Customs Law in Panama

Merchandise Transit License

Merchandise Transit License: Your Permit to Transport Cargo in Panama

At J. Quijano & Asociados, we have processed more than 200 transit licenses for transport companies, freight agencies, and consolidators. We know exactly what requirements Customs asks for and how to avoid delays in this process.

At J. Quijano & Asociados, we have also processed more than 300 certificates of no customs fraud for companies, importers, and cargo consolidators. We know exactly what Customs looks for and how to avoid unnecessary delays.

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Problems We Solve:

Not knowing where to apply for a transit license
Incomplete documentation that causes rejections
Transport companies penalized for operating without a license
Delivery delays due to incomplete procedures
Confusion between a transit license and other customs permits
Not understanding the difference between national and international transit

What Is a Merchandise Transit License?

The Merchandise Transit License is an official document issued by the General Directorate of Customs of Panama. This document authorizes an individual or transport company to move cargo under customs control from one point to another within Panama.

It is used when goods are imported through a port, such as Colón, and need to be transported to a warehouse in Panama Viejo, or when cargo from multiple origins is consolidated.

It is a mandatory requirement for:

Transporting imported goods from the port to a warehouse
Moving cargo held in temporary customs storage
Transporting goods between free trade zones
Transporting cargo that has not yet been nationalized
Any movement of goods under customs control within Panama

Why is this license critical?

Without a license, Customs may retain goods in transit
Transport companies may face fines ranging from $5,000 to $50,000
Cargo may be seized if you do not have a valid license
It may affect your company’s reputation with clients
It can cause operational delays at checkpoints
Customs verifies the license during customs inspections

Types of Transit Licenses

National Transit License

This license is used to transport imported goods within Panama. It is required when cargo arrives at the Port of Colón or Balboa and needs to be transported to a warehouse in Panama City.

It is valid only within Panamanian territory. It may be issued for a specific trip or for a determined period.

International Transit License

This license is used for goods that cross international borders, for example, from Panama to Costa Rica.

Coordination with both customs authorities is required. It has stricter requirements than the national license and includes additional customs guarantees.

Temporary vs. Permanent License

Temporary License:
Issued for a single trip or specific shipment. It is valid for 5 to 30 days depending on the type of cargo. It is processed quickly, has a lower cost, and is ideal for occasional imports.

Permanent License:
Issued to transport companies that make frequent trips. It is valid for 1 year and must be renewed annually. It has a higher cost but is more suitable for ongoing operations.

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Requirements to Obtain a Transit License

Transport Company Documentation:

Corporate identification document of the transport company
Notarized power of attorney for the legal representative
Updated commercial Public Registry record
Identification document of the representative
Recent proof of address
Valid Certificate of No Customs Fraud

Vehicle Documentation:

Vehicle circulation permit
Vehicle ownership card
Valid SOAT
Current technical inspection
Insurance policy covering customs cargo
Vehicle technical specifications, including dimensions and capacity

Operational Documentation:

SIRA registration certificate, if applicable
Transport contract or waybill
Bill of lading or air waybill for the merchandise
Customs import declaration
Commercial invoice for the merchandise
Cargo insurance policy

Driver Documentation:

Valid driver’s license
Professional driver identification card
Clean criminal record
Certificate of training in hazardous goods transportation, if applicable

Financial Documentation:

Proof of payment of the commercial license
Basic financial statements or tax return
Proof of payment of municipal taxes

Important Note: All documents must be valid. Customs may reject documentation that is more than 6 months old.

