Importing Personal Effects into Bolivia: Documents & Customs Rules

Source: FIDI Customs Guide · Updated 2026 · Download the Bolivia Import Guide (PDF)

Returning Citizens

• Original passport with the last entry to Bolivia stamped into the passport.
• Inventory List in Spanish/ English very detailed and typed in computer.
• Handwritten documents not allowed by Bolivian Customs.
• Affidavit ("Declaración Jurada") validated by Bolivian Consulate at the origin country.
• Consular Certificate of Residence issued by Consulate of Bolivia at origin.
• Migratory certificate ("Flujo Migratorio") issued by Migratory Office in Bolivia.

• Bolivian citizens returning to Bolivia are exempt from customs duties if:
• They have lived abroad far more than two years or much longer;
• During the last two years, they must not have been in Bolivia for more than ninety days, whether continuous or discontinuous (vacations or work visits).
• Franchise for Bolivian returning must not exceed the value of $35000 (thirty-five thousand American dollars) (FOB VALUE) duty free far used personal effects. Over this value, the client must pay taxes for the excess.
• The consignee must be present in Bolivia during the import process as his presence is required for customs inspection.
• The arrival of shipment is only permitted in the period between one (1) month before and up to six (6) months after the consignee definitive arrival.
• Goods that do not comply with the requirements and conditions of Bolivian customs clearance cannot be imported with tax exemption into Bolivia.

• For all shipments to Bolivia via port of Arica (Chile), the Bill of Lading must read in Spanish: "Carga en tránsito Arica con destino final Bolivia"
• Cargo on OBL/AWB must be declared as:" Menaje Doméstico Usado" (Used household goods). lt must be written in Spanish, this is mandatory.
• OBL must be rated.
• The Destination Agent must have all the original documents before the arrival of the shipment at the port of entry.
• Estimated time for HHGDS import process:
• About 6 to 8 weeks approximately since cargo arrives at Bolivian Customs Warehouse until cargo released.
• The returning citizens are only granted with one importation per family (AIR or SEA or Overland).
• The vehicles are not considered as personal effects.
• To register the Affidavit form "Declaración Jurada" online the consignee must visit the Bolivian Customs website www.aduana.gob.bo and follow the steps.
• The consignee needs the packing list detailed as follows number of pieces, all electric appliances must be specified, model and serial number (no
• exceptions), weight and values box by box.
• The total value amounts up to $35000.
• Once filled the form, consignee must print 2 copies, sign them and request validation at Consulate of Bolivia at origin.

Foreign Citizens

• Original passport.
• VOD - Visa de Objeto Determinado stamped into the passport or Visa Mercosur for a foreigner coming from a country member of MERCOSUR: Peru, Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Venezuela (suspended), Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Surinam.
• lnventory List in Spanish / English very detailed and typed in computer.
• Handwritten documents not allowed by Bolivian Customs.
• Affidavit ("Declaración Jurada") validated by Bolivian Embassy/Consulate at the origin country.
• Work contract validated by the Labour Ministry of Bolivia for at least 1 year.
• Migratory certificate (Flujo Migratorio) issued by Migratory Office in Bolivia.

• Consignee must have lived abroad for more than two (2) years consecutive, their visits to Bolivia within this period must not exceed ninety (90) days in sum.
• Franchise must not exceed the value of $35000 (thirty-five thousand American dollars) duty free for used personal effects. Over this value, pay taxes on the excess.
• The consignee must be present in Bolivia during the import process as their presence is required for customs inspections.
• The arrival of shipment is only permitted in the period between one (1) month before and up to six (6) months after the consignee definitive arrival.
• Goods that do not comply with the requirements and conditions of Bolivian customs clearance cannot be imported with tax exemption into Bolivia.

• Same as above.

Diplomatic Shipments

• Original passport with the diplomatic visa stamped.
• Application letter from the Embassy requesting the Diplomatic Accreditation to Bolivian Foreign Ministry.
• Diplomatic Accreditation Letter with the name and the position of the customer.
• Diplomatic ID issued by Bolivian Foreign Ministry.
• Packing list signed and stamped by the Embassy.
• Transport documents: AWB/BL/MIC/ or CRT (original).
• Tax Exemption Form.
• Value Declaration or administrative certificate (issued sealed and signed by the Embassy).

• B/L must show the customer's name and number as it shows in the passport.
• The 8/L must show the sea freight or air Freight Certificate issued by the shipping Line.
• The Tax Exemption Form must be filled in by the customs broker, sealed and signed by the Embassy.
• The Value Declaration or administrative
• certificate must be issued sealed and signed by the Embassy.
• Franchise for diplomatic shipments is determined according to the position and activities the customer will perform in his diplomatic mission.

