Importing Personal Effects into Venezuela: Documents & Customs Rules

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

Removal Goods – HHG/PE

• Copy of valid passport or extension issued by Venezuelan officer by the moment of the operation – all pages including blank ones.
• Copy of ID (CEDULA DE IDENTIDAD) – valid.
• Copy of the updated Shipper RIF (Fiscal Information Registry).
• Document Descriptive Inventory contents listed.
• Work letter from employer when the client is relocated.
• 2 original and copies OBLs/AWB.
• Shipper’s signature and fingerprints on Customs forms.
• For both modalities Air/Ocean: notarization of a power of attorney.
• Except for Diplomatic Shipments: Power of attorney just authorized by customs authorities instead of ‘notarization’.
• Institute of Cultural Heritage (IPC) certification for Artwork.

• Exportation is free of duties and taxes only if the Customs official is satisfied that the contents are used household goods.
• The Customs officer and the National Guard will carefully inspect most shipments.
• For all shipments may apply:
• Council tax 0.12% CIF value
• Port Access
• Social Fee (n/a) just for inbound
• Elevator
• Port/airport Handling
• Containers Disinfection Fee (n/a) just for inbound
• Other charges depending on the shipping line.

• Used Household Goods, including furniture, electrical appliances fall into this category.
• Customs clearance is rigorous and demanding.
• All shipments should be inspected in customs.
• The presence of the owner of the move at the moment of inspection is mandatory.
• Otherwise, there must be a representative duly authorized by Notarized Power of Attorney to represent the owner.

Unaccompanied air shipment

• Same as above.

• Same as above.

• Same as above

Diplomatic shipments

• Copy of the updated Shipper RIF (Fiscal Information Registry).
• Termination of duties letter (Cese de Funciones) sealed by MRE.
• Diplomat accreditation issued by the MFA.
• Packing inventory.
• Signature of consignee on Customs forms.
• Passport.
• 2 original and copies OBL’s/AWB.

• Respective Embassy must supply the termination of Duties Letters sealed by MRE before customs clearance.
• Diplomats may include small amount of
• liquor, food or medicine in their shipments, however for large amounts a note requesting permission is to be submitted at the MFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) confirming the amount of these specific items (food, medicine or liquor).
• A representant of Embassy should be present at port/airport at the moment of inspection.

• Diplomatic shipper or his/her representative must be at the inspection clearance at the port and/or airport.
• Authorization must be sealed and signed
• containing the authorization letter, the copy of the diplomatic cards (carnets) of the shipper and authorized (this document should be original signed).

Antiques (in Household Goods shipment)

• Same documents as in normal Household Goods shipment.

• Documented antiques pay high duties and taxes when shipped separately.

Alcohol (in household goods and luggage shipments)

• Prohibited without Sanitation Permit.

• Specific rule for Diplomats – see under ‘Diplomatic shipments’ section.

• Confiscation may occur if rule is not complied with.

Food (in Household Goods shipment)

• Prohibited without Sanitation Permit.

• Confiscation may occur if rule is not complied with.

Vehicles – For Diplomats

• Copy of Updated Passport including all pages and blank ones.
• Diplomatic accreditation issued by the MFA.
• 2 Original and copies OBL/AWB.
• Original invoice.
• Original Certificate of Title.
• Customs letters.
• RIF of Embassy.
• Certificate of Origin.
• 4 pictures of auto (one per side or per each profile of the car).
• Picture of Serial Motor.
• Battery should be disconnected once loaded into the container/air Van as well as gas tank must be loaded less than ¼ - MANDATORY.
• Termination of duties letter (Cese de
• Funciones) sealed by MRE.

• A representant of Embassy should be present at port/airport by the moment of inspection

• Same as diplomatic shipments.

Used and/or new vehicles/Motorcycles – For Non-Diplomats

• No allowed for authorities until further notice.

