Certificate of No Customs Fraud in Panama
Get Your Customs-Issued Certificate Without Complications
The Certificate of No Customs Fraud is one of the most requested documents when a company begins international operations in Panama. Without this certificate, you cannot obtain any customs authorization, operate as a freight forwarding agency, or register with SIRA (Integrated Customs Registry System).
At J. Quijano & Asociados, we have processed more than 300 Certificates of No Customs Fraud for companies, importers, and freight consolidators. We know exactly what Customs requires and how to avoid unnecessary delays.
Problems We Help Solve
- Not knowing where to apply for the certificate.
- Incomplete documentation that causes rejection.
- Lack of knowledge regarding prior requirements.
- Delays caused by procedural errors.
- Confusion between provisional and permanent certificates.
- Not understanding why additional documentation is requested.
What Is the Certificate of No Customs Fraud?
The Certificate of No Customs Fraud is an official document issued by Panama’s General Directorate of Customs. This certificate confirms that you, either as an individual or legal representative, and your company have no record of customs fraud, tariff evasion, smuggling, or any other offense against the customs administration.
It is a mandatory requirement for:
- Applying for Authorization to Re-export and Import Merchandise.
- Obtaining an International Freight Forwarding Agency License.
- Registering as a Freight Consolidator.
- Registering with SIRA (Integrated Customs Registry System).
- Applying for a Merchandise Transit License.
- Carrying out any foreign trade operation in Panama.
Why it is important:
- Customs verifies criminal records related to fraud.
- It confirms that there are no pending investigations against your company.
- It demonstrates credibility to suppliers and international clients.
- It is a SIRA requirement for all operations.
- Without this certificate, Customs will reject any application.
- It expires after 90 days and requires periodic renewal.
Types of Certificates of No Customs Fraud
There are two types of certificates depending on the purpose:
Provisional Certificate (Temporary)
It is issued when the company has just been incorporated or is requesting a customs certificate for the first time.
It is valid for 30 days and can be obtained more quickly. It is used to begin urgent procedures while the permanent certificate is being processed. It requires less documentation than the permanent certificate.
Permanent Certificate (Definitive)
It is issued after a more thorough verification process. It is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance.
Customs conducts more extensive checks. It is more widely accepted by financial institutions. This certificate is required to keep the Authorization to Re-export and Import valid.
Main Differences:
Provisional: 30-day validity, obtained in 5–7 days, minimal documentation.
Permanent: 90-day validity, obtained in 10–15 days, more complete documentation.
Recommendation: Apply for the provisional certificate while the permanent certificate is being processed.
Requirements to Obtain the Certificate of No Customs Fraud
Company Documentation:
- Original corporate registration document or certified copy.
- Notarized power of attorney for the legal representative.
- Updated Commercial Registry record.
- Identification document of the legal representative.
- Recent proof of address (utility bills, rental agreement).
- Proof of commercial activity (business references, client letters).
Financial Documentation:
- Income tax returns for the last 2 years, if applying as an individual.
- Audited or reviewed financial statements, if applying as a company.
- Proof of tax payment to the General Directorate of Revenue (DGI).
- Proof of commercial license payment.
- Bank statements for the last 6 months, with a minimum of 3 months.
Customs Documentation:
- If the company has had previous operations, prior customs declarations.
- If the company has worked with customs agents, certificates of good conduct for those agents.
- History of previous imports/exports, if applicable.
Personal Documentation:
- Identification card of the legal representative.
- Criminal record certificate of the representative, issued by the police.
- Criminal records of principal shareholders, if applicable.
Important Note: All documents must be valid and up to date. Documents older than 6 months may be rejected.
Where to Apply for the Certificate of No Customs Fraud?
Option 1: General Directorate of Customs — In Person
Location: General Directorate of Customs, Panama Viejo
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Phone: +507 501-5000
Department: Customs Certifications Section
In-Person Process:
- Bring all required documentation.
- Complete the form at the service counter.
- Wait for a preliminary review, approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- If documentation is missing, you will be informed of what is required.
- Pay the issuance fee.
- Receive the certificate in PDF or printed format.
Advantage: Fast if all documentation is complete.
Disadvantage: Requires appearing in person and waiting at the service counter.
Option 2: SIRA Portal — Online
Access: https://www.sira.gob.pa
Online Process:
- Create an account in SIRA.
- Upload documentation in digital format (PDF).
- Complete the electronic form.
- Pay the fee online.
- Customs reviews the application within 5–10 business days.
- Download the certificate in PDF format.
Advantage: Can be completed from anywhere without traveling.
Disadvantage: The reviewer does not see original documents and may request additional information.
Option 3: Through a Customs Broker or Attorney
A customs broker or specialized attorney can process the certificate on your behalf.
A notarized power of attorney is required.
The representative completes the forms and submits the documentation.
You receive the final certificate.
Advantage: The entire process is handled without your presence and helps avoid errors.
Disadvantage: Additional professional fees apply.
