Panama Import Restrictions

by countryaah · Published June 2, 2019 · Updated February 13, 2025

In order to enter Panama, certain goods are subject to specific controls and, regardless of their value and quantity, they require the consent of Panama government, preferably, license must be obtained prior to passage through the customs, preventing the goods from being retained. On this page, you will see what kinds of items are prohibited from entering the Panama, and which items need special documentation before exporting to Panama.

Panama, strategically located as a trade hub between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, serves as one of Latin America’s key commercial centers. The country’s economy is highly reliant on imports, as it has limited domestic production capacity for various goods. However, Panama’s import regulations are robust and strictly enforced to protect its population, local industries, and the environment. The Panama Canal, a critical global shipping route, facilitates the movement of goods, making Panama a significant player in international trade. To ensure the safe and efficient flow of goods, the Panamanian government has implemented a range of import restrictions and licensing requirements.

The Panamanian National Customs Authority is responsible for regulating imports, ensuring compliance with national and international standards. In addition to customs enforcement, several other agencies, such as the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Agricultural Development, and the Environmental Authority of Panama, oversee the importation of specific goods that may have implications for public health, safety, agriculture, or environmental protection. Businesses and individuals looking to import goods into Panama must be aware of the restrictions and licensing requirements to avoid customs delays, fines, or the confiscation of goods.

Prohibited Items for Import into Panama

Panama has strict import prohibitions in place to protect its people, local industries, and the environment from potentially harmful goods. The prohibited items typically cover a wide range of products, from dangerous substances to environmentally harmful materials. The enforcement of these bans is essential for safeguarding Panama’s health and well-being, as well as its ecosystems.

Products Harmful to Public Health and Safety

Public health and safety are major priorities for the Panamanian government. As such, the country has put in place strict regulations to prevent the importation of products that could pose significant risks to its population. These include illicit drugs, counterfeit products, and unsafe medical items.

Illicit Drugs and Narcotics: Panama enforces stringent laws regarding the importation of illicit drugs and narcotics. The National Drug Control Secretariat (SENAD) works closely with the Panama Customs Authority and law enforcement agencies to intercept and prevent the entry of controlled substances. Panama is a signatory to various international conventions, including the United Nations Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, which aims to curb the global trade in illicit drugs. The importation of narcotics such as cocaine, heroin, and synthetic drugs is strictly prohibited under Panamanian law. The penalties for attempting to import illegal drugs include heavy fines, long prison sentences, and the seizure of goods. Panama’s zero-tolerance policy for illicit drugs is designed to protect the public from the harmful effects of drug trafficking and addiction.
Counterfeit Medicines and Substandard Medical Products: Panama has strict regulations to prevent the importation of counterfeit medicines and substandard medical devices. The Panama Ministry of Health regulates pharmaceuticals and medical products to ensure they meet the necessary safety and efficacy standards. Counterfeit medicines, which may be ineffective, dangerous, or toxic, are strictly prohibited. In addition, medical devices that have not been tested or approved by the relevant health authorities are banned. The Ministry ensures that all imported medical products are certified by recognized agencies, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) or the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), to guarantee that they meet the required standards for safety and effectiveness. Any medical products that do not meet these standards are rejected at customs, and importers face legal consequences for attempting to bring unsafe goods into the country.

Environmentally Harmful Goods

Panama’s government is deeply committed to protecting its unique environment and biodiversity. As such, the country enforces regulations to prevent the importation of goods that may harm the environment, including hazardous waste and products that threaten its fragile ecosystems.

Hazardous Waste and E-Waste: Panama adheres to the Basel Convention, which regulates the international movement of hazardous waste. As part of this agreement, Panama has strict controls on the importation of hazardous waste, including e-waste (electronic waste), industrial waste, and medical waste. E-waste contains hazardous substances like lead, mercury, and cadmium, which can have a devastating impact on the environment if not disposed of properly. Panama’s Environmental Authority is responsible for enforcing these restrictions and ensuring that harmful waste materials do not enter the country. Importers attempting to bring hazardous waste or e-waste into Panama face severe penalties, including fines and confiscation of goods. These regulations are designed to protect Panama’s environment from pollution and contamination, and to ensure that all waste is properly managed in accordance with international environmental standards.
Products Derived from Endangered Species: Panama is a signatory to CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), and as such, it has put in place strict restrictions on the importation of goods derived from endangered species. These products may include ivory, exotic animal skins, rare plants, and other wildlife products that are obtained through illegal trade. The Panamanian Environmental Authority enforces these regulations to prevent the exploitation of endangered species and ensure that their trade does not contribute to their extinction. The government also works with international organizations to combat wildlife trafficking and preserve global biodiversity. The importation of goods that violate CITES regulations is strictly prohibited, and violators face heavy fines and legal action.