Where to Apply for a Transit License

Option 1: General Directorate of Customs — In-Person Submission

Location: General Directorate of Customs, Panama Viejo
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Phone: +507 501-5000
Department: Transit Permits Section

Process:

Bring all required documentation
Complete the form at the service counter
Wait for a preliminary review, approximately 30 to 60 minutes
Customs verifies the documentation
If everything is correct, the license is issued
Pay the issuance fee
Pick up the printed license

Advantage: Fast if all documentation is complete
Disadvantage: Requires appearing in person and waiting at the service counter

Option 2: SIRA Portal — Online Process

Access: https://www.sira.gob.pa

Process:

Log in to your SIRA account
Select the transit license application
Upload the documentation in digital format
Complete the electronic form
Attach all required files
Pay online
Customs reviews the application within 5 to 10 business days
Download the license in PDF format

Advantage: Can be completed from anywhere without traveling
Disadvantage: The reviewer does not see the original documents and may request verification

Option 3: Through a Customs Broker or Freight Agency

Process:

Contact an authorized freight agency
Submit the documentation and notarized power of attorney
The agency handles the process before Customs
You receive the final license

Advantage: The entire process is handled without your presence
Disadvantage: Additional commission costs

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Gather Documentation (3 to 5 days)

Collect the corporate ID
Gather notarized power of attorney for the representative
Obtain a valid Certificate of No Customs Fraud
Get the vehicle circulation permit
Obtain a copy of the vehicle title
Gather valid SOAT insurance
Obtain the customs import declaration
Obtain the commercial invoice for the merchandise
Gather the transport contract or waybill

Step 2: Review Documentation (1 day)

Verify that all documents are valid
Check that photocopies are clear and legible
Make sure the notarized power of attorney covers customs transit authority
Verify that the vehicle has valid SOAT
Check that there are no typographical errors in the documents
Validate that the information in the documents matches

Step 3: Complete the Form (1 to 2 hours)

Obtain the official form at Customs or download it from SIRA
Fill it out with the exact transport company information
Include complete vehicle information
Specify the transit route and destination point
Detail the goods you will transport
Indicate the required period of validity
Signature of the legal representative

Step 4: Submit the Application (1 hour)

If in person: Submit at Customs, Transit Permits Section
If online: Upload documents to the SIRA portal
If using an agent: Submit documentation to the agent
Keep the filing receipt

Step 5: Pay the Fee (15 minutes)

Temporary license cost: $25 to $50 USD
Permanent license cost: $100 to $200 USD
Payment method: Online or at the counter
Keep proof of payment

Step 6: Wait for Review (5 to 15 days)

If the application is complete: 5 to 7 business days
If additional documentation is required: 10 to 15 days
Customs may contact you if information is missing
Respond quickly to any requests

Step 7: Receive the License (1 day)

If submitted in person: Pick up the license at Customs
If submitted online: Download the PDF from SIRA
Verify the issue date and validity period
Download multiple copies
Keep one for each transport trip

Estimated Processing Time

Temporary License Without Observations:

Document collection: 3 to 5 days
Submission to Customs: 1 day
Customs review: 5 to 7 business days
TOTAL: 10 to 15 days

Temporary License With Observations:

Document collection: 3 to 5 days
Submission to Customs: 1 day
First review: 5 to 7 days
Correction period: 3 to 5 days
Second review: 2 to 3 days
TOTAL: 15 to 25 days

Permanent License Without Observations:

Document collection: 3 to 5 days
Submission: 1 day
More thorough review: 7 to 10 days
TOTAL: 12 to 18 days

Online License (SIRA) Without Observations:

Document collection: 3 to 5 days
Upload to SIRA: 1 to 2 hours
Customs review: 7 to 10 days
TOTAL: 12 to 18 days

AVERAGE SPEED:

12 to 15 business days

Associated Costs

Direct Customs Cost:

Temporary license: $25 to $50 USD
Permanent license: $100 to $200 USD

Typical Additional Costs:

Notarized power of attorney: $50 to $100 USD (if you do not already have one)
Certified photocopies: $15 to $20 USD
Certificate of No Customs Fraud: $50 to $75 USD (if a new one is required)
SOAT or technical inspection: $30 to $60 USD (if not current)
Municipal permit: $20 to $40 USD

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