Motorcycles - For Diplomats

• Original purchase invoice.
• Copy of Passport of shipper including all pages as well as blank ones.
• Diplomat accreditation issued by the MFA.
• Shipper’s signature on Customs form.
• Shipper’s RIF document.
• Certificate of Origin.
• Pictures of motorcycle.
• Picture of motorcycle Serial Motor.
• Battery should be disconnected once loaded into the container/air Van as well as gas tank must be loaded less than ¼ - MANDATORY.
• Termination of duties letter (Cese de Funciones) sealed by MRE.

• A representant of Embassy should be present at port/airport by the moment of inspection.

• Same as diplomatic shipments.

Prohibited items

• Firearms
• Drugs
• Pornographic material
• Food
• Liquor
• Kerosene, diesel, gas
• Tires
• Plants
• Diapers
• Wood
• Minerals (gold, cold coltan …)
• Aluminium

• For firearms, apply to the Ministry of Defence before shipping. Prohibited in household goods shipments.
• These items may be confiscated if detected.
• PBO are not accepted, all items must show contents.

Fumigation of wood packaging

• All imports and exports containing wooden crates, lift vans, must have the Seal that
• certifies the treatment by Bromade Methyl (BM) or Heated Treatment (HT).

General remark

• The shipper may provide an authorization by Notarized Power Attorney to his representative for all customs purposes, as long as they meet the related requirements.

Exporting Personal Effects from Venezuela: Documents & Customs Rules

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

Removal Goods – HHG/PE

• Copy of valid passport or extension issued by Venezuelan officer by the moment of the operation – all pages including blank ones.
• Copy of ID (CEDULA DE IDENTIDAD) – valid.
• Copy of the updated Shipper RIF (Fiscal Information Registry).
• Document Descriptive Inventory contents listed.
• Work letter from employer when the client is relocated.
• 2 original and copies OBLs/AWB.
• Shipper’s signature and fingerprints on Customs forms.
• For both modalities Air/Ocean: notarization of a power of attorney.
• Except for Diplomatic Shipments: Power of attorney just authorized by customs authorities instead of ‘notarization’.
• Institute of Cultural Heritage (IPC) certification for Artwork.

• Exportation is free of duties and taxes only if the Customs official is satisfied that the contents are used household goods.
• The Customs officer and the National Guard will carefully inspect most shipments.
• For all shipments may apply:
• Council tax 0.12% CIF value
• Port Access
• Social Fee (n/a) just for inbound
• Elevator
• Port/airport Handling
• Containers Disinfection Fee (n/a) just for inbound
• Other charges depending on the shipping line.

• Used Household Goods, including furniture, electrical appliances fall into this category.
• Customs clearance is rigorous and demanding.
• All shipments should be inspected in customs.
• The presence of the owner of the move at the moment of inspection is mandatory.
• Otherwise, there must be a representative duly authorized by Notarized Power of Attorney to represent the owner.

Unaccompanied air shipment

• Same as above.

• Same as above.

• Same as above

Diplomatic shipments

• Copy of the updated Shipper RIF (Fiscal Information Registry).
• Termination of duties letter (Cese de Funciones) sealed by MRE.
• Diplomat accreditation issued by the MFA.
• Packing inventory.
• Signature of consignee on Customs forms.
• Passport.
• 2 original and copies OBL’s/AWB.

• Respective Embassy must supply the termination of Duties Letters sealed by MRE before customs clearance.
• Diplomats may include small amount of
• liquor, food or medicine in their shipments, however for large amounts a note requesting permission is to be submitted at the MFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) confirming the amount of these specific items (food, medicine or liquor).
• A representant of Embassy should be present at port/airport at the moment of inspection.

• Diplomatic shipper or his/her representative must be at the inspection clearance at the port and/or airport.
• Authorization must be sealed and signed
• containing the authorization letter, the copy of the diplomatic cards (carnets) of the shipper and authorized (this document should be original signed).

