Importing Personal Effects into Peru: Documents & Customs Rules

Source: FIDI Customs Guide · Updated 2025 · Download the Peru Import Guide (PDF)

Household goods

• Migratory movement record.
• Detailed and legible packing list (avoid PBO), signed by consignee and by packing crew leader at origin. – Mandatory: PL must be transcribed in Spanish or English.
• BL or AWB, mentioning the exact consigned net and gross weight, exact number of items matching packing list. Mandatory: freighted BL. Supporting documents as proof of payment will not be accepted
• Notarized Power of Attorney letter addressed to Peruvian Customs.
• Photocopy of the passport of the family group (only the page that shows their personal information.
• Consignee’s marriage certificate
• In case family members do not share the same last name.
• Children’s birth certificate.
• In case family members do not share the same last name.
• In case clients are not married, a
• cohabitation affidavit may be requested.

• All Household Goods and Personal Effects are subject to an average of 12% – 30% of duties and taxes. Customs Official assesses value at physical inspection time.
• Only Household Goods previously exported from Peru are duty free, subject to supporting documentation stamped by Peruvian Customs. The maximum period to apply is five (5) years, and original exportation documents are required.
• Time during customs for sea shipments between 10 to 14 days (having all documentation prior shipments arrival).
• Time during customs for Air shipments approx. 7 days (having all documentation prior shipments arrival).

• Consignment Instructions:
• Consignee:
• Name of the consignee (as shown in the passport)
• Passport Number
• Address in Lima
• Lima-Peru
• Notify:
• Name of moving company
• RUC number of company
• Phone number of company
• Email and phone number
• Used household goods and unaccompanied baggage shipments can arrive in Peru up to 6 months after the consignee’s arrival in Peru.
• The consignee must prove he/she has been living overseas not less than 13 consecutive months before last entry to Peru. This period will not be considered interrupted if the consignee has entries to Peru not exceeding 30 consecutive or alternated calendar days during the last year.
• Consignee must be in Peru for clearance.
• BL or AWB must show: “Used household
• goods and personal effects.”
• If used household goods and vehicles are shipped in the same container, it must be clearly described in the OBL and detailed weight for each one.
• The consignee must not have used this benefit in the last 2 years according to the date of the Import Declaration Form.
• All shipments are inspected by the Peruvian Customs Authorities, except for foreign diplomats.
• Documents must be notarized in Peru.
• It is recommended not to ship with MSC, MAERSK and SEALAND.

Household goods - Foreigners

• Same as Household Goods.
• Foreign citizens require a working visa.
• Local agent may use an Official letter from their employer endorsing that they work for the company in Peru.

• All Household Goods and Personal Effects are subject to an average of 12% – 30% of duties and taxes, except for Foreign Diplomats. Customs Official assesses value at physical inspection time.

• All shipments are inspected by Peruvian Customs Authorities, except for foreign diplomats.
• The consignee must prove he/she has been living overseas not less than 13 consecutive months before last entry to Peru. This period will not be considered interrupted if the consignee has entries to Peru not exceeding 30 consecutive or alternated calendar days during the last year.

Returning Peruvians / Ley de Reinserción Económica y Social para el Migrante Retornado – Returned Migrants Law

• In addition to documents required for Household Goods:
• Original Returned Migrant Card
• Tthis must be required at the Peruvian

• The returning Peruvian has to apply for the benefit based on Law N° 30001, the “Migration Incentive Law” in order to be exempt from payment of import duties on:

• All shipments are inspected by the Peruvian Customs Authorities.
• If the consignee includes professional goods, i.e. machinery, music or lab

Applies for Peruvians living abroad for at least 3 years

• Consulate in the origin country or at the arrival of the consignee to Peru in the Foreign Affairs Ministry.
• Copy of valid national identity document (DNI).
• Original Migratory Certificate proving residence abroad.
• Valued list (format provided by SUNATCustoms).
• Sworn Declarations (formats provided by SUNAT – Customs).

• HHG: up to US$ 50,000.00.
• One new or used motor vehicle, as per current regulations
• . Value should not exceed US$ 50,000.00
• Equipment, machinery and instrumental necessary for the development of a business activity and /or work use. Value should not exceed US$ 350,000.00.
• This benefit is valid for 180 days from the date of entry of the returned migrant into Peru, or 180 days after the issuance of the Returned Migrant Card within the national territory.
• It can only be used once per person in its lifetime.

• equipment, etc., these should have a separate packing list from Household Goods.
• It is the client’s responsibility to comply with all requirements in order to apply to the Returned Migrants Law.
• The benefits granted under Law N.° 30001 (Law for the Economic and Social Reintegration of Returning Migrants) are currently valid until July 12, 2026.

