Key Documentation for Importing Oil & Gas Equipment into Bolivia

Commercial Invoice
A detailed invoice outlining the transaction, including buyer/seller information, a full description of the oil and gas equipment, quantities, and declared value in the relevant currency.

Bill of Lading (BOL)
A legal transport document between the shipper and carrier specifying the type, quantity, and final destination of the oilfield equipment.

Packing List
An itemized list of all cargo, including equipment descriptions, packaging details, dimensions, and gross/net weights — essential for customs clearance.

Certificate of Origin
Certifies the country of manufacture. This may be required to benefit from Bolivia’s trade agreements and tariff reduction programs.

Import License
Certain oil and gas machinery (especially pressure equipment or large-capacity units) may require prior authorization or registration with Bolivian authorities depending on the item and its application.

Customs Declaration
A formal submission of a customs entry to the Bolivian National Customs (Aduana Nacional de Bolivia), including detailed information on the goods and their classification.

Technical Documentation
Product manuals, engineering drawings, safety certifications, and specification sheets are essential for regulatory compliance, safety inspections, and technical validation.

Insurance Certificate
Proof of cargo insurance covering the goods during international transport, required to mitigate risk during maritime or overland shipping.

Harmonized System (HS) Codes
Correct HS codes are essential for determining the applicable duties, VAT (IVA), and special sectoral taxes, and for ensuring proper statistical classification.

Pro-forma Invoice
A preliminary invoice for quotation, budgeting, or initial customs arrangements, often used before formal invoicing takes place.

Environmental and Safety Certifications
Documentation proving compliance with Bolivian environmental regulations, safety standards, and technical requirements — particularly important for drilling, refining, and energy conversion equipment.

Letter of Credit or Payment Terms Agreement
A financial instrument or agreement outlining the payment structure between buyer and seller, often needed for customs clearance or bank processes.

Import Duties and Taxes Payment
Proof of payment for applicable import duties, 13% VAT, and any other sectoral or local taxes as required under Bolivian customs law.

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Compliance and Regulatory Requirements for Oil & Gas Equipment Imports into Bolivia

Registration with Bolivian Customs (Aduana Nacional de Bolivia)
Importers must be registered with Bolivian National Customs (Aduana Nacional) and possess a valid Número de Identificación Tributaria (NIT), Bolivia’s tax identification number.

Compliance with Bolivian Technical Standards
Ensure all imported oil and gas equipment complies with Bolivian technical standards for safety, emissions, hazardous materials, and energy efficiency, including any specific requirements from the Superintendencia de Hidrocarburos (Hydrocarbons Superintendence).

Engage with a Licensed Customs Broker (Agente de Aduanas)
Due to the regulatory complexity in Bolivia, it is strongly recommended to work with a certified Agente de Aduanas familiar with the oil and gas sector to facilitate import processes and avoid costly delays.

Commercial Invoice (for Oil & Gas Equipment) – Bolivia

Exporter Information

• Name and Address: Full legal name and registered address of the oilfield equipment supplier/exporter.

• Contact Details: Phone number, email, and fax (if applicable).

Importer Information

• Name and Address: Legal name and registered location of the oil & gas company or buyer in Bolivia.

• Contact Details: Email and phone for local coordination.

Invoice Number and Date

• Invoice Number: Unique reference number for tracking and recordkeeping.

• Date of Issue: Date the invoice was generated.

Purchase Order Number

• Reference Number: Buyer’s purchase order number, if issued, for internal tracking.

Description of Goods

• Detailed Description: Include part numbers, model numbers, serial numbers, pressure ratings, power specifications, and oil & gas application (e.g., drilling, refining, gas compression).

• HS Codes: Accurate Harmonized System codes (e.g., 8431.43 for drilling equipment parts).

Quantity and Unit of Measure

• Quantity: Number of units per item.

• Unit: E.g., units, kilograms, meters, barrels.

Unit Price and Total Price

• Unit Price: Per-unit cost.

• Total Price: Total per line item and overall invoice total.

Currency

• Type: USD, EUR, etc., clearly specified.

Terms of Sale (Incoterms)

• Example: CIF Santa Cruz, FOB Houston — defining responsibility for costs and risk transfer.

Shipping and Delivery Info

• Port of Loading/Destination: E.g., Houston → Puerto Arica, or Vancouver → Santa Cruz.

• Estimated Shipping Date: Anticipated departure date.

Payment Terms

• Method: Letter of Credit (L/C), Telegraphic Transfer (TT), Net-30, etc.

Signature

• Authorized Representative: Signature and printed name of the exporter’s representative.

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Bill of Lading (BOL) for Oil & Gas Equipment – Bolivia

Shipper Information

• Full name and address of exporter or freight forwarder.

Consignee Information

• Legal name and address of the Bolivian buyer or their customs agent.

Carrier Information

• Name: Shipping line or logistics provider.

• Vessel Details: Include vessel name and voyage number.

Description of Goods

• Use specific terms like “mud pumps,” “subsea manifolds,” “gas turbines,” “compressors”, etc., matching the commercial invoice.

Gross Weight and Dimensions

• Exact total weight and dimensions (CBM) per cargo unit.

Freight Charges

• Terms: Indicate prepaid or collect, and who is financially responsible.

BOL Number

• Unique tracking reference.

Date of Shipment

• Date equipment was loaded onboard.

Terms and Conditions

• Mention standard shipping conventions (e.g., Hague-Visby Rules, CMR, etc.) and liability clauses.

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Packing List (Specific to Oil & Gas Equipment)

Exporter and Consignee

• Complete contact details aligned with the invoice and BOL.

Shipment Details

• Invoice Number and BOL Reference

• Shipment Date

Itemized Contents

• Technical descriptions, part numbers, intended use

• Packaging form: crates, skids, drums, custom-built steel containers

Package Identification

• Markings: e.g., SKID 1/4, BOX A — consistent across documents

Total Weight and Volume

• Gross and net weights

• Cubic meters (CBM) for all packages

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Certificate of Origin (Oil & Gas Equipment – Bolivia)

Exporter and Consignee

• Contact details of both exporter and Bolivian importer.

Goods Description

• Product names, HS codes, and industrial use (e.g., offshore drilling, LNG compression).

Origin Criterion

• Statement confirming origin (e.g., “Manufactured in the United States”).

Certification

• Signature and official stamp from a Chamber of Commerce or Trade Association.

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Key Considerations for Oil & Gas Imports into Bolivia

Technical Accuracy
Ensure item descriptions match engineering specs and manuals — especially for customs classification and technical reviews.

Regulatory Compliance
Imported machinery may be subject to compliance under Bolivian authorities such as:

• Superintendencia de Hidrocarburos (Hydrocarbons Superintendence)

• Ministerio de Medio Ambiente y Agua (Ministry of Environment and Water)

• Instituto Nacional de Normalización (INN)

Language Requirements
Spanish documentation may be required for customs declarations, safety data sheets, or technical compliance reviews.

Work with Experts
Collaborate with a certified Agente de Aduanas experienced in the Bolivian oil and gas sector for import permits, VAT, customs codes, and Aduana Nacional (National Customs) requirements.