Shipping to Paraguay: 2026 Complete Guide for Expats
Navigate the logistics of moving your belongings to this landlocked South American nation. From ocean freight via the Paraguay-Parana Waterway to customs clearance with a mandatory broker, here's everything you need for a smooth international move.
Residency & Customs Privileges
The Key Rule: Your Residency Status Determines Your Duties
Under the 2022 Migration Law, most newcomers arrive as temporary residents on a 2-year permit. This does not grant duty-free importation. Only permanent residents get a 6-month window to import used household goods tax-free. Plan your shipping timeline around your residency strategy.
Temporary Residents
The default status for most expats under the 2022 law. Two-year permit that allows work, banking, and business registration.
- • Subject to full duties (32-40%) on imports
- • Must pay all port taxes and fees
- • Best strategy: ship only essentials
- • Consider small parcel services instead
Permanent Residents
Available through SUACE (investors), retiree programs, or after completing temporary residency. 10-year validity.
- • Duty-free within 6 months of PR issuance
- • Window is non-extendable (use it or lose it)
- • Goods must be used (12+ months owned)
- • Direct path to citizenship in 3-5 years
| Residency Type | Validity | HHGS Import | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary | 2 Years | Full duties apply | Fast Cedula issuance |
| Permanent | 10 Years | Duty-free (6-mo window) | Tax exemption on used goods |
| Investor (SUACE) | Permanent | Fast-track (90 days) | Direct path to citizenship |
| Retiree | Permanent | Duty-free for used effects | Foreign pension recognized |
The SUACE Advantage for High-Value Relocations
The SUACE program requires a USD 70,000 investment commitment (distributable over 10 years) but grants permanent residency in as little as 90 days — compared to the standard 2-year wait. This lets you ship your container almost immediately upon arrival, minimizing storage costs at origin or transshipment hubs.
Shipping Methods: Ocean, Air & River
Paraguay is landlocked. All ocean cargo arrives via deep-sea ports in Montevideo (Uruguay) or Buenos Aires (Argentina), then transfers to river barges for the final leg up the Paraguay-Parana Waterway to Asuncion or the logistics hub of Villeta.
Ocean Freight: FCL vs LCL
FCL (Full Container Load)
Recommended for households moving the contents of a 2-bedroom home or larger. Dedicated space minimizes handling and damage risk.
- • Your container is sealed at origin
- • Less risk of surface abrasion
- • Best for large moves
LCL (Less than Container Load)
Cost-effective for smaller volumes (under 15 cubic meters). Your goods share a container with other shipments.
- • Pay only for space you use
- • Higher damage risk from handling
- • Longer transit (consolidation delays)
| Container Size | 2026 Cost (USD) | Capacity | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft Standard | $1,500 - $5,000 | ~33 CBM / 10 Pallets | 1-2 Bedroom Apartment |
| 40ft Standard | $2,500 - $10,000 | ~68 CBM / 20 Pallets | 3-4 Bedroom House |
| 40ft High Cube | $2,800 - $11,500 | ~76 CBM / Extra Height | Tall Furniture or Vehicles |
Seasonal River Risk: Low-Water Season (Aug-Oct)
Between August and October, the Paraguay River enters a low-water season that limits barge drafts. Shipping lines impose a Low Water Surcharge (LWC):
- • 20ft container: ~$150 surcharge
- • 40ft container: ~$300 surcharge
- • Barges may be light-loaded, causing cargo backlogs in Montevideo
- • November-December holiday rush also causes delays and congestion
Transshipment Through Montevideo or Buenos Aires
Cargo moving through Buenos Aires is often managed via the Paraguayan Franco Port, a dedicated facility that streamlines transshipment. Important: Your original Bill of Lading (OBL) must not be an "express release" document — Paraguayan customs requires physical, original, and consularized documentation to initiate clearance.