Diplomats removals

• Notarized Power of Attorney letter addressed to Peruvian Customs.
• Original Free Entry Permit issued by Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Free entry (Official Release Letter) issued by MOFA, in original – for Peruvian diplomats only.
• Detailed packing list (avoid PBO). Mandatory: PL must be transcribed in Spanish or English.
• BL or AWB freight rated.
• Mandatory: freighted BL. Supporting documents as proof of payment will not be accepted
• Consignee’s passport data sheet, legalized by a Peruvian notary.
• For foreign diplomats: passport data sheet issued on the official letterhead of the Embassy or international organization, duly stamped and signed by the legal representative.

• Foreign representatives of International Organizations.
• Members of foreign armed forces working on official missions.
• Diplomats and Embassy officers.
• Returning Peruvian diplomats, after having completed their missions abroad.
• These shipments will be duty free, if the value of the shipment does not exceed the amounts authorized by the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

• All shipments are inspected by Peruvian Customs Authorities, except foreign diplomats.
• Peruvian Diplomats, who have worked, outside of Peru, have the right to a Free Entry Permit (Franchise) for Household Goods and one automobile.
• Diplomat must obtain their franchise before shipments arrival. It takes approx. 3 weeks.
• Do not send shipment without greenlight from the removal agent at destination.

Inheritance

• In addition to the documents required for Household Goods, the following documents endorsed by the Peruvian Consulate at origin, will be required - they should also coordinate with a family member for the visa process of the document issued in original by MOFA.
• Copy of the Will.
• Packing list
• Death Certificate.
• Copy of National Identity Document (DNI), Immigration Card or passport.

New furniture and Household goods

• If part of the shipment, same as Household Goods.

• Please note that brand/manufacturer´s original packing is not allowed.
• Must be repacked by moving company, they cannot come with the original packaging.

Works of art and Antiques

• If part of the shipment, same as Household Goods.
• Original purchase invoice. If the invoice does not exist, a supporting document will be required.

• Expert documents/certification may be requested.

Precious metal objects

• Do not include jewellery and valuable articles.

Electrical appliances

• If part of the shipment, same as Household Goods.

• Please note that the Packing List must show the brand/manufacturer, serial number and model of each appliance.

Machines, appliances, spare parts

• Insurance letter.
• Original purchase invoice.
• BL freight rated or AWB. Mandatory: freighted BL. Supporting documents as proof of payment will not be accepted

• The articles are subject to the payment of taxes according to the law.

• Custom agent is needed.

Wine/Alcohol

• If part of the shipment, same as Household Goods.

• Non diplomatic shipments: between wine and other liquors (each box with 12 bottles) may be included as follows:
• 1X20 no more than 4 boxes
• 1X40 no more than 8 boxes
• Air shipment: ask your moving company
• Taxes and duties are applied – 50% CIF
• value. (incl. ISC)
• For foreigner diplomats: prohibited if their shipment is declared as household goods (this information is provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
• For Peruvian diplomats: permitted until 10 boxes (this information is provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs).

• Maximum of 3 liters per shipment.

Tins and food

• If part of shipment, same as Household Goods.

• Small quantities.

Arms, ammunition, dangerous objects *(Restricted items)

• Authorization issued by the Ministry of Interior.
• Original purchase invoice.
• Current firearm licence.
• A special permit from "Sucamec" should be requested before the arrival of the goods by the consignee and provide it to the moving company.

• Must pay taxes established by law.

Medicines, Narcotics and Drugs

• If part of the shipment, same as Household Goods.
• Medical prescription may be requested.

• Small quantities.

Plant

• Not considered as household goods.

Cats and dogs

• Power of attorney letter legalized by the pet owner.
• Health Certificate.
• AWB.
• Vaccination Certificate.
• Senasa Certificate (this is obtained in Peru).

• 1 pet is exempt of taxes and duties.
• More than 1: 30% taxes of the CIF value.

Other animals

• Contact your moving company for more information.

Equipment that contains refrigerant gas *(Restricted Items)

• Any of the three following documents showing Product, Brand, Model, Type of Gas and Serial Number is needed.
• Photo of the plate/sticker that shows all of the information above.

• Prior to importing equipment like refrigerators, air conditioners, freezers or any other appliance that contains refrigerant gas, the documents indicated need to be provided to your D/A in order to obtain the OTO certificates from the Ozone Technical Office in Peru.
• This certificate costs USD $100.00 per article and take 01 week approx.

• In case the OTO Authorities permit is not available, the equipment will not be Custom cleared and it will be retained by Customs authorities until said document is provided.
• Articles can be detained at customs from 30 to 90 days before they can be cleared, while there, they will incur daily storage fees.
• Client will receive a fine for 1 of UIT if we do not have the permit prior shipments arrival.

