🇳🇮 How to Import from Panama to Nicaragua?

Before beginning the import process, you must determine whether documentation will be submitted directly to Nicaraguan Customs or if you will designate a Licensed Customs Broker to act as your legal representative before the General Directorate of Customs Services (DGA / DGSA). Retaining a broker requires granting a Notarial Power of Attorney (Poder Notarial) whether importing as an individual, corporate entity, or cooperative. The primary step involves active registration across relevant government agencies in Nicaragua overseeing commercial import authorization.

Single Taxpayer Registry (RUC) – Importer Registration

1. RUC Card, original and photocopy for verification.
2. Tax Clearance Certificate (Solvencia Fiscal), original and photocopy.
3. Formal application letter addressed to the Director General of Customs.
4. Notarial declaration of registered fiscal address.

Individuals:

• Photocopy of national Identity Card (Cédula de Identidad).

Legal Entities:

1. Articles of Incorporation and bylaws registered with the Public Commercial Registry.
2. Notarized General Power of Attorney / Administrative Power registered with the Commercial Registry.
3. Identity card or valid Nicaraguan residency card of the legal representative.
4. Certificate of Economic Activity issued by the DGI.
5. Certificate of Definitive Tax Registration or modification from the DGI.
6. Certificate of Direct Tax Obligor (Responsable Directo) from the DGI.

Core customs documentation required for imports originating in Central American partner countries includes:

1. Customs Declaration (Declaración Aduanera).
2. Central American Single Document (DUCA / FAUCA).
3. Transport Document (Bill of Lading, Consignment Note, or Air Waybill).
4. Tax Clearance Certificate (Solvencia Fiscal).
5. Payment Receipt for customs duties and taxes.
6. Special ministerial permits for regulated goods.
7. Duty exoneration resolutions (where applicable).

Certain commodities require specialized documentation such as sanitary certificates (live animals or animal-derived products), fumigation certificates (used bags/packaging), and certificates of free sale (food and beverages) issued in the country of origin and authenticated by the Consulate of Nicaragua in Panama.

To calculate Value Added Tax (IVA) on imported goods, customs authorities use the assessed customs valuation as the baseline. To this CIF base, any applicable tariff duties (DAI), excise taxes, and ancillary customs fees are added. This tax base calculation applies even when the importer is exempt from tariff duties but remains subject to VAT.

When importing commercial goods from Panama to Nicaragua, importers must be registered in the Single Taxpayer Registry (RUC) managed by the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit. Key import taxes to incorporate into landed cost models include:

• Selective Consumption Tax (ISC – Impuesto Selectivo de Consumo): Assessed on designated imported commodities based on CIF value, with rates generally ranging between 10% and 30%.
• Value Added Tax (IVA): Calculated over the taxable base of the CIF value plus customs duties, handling fees (TSIM), and terminal storage. The standard rate is 15% on non-exempt merchandise.