shipment:

• Shipment Date: Actual date the goods were loaded.

Terms and Conditions:

• Legal Terms: Include relevant clauses for liability and dispute resolution.

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Packing List

Exporter Information:

• Full legal name and address.

Consignee Information:

• Full legal name and address in Paraguay.

Shipment Details:

• Reference Numbers: Commercial Invoice and BOL numbers.

• Shipment Date: Date cargo departed.

Itemized List of Contents:

• Description, quantity, and weight of each item.

Package Identification:

• Marks and Numbers: Package labels or crate numbers.

Total Weight and Volume:

• Weights: Net and gross weights.

• Volume: Total volume in cubic meters or feet.

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Certificate of Origin

Exporter Information:

• Full name and address.

Consignee Information:

• Full name and address in Paraguay.

Goods Description:

• HS codes and item descriptions.

Origin Criterion:

• Declare the country of manufacture.

Certification:

• Signature and stamp from an official body (usually a Chamber of Commerce or trade authority).

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Key Considerations

• Accuracy: Ensure consistency across all documents to prevent customs delays in Paraguay.

• Language Requirements: Spanish documents are preferred and often required for customs.

• Consult with Experts: Engage a licensed customs broker (Despachante de Aduanas) in Paraguay to ensure compliance with Dirección Nacional de Aduanas (DNA) regulations.