Includes customs regulations and contact information for this country's customs office.
Last Published: 7/21/2019

The Customs Administration and Trade Facilitation Chapter of CAFTA-DR establishes rules designed to encourage customs transparency, predictability, and efficiency.  Under the agreement, Nicaragua must promptly publish its customs measures, including on the Internet.  Nicaragua must also release goods from customs promptly and expeditiously clear express shipments.

The Central American Uniform Customs Code establishes harmonized customs procedures for Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Honduras, including uniform documents, electronic transmission of customs information, and electronic prepayment of charges, tariffs and taxes.

On August 4, 2015, Nicaragua ratified the World Trade Organization’s Trade Facilitation Agreement.  The agreement contains provisions for expediting the movement, release and clearance of goods, including goods in transit.  It also sets out measures for effective cooperation between customs and other appropriate authorities on trade facilitation and customs compliance issues.  It further contains provisions for technical assistance and capacity building in this area.

Importers must use the services of a licensed customs broker.  Nicaragua applies the World Trade Organization Agreement on Customs Valuation to determine customs duties.  Many importers report, however, that the Nicaraguan Customs Authority misclassifies goods in order to apply a higher duty rate.  They also allege that officials apply arbitrary reference prices.  Information on current customs regulations can be obtained from the Nicaraguan Customs Authority at Tel: +505 2248-2642, +505 2249-5699, +505 2249-4259 or by submitting questions to their website.

 

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