🇦🇼 How to import from Panama to Aruba?

For Arubans interested in acquiring tax-free items from the Panama Free Zone, there are three main methods available. The first and probably the most convenient, consists of buying online through Bridgemarkets Marketplace, this platform facilitates the selection of products from different suppliers and manages all the necessary logistics for consolidated shipping to the island. The second alternative is to make purchases directly from the websites of stores in Panama. To do this, you can consult the Official Directory of the Free Zone, which classifies wholesale businesses by product type, offering information on wholesale purchases and selecting the most suitable logistics company for shipping by sea or air.

The third option involves traveling to Panama to make in-person purchases in the Colon showrooms. Before traveling, it is advisable to research on DIZOLICOL to locate the stores that sell the desired products. Considering the large extent of the Colon Free Zone, the largest in America and second worldwide, it is essential to plan the visit in detail to optimize time. Once the purchases are made, the buyer must organize the transport of the products with a company specialized in logistics.

HOW TO BUY WHOLESALE IN THE FREE ZONE?

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS IN PANAMA

REQUEST ONLINE CATALOG

Importar desde la Zona Libre de Colón en Panamá hasta Aruba

📦What products can be imported from Panama to Aruba?

Panama has established itself as a key center in Latin American wholesale trade, thanks to its wide range of products that includes internationally recognized brands. Its main advantage in the field of imports lies in the speed and efficiency in the management and delivery of merchandise, surpassing significant markets such as China. This efficiency is crucial since, although China offers lower prices, Panama ensures better availability and quality of products, aspects that can be a challenge in the vast Chinese market.

Regarding trade relations between Aruba and Panama, these have gained greater relevance recently. According to UN COMTRADE data, Aruba has imported Panamanian products worth approximately $112 million dollars annually, thus highlighting the importance of this commercial connection.

As for the products that Aruba can import, what Aruban businessmen acquire the most in the Panama free zone:

✅ Beauty and Perfumes
✅ Textiles and Clothing
✅ Technology
✅ Shoes
✅ Sunglasses
✅ Furniture
✅ Jewelry



Agriculture



Food



Manufacturing Articles



Cars & Motorcycles



Babies



Beauty & Perfumes



Footwear/ Shoes



Cigars & Liquors



Sports



Electricity



Home Appliances



Electronics



Outdoors



Hardware



Hygiene



Home Goods



Lighting



Musical Instruments



Gardening



Jewelry & Watches



Toys



Glasses & Frames



White Goods



Marine



Medicine



General Merchandise



Christmas



Office & School



Industrial Products



Clothing & Accessories



Security



Textiles



Cruise Visitors

📄What are the requirements to import merchandise into Aruba?

Before starting with what I need to import to Aruba, it is essential to decide whether the documents will be presented at Aruba Customs as a Legal Entity or a Natural Person. Furthermore, it is necessary to hire an authorized Customs Broker by the General Directorate of Customs of Aruba, who will facilitate the procedures before the General Directorate of Customs Services. The start of the import process involves registering with the various government authorities that participate in authorizing the entry of products into the country. In addition, for the importation of certain products into Aruba, specific licenses and permits are required.

Import License
Commercial registration of the person or company issued less than a year ago
Commercial Invoice
Import Declaration
Bill of Lading (BL) or Air Waybill (AWB)
Certificate of Origin
Cargo Manifest including quantity and number of products
Sanitary or Phytosanitary Certificates (if applicable)
Import License (if applicable)
Insurance policy (optional)
Payment of relevant Duties and Taxes (if applicable)

🚢How much does freight cost from Panama to Aruba?

The selection of the container size and the destination port are crucial in determining the shipping costs from Panama to Aruba. Loading port options in Panama include the Port of Cristobal, the Manzanillo International Terminal-Panama, and the Colon Container Terminal (Evergreen), with destinations in Aruba such as Port Oranjestad or Barcadera. The container size varies between 20 feet (most suitable for small or medium loads, starting at $935) and 40 feet (ideal for large volumes, with a starting cost of $1,190). Transit time is usually 2 days. It is recommended to get quotes from several transport companies to find the best deal.

FROM THE AIRPORT TO THE CENTER FOR $1

COLON FREE PORT

HOW TO SEND THE MERCHANDISE?

📁 What are the import tariffs in Aruba?

