Importing Personal Effects into Uruguay: Documents & Customs Rules

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

General comment

• ▪ Customs authorities apply very strict control to all incoming shipments in relation to their precise weights. ▪ It is essential that the declared weight on the bill of lading (OBL) coincides precisely with the actual weight that is shown on the weight ticket issued by Customs scale. ▪ If this requirement is not fulfilled, important demurrage and extra costs will arise. ▪ Shippers will be allowed to import either surface or airfreight shipments of HHGDS and PE within reasonable quantities according to the numbers of family members. ▪ Shipments must arrive in Uruguay within 180 days from shipper’s arrival in the country.
• Duty free entry whether goods are used or new.

Household goods and removal effects – Returning Uruguayan citizen and/or foreign citizen with legal residence visa

• ▪ Packing list in Spanish authenticated by Uruguayan Consulate at origin. ▪ B/L, AWB or CRT. Express release accepted. ▪ Certificate of residence issued by Uruguayan Consulate at origin, stating that shipper has lived at least 1 year abroad. ▪ Once the customer arrives in Uruguay, he
• should contact his agent who will ask for the following documents: ▪ Certificate of entrance in Uruguay issued by the Dirección Nacional de Migraciones (address: Misiones 1513, Montevideo) (
• ). ▪ Photocopy of Identity Card or Passport (readable).
• Sign a letter for Customs requesting authorization to import household goods.

• Uruguayan citizens returning home must submit before customs authorities’ proof of permanent residence abroad for a minimum period of two years.

• ▪ (
• ) Customs procedure must be started within 60 days of the date stated in this certificate. ▪ Normal customs clearance, upon receipt of all documents, takes approx. 7 working days. ▪ Important note: ▪ Any Uruguayan with more than two years
• of residence in a foreign country, who decides to return to Uruguay, will be able to introduce free of duties, taxes or connected charges: working tools, machines, or all kind of different instruments related to the art or profession. ▪ Relevant documental proof to be submitted before Uruguayan Consulate at origin.
• See requirements in section “Clearance of Uruguayan Citizen cars”.

Household goods and removals effects – Foreign citizen without legal residence

• Packing list in Spanish.
• B/L, AWB or CRT. Express release accepted.
• Once the customer arrives in Uruguay, he should contact his agent who will ask for the following documents: ▪ Customers must initiate the proceedings of residence. Or present at least the appointment for the initiation process of the residence. ▪ Certificate of entrance in Uruguay issued by Dirección Nacional de Migración (address Misiones 1513, Montevideo) (
• ). ▪ Photocopy of Identity Card or Passport (readable). ▪ Sign a letter for Customs (asking authorization to import household goods).
• Foreigners under temporary residence must submit a guarantee before customs. (
• ).

• All Foreign Citizens without legal residence who wish to enter personal effects MUST apply for residence in Uruguay in the near future.
• Proof that the foreign citizen has lived outside of Uruguay at least the last year.
• MERCOSUR CITIZENS must request a Residence Certificate at the nearest Uruguayan Consulate to issue it.

• (
• ) Customs procedure must be started within 60 days of the date stated in this certificate.
• (
• ) That is, deposit a guarantee until definitive residence is obtained.
• Guarantee amount will be reimbursed to shipper once obtained legal residence.
• Normal customs clearance upon receipt all documents take approx. 7 working days.
• Guarantee proceedings: 5 more working days.

Household goods and removals effects – Foreign Diplomats

• Packing list in Spanish.
• B/L, AWB or CRT.
• The Embassy, Consulate or Delegation will request to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• relevant authorization to import household goods

• Duty free entry.

• Normal customs clearance upon receipt all documents take approx.5 working days.
• Diplomats must be accredited before the Uruguayan Government (Ministry for Foreign
• Affairs) through their Embassies/mission in Uruguay.
• After accreditation process, Organisation must request for franchise submitting copy of the packing list and B/L or AWB.

Household goods and removals effects – Returning Uruguayan Diplomats

• Packing list in Spanish authenticated by Uruguayan Consulate at origin.
• B/L, AWB or CRT.
• Upon arrival in Uruguay, returning Diplomats will request the Ministry of Foreign Affairs authorization to import household goods.
• This request will be forwarded to Ministry of Finances for approval and only once approved the import clearance process may be started.

• Normal customs clearance upon receipt all documents take approx. 5 /7 working days.

