Key Documentation for Importing Oil & Gas Equipment into Paraguay

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 (typically USD or PYG). Required for customs valuation and tax calculation.

Bill of Lading (BOL)
A legal transport document between the shipper and carrier specifying the type, quantity, and final destination of the oilfield equipment. Mandatory for port entry and customs clearance through Paraguay’s Customs (Dirección Nacional de Aduanas – DNA).

Packing List
An itemized list of all cargo, including technical descriptions, packaging type, dimensions, and gross/net weights — essential for verifying cargo against the invoice and for inspection purposes by Paraguayan customs.

Certificate of Origin
Certifies the country of manufacture. Required to access preferential tariff benefits under trade agreements such as MERCOSUR or Paraguay’s trade agreements with other countries.

Import License (if applicable)
Certain oil and gas equipment — such as high-capacity generators, environmental control units, or pressurized containers — may require prior import authorization from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MIC) or relevant sectoral regulators.

Customs Declaration (Declaración Aduanera)
A formal declaration to DNA including details about classification, origin, value, and applicable duties and taxes. The process is handled via Paraguay’s DNA electronic system.

Technical Documentation
Includes manuals, engineering diagrams, safety certifications, and data sheets — important for verifying technical compliance, especially with equipment intended for energy, industrial, or environmental applications.

Insurance Certificate
Proof of international transport insurance coverage for the cargo (via sea, air, or land). Highly recommended for high-value and specialized equipment during transit to Paraguay.

Harmonized System (HS) Codes
Accurate HS codes are essential for classification, tariff assessment, and compliance with Paraguayan import regulations. Codes must match those used by DNA and may be cross-checked with Paraguay’s Tariff System.

Pro-forma Invoice
A preliminary invoice often used for securing import financing, estimating taxes/duties, or initiating procurement approvals before the final commercial invoice is issued.

Environmental and Safety Certifications
Mandatory for equipment with emissions, combustion, or environmental impact. Equipment may be reviewed by Paraguay’s Ministry of Environment (Secretaría del Medio Ambiente) and may require environmental permits or declarations for compliance.

Letter of Credit or Payment Terms Agreement
Outlines the financial terms between buyer and seller. Commonly required for financial institutions, letters of credit (L/C), or exchange controls when dealing with high-value transactions.

Import Duties and Taxes Payment
Proof of payment for applicable customs duties, 10% VAT (IVA), and any applicable excise or sector-specific taxes. Final tax rates depend on HS code classification and eligibility for tariff exemptions or reductions.

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

Registration with Paraguayan Customs (DNA)
Importers must be registered with DNA and hold a valid RUC (Registro Único de Contribuyentes). Only registered importers or their agents may process customs declarations.

Compliance with Paraguayan Technical Standards
Imported equipment must meet local technical and safety standards as outlined by the INAN (Instituto Nacional de Tecnología y Normalización). Certification may be required depending on the equipment category (electrical, pressurized, etc.).

Coordination with Energy & Environmental Authorities
Depending on the equipment type and use, coordination may be required with:

• CNE (Comisión Nacional de Energía) – for energy-related equipment

• MEM (Ministerio de Energía y Minas) – for mining, drilling, and exploration tools

• Secretaría del Medio Ambiente – for environmental impact or regulatory clearance

Engage with a Licensed Customs Broker (Agente de Aduanas)
Due to regulatory and procedural complexities, it is strongly recommended to work with a licensed Agente de Aduanas experienced in Paraguay’s oil, gas, and industrial equipment imports to manage DNA filings, permits, and tax compliance.

Commercial Invoice (for Oil & Gas Equipment) – Paraguay

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 Paraguay.
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 specs, and oil & gas application (e.g., drilling, refining, gas compression).
HS Codes: Accurate Harmonized System codes (e.g., 8431.43), aligned with the Dirección Nacional de Aduanas (DNA) classification.

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, or PYG — clearly specified.

Terms of Sale (Incoterms)
Example: CIF Asunción, FOB Buenos Aires — defining responsibilities and risk transfer.

Shipping and Delivery Info
Port of Loading/Destination: E.g., Houston → Puerto de Villeta, or Montreal → Puerto de Asunción.
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 – Paraguay

Shipper Information
Full name and address of exporter or freight forwarder.

Consignee Information
Legal name and address of the Paraguayan 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., consistent with the commercial invoice.

Gross Weight and Dimensions
Exact total weight and dimensions (CBM) per cargo unit.

Freight Charges
Terms: Indicate prepaid or collect, and financial responsibility.

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 – Paraguay)

Exporter and Consignee
Contact details of both exporter and Paraguayan importer.

Goods Description
Product names, HS codes, and industrial use (e.g., pipeline installation, refining).

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 Paraguay

Technical Accuracy
Ensure that item descriptions match engineering specs and technical documentation — especially for customs classification and equipment validation.

Regulatory Compliance
Oil and gas equipment may require authorization or review from Paraguayan authorities, including:

• Ministerio de Industria y Comercio (MIC) – for industry-specific regulations.

• Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Comunicaciones (MOPC) – for infrastructure and energy-related imports.

• Secretaría del Ambiente (SEAM) – for environmental impact oversight.

• INTN (Instituto Nacional de Tecnología, Normalización y Metrología) – for technical standards.

• Dirección Nacional de Aduanas (DNA) – for import compliance and classification.

Language Requirements
Documentation such as technical manuals, SDS (Safety Data Sheets), and customs declarations should be available in Spanish to facilitate regulatory review and compliance.

Work with Experts
Partner with a certified Agente de Aduanas in Paraguay who understands the oil & gas sector to efficiently manage import permits, customs declarations, tax filings, and coordination with MOPC or SEAM.