• Customs clearance takes approx. 10 days if the Embassy has all documents ready.
• Vehicles are allowed to be imported as a diplomatic shipment. The franchise is determined according to the position and activities the customer will perform in his diplomatic mission.
• Prohibited household goods: cosmetics (perfumes, creams, shampoo, disposable
• diapers, medicines, detergents, soaps, liquids, spices, alcohol, consumables (including sealed or canned), tea, oil, weapons, skin stuffed animals, artworks, pornographic material.

Inheritance

• Contact your destination agent for more information.

New Furniture & Household Goods

• Commercial invoice.
• B.L or AWB.
• Insurance Policy.
• B/L or AWB - CRT - MIC/DTA.
• Technical sheet of every wooden item from origin.
• Import Authorization (prior permission to import furniture and new textiles).

• An accredited verification company must intervene if value exceeds USD 1.000.-.
• Subject to payment of duties of 42% over CIF Value in case of private or personal shipments.
• No duties for Diplomatic Shipments.
• Used textiles are totally prohibited.

• Contact your destination agent for more information.

Works of Art & Antiques

• Commercial invoice from seller.
• List detailing the Works of Art.
• Export permit from country of origin.
• B/L or AWB.
• Insurance Policy.

• Subject to payment of duties of approx. 32% over CIF Value for private and personal shipments.
• If included in a Household Goods shipment, a complementary (detailed) packing list will be required, entitled as "Works of art/Antiques," specifying the value as per the commercial invoice, item by item.
• Duty free for diplomatic shipments.

• Contact your destination agent for more information.

Electrical Appliances

• Same as New Furniture and Household Goods above.
• Detailed inventory of features such as model, serial number, brand and provenance.

• Duty free for diplomatic shipments.
• Electrical appliances pay 42% of duties over CIF value.
• Personal computers and printers pay 32% duties over CIF value.
• The above is only applicable to private and personal shipments.

• Electrical appliances entail TV sets, sewing machines, video sets, personal computers and printers.

Presents & Souvenirs

• lf value is less than $300, no documents are required.
• Otherwise, the documentation required is the same as New Furniture and Household Goods above.

• Subject to the payment of approx. 32% over CIF value for private and personal shipments.
• Duty free for diplomatic shipments.

• Contact your destination agent for more information.

Machinery, Appliances & Spare parts

• Same as Motor vehicles and other vehicles above.

• Duty free for diplomatic missions.
• Subject to the payment of duties of approx. 32% over CIF value for private and personal shipments.
• If they are part of a Household Goods shipment, no documentation is required.

• Should be listed only on respective packing list
• Industrial machinery and equipment have a special treatment.

Alcoholic Beverages

• Limited Allowance:
• Diplomats: 6 liters
• Non-diplomats: 3 liters

Prohibited items

• Food in general (including sealed or canned)
• Medicines.
• Live Plants.
• Seeds.
• Narcotics.
• Drugs.
• Explosives.
• Gas cylinders (full or empty).
• Pornographic material.
• Firearms, weapons & ammunitions.
• Precursors and refrigerators with gas R-12.
• Perfumes.
• Creams.
• Shampoo.
• Fertilizers.
• Disposable diapers.
• Detergents & soaps.
• Liquids.
• Spices.
• Tea.
• Food, all kind.
• Oil.
• Skin stuffed animals.
• Furs.
• Dissected animals.
• Artworks.
• Industrial tools, machines.

• Limited allowance Alcoholic Beverages - see under Alcoholic Beverages above.

Wood Articles

• By new regulations of SENASAG (Bolivian organization plagues control), any shipping containing wood, like finished furniture, ornaments, packing material, etc., must be fumigated at destination in order to have a Phytosanitary Certificate issued by this organization.

Manufactured objects that contaminate the atmosphere

• For regulations of IBMETRO (Institute of Quality Norms of Bolivia - Pollution control), shipments containing items that could contaminate the atmosphere (like refrigerators - R22 gas, motors, oxygen tanks, vehicles, etc.) must be inspected at destination in order to obtain the CGO (Comisión Gubernamental del Ozono) Certification of gases.