Other vehicles (bicycles, water vehicle)

• ▪ Bicycles can be imported duty free if part of household goods removal. Quantity cannot exceed the number of family members.
• All other vehicles are NOT allowed to be imported.

• Only returning citizens or foreign diplomats can import vehicles to Uruguay under certain conditions.

Wedding trousseaux

• Packing list.
• Visaed marriage certificate.

• Duty free entry provided they are part of the household removal.

Inheritance

• Detailed valued list of items to be imported.

• All items in the shipments will be subject to import duties. Please check with your local agent in each case.

New furniture and household goods

• Duty free entry if imported as part of a household goods removal.

• Customs authorities will hold these items until payment of duties.

Works of art & Antiques

• Duty free entry if these articles are part of a bona fide household removal.
• In case quantities are considered unusual by customs officers to the status or family group of applicants, these items may be subject to payment of duties.

Precious metal objects (jewellery, coins)

• Can be imported if part of household removal and if the quantities are reasonable.

• It is highly recommended NOT to include in the shipment.

Household appliances

• Duty free entry if these articles are part of household removal.
• In case some items are not considered as part of the household removal, Customs may allow the importation paying import duties and taxes (approx. 80% over the new value of the item). For example: jacuzzi or sauna,

Electrical appliances

• Same as for household appliances.
• Only 1 article per kind can be brought in household removal. Except TV sets, videos and PCs, which can exceed such quantities according to the number of family members.

Carpets

• Can be imported if part of household removals.

Presents & Souvenirs

• Can be imported if part of household removal and if the quantities are reasonable.

Wine, Alcohol

• Subject to payment of duties.
• Returning Uruguayan diplomats are allowed to import up to 12 boxes of 12 bottles of 1 litre each as “rest of pantry”.

Machines, appliances, spare parts

• Only Uruguayan professionals are allowed to bring in machines together with their removal goods provided they have been abroad for at least 2 years, and they can prove their professional condition through documentation issued by the Uruguayan Consulate at origin.
• Machines must be for the specific use of the owner's profession.

• Spare parts of vehicles are not allowed to be imported.

Tins and food

• Can be imported if part of household removal and if the quantities are reasonable.

• It is recommended to check with the destination agent before shipping (quantity/type of food).

Prohibited Items

• Only sport guns are allowed to be imported, requiring a certificate from the Ministry of Defence.

• Firearms (unless considered sport guns), ammunition.
• Medicines, narcotics and drugs.
• Live plants.
• Pornographic material, subversive material.
• Used vehicles of all types including motorcycles.
• Any other items that should not be considered part of a household goods removals (like new electrical appliances, industrial tools, machinery etc.).
• Construction supplies.
• Vehicle accessories.

Firearms (sport guns)

• All firearms must be declared in the packing list, including all specifications of each weapon. Authorities will require submitting documentation in proof of ownership.
• Foreign citizens should get legal residence and identity cards to get weapons permission.

• At the moment of loading the container, weapons must be placed at the door of the container to facilitate the access of the customs officer.
• Customs officers will pick up all weapons at shipment arrival and take them (with safekeeping) to the Service of Material & Armament, where they will be kept until the shipper regularizes all documents in Uruguay and obtained weapons permission. Once obtained the permission, the arms could be retired.
• The holder must personally manage such procedure.

• In all cases, weapons will be held by Customs and submitted to the relevant Army authorities.
• Weapons will be only returned to the owner once all relevant documentation be obtained through relevant Ministry of Defence/Army authorities.
• Weapons incoming to Uruguay are kept under custody by the “Servicio de Material y Armamento del Ejercito” (Armed Forces), located at Instrucciones street (phone number 354 0326).

Cats and Dogs

• ▪ LEISHMANIASIS TEST: ▪ In case the country is declared free of leishmania, a certificate must indicate it
• clearly. Otherwise, the pet would be rejected and have to be returned back to the origin country.
• Certificate of health issued by competent authorities at origin.
• 2 photographs of the pet.
• Certificate of anti hydrofolic inoculation: ▪ At least 30 days old but less than one year old. ▪ The certificate itself must be less than 10 working days old when the animal arrives in the country.

• Health and vaccination certificate legalised by Uruguayan Consulate.

Other animals

• ▪ Same as above.

• More information on the animals needs to be supplied since some species are prohibited.

