Importing Personal Effects into Venezuela: Documents & Customs Rules

Source: FIDI Customs Guide · Updated 2026-10-17 · Source updated 2026 · Download the Venezuela Import Guide (PDF)

Used Household Goods

• Valid passport showing recent entry stamp of Venezuelan immigration officer.
• Descriptive Inventory with PBO’s contents listed.
• Certificate of Use, duly stamped by Venezuelan Consulate in origin, only if shipper is a returning Venezuelan citizen after having lived abroad for at least one year.
• Work letter from employer is helpful when the client is a foreign city that works for a company or an account locally.
• 2 originals OBLs/AWB.
• Copies of purchase invoices for all new items in the shipment.
• Signature of consignee on Customs forms.
• Copy of the updated consignee‘s RIF (Fiscal Information Registry) document and also (if client is a returning Venezuelan) the Venezuelan Id document or cedula (also updated). This is required for both import and export shipments. Air and sea imports require notarization of a power of attorney.

NEW REGULATION

• Goods must be labelled and identified as per declared on BL/AWB – as per Venezuelan Customs Organic Law in article nb 105: “ all packages (boxes, pallets, etc.) must indicate the following information: The Quantity of Packages (if they are more than 1 box must be numbered, that is, if there are 15 boxes, the label must reflect 1/15, 2/15, 3/15.... 15/15), Supplier Name, Consignee Name, BL Number, Marks or Any information that reflects the original BL.”
• Venezuelan Customs and Bolivariana de Puertos authorities may declare the merchandise of the client as ‘Missing and Surplus’ if when unloading the goods for inspection, those are not properly identified (by labeling). This will result in delays and fines for which the local agent at destination cannot be held responsible.
• Used Household Goods, including furniture, electrical appliances … fall into this category.

Importation is free of duties and taxes for returning Venezuelan citizens only if:

• They have obtained the stamped Certificate of Use at the Venezuelan
• Consulate in origin.
• 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.
• All others pay import duties and taxes, except diplomats.
• Duties range from 5 to 40 % of the CIF value.
• Import tax is 1 % of the CIF value.
• VAT is 16 % of the sum of the CIF value, duties and taxes. For all shipments may apply
• Council tax 0.12% CIF value.
• Container Disinfection Fee € 100.00+ 16% VAT (import shipment).
• Social Fee € 100.00.
• Non-residents with a “TRANSEUNTE VISA3 (Business, Investor, Student, Work, etc.) are NOT eligible to obtain the Certificate of Use at the Venezuelan Consulates or Embassies located in the origin country, in order to avoid payment of import customs duties and taxes on household goods and personnel effects.
• The household goods and personnel effects have been used for at least during six (6) months and show use.

• Customs clearance is rigorous and demanding. Most shipments are inspected.
• Returning Venezuelans and Residents must obtain Certificate of Use before they leave the country of origin. If no certificate is presented to Customs, shipment will be subject to payment of duties. Certificates cannot be obtained locally.
• All clients must arrive in Venezuela before the shipment in order to avoid problems with the customs.

Unaccompanied air shipment

• Same as above.

• Same as above.

• If Certificate of Use is not available, the client will be requested to pay duties, taxes and VAT.

Diplomatic shipments

• Diplomatic franchise and verbal note.
• Diplomat accreditation issued by the MFA
• Packing inventory.
• Signature of consignee on Customs forms.
• Passport.
• 2 OBL’s/AWB.
• For returning Venezuelan diplomats, Diplomatic termination notice issued by the Venezuelan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

• Respective Embassy must supply the diplomatic franchise 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).

Antiques (in Household Goods shipment)

• Same documents as in normal Household Goods shipment
• Stamped Certificate of Use.

• Documented antiques pay high duties and taxes when shipped separately.
• Some antiques may need a Certificate issued by the National Customs Intendancy of the Venezuelan Tax and Customs Service (SENIAT).

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

• Original passport.
• 3 Original OBL/AWB.
• Original invoice.
• Original Certificate of Title.
• Customs letters.
• RIF of Embassy.
• 4 pictures of auto (one per side or per each profile of the car).
• Picture of Serial Motor.
• Diplomatic franchise.
• Copy of the consignee‘s RIF (Fiscal Information Registry).
• Diplomatic accreditation.

• Only one auto or motorcycle can be imported.

Used vehicles – For Non-Diplomats

• Original passport.
• 3 original OBL’s.
• Original invoice.
• Original Registration Title.
• Original Certificate of Use duly stamped by Venezuelan Consulate at origin.
• Consignee’ signature on Customs form supplied by the mover.
• RIF document (Venezuela taxpayers registration document) and ID documentcedula (both updated).
• Certificate of Origin.
• 4 pictures of auto (one per side or per each profile of the car).
• Picture of Serial Motor.