Fumigation of imported and exported wooden crates

• The Bolivian Government adopted the "Norma Internacional para Medidas Fitosanitarias - NIMF N° 15 - Guidelines for Regulating Wood Packaging Material in International Trade to standardize the treatment of wood packing materials used for the transport of goods.
• Shipments into or out of the country in wooden packaging need to have a seal, certifying that the shipment has received the required treatment
• (HT = Heated Treatment [a minimum wood core temperature of 56º(for a minimum of 30 minutes] or fumigation with Methyl Bromide (MT).
• The minimum temperature should not be less than 10º and the minimum exposure time should not fall below

Exporting Personal Effects from Bolivia: Documents & Customs Rules

Source: FIDI Customs Guide · Updated 2024 · Download the Bolivia Export Guide (PDF)

Bolivian and Foreign Citizens Removal Goods – HHG/PE

• Copy of passport (where the complete data of each client is specified, it must include the photo and his/her personal signature).
• Copy of Bolivian or Foreign ID (Carnet de Identidad).
• In case of private clients, a letter from the company for which customer has been working in Bolivia indicating the cease of contract or new position at the destination country.
• Sworn statement “Declaración Jurada” indicating that customer is moving abroad with complete export details (quantity and/or pieces, weight, origin, destination, value for customs purposes, export frontier departure and that complies with the current regulations:
• declaring that among the used personal effects there are no objects such as Historical, Archaeological Cultural Heritage, and/or substances prohibited by the National Directorate of Narcotics Control and under the Law 1008.
• Fumigation certificate for packaging in wood, wicker, totora or rustic wood.
• Detailed Inventory

• Export documents are only valid within 3 months of being issued.
• All shipments are subject to physical inspection except the diplomats which can only be inspected as per a special Customs requirement.
• All export documents need to be written in Spanish (for Customs purposes).
• Passport must be within his validity period.
• Client must have more than 18 years old.
• The Sworn Statement must be in original and will be provided by your local agent
• Original and detailed Inventory.

• Shipments must be declared as HHGDS or Used Personal Effects.
• All Vehicles and/or Motorcycles are not considered as Personal Effects.
• Due to the high drug trafficking, customs require a more intensive control for all the export moves. Consequently, inspections with anti-narcotics (FELCN), guide dog antinarcotics (K-9).
• It is always necessary to contact your local agent for any update on the required list of documents.

Diplomats – HHG/PE

• Copy of passport (where the complete data of each diplomatic client is specified, it must include the photo and his/her personal signature).
• Export Form with the Diplomatic Franchise from the Bolivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Issued by the Diplomatic Mission or the Official Foreign Organization where the shipper is officially employed).
• Sworn statement “Declaración Jurada” indicating that customer is moving abroad with complete export details (quantity and/or pieces, weight, origin, destination, value for customs purposes, export frontier departure and that complies with the current regulations:
• declaring that among the used personal effects there are no objects such as Historical, Archaeological Cultural Heritage, and/or substances prohibited by the National Directorate of Narcotics Control and under the Law 1008.
• Copy of diplomatic or service credential.
• Copy of the accreditation letter (response from the Bolivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Copy of the cease letter (response from the Bolivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
• Original letter addressed to the local agent for the diplomatic process with the Bolivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Fumigation certificate for packaging in wood, wicker, totora or rustic wood
• Detailed Inventory

VEHICLES // Bolivian and Foreign Citizens

• Copy of passport (where the complete data of each client is specified, it must include the photo and his/her personal signature).
• Copy of Bolivian or Foreign ID (Carnet de Identidad).
• In case of private clients, a letter from the company for which customer has been working in Bolivia indicating the cease of contract or new position at the destination country.
• Sworn statement “Declaración Jurada” indicating that customer is moving abroad with complete export details (quantity and/or pieces, weight, origin, copy of passport (where the complete data of each diplomatic client is specified, it must include the photo and his/her personal signature).
• Historical, Archaeological Cultural Heritage, and/or substances prohibited by the National Directorate of Narcotics Control and under the Law 1008).
• Copy of ALL import documents (INVOICE, Import Declaration – DUI and the FRV form)
• Both DUI and FRV are issued by Customs / Customs broker.
• RUAT (full colour copy) – Vehicle registration at the City Hall.
• DIPROVE and Police Inspection Certificate.
• Vehicle Inventory (Vehicle report condition).

• The payments of the taxes must be UPDATED, including the last year payment with the City Hall.
• Export documents are only valid within 3 months of being issued.
• The return of the vehicle plates to the City Hall are by the Customer’s account.
• All export documents need to be written in Spanish (for Customs purposes).
• Passport must be within his validity period.
• Client must have more than 18 years old.
• The Sworn Statement must be in original (and will be provided by your local agent)
• The DIPROVE and Police Inspection Certificate are by customer’s account.
• Original and detailed Inventory

• Shipments must be declared as VEHICLES and/ or MOTORCICLES.
• All Vehicles and/or Motorcycles are not
• considered as Personal Effects.
• Before any exportation of motor vehicles and/ or Motorcycles, your agent must obtain Import information for each destination (YEAR and MODEL).
• It is always necessary to contact your local agent for any update on the required list of documents and new requirements for Vehicles.
• SHIPMENTS MUS BE DECLARED WITH COMPLETE VEHICLE DETAILS (brand, model, year, …).