Import tariffs in Aruba vary by product category and are calculated based on cost, insurance, and freight (CIF). In general, the average import tariff rate is 12%. Basic or essential products fall into a tariff band ranging from 0% to 12%, while luxury goods are subject to higher import tariffs. Aruba allows tax-free entry of raw materials for manufacturing industries.

Since August 1, 2023, Aruba has reduced import tariffs on more than 660 items. Some reductions include:

Food and beverages: certain products that previously had a 6% tariff, such as sour milk and baking powder, now have a 0% tariff. The tariff for chocolate and coconut milk was reduced from 12% to 6%, while vinegar and animal feed dropped from 12% to 6%. The 32% tariff for importing oysters decreased to 22%.
Green energy generating equipment, electric cars, and vehicles: the import tariff rate for these items decreased from 2% to 0%.
Products of the textile industry, musical instruments, and books: import tariffs for certain textile products such as fabrics, towels, curtains, and bed sheets decreased from 12% to 6%. Tariffs for musical instruments like clarinets, trumpets, saxophones, and flutes were reduced from 22% to 12%, and the tariff for books dropped from 6% to 0%.

For more information on specific tariffs and the complete list of products with reduced tariffs, you can consult the Ministerial Decree «Regulation for temporary reductions of import tariffs».

📁 How to avoid paying import taxes in Aruba?

Although evading import taxes is not legal and tax evasion is illegal and can lead to serious legal and financial consequences for both individuals and companies. There are legitimate ways to optimize import costs. It is important to follow customs laws and regulations and take advantage of:

Free Trade Agreements: Aruba participates in treaties that can reduce or eliminate tariffs for certain products from partner countries.
Proper Classification of Goods: Correctly classifying products can result in lower tariff rates.
Review Exemptions and Reductions: Some items may be exempt or qualify for reductions under certain conditions.
Consult with a Customs Expert: An experienced customs broker can identify ways to legally reduce import costs.

🛬 What are the Commercial Airports to receive my imports in Aruba?

The main commercial airport for receiving imports is Queen Beatrix International Airport. This airport is located near Oranjestad, the capital of Aruba, and is the only international airport on the island; it handles a significant amount of air traffic, both passenger and cargo, and is equipped with the necessary facilities to facilitate the import of goods. In addition to regular commercial operations, the airport also manages cargo flights, making it a key point for import logistics in Aruba.

⚓What are the sailing times from Panama to Aruba?

Generally, the transit time starts from 2 days of sailing depending on the destination port, in addition to having weekly departure frequencies. Some of the most important ports are:

Port of Oranjestad: This port is located in the island’s capital and is the main entry point for imported goods; it handles a wide range of cargo, including containers, bulk cargo, and other types of merchandise.
Port of Barcadera: Located further south of Oranjestad, this port has been developed to alleviate congestion at the Port of Oranjestad and to handle specific cargoes more efficiently.

Each port has its own characteristics and specialties, making them suitable for different types of imports. To obtain detailed information on all ports, I would recommend consulting with the Port Authorities of Aruba.

📄Where is the Consulate of Aruba in Panama?

Currently, it has a Consular Office at 53rd Street, Marbella World Trade Center Building (WTC), 9th Floor, Office 904, Panama City, and you can contact them by phone at (+507) 264 7257

🏨Where to stay if I travel to make my purchases?

Booking in advance can result in significant savings. Below, we present the hotel options preferred by the merchants who visit us in the Free Zone. It is important to consider that these hotels are conveniently located nearby and offer the possibility of transferring by van or taxi directly within the same zone.

HOTEL LA CUBANA

HOTEL ANDROS

HOTEL SOTELO

We also show you the options for hotels near the Free Zone and if you like you can consult the tentative dates for your trip. We have an agreement with the hotel search portal booking.com to offer our visitors the best deals on accommodation.

HOTELS IN PANAMA

⚓What are the types of maritime containers to send my purchases?

Currently, logistics services adapted for the transport of goods from Panama to Aruba include specialized options according to the needs of each shipment:

Full Container Load (FCL) Service from Panama to Aruba: This service offers 20 and 40-foot containers for loads that require a full container. In addition, for loads that need special equipment, such as open-top, flat rack, refrigerated containers, among others, there is a specialized equipment division in the Panama Free Zone that provides suitable and available solutions.

Less than Container Load (LCL) Service from Panama to Aruba: For shipments that do not fill a full container, a maritime consolidation service is offered. In this case, the rate is determined based on the volume of the cargo. If the weight of the cargo exceeds the maximum limit allowed per cubic meter, a weight-based rate will apply.