• Returning Venezuelan citizens only may import used cars after living abroad for at least one year and after having purchased the car at least 11 months in advance of import to Venezuela.
• If the value of the car when brand new was over US$ 20,000, duties will be 35 % of the CIF value based on the present day value as dictated by the tax office (Seniat).
• Import tax is 1% of the CIF value.
• Council tax 0.12% CIF value.
• Container Disinfection Fee € 100.00+ 16% VAT.
• Social Fee € 100.00.
• Non-residents can NOT apply for a certificate of Use - they cannot import their used car.

• Customs Office determines the value.
• The value for Customs purposes is not necessarily the value indicated on the original invoice.
• The shipper MUST determine the value of the car at the tax office (Seniat) in Caracas before shipping the vehicle.
• The tax office will assign (1) a present day value to the car and (2) the value when it was brand new.
• Vehicle imported duty free cannot be sold for a period of 3 years.
• These permits are to be obtained in Venezuela prior to arrival of vehicle.

New and used vehicles (under a temporary import permit)

• Application to Customs Office requesting a temporary import permit.
• Remaining documents same as for used vehicles, except Certificate of Use.

• Only after the permit is granted vehicle may be shipped to Venezuela.
• Import tax is 1% of the CIF value.
• Council tax 0.12% CIF value.
• Container Disinfection Fee € 100.00+ 16% VAT.
• Social Fee € 100.00.

• For release from Customs, a bond may be posted through a local insurance company or a deposit may be made for the value of the duties.
• Before shipping a car to Venezuela, the shipper must present the COVENIN and SENORCA permits to Customs, otherwise clearance will be delayed and car may be confiscated.
• These permits are to be obtained in Venezuela, prior to arrival of vehicle.
• The temporary import permit is valid for 6 months. A request may be filed with Customs to extend the permit for one additional six months period, after which the car must be exported. Only valid for tourists and/or holders of transit visas.

New vehicles

• Original passport.
• Original purchase invoice notarised at origin.
• 2 original OBLs/AWBs.
• Original title.
• Consignee’s signature on Customs forms.
• Consignee’s RIF document.
• NIV, homologation, sworn declaration informing the origin of the funds for the acquisition of the good.

• Import tax is 1% of the CIF value.
• Import duties are 40 % of the CIF value.
• VAT is 16 % of the sum of the CIF value, duties and taxes.
• Council tax 0.12% CIF value.
• Container Disinfection Fee € 100.00+ 16% VAT.
• Social Fee € 100.00.

• The vehicle must be less than 4 for years by the moment of entry
• The shipper must be at least 18 years old and he must be in Venezuela when the auto arrives.
• Before shipping a car to Venezuela, the shipper must present the COVENIN and SENORCA permits to Customs, otherwise clearance will be delayed and car may be confiscated.
• These permits are to be obtained in Venezuela prior to arrival of vehicle.

Motorcycles

• Original purchase invoice.
• Original passport of consignee.
• Shipper’s signature on Customs form.
• Shipper’s RIF document.
• Original Certificate of Origin.
• Pictures of motorcycle
• Picture of motorcycle Serial Motor
• 3 original OBLs/AWBs.
• NIV, homologation, sworn declaration informing the origin of the funds for the acquisition of the goods (motorbike).

• Only new motorcycles might be imported by returning Venezuelans.
• Only diplomatic can import used motorcycles.
• The motorbike will pay 55% of import duties (approx.).
• Council tax 0.12% CIF value.
• Container Disinfection Fee € 100.00+ 16% VAT.
• Social Fee € 100.00.

• The motorcycle must be brand new (no miles).
• Certificate of Use issued by Venezuelan Consulate at origin for Venezuelan or returning residents is not valid for importing motorcycles.

Motorcycles - For Diplomats

• Original purchase invoice.
• Original passport of shipper.
• Consignee’s signature on Customs form.
• Consignee’s RIF document.
• Pictures of motorcycle.
• Picture of motorcycle Serial Motor.
• Original diplomatic franchise.
• Cessation of diplomatic functions (for returning Venezuelan Diplomats).

• Council tax 0.12% CIF value.
• Container Disinfection Fee € 100.00+ 16% VAT.
• Social Fee € 100.00.

• Only one auto or motorcycle can be imported.

Prohibited items

• Firearms drugs.
• Pornographic material.
• Food.
• Liquor.
• Drugs.
• Pornographic material.
• Tires.
• Plants.
• Diapers.
• Detergents.

• 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,…, have to have the Seal that certifies the treatment by Bromade Methyl (BM) or Heated Treatment (HT).
• Any import coming into the country without the certification will be returned to the country of origin. This norm does not apply to paper products.

General remark

• Shippers must realise that on their door-todoor shipments, duties, taxes, VAT, deconsolidation fees, airport and airline handling and storage, port fees, container rental and hoisting are not included in the prepaid destination services charge.
• Customs clearance is normally included.
• The shipper must be in the country when his shipment arrives in case the customs office wants to see his passport.
• No values should be declared on the shipping documents nor on the certificate of use, stamped by the Venezuelan Consulate at origin.

Exporting Personal Effects from Venezuela: Documents & Customs Rules

Source: FIDI Customs Guide · Updated 2026-09-19 · Source 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 2026-09-19 · Source updated 2026 · 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.