Fumigation of imported and exported wooden crates

• The Uruguay Government adopted ISPM-15 (International standards for Phytosanitary Measures Publication 15).
• Guidelines for Regulating Wood Packaging Material in International Trade (aka NIFM15) to standardise the treatment of wood packing materials used for the transport of goods.
• All wood containers (lift vans) that come into Uruguay must be FUMIGATED against plagues and with the control made properly identified.

• The requirement is fulfilled by means of a seal in the wood. If the load comes from a non-signatory country of the convention, a sanitary certificate in paper must be done.
• The treatment to the packing procedures: a) by heat treatment at 56º in the centre of the wood during 30 minutes; or, b) with methyl Bromide (BR).
• Does not apply to: Particle Plywood, boards, pieces smaller than 6mm thickness.
• The woods carried by the trucks (propping, tops, etc.) must be treated (please inform your carriers).
• Seals must be in 2 sides of the pallet of such form that always are visible.
• Containers of Imports “House to House” are going to be verified in the deposit of the
• client.
• The MGAP, in cases of reiteration of situations of not fulfilling the norm, could reject the entire shipment, not only the packing.
• Signatory countries are Argentine, Chile, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay.

Exporting Personal Effects from Uruguay: Documents & Customs Rules

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

Household goods/Personal effects

• Certificate of residence issued by the nearest police precinct.
• To obtain that certificate, the customer himself must go personally to the closer police station, and submit any invoice of home services such as electricity, water, TV cable, etc. which confirm his address in Uruguay.
• This certificate must clearly show customer’s address, date of issue and name of shipper. It must be dated earlier than 90 calendar days before customs proceedings.
• Copy of Uruguayan ID
• Passport
• Packing list

• Export proceedings may take 3 to 5 working days, depending on customer immigration status.

Household goods/Personal effects – Foreign diplomats

• Diplomats both local and foreign, must get a duty exempt franchise issued by Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Packing list
• Customs forms (via the local agent)

Household goods and removals effects – for customers who still haven’t cancelled a bond submitted to customs

• Certificate of residence issued by the nearest policy precinct.
• Copy of Uruguayan ID
• Packing list.
• If bond not yet cancelled, shipper must export the exact amount of goods he
• imported. Otherwise, bond will be taken by customs for their peculium.

Other Vehicles (moto, water vehicle)

• Depending on characteristics of vehicle.

Wedding trousseau

• Same as for regular exports.

Inheritance

• Same as for regular exports

New furniture and household goods

• Same as for regular exports

• Consult your local agent

Works of Art & Antiques

• Authorization from Ministry of Culture for exporting of goods.

Precious metal objects (jewellery, coins)

• Not permitted

Wine, Alcohol

• Needs to be checked with the airline in case air shipment.
• Contact your local agent

Machines, appliances, spare parts

• Only if household appliances

Tins and food

• Can be imported if part of household removal and if the quantities are reasonable.

• It is recommended to check with the destination agent before shipping (quantity/type of food).

Prohibited Items

• Only sport guns are allowed to be imported, requiring a certificate from the Ministry of Defence

• Firearms (unless considered sport guns), ammunition
• Medicines, narcotics and drugs
• Live plants
• Pornographic material, subversive material
• Used vehicles of all types including motorcycles
• Any other items that should not be considered part of a household goods removals (like new electrical appliances, industrial tools, machinery etc.)
• Construction supplies
• Vehicle accessories

Firearms and sport guns

• Must have been registered at the Ministry of Defence.

Cats and Dogs

• Certificate of anti hydrofolic inoculation:
• At least 30 days old but less than one year old.
• The certificate itself must be less than 10 working days old when the animal arrives in the country.
• Health and vaccination certificate legalised by Uruguayan Consulate.

• Many airlines are refusing to ship animals - contact your local agent

Fumigation of imported and exported wooden Crates

• The Uruguay Government adopted ISPM-15 (International standards for Phytosanitary Measures Publication 15).
• Guidelines for Regulating Wood Packaging Material in International Trade (aka NIFM15) to standardise the treatment of wood packing materials used for the transport of goods.
• All wood containers (lift vans) that come into Uruguay must be FUMIGATED against plagues and with the control made properly identified.

