Peru - U.S. Export ControlsPeru - U.S. Export Controls
For imports, Customs (SUNAT) requires a Customs Merchandise Declaration (DAM – in Spanish), a commercial invoice, an airway bill or bill of lading, a packing list, and an insurance letter. Several imports are subject to antidumping and countervailing duties. The list of products and countries is available at ALADI. To avoid these duties, a certificate of origin is required for products coming from other countries, causing U.S. firms to experience delays clearing products through Customs. A food sanitary registry is required for processed food products (issued by DIGESA’s Food and Environmental Health Bureau or a Sanitary Certificate for animal, plants, or their by-products issued by SENASA). Goods can be brought into the country and kept in a bonded warehouse without paying import duties for up to twelve months. During that period, the importer can pay the duties on the goods kept in the warehouse and clear customs, or re-export the goods. This can be done for the entire shipment, or it can be broken down according to the importer’s needs.
For food and beverages, the importer must submit a sworn application to DIGESA accompanied by a Certificate of Free Trade and Use issued by the health authority of the country of origin, the future label, and the registration receipt. If the certificate is not available, the importer should present a document issued by the Peruvian Consulate in the country of origin. The sworn application includes the contact information of the importer’s company and the manufacturer, taxpayer’s identification (RUC), the list of products requested and for each product its content, the results of physical-chemical and microbiological analysis, lot code system, expiration date, packaging material and storage conditions.
Labeling/Marking Requirements
Before reaching the point of sale, imported packaged foods must carry a separate adhesive label with a Spanish translation, including the importer/distributor’s contact information and RUC (taxpayer number). Law 28405 (November 30, 2004) requires labeling for value-added products other than foods. If imported products do not comply with these requirements for customs clearance, importers are allowed to properly label them in private warehouses. For food products, labeling requirements are relatively simple. Products normally retain their original labels, and the name and RUC of the manufacturer, importer, or distributor must be added to the packaging. The Ministry of Health, through its DIGESA bureau, is in charge of issuing the sanitary registration numbers for food products. The Consumer Protection Office of Peru’s Consumer Defense Agency, INDECOPI, is responsible for food and beverage labeling and advertising. Materials and food additives for food and beverage manufacturing must meet the health quality requirements established in the sanitary standards issued by DIGESA.
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.
For food and beverages, the importer must submit a sworn application to DIGESA accompanied by a Certificate of Free Trade and Use issued by the health authority of the country of origin, the future label, and the registration receipt. If the certificate is not available, the importer should present a document issued by the Peruvian Consulate in the country of origin. The sworn application includes the contact information of the importer’s company and the manufacturer, taxpayer’s identification (RUC), the list of products requested and for each product its content, the results of physical-chemical and microbiological analysis, lot code system, expiration date, packaging material and storage conditions.
Labeling/Marking Requirements
Before reaching the point of sale, imported packaged foods must carry a separate adhesive label with a Spanish translation, including the importer/distributor’s contact information and RUC (taxpayer number). Law 28405 (November 30, 2004) requires labeling for value-added products other than foods. If imported products do not comply with these requirements for customs clearance, importers are allowed to properly label them in private warehouses. For food products, labeling requirements are relatively simple. Products normally retain their original labels, and the name and RUC of the manufacturer, importer, or distributor must be added to the packaging. The Ministry of Health, through its DIGESA bureau, is in charge of issuing the sanitary registration numbers for food products. The Consumer Protection Office of Peru’s Consumer Defense Agency, INDECOPI, is responsible for food and beverage labeling and advertising. Materials and food additives for food and beverage manufacturing must meet the health quality requirements established in the sanitary standards issued by DIGESA.