Importation of wooden packages/crates

• Peru has adopted the International Regulations on Phytosanitary Policy (NIMF) Nº 15 on wooden packing used in international trade, enforced by the FAO in 2002.
• This regulation describes the phytosanitary measures applicable in order to reduce the introduction and plague dissemination risk through wooden packing materials.
• Phytosanitary inspection will be done at the port/airport of entry in Peru.
• If packing materials are not marked per NIMF Nº 15, entry will be denied.
• If packing materials are properly labelled, but evidence of live plague is found, Customs may deny entry, put packages in quarantine, order their treatment, return them to origin or destroy them.

• Compliance with this regulation is mandatory in Peru as of September 01, 2005.

Restricted items  Firearms, ammunition, weapons  Equipment that contains refrigerant gas  Telecommunications devices.

• Private and diplomatic shippers must have the original certificate issued by the Ministry of Telecommunication.

• Telecommunication equipment such as radios, facsimiles, modems, routers, telephones and antennas require special import permission.

• It is recommended NOT to include these items in the shipment.
• The client must process the permit directly, having previously obtained a RUC.

Exporting Personal Effects from Peru: Documents & Customs Rules

Source: FIDI Customs Guide · Updated 2025 · Download the Peru Export Guide (PDF)

Removal Goods – HHG/PE (Household Goods and Personal Effects)

• Passport copy data sheet legalized by a notary
• Copy of National Identity Document (DNI) or Immigration Card legalized by a notary.
• Power of attorney legalized
• Sworn declaration legalized
• Airline Ticket of the assignee
• Cultural heritage permission (INC) if applies

• Documents validity is 6 months.
• If the client is no longer in the country, the letters must be legalized at the nearest Consulate and then sent in original via courier. They should also coordinate with a family member for the visa process of the document issued in original by MOFA.

Removal Goods – HHG/PE Diplomats

• Same as HHG/PE
• Free exit issued by MOFA in original.
• Free exit (Official Release Letter) issued by MOFA, in original – for Peruvian diplomats only.

• Documents validity is 6 months.
• If client isn´t in the country any more they will need to legalized the letters in the nearest consulate they have and send them via courier in original. They should also coordinate with a family member for the visa process of the document issued in original by MOFA.

Removal Goods – HHG/PE Motor vehicles

• Copy of Ownership Card legalized
• Copy of Passport legalized
• Copy of DNI or Immigration Card
• PDF Copy of commercial invoice or Vehicle Transfer certificate legalized by a notary.
• Original Vehicle Lien issued by SUNARP
• Original Police Lien
• Special Power for Customs processes legalized
• Electronic mandate, if applicable.

• Documents validity is 6 months.
• If client isn´t in the country any more they will need to legalized the letters in the nearest consulate they have and send them via courier in original. They should also coordinate with a family member for the visa process of the document issued in original by MOFA.
• If the client is an individual with a RUC, they must issue an electronic mandate with a valid date under the name of the customs
• agent.

Diplomats - Motor vehicles

• Same as HHG/PE
• Free exit issued by the Embassy in original
• Re-exportation documents (Temporary Importation documents).
• Free exit (Official Release Letter) issued by MOFA, in original – for Peruvian diplomats only.

• Documents validity is 6 months.
• If client isn´t in the country any more they will need to legalized the letters in the nearest consulate they have and send them via courier in original. They should also coordinate with a family member for the visa process of the document issued in original by MOFA.

Peru Moving Guide: Documents, Duties & Shipping Notes

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

Documents

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

• Consignee's original passport (must show all entries/departures; see eligibility conditions below)
• Detailed and legible packing list, signed by the consignee and by the packing crew leader at origin (avoid PBO entries; all items must be individually described with brand name and serial numbers for electrical items)
• 2 original OBLs or AWBs, showing the exact net and gross weight, exact number of items matching the packing list, and freight rated (cost shown)
• Notarized Power of Attorney letter addressed to Peruvian Customs
• Photocopies of the passport of all family members (ID page and last Peru entry stamp only)
• Marriage certificate (if family members do not share the same last name)
• Children's birth certificates (if family members do not share the same last name)
• Cohabitation affidavit (if the consignee is not married but has a partner included in the shipment)

Applies to Peruvians who have lived abroad for at least 3 years.