• The requirement is fulfilled by means of a seal in the wood. If the load comes from a non-signatory country of the convention, a sanitary certificate in paper must be done.
• The Treatment to the packing procedures: a) by heat treatment at 56º in the centre of the wood during 30 minutes; or, b) with methyl Bromide (BR).
• Does not apply to: Particle Plywood, boards, pieces smaller than 6mm thickness.
• The woods carried by the trucks (propping, tops, etc.) must be treated (please inform your carriers).
• Seals must be in 2 sides of the pallet of such form that always are visible.
• Containers of Imports “House to House” are going to be verified in the deposit of the client.
• The MGAP, in cases of reiteration of situations of not fulfilling the norm, could reject the entire shipment, not only the packing.
• Signatory countries are Argentine, Chile, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay

Uruguay Moving Guide: Documents, Duties & Shipping Notes

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

Documents

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

The required documents vary significantly by importer category.

• Copy of passport and national ID
• Express release bill of lading (OBL) or air waybill (AWB), endorsed by the owner of the goods using the same signature as on their entry documents when they physically entered Uruguay
• Certificate of entrance issued by the National Direction of Migration (Dirección Nacional de Migración)

• All documents above
• Packing list in Spanish, legalized by the Uruguayan Consulate at the origin country (typed on a computer or typewriter, printed on letterhead)
• Certificate of residence in Spanish stating a minimum of 2 years of residence abroad
• Signed letter of request to Customs requesting entry for household goods and personal effects

• All standard documents above
• Packing list in Spanish legalized by the Uruguayan Consulate at origin (mandatory once permanent residence is obtained)
• Documents proving that the legal residence procedure has been started (if residence not yet finalized)
• Signed letter of request to Customs requesting entry for household goods and personal effects
• Banking guarantee letter (bond) equal to the declared value of the shipment, issued by a local bank in Uruguay (required for non-citizens who do not yet have permanent legal residence)

• Diplomatic franchise authorization issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uruguay, upon request of the embassy or international organization in Uruguay
• Customs release document or diplomatic franchise note for the incoming household goods

• Authorization resolution (contact the local agent as the process involves multiple governmental ministries)
• Authenticated packing list from the Uruguayan Consulate at origin
• Certificate issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uruguay stating the period of employment abroad

Specific Information

Owner Arrival Before Shipment: The owner of the goods must arrive in Uruguay before the shipment arrives at the airport or port.

OBL/AWB Endorsement: The OBL or AWB must be endorsed by the owner of the goods using the same signature as the one used on entry documents when the owner physically entered Uruguay.

PBO Prohibition: Do not indicate "packed by owner" (PBO) on the packing list.

Packing List Legalization: The packing list in Spanish must be authenticated (legalized) by the Uruguayan Consulate at the origin country. It must be typed (not handwritten) and printed on letterhead. This requirement is mandatory for returning citizens and for foreigners who already hold permanent residence.

Returning Citizens — 2-Year Rule: A Uruguayan citizen who has been resident abroad for at least 2 years and is returning permanently may import household goods and personal effects duty-free. The certificate of residence must explicitly state a minimum of 2 years abroad.

Non-Citizens Starting Residence Procedure: Foreign nationals who have not yet obtained legal residence in Uruguay may import household goods and personal effects duty-free only if they have already initiated the legal residence application procedure. The importer's status must remain consistent throughout the entire process — it must not change between the start of the residence procedure and the completion of the household goods import.

Bank Guarantee: For foreign citizens who do not yet have legal residence, a bank guarantee (bond) equal to the declared value of the shipment must be provided through a local Uruguayan bank. The amount is determined by the declared shipment value. This guarantee remains in force until permanent residence is granted, at which point it is released.

Diplomatic Shipments: The diplomat's embassy, consulate, or diplomatic organization must manage the process of obtaining the diplomatic franchise authorization from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The owner of the goods must obtain a Customs release note or diplomatic franchise for the incoming goods.

CAROU / VUCE: Uruguay's current customs code (CAROU, Código Aduanero de la República Oriental del Uruguay) entered into force in March 2015, aligning with the Mercosur Customs Code. All import procedures are processed through the Ventanilla Única de Comercio Exterior (VUCE), Uruguay's single electronic window for international trade. The destination customs agent handles VUCE filings.

ISPM 15 / Fumigation: Uruguay requires fumigation of all household goods shipments. This is a mandatory step and must be accounted for in the clearance timeline and budget. All wooden packing materials must comply with ISPM 15 phytosanitary treatment standards.