VEHICLES // Diplomats

• Copy of passport (where the complete data of each diplomatic client is specified, it must include the photo and his/her personal signature).
• Export Form with the Diplomatic Franchise from the Bolivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Issued by the Diplomatic Mission or the Official Foreign Organization where the shipper is officially employed).
• Sworn statement “Declaración Jurada”
• indicating that customer is moving abroad with complete export details (quantity and/or pieces, weight, origin, destination, value for customs purposes, export frontier departure and that complies with the current regulations:
• declaring that within the vehicle there are no objects such as Historical, Archaeological Cultural Heritage, and/or substances prohibited by the National Directorate of Narcotics Control and under the Law 1008).
• Copy of diplomatic or service credential.
• Copy of the accreditation letter (response from the Bolivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Copy of the cease letter (response from the Bolivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
• Copy of ALL import documents (INVOICE, Import Declaration – DUI and the FRV form)
• Both DUI and FRV are issued by Customs / Customs broker.
• ORIGINAL letter with the confirmation and approval of the returned diplomatic plates.
• Vehicle Inventory (Vehicle report condition).
• Original letter addressed to the local agent for the diplomatic process with the Bolivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

• (4) Original Export Forms, signed by the shipper, the diplomatic Representative and fully stamped by the Diplomatic Mission or the official foreign organization, where the shipper is employed.
• (4) Original Sworn Statements, signed by the shipper, the diplomatic Representative and fully stamped by the Diplomatic Mission or the official foreign organization, where the shipper is employed (this document will be
• provided by your local agent).
• Export documents are only valid within 3 months of being issued.
• The return of the vehicle Diplomatic plates to the Bolivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs are by the Diplomatic Mission’s account.
• All export documents need to be written in Spanish (for Customs purposes).
• Passport must be within his validity period.
• The Sworn Statement must be in original (and will be provided by your local agent).
• Original and detailed Inventory.

• Shipments must be declared as VEHICLES and/ or MOTORCICLES.
• All Vehicles and/or Motorcycles are not considered as Personal Effects.
• Before any exportation of Motor VEHICLES and/ or Motorcycles, we must obtain Import information for each destination (YEAR and MODEL).
• It is always necessary to contact your local agent for any update on the required list of
• documents and new requirements for VEHICLES.
• SHIPMENTS MUS BE DECLARED WITH COMPLETE VEHICLE DETAILS.

Bolivia Moving Guide: Documents, Duties & Shipping Notes

Source: IAM Country Guide · Updated 2026-09-05 · Download the Bolivia Country Guide (PDF)

Documents

Documents required for importing used household goods, personal effects, and related shipments.

• Passport (must demonstrate a minimum 2-year stay abroad for duty-free eligibility)
• Original bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB)
• Insurance policy
• Detailed inventory in Spanish
• Validation document issued by the Bolivian Consulate General, Consulate, or Consular Section in the country of origin (indicating the activity carried out abroad)
• Sworn Declaration of Entry of Domestic Goods (Declaracion Jurada)
• For diplomats: tax exemption certificate, accreditation from the Chancellery
• For foreigners: proof of visa (Visa de Objeto Determinado — "specific purpose visa" — is required for anyone planning to reside in Bolivia; tourist visas do not qualify)

Specific Information

Retorno a Bolivia (Return to Bolivia) programme: Bolivia has a specific duty-free programme for household goods import. Originally established for Bolivians and foreigners with Bolivian spouses, it was expanded in 2013 to include all foreigners who meet the requirements.

Timing requirements (critical):

• If household goods arrive before the owner: the owner must enter Bolivia within 30 days of the cargo's arrival date
• If the owner enters before the goods: the goods must arrive within 6 months of the owner's entry
• Failure to meet either deadline results in loss of the duty-free treatment

30-day re-entry restriction: Returning citizens must not have entered Bolivia for the 30 days immediately prior to the shipment's arrival to qualify for duty-free import.

Consulate validation mandatory: The Bolivian Consulate in the country of origin must issue a validation document confirming the owner's stay abroad. This must be obtained before shipping.

Registration as non-habitual importer: The owner must register as a "Non-Habitual" importer in the National Customs computer system (SUMA/ASYCUDA++) at http://suma.aduana.gob.bo/.