• Original Returned Migrant Card (obtained at the Peruvian Consulate in the origin country, or at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Peru on arrival)
• Copy of valid national identity document (DNI)
• Original Migratory Certificate proving residence abroad
• Valued list (format provided by SUNAT/Customs)
• Sworn Declarations (formats provided by SUNAT/Customs)

• Original Free Entry Permit issued by the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Detailed packing list (avoid PBO)
• 2 original OBLs or AWBs, freight rated
• Consignee's original passport

Specific Information

Returned Migrants Law (Law No. 30525): Qualifying returning Peruvians may import duty-free: household goods up to USD 50,000; one new or used vehicle (subject to current vehicle regulations, value not exceeding USD 50,000); and equipment, machinery, and instruments for a business or professional activity up to USD 350,000. This benefit is valid for 4 months after obtaining the Returned Migrant Card and may only be used once per person in their lifetime. Professional goods (machinery, musical or lab equipment) must be on a separate packing list from household goods.

To be eligible for duty-free import under the standard household goods scheme, the consignee must prove they have been living outside Peru for at least 13 consecutive months before their last entry to Peru. This period is not considered interrupted if the consignee made entries to Peru not exceeding 30 consecutive or alternated calendar days during the last year.

The consignee must be present in Peru to initiate and complete the customs process.

Shipments may arrive in Peru no earlier than 1 month before the consignee's first entry into Peru, and no later than 6 months after the consignee's arrival. The OBL or AWB must describe the cargo as "Used household goods and personal effects."

If used household goods and a vehicle are shipped together in the same container, the OBL must clearly describe both, with the weight of each itemized separately.

All household goods shipments are subject to duties and taxes of approximately 12-30%, assessed by the Customs official at physical inspection. Customs assesses value at the time of inspection.

Only household goods previously exported from Peru are admitted duty-free; this must be supported by documentation stamped by Peruvian Customs at the time of original export.

The consignee must not have used the duty-free household goods benefit in the 2 years prior to the current Import Declaration date.

All shipments are inspected by Peruvian Customs, with the exception of foreign diplomat shipments. New furniture arriving in original manufacturer's packaging is not permitted; all items must be repacked by the moving company before shipping.

Documents must be notarized in Peru. Avoid shipping with MSC, as additional handling complications with Peru services have been reported.

Clearance time: sea shipments approximately 10-14 days; air shipments approximately 7 days, provided all documents are received before the shipment arrives.

Prohibited & Restricted Items

• Narcotics and illegal drugs (prescription medicines in small quantities with documentation are permitted)
• Pornographic materials
• Automatic firearms
• Explosives
• Plants (not considered household goods; do not include)
• Jewellery and valuable precious metal articles (do not include in household goods shipments)
• Damaged vehicles
• Diesel automobiles
• Automobiles older than 2 years (model year) or with more than 32,000 km

Wine and alcohol: Non-diplomatic shipments may include wine and other liquors as follows: up to 4 boxes of 12 bottles in a 20-foot container; up to 8 boxes of 12 bottles in a 40-foot container. Air shipments: confirm limits with the moving company. Duties of 30% on CIF value apply. Foreign diplomats may not include alcohol in shipments declared as household goods. Peruvian diplomats may include up to 10 boxes.

Food items (tinned and dry goods): Permitted in small quantities as part of a household goods shipment.

Firearms and ammunition: Authorization from the Ministry of Interior is required prior to shipment arrival, along with a current firearm licence and a special Discamec permit obtained by the consignee before goods arrive.

Medicines: Permitted in small quantities; a medical prescription may be requested.

Telecommunications equipment (radios, fax machines, modems, routers, telephones, antennas): Require a special import permit and the original certificate issued by the Ministry of Telecommunications. It is strongly recommended not to include these items in household goods shipments.

Refrigerant gas equipment: See Section 2 for OTO permit requirements. Items detained at customs accrue daily storage fees.

Food items in air shipments: Must not exceed 10% of total net weight.

Consignment Instructions

Recommended: Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air, sea, and road shipments. Do not send the shipment without a green light from the destination removal agent, particularly for diplomatic shipments awaiting franchise approval.

The OBL must be freight rated (show the cost), must state the exact net and gross weight, and must describe the cargo as "Used household goods and personal effects." If a vehicle is co-loaded, its weight must be listed separately. Provide the consignee's full name (as in passport), passport number, Lima address, and the moving company's name, RUC number, and contact details on the OBL.

All documents must be notarized in Peru after arrival. The Power of Attorney letter to Peruvian Customs must be notarized locally; the origin agent cannot complete this step.

Packing lists must not use "PBO" (packed by owner) descriptions. All electrical items require brand name and serial number. New items must be repacked by the moving company; original manufacturer's packaging is not permitted.

ISPM 15 (NIMF 15) compliance is mandatory for all wood packing. Non-compliant materials will be denied entry; materials showing live plague evidence may be destroyed. Phytosanitary inspection is conducted at the port or airport of entry.

The OTO permit for refrigerant gas appliances must be secured before the shipment arrives. The SENASA certificate for pets and the Gas Emission Certificate for vehicles are both obtained in Peru after arrival; coordinate timing with the destination agent.