Prohibited & Restricted Items

• Narcotics, illegal drugs, and drug precursors
• Pornographic or subversive materials
• Live plants (phytosanitary prohibition)
• New domestic appliances in quantities that are not reasonable relative to household size (contact the destination agent for guidance on what constitutes "reasonable")
• Medicines and narcotics without proper authorization

The following items are subject to restrictions, duties, or special procedures when imported into Uruguay:

New household goods: New items are in principle subject to import duties and VAT. However, if new goods are included in a household goods shipment in a reasonable quantity and proportion, they may be imported duty-free along with the used goods. Contact the destination agent for specific guidance.

Domestic appliances: Televisions, refrigerators, washing machines, and similar appliances are restricted to quantities proportionate to the size of the shipment and the family. Items not classified as "household goods" by Uruguayan Customs (such as industrial tools, machinery, and new commercial-grade appliances) are subject to import duties regardless of their inclusion in a household goods shipment.

Alcohol and tobacco products: Subject to excise duties and import taxes. Include in the packing list with specific descriptions.

Food: Import of food items is generally discouraged. Food products are subject to MGAP phytosanitary controls and may be inspected or refused.

Works of art and antiques: Subject to declaration and may be subject to duties.

Jewelry and coins: Subject to declaration and duties.

Weapons and ammunition: Strictly controlled. See specific information below.

Firearms — Import Procedure:

• Only sport firearms may be imported; a permit from the Ministry of Defense is required before import. [PERMIT REQUIRED]
• All firearms must be declared on the packing list with full specifications and all property documents.
• When loading the container, weapons must be placed at the door of the container to enable easy Customs access.
• At the moment of shipment arrival, Customs will take possession of the weapons and transfer them to the Service of Material and Armament, where they are held until the owner obtains the import permit.
• Foreign citizens must obtain legal residence and a Uruguayan identity card before applying for permission to import a firearm.

Specialized tools and instruments: Duty-free only if accompanied by a professional degree legalized by a Uruguayan Consulate.

Bicycles: Permitted as part of a household goods shipment only.

Car accessories: Subject to declaration.

Medicines: Import of medications requires specific documentation. Controlled substances are prohibited without authorization. Contact the destination agent for pharmaceutical import requirements.

Live plants: Prohibited (see Section 6).

Special Categories

Wedding Trousseau / Gifts: Wedding gifts may be imported subject to Customs duties (which may apply depending on the value and category of goods). A separate packing list and a visa marriage certificate are required.

Inherited Goods: Inherited goods require a tax payment and a professional appraisal. The appraisal process takes approximately 30 days. Customs duties may apply depending on the nature of the goods.

Consignment Instructions

Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences between air and sea shipments.

Owner Must Arrive First: The owner of the goods must arrive in Uruguay before the shipment arrives at the airport or port. Coordinate travel and shipping dates carefully to ensure the owner arrives in advance.

OBL Endorsement Consistency: The signature used to endorse the OBL or AWB must match the signature on the owner's entry documents when they entered Uruguay. Signature discrepancies are a frequent cause of delays.

Packing List Legalization: The packing list in Spanish must be legalized by the Uruguayan Consulate at the origin country before the shipment departs. Allow sufficient lead time — Consulate processing can take several days or longer. The packing list must be typed and printed on letterhead.

No PBO: Packed-by-owner entries are not permitted on the packing list. All cartons must be professionally packed with itemized contents.

Fumigation: Uruguay mandates fumigation of all household goods shipments on arrival. This adds time and cost to clearance. All wooden packing materials must comply with ISPM 15. Budget for fumigation as part of standard clearance costs.

Bank Guarantee Lead Time: For non-residents starting the legal residence procedure, a bank guarantee letter must be arranged through a local Uruguayan bank before clearance begins. Coordinate this with the Montevideo agent well in advance of the shipment's arrival.

Non-Household Goods: Industrial tools, machinery, new commercial appliances, and similar items are not classified as household goods by Uruguayan Customs and will be assessed for full import duties. Advise clients to either leave these items or be prepared to pay duties on them.

VUCE: Uruguay processes all import declarations through its single electronic window, the Ventanilla Única de Comercio Exterior (VUCE). The destination customs broker handles VUCE submissions. Ensure all documents are provided to the broker promptly to avoid delays.