Owner presence: The owner or legal representative must be present for customs clearance.

Document lead time: The destination agent must receive all documentation prior to the shipment's arrival.

Document language: Inventory must be in Spanish.

Non-qualifying goods: Items that do not meet the duty-free requirements are subject to standard import duties.

Duties & Taxes

Duty-free conditions: Bolivian citizens returning to the country and foreigners entering to establish residence may import personal effects and household items duty-free, provided they have remained abroad for at least 2 years immediately prior to their return.

Value limits for duty-free import:

• Up to USD 35,000 FOB for household items only (kitchenware, clothing, furniture, appliances, and items normally used in a home)
• Up to USD 50,000 FOB when household items also include machines, equipment, and tools of trade
• Motor vehicles are NOT included in the duty-free allowance

Prohibited & Restricted Items

• Illegal drugs and narcotics — Strictly prohibited
• Unauthorised firearms, explosives, and ammunition — Prohibited
• Knives and deadly weapons — Prohibited
• Unauthorised pharmaceuticals and drugs — Prohibited
• Unauthorised chemicals — Prohibited
• Food products containing noxious substances — Prohibited
• Plants, fruits, vegetables, and seeds containing parasites harmful per the Ministry of Agriculture — Prohibited
• Pets and animals containing diseases — Prohibited
• Used clothing without sanitary certificate — Prohibited
• Radioactive scrap and hazardous material — Prohibited
• Counterfeit money and goods — Prohibited
• Gambling machines — Prohibited
• Pornographic material — Prohibited

• 400 cigarettes (2 cartons), or 50 cigars, or 500g tobacco
• 3 litres of alcoholic beverages
• 1 photographic camera
• 1 non-professional camcorder
• 1 personal portable computer
• 1 tape recorder, 1 electronic memo book, 1 cellular phone

The following items imported for private use by non-diplomats are subject to:

• Appliances, machinery, tools: approximately 32% of CIF value
• Vehicles: approximately 55% of CIF value
• Pets: 12% of CIF value
• Alcohol: Subject to duties (diplomats may import duty-free)

• Used clothing — Prohibited without a sanitary certificate
• Transmission devices for radio and television PERMIT REQUIRED — Must be authorised by the Telecommunications Office
• Pharmaceutical products PERMIT REQUIRED — Must be approved under WHO guidelines and registered with the Vice Ministry of Health
• Firearms and ammunition PERMIT REQUIRED — Authorisation required
• Plants, fruits, vegetables, seeds PERMIT REQUIRED — Sanitary/phytosanitary certificate from SENASAG required
• Meat and animal products PERMIT REQUIRED — Sanitary certificate from SENASAG required
• Pets and animals — Must be accompanied by official health certificate
• Potential contaminants (refrigerators, vehicles, AC equipment) — Subject to environmental inspection upon arrival

• Pre-Colombian artefacts, historical paintings, Spanish colonial architecture items, and native textiles — Require permission for legal export from Bolivia

Consignment Instructions

Recommended: Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea / land shipments.

Consulate validation: Must be obtained from the Bolivian Consulate in the country of origin before shipping. This is the critical first step.

SUMA registration: Register as a non-habitual importer in the ASYCUDA++ system before clearance.

Owner presence: Required for customs clearance (for repatriating citizens).

Timing: Strict 30-day (goods arrive first) or 6-month (owner arrives first) windows apply. Missing the deadline means losing the duty-free treatment entirely.

Routing / port of entry: Bolivia is landlocked, bordered by Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile, and Peru. International freight typically arrives via Chilean ports (Arica or Iquique, which provide Bolivia with duty-free transit corridor access under treaty) or via Peruvian ports (Ilo). Air freight arrives via El Alto International Airport (La Paz/El Alto, at 4,061m / 13,325 ft elevation — the highest international airport in the world) or Viru Viru International Airport (Santa Cruz). Overland routes from Argentina and Brazil are also used.

Altitude consideration: La Paz and El Alto are at extreme altitude. Electronic equipment with sealed containers (e.g., CRT monitors, certain sealed packaging) may be affected by the low atmospheric pressure. Advise customers to prepare for altitude effects on both themselves and their goods.

Currency: Boliviano (BOB). The economy has experienced dollar shortages; confirm current foreign currency availability with the destination agent.

Regulatory Updates

• 2013: Retorno a Bolivia programme expanded to include all foreigners (not just Bolivians and foreign spouses of Bolivians).
• Ongoing: The Aduana Nacional uses the ASYCUDA++ (SUMA) electronic customs system for declarations and importer registration.