Authorization to Re-export and Import International Merchandise
Authorization to Re-export
International trade requires specific permits and authorizations to operate legally. If your company needs to re-export or import goods in Panama, it is essential to obtain the Authorization to Re-export and Import International Merchandise, a key procedure regulated by Panama’s General Directorate of Customs.
At J. Quijano & Asociados, we have more than two decades of experience advising companies, importers, and freight consolidators in obtaining these authorizations, ensuring regulatory compliance and efficiency throughout every stage of the process.
Problems We Help Solve
- Incomplete or incorrect documentation that delays the process.
- Lack of knowledge regarding current customs regulations in Panama.
- Rejection of applications due to procedural errors.
- Operational delays in your imports and re-exports.
- Complications with SIRA (Integrated Customs Registry System).
What Is the Authorization to Re-export and Import Merchandise in Panama?
The Authorization to Re-export and Import International Merchandise is an official permit issued by the General Directorate of Customs that authorizes legal entities (companies) to carry out the following operations:
Operations:
- Re-export: Importing goods and subsequently exporting them to third countries without the goods being consumed in Panama.
- Import: Bringing goods from abroad into Panama for consumption, processing, or distribution.
- Cargo consolidation: Combining goods from multiple shippers into a single shipment.
- Cargo deconsolidation: Separating consolidated shipments into individual lots.
This authorization is a legal requirement for all companies seeking to operate as Freight Forwarding Agencies, International Cargo Consolidators, or Importer-Exporters.
Why Is This Authorization Critical?
- It allows companies to conduct international trade without violating customs regulations.
- It facilitates cargo consolidation and deconsolidation operations.
- It helps prevent customs penalties and fines.
- It provides legitimacy before financial institutions and clients.
- It is a requirement for registration with SIRA (Integrated Customs Registry System).
Requirements to Operate as a Cargo Consolidator and Deconsolidator in Panama
To obtain the Authorization to Re-export and Import, your company must comply with several requirements, which we have summarized into three categories:
Registered Company:
- Valid and current corporate registration documentation.
- Complete legal documentation of the company’s legal representative.
- Notarized power of attorney authorizing the representative to handle customs procedures.
Clean Record:
- Certificate of No Customs Fraud issued by Customs.
- Clean criminal records for both the company and its representative.
- Audited financial statements or income tax returns for the last two years.
National Registration:
- Valid commercial registration.
- Public Registry record showing an economic activity consistent with import/export operations.
- Up-to-date tax status with the General Directorate of Revenue (DGI).
Administrative and Technical Requirements
Mandatory Infrastructure:
- An office with an identifiable and verifiable address in Panama.
- Warehouse or storage facility, if required by the operation, located in a free trade or port zone.
- Documented inventory control systems.
- Valid insurance policy with minimum coverage according to the type of merchandise.
Operational Documentation:
- Written customs management policies.
- Cargo control and supervision procedures.
- Merchandise segregation and identification protocols.
- Organized and auditable accounting records.
Qualified Personnel:
- At least one authorized agent with customs knowledge.
- Evidence of training in Panamanian customs legislation.
- A dedicated Compliance Officer.
REQUIREMENTS BEFORE SIRA
(Integrated Customs Registry System)
Mandatory Prior Registration:
- Registration with SIRA using accurate information.
- Assignment of a unique operator code.
- Activation of an administrator user account for inquiries.
- Linking of a digital certificate, when applicable to qualified operators.