Antiques (in Household Goods shipment)

• Same documents as in normal Household Goods shipment.

• Documented antiques pay high duties and taxes when shipped separately.

Alcohol (in household goods and luggage shipments)

• Prohibited without Sanitation Permit.

• Specific rule for Diplomats – see under ‘Diplomatic shipments’ section.

• Confiscation may occur if rule is not complied with.

Food (in Household Goods shipment)

• Prohibited without Sanitation Permit.

• Confiscation may occur if rule is not complied with.

Vehicles – For Diplomats

• Copy of Updated Passport including all pages and blank ones.
• Diplomatic accreditation issued by the MFA.
• 2 Original and copies OBL/AWB.
• Original invoice.
• Original Certificate of Title.
• Customs letters.
• RIF of Embassy.
• Certificate of Origin.
• 4 pictures of auto (one per side or per each profile of the car).
• Picture of Serial Motor.
• Battery should be disconnected once loaded into the container/air Van as well as gas tank must be loaded less than ¼ - MANDATORY.
• Termination of duties letter (Cese de
• Funciones) sealed by MRE.

• A representant of Embassy should be present at port/airport by the moment of inspection

• Same as diplomatic shipments.

Used and/or new vehicles/Motorcycles – For Non-Diplomats

• No allowed for authorities until further notice.

Motorcycles - For Diplomats

• Original purchase invoice.
• Copy of Passport of shipper including all pages as well as blank ones.
• Diplomat accreditation issued by the MFA.
• Shipper’s signature on Customs form.
• Shipper’s RIF document.
• Certificate of Origin.
• Pictures of motorcycle.
• Picture of motorcycle Serial Motor.
• Battery should be disconnected once loaded into the container/air Van as well as gas tank must be loaded less than ¼ - MANDATORY.
• Termination of duties letter (Cese de Funciones) sealed by MRE.

• A representant of Embassy should be present at port/airport by the moment of inspection.

• Same as diplomatic shipments.

Prohibited items

• Firearms
• Drugs
• Pornographic material
• Food
• Liquor
• Kerosene, diesel, gas
• Tires
• Plants
• Diapers
• Wood
• Minerals (gold, cold coltan …)
• Aluminium

• For firearms, apply to the Ministry of Defence before shipping. Prohibited in household goods shipments.
• These items may be confiscated if detected.
• PBO are not accepted, all items must show contents.

Fumigation of wood packaging

• All imports and exports containing wooden crates, lift vans, must have the Seal that certifies the treatment by Bromade Methyl (BM) or Heated Treatment (HT).

General remark

• The shipper may provide an authorization by Notarized Power Attorney to his representative for all customs purposes, as long as they meet the related requirements.

Venezuela Moving Guide: Documents, Duties & Shipping Notes

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

Documents

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

• Passport with recent Venezuelan immigration entry stamp
• Detailed inventory (PBO contents may be listed, unlike in many countries — see note below)
• Original bill of lading (OBL) or air waybill (AWB)
• Copy of the owner of the goods' Fiscal Information Registry (RIF — Registro de Información Fiscal) document
• Sanitation permit (required if the shipment contains alcohol or food items)

• Certificate of Use (Certificado de Uso), duly stamped by the Venezuelan Consulate at the origin country
• Letter of employment (if applicable)

• Certificate of Use obtained at the Venezuelan Consulate or Embassy in the country of origin
• Documentation demonstrating the goods have been used for at least 6 months

• Diplomatic franchise document (produced by the Embassy before Customs clearance)
• Original OBL / AWB (2 copies required)
• Detailed inventory

Specific Information

RIF Requirement: The Fiscal Information Registry (RIF) document is required for both import and export shipments. The owner of the goods must hold a RIF.

Owner Must Arrive Before Shipment: Venezuelan citizens and foreigners must arrive in Venezuela before the shipment arrives at the port or airport to avoid clearance complications.

