Includes import documentation and other requirements for both the U.S. exporter and foreign importer.
Last Published: 7/21/2019
An importer must present the following documentation to the Nicaraguan Customs Authority:
bill of lading
  • packing list
  • original invoice
  • declaration of invoice authenticity
  • permits issued by Nicaraguan authorities (if necessary, see below)
  • certificate of origin (to determine applicability of CAFTA-DR and other trade agreements)
Importers must also register as a taxpayer with the Nicaraguan Tax Authority.  Once they have their tax identification number, they must register it with the Nicaraguan Customs Authority, Legal Affairs Division, which also requires importers to present proof of fiscal solvency on a monthly basis.

The process for sending donations to Nicaragua includes requesting authorization from the Ministry of Foreign Relations.  The donating organization may wish to hire a local customs broker familiar with Nicaragua’s customs procedures in order to ensure that the donation is not lost or mishandled.  Customs may seize a shipment if it is not removed from their warehouses after 20 days, but the importer can pay a fine in order to prevent it from being auctioned.
 

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.