Products Requiring Import Licenses

In addition to the products that are prohibited, there are several categories of goods that can be imported into Panama, but only with the proper licenses. These products are subject to additional scrutiny and must meet specific standards before they are allowed to enter the country. The import licensing system helps ensure that these goods do not pose any risks to public health, the environment, or national security.

Goods Subject to Import Licensing

Several types of goods require an import license before they can enter Panama. These goods are typically regulated due to their potential impact on public health, safety, or the environment. The licensing process ensures that these goods meet Panama’s safety, health, and environmental standards.

Pharmaceuticals and Medical Equipment: The Ministry of Health requires an import license for all pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and health-related products. This regulation ensures that these products are safe, effective, and approved for use in Panama. The Ministry works in conjunction with international regulatory bodies, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), to ensure that imported medical products meet international standards. Importers must submit documentation that provides evidence of the product’s safety, efficacy, and compliance with regulatory standards before receiving an import license. This includes certificates of origin, regulatory approvals from recognized authorities, and clinical trial data for new medicines. Medical devices such as diagnostic tools, surgical instruments, and therapeutic products also require regulatory approval before entering the country. Importers who fail to comply with these regulations may face delays in clearing their goods through customs, or the goods may be rejected altogether.
Agricultural Products and Livestock: The Ministry of Agricultural Development regulates the importation of agricultural products, including fruits, vegetables, seeds, livestock, and animal products. These goods are subject to an import licensing process to ensure that they meet Panama’s phytosanitary and veterinary health standards. The country has strict measures in place to prevent the introduction of diseases, pests, and other biological risks that could harm local agriculture and livestock. For example, livestock imports must undergo health inspections to ensure they are free from diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease or avian influenza. Similarly, agricultural products like fruits, vegetables, and seeds must meet strict phytosanitary standards to prevent the spread of pests or diseases that could harm Panama’s agricultural industry. The Ministry also monitors the importation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), which require special permits and must be evaluated for their potential impact on the environment and local agricultural practices.

Environmentally Sensitive Goods

Panama is home to rich biodiversity and pristine ecosystems, making environmental protection a priority for the government. Several goods are subject to import licensing to ensure that they do not harm the environment or contribute to pollution.

Chemicals and Hazardous Substances: The importation of chemicals and hazardous materials is regulated by the Environmental Authority of Panama (AEPS). These materials include industrial chemicals, pesticides, solvents, and other substances that may pose risks to the environment or public health. Importers must obtain an import license and submit detailed information about the chemicals’ composition, usage, and potential risks. The Environmental Authority evaluates the safety of these chemicals and their potential environmental impact before granting an import license. This process helps to ensure that the chemicals do not harm the environment, local ecosystems, or human health. In cases where chemicals are deemed dangerous or toxic, the government may refuse entry or impose strict conditions on their import and use.
Plastic and Packaging Materials: Panama has adopted measures to regulate the importation of plastic products, particularly those that are non-biodegradable or contribute to environmental pollution. The Environmental Authority monitors and controls the importation of plastic goods, including packaging materials, to ensure they comply with the country’s recycling and waste management standards. As part of its efforts to reduce plastic waste and pollution, Panama encourages the importation of eco-friendly alternatives, such as biodegradable plastics and recyclable packaging materials. Importers must provide documentation proving that their products meet local environmental standards before receiving an import license. Goods that do not meet these standards may be subject to higher tariffs or may be denied entry. These regulations are aimed at promoting sustainability and reducing the environmental impact of plastic waste in Panama.

Regulated Consumer Goods

Several types of consumer goods are also regulated under Panama’s import licensing system. These goods must meet safety, quality, and environmental standards before they can be imported into the country.

Motor Vehicles and Spare Parts: The Ministry of Transport and Public Works regulates the importation of motor vehicles to ensure that they meet local safety and emissions standards. Vehicles must pass an inspection to ensure they are roadworthy and comply with Panamanian road safety regulations. The importation of used vehicles is subject to additional scrutiny to ensure that they meet environmental standards and do not contribute to air pollution. Importers of vehicles must submit documentation proving that their vehicles meet the required safety and emissions standards before they can receive an import license. Similarly, spare parts for motor vehicles must meet safety and quality standards to ensure they are compatible with Panama’s road infrastructure and do not pose a risk to drivers or passengers.
Electronics and Household Appliances: The Panama Consumer Protection Agency (ACODECO) and the National Energy Secretariat regulate the importation of electronics and household appliances to ensure they meet safety and energy efficiency standards. Importers of electronics such as refrigerators, air conditioners, and washing machines must ensure that their products comply with electrical safety regulations and energy efficiency requirements. These goods must pass safety certifications and meet the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards. Importers must submit documentation proving that their products have been tested for safety and comply with energy efficiency guidelines. Non-compliant products may face delays in customs or be rejected outright. The licensing system helps ensure that imported electronics are safe to use and that they help reduce energy consumption in Panama.