🇧🇸 How to Import from Panama to The Bahamas?

Bahamian nationals wishing to purchase in the duty-free zone have two alternatives. The easiest option is to buy online directly from Panamanian companies; to do this, check the Directory of Companies in the Free Zone. Businesses are categorized by product type, making it easy to select the items you want to import. Sales representatives will provide detailed guidance on wholesale purchasing and recommend logistics companies for sea or air freight.

The second option is to travel to Panama and shop in person. We recommend researching stores that carry your target products in advance, as this is recognized as the largest free trade zone in the Americas and the second largest in the world, covering an area of 1,064.58 hectares; navigating it without a prior plan can be time-consuming. Once your purchases are completed, you will coordinate shipping with the logistics providers.

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 Bahamas

📦 What Products Can Be Imported from Panama to The Bahamas?

Today, Panama has emerged as a premier wholesale trading hub in Latin America. It stands out for its extensive range of products, including renowned global brands. What sets Panama apart as an import destination is the speed at which goods are processed and dispatched, outpacing other markets, including manufacturing giants like China. This efficiency is critical: while alternative markets may compete on price, Panama guarantees product availability, immediate stock, and quality assurance.

Trade between The Bahamas and Panama has grown substantially in recent years. According to UN COMTRADE data, The Bahamas has imported goods from Panama valued at over $37,997,965.

Among the top product categories imported by Bahamian entrepreneurs from Panama’s free zone are:

✅ Beauty & Perfumes
✅ Sunglasses & Eyewear
✅ Footwear
✅ Textiles & Apparel
✅ Technology & Electronics
✅ Food & Beverages
✅ Jewelry & Fashion Accessories
✅ Furniture & Home Goods



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 Goods into The Bahamas?

Before getting started, decide whether you will submit documentation directly to Bahamas Customs or authorize a Licensed Customs Broker to act on your behalf before the Border Services Agency, which requires a formal Power of Attorney.

Customs requires specific documentation depending on whether shipments arrive by sea or air. The Bahamas Customs Department operates an Electronic Single Window known as Click2Clear to facilitate import and export clearances; importers must register online through the Click2Clear portal prior to cargo arrival.

The primary documents required for importing goods include:

Bill of Lading manifest (used for entry declaration, release, and duty assessment)
Bahamas Tax Identification Number (TIN)
Tariff subheading classification (HS Code) for each product
Importer registration in The Bahamas
Bahamas Customs Valuation Declaration
Proof of tax compliance / Good Standing status in The Bahamas
Inventory transfer document from Panama (copy)
Valid Business Licence in The Bahamas authorizing import activities
Panamanian Phytosanitary / Sanitary Export Certificate (when applicable, copy)
Proof of financial solvency in The Bahamas
Agreed Incoterms conditions for the shipment
Original Bill of Lading (B/L), Sea Waybill, or Air Waybill (AWB) from the carrier
Packing list
Commercial invoice
Combined Certificate of Value and Origin (CCVO) from Panama

🚢 How Much Does Freight Cost from Panama to The Bahamas?

Container size, origin port in Panama (such as Port of Cristóbal, Manzanillo International Terminal – MIT, or Colon Container Terminal – CCT), and destination port in The Bahamas will determine freight costs. Average maritime transit time runs between 5 and 10 days, depending on carrier schedules and routes.

20-foot container (20ft): Shipping rates from Panama to The Bahamas start at approximately $1,120. This is an efficient option for small to medium-volume shipments or growing enterprises.
40-foot container (40ft): Suited for high-volume cargo, rates start at around $2,025. While total freight cost is higher, the cost per cubic meter is significantly lower, maximizing profitability on larger orders.

We recommend requesting detailed quotes from multiple freight forwarders to secure optimal rates and routing.

FROM AIRPORT TO DOWNTOWN FOR $1

COLÓN FREE PORT

HOW TO SHIP YOUR GOODS?

🛬 Commercial Airports Receiving Imports in The Bahamas

The country has several commercial airports that play a vital role in regional connectivity and cargo transport. Key entry points include:

Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS): Located in Nassau, New Providence Island, this is the nation’s largest and busiest international gateway, equipped with dedicated air cargo terminals and customs processing facilities.
Grand Bahama International Airport (FPO): Situated in Freeport on Grand Bahama Island, handling key commercial traffic and air freight operations for the northern islands.
Marsh Harbour International Airport (MHH): Located in the Abaco Islands, serving as a primary point of entry for commercial cargo in the Abaco district.
Exuma International Airport (GGT): Located on Great Exuma Island, facilitating air freight and trade across the Exuma cays.
North Eleuthera International Airport (ELH): Serving Eleuthera Island, Harbour Island, and Spanish Wells.
Treasure Cay International Airport (TCB): Located in northern Great Abaco Island, receiving regional air cargo.
South Bimini Airport (BIM): Serving the Bimini islands, handling air imports and cross-border commercial links.

⚓ What Are the Maritime Transit Times from Panama to The Bahamas?

Ocean transit times generally range from 5 days upward, depending on destination port, routing, and weekly sailing schedules. Key seaports include:

Port of Freeport: Located on Grand Bahama Island, this major transshipment hub features the Freeport Container Port, one of the most technologically advanced container terminals in the region, ideal for cargo arriving from Panama.
Port of Nassau: Situated on New Providence Island, this is the main commercial port and busiest entry point for consumer imports, offering comprehensive logistics infrastructure.
Port of Marsh Harbour: Located in Abaco, handling freight distribution for the northern outer islands.
Port of Matthew Town: Located on Great Inagua Island, handling specialized regional cargo and fishing industry logistics.
Port of Spanish Wells: Situated off Eleuthera, vital for regional fisheries and local freight supply.
Port of Georgetown (Exuma): Serves as the central maritime logistics point for the Exumas.

For port tariffs, vessel schedules, and terminal regulations, consult the Bahamas Port Department directly.

📄 Bahamas Consular Representation in Panama

The Bahamas maintains an Honorary Consulate in Panama City at Edif. Vista Bella, José G. Duque #20, La Cresta, El Dorado, Panama City. Contact phone: (+507) 223-4911 | Fax: (+507) 269-0193 | Email: conshonbahamaspty@surinvest.net / mofabahamas@bahamas.gov.bs

🏨 Where to Stay When Visiting Panama for Sourcing?

Booking in advance ensures competitive rates. Below are recommended hotel options favored by business visitors to the Colon Free Zone, offering convenient access and taxi/shuttle transport directly into the commercial area.

HOTEL LA CUBANA

HOTEL ANDROS

HOTEL SOTELO

You can also explore hotels located in Panama City and near the Free Zone. Through our partnership with booking.com, visitors access exclusive hotel rates for their business trips.

HOTELS IN PANAMA

⚓ What Types of Ocean Shipping Containers Are Available?

Modern freight operators provide specialized ocean shipping options tailored to your trade volume from Panama to The Bahamas:

FULL CONTAINER LOAD (FCL) FROM PANAMA TO THE BAHAMAS:

FCL services are available in standard 20ft and 40ft containers. For specialized cargo requirements (open-top, flat-rack, or temperature-controlled refrigerated reefers), logistics operators in the Colon Free Zone provide dedicated equipment suited to your goods.

LESS THAN CONTAINER LOAD (LCL / CONSOLIDATION) FROM PANAMA TO THE BAHAMAS:

For smaller shipments that do not fill a complete unit, ocean consolidation (LCL) is available weekly. Rates are calculated per cubic meter (CBM) or weight equivalent, providing cost efficiency for commercial samples and partial shipments.