Peruvian Market

Peru Globe

Peru is a market friendly economy whose development strategy is based on an economy open to the world and competitive in its export offer. It has been a successful strategy that has permitted the country to consolidate its foreign trade in goods and services as an instrument for economic development and the reduction of poverty.

Tax & Duties

In Peru, the main taxes are levied on income, production and consumption, the circulation of money and equity. There are also other contributions to the Public Healthcare Service and the National Pension System.
The management and collection of taxes is the responsibility of the National Superintendency of Customs and Tax Administration (SUNAT) and, in some cases, the Municipalities or regulatory institutions.

Tariffs

Imported goods are subject to import tariffs with currently ad valorem rates of 0%, 6% and 11%. In addition, a tariff rate of 4% is charged in the case of Express Shipments (goods with a FOB value of USD200 or more, up to a maximum amount of USD2,000 per shipment).

Tax

VAT Tax

Likewise, the Value Added Tax (VAT) of 18% is applied to imported goods. Additionally, and depending on the type of goods and origin thereof, imports may be taxed with the Selective Consumption or Luxury Tax (ISC), Antidumping Duties, Compensation Duties, or others.

The import of goods is subject to the Prepaid VAT System, wherein the tax is determined by applying a percentage to the CIF customs value plus all taxes levied on the import and other surcharges, where applicable. The applicable tax rate is 3.5%, 5%, or 10%, depending on the situation of the importer and/or the goods to be cleared through customs. Like VAT, the amount paid may be used by the importer as a tax credit. However, there are certain cases in which the prepaid VAT does not need to be paid; for example, when the import is performed by VAT withholding agents, or in the case of certain goods excluded from this system.

When importing consumer goods worth more than USD2,000, the services of a customs agent authorized by Peruvian Customs will be necessary, to undertake the documentary procedures for the imports. It is worth noting that the importer will be required to have the necessary documents that support the entry of goods, such as the commercial invoice, shipping documents, etc.

Other Custom Taxes

There are also specific duties to be applied as additional variable duties on imported agricultural and livestock products such as hard yellow corn, rice, milk and sugar. Some imported goods can also be charged with anti-dumping or compensation duties. The former is applied to some imported goods when the price discrimination could harm or threaten to harm a branch of national production. Compensation duties are applied to imported goods that are subsidized in their country of origin and can harm or threaten to harm national production branch via the importation thereof, according to the INDECOPI assessment.