PBO Note: Unlike most countries, Venezuela permits packed-by-owner (PBO) contents to be listed on the detailed inventory. PBO descriptions should still be specific — avoid vague or generic entries.

Values on Documents: Values should not be declared on shipping documents or on the Certificate of Use stamped by the Venezuelan Consulate. Including value information can lead to higher duty assessments.

Diplomatic Shipments: The diplomatic franchise must be produced by the Embassy before Customs clearance begins. Storage and container demurrage charges may accumulate during the process of obtaining the diplomatic franchise — advise diplomatic clients of this risk.

Antiques: Documented antiques shipped separately may attract high duties. If antiques are to be included, ship them with the household goods and ensure proper documentation.

ISPM 15: All wooden crates and lift vans must bear a certification seal confirming methyl bromide (MB) or heat treatment (HT). This does not apply to paper products. Shipments arriving without certification will be returned to the country of origin.

Duties & Taxes

Duty-Free Eligibility: Importation is free of customs duties and taxes for returning Venezuelan citizens and returning foreigners holding a resident visa, provided:

If a Certificate of Use is not presented to Customs, the shipment is subject to payment of duties.

Non-Residents (Transeunte Visa): Holders of a Category 3 Transeunte Visa (for businesses, investors, students, and workers) are also eligible to obtain a Certificate of Use at a Venezuelan Consulate or Embassy in the origin country, enabling duty-free import. The household goods must have been used for at least 6 months and show visible signs of use.

Duty Rates (if applicable): Customs duties range from 5% to 20% of the CIF (cost, insurance, freight) value. An import tax of 1% of CIF value also applies. VAT at 16% is calculated on the sum of the CIF value, duties, and import tax.

Prohibited & Restricted Items

• Firearms (without authorization from the relevant Venezuelan authority) [PERMIT REQUIRED]
• Narcotics and controlled drugs
• Pornographic materials

Cigarettes: 200 cigarettes per person (duty-free allowance for accompanied personal baggage).

Cigars: 25 cigars per person.

Perfume: 4 small bottles per person.

Alcohol: Up to 2 liters per person for air travel; up to one case per sea shipment container. A sanitation permit is required for alcohol included in a household goods shipment. Alcohol is subject to confiscation if not covered by the sanitation permit.

Consignment Instructions

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

Certificate of Use — Obtain at Origin. The Certificado de Uso must be obtained and stamped at the Venezuelan Consulate in the origin country before the shipment departs. It cannot be obtained in Venezuela after arrival. Without it, the shipment will be subject to full duties ranging from 5% to 20% of CIF value plus VAT.

Do Not Declare Values on Shipping Documents. Values shown on the OBL, AWB, or Certificate of Use can trigger higher duty assessments. Keep value documentation (purchase receipts, insurance documents) separate from the shipping papers.

ISPM 15 — Critical. All wooden packing materials (crates, lift vans, pallets) must have a clearly visible MB or HT certification seal. Shipments without this certification will be returned to the country of origin. Verify ISPM 15 compliance before loading.

Owner Arrival — Before Shipment. The owner of the goods must arrive in Venezuela before the shipment reaches port or airport. Coordinate travel dates carefully.

Diplomatic Franchise Lead Time. Diplomatic clients must obtain the franchise from their Embassy before Customs clearance. Storage and demurrage fees accumulate while this documentation is being prepared — inform diplomatic clients of this risk and factor it into cost estimates.

Vehicle Pre-Permits. For vehicles, the temporary import permit and COVENIN/SENORCA permits (for 2000+ model years) must be arranged before the vehicle departs origin. Shipping a vehicle without these pre-clearances leads to significant delays and possible confiscation.

Operational Risk. Venezuela's port infrastructure, Customs staffing, and regulatory stability are all significantly affected by the country's ongoing political and economic situation. Agents should maintain close contact with trusted local partners in Caracas and the port of La Guaira, and should advise clients in writing of the heightened risk of delays, unexpected costs, and procedural changes.