Comprehensive Cost Breakdown
Ocean Freight by Origin Port
| Origin Port | Mode | 2026 Cost (USD) | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newark, NJ (USA) | 20ft FCL | $3,100 | 50 Days |
| Houston, TX (USA) | 20ft FCL | $4,400 | 48 Days |
| Hamburg (Germany) | 20ft FCL | $2,800 - $3,500 | 35-45 Days |
| London Gateway (UK) | LCL (5 CBM) | $1,655 - $1,705 | 61 Days |
Port Fees & Terminal Handling (Asuncion/Villeta)
| Service | Unit | 2026 Rate (USD) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terminal Handling (THC) | 20ft Container | $260 | Destination port fee |
| Eslingaje (Slinging) | 20ft Container | $8.00 | Lift from barge |
| Almacenaje (Storage) | 20ft / Day | $24.59 | Starting day 4 (first 3 free) |
| Documentation Fee | Per OBL | $90.00 | Standard customs charge |
Air Freight Rates (Silvio Pettirossi Airport, ASU)
| Weight Category | Rate (USD/kg) | Delivery | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| +45 kg | $5.35 | 5-9 Days | Essential tech and tools |
| +300 kg | $3.65 | 5-9 Days | Office equipment |
| +1,000 kg | $3.35 | 5-9 Days | Specialized machinery |
Total Budget Estimate
For a typical 20ft container move from the US East Coast: $3,100 ocean freight + $260 THC + $90 documentation + $500-$1,500 customs broker + $200-$500 local transport = $4,150-$5,450 total (duty-free with PR). Add 32-40% duties on the assessed value if you're a temporary resident.
Customs Broker (Despachante de Aduana)
Legally Mandatory
Paraguayan law mandates that all formal importations be handled by a licensed Despachante de Aduana. This professional acts as the legal guarantor of your shipment and the primary interface with the National Directorate of Tax Revenue (DNIT). You cannot clear customs without one.
Fee Structure
Fees are partially regulated by Law 220/1993 based on the taxable value of cargo. For household moves ("Menaje de Casa"), most brokers charge a professional fee reflecting the complexity of classifying used goods.
Recommended Firms
Agencia Lobo
Established 1962. Specialized in US and European imports. Offers door-to-door service and direct cargo pickup from their offices.
Aponte & Asociados
Handles complex infrastructure and investment projects. Expert advice on Law 60/90 and SUACE tax benefits.
Clearcust
2026 market leader in digital logistics. Platform-based approach reduces manual errors and port storage delays.
Customs Regulations & Requirements
The 12-Month Possession Rule
To qualify for the duty-free exemption as a permanent resident, you must demonstrate that goods have been in your possession for at least 12 months prior to shipping.
Restricted & Prohibited Goods
Prohibited:
Firearms, narcotics, military equipment, currency production machinery, daggers, stilettos, hatchets
Restricted (permit required):
Plants and agricultural products need a phytosanitary certificate + SENACSA permit
Wood Packaging:
All crates and pallets must comply with ISPM-15 (heat-treated or fumigated)
Packing List Requirements
Every item in your household shipment must be accounted for on a typed packing list in Spanish. Discrepancies between the list and actual contents can lead to fines or seizure of "unmanifested" items.
- Typed in Spanish (not handwritten)
- Every item listed individually
- Include estimated values per item
- Consularized at Paraguayan consulate
- Match original Bill of Lading exactly
- Prepare 3 months before shipping
Packing for Paraguay's Climate
The transition from Northern Hemisphere climates to subtropical Paraguay presents a major risk to delicate furniture, electronics, and artwork. Paraguay's humidity can cause significant mold and mildew growth within the 50-day transit window inside a sealed steel container.
Humidity & Moisture Control
- Breathable wraps: Never wrap wooden furniture in plastic. Use breathable moving blankets or paper padding to prevent condensation.
- Desiccants: Place calcium chloride or silica gel throughout the container and inside boxes with electronics or books.
- Container rain prevention: Line container walls with reflective insulated blankets to prevent ceiling condensation dripping onto cargo.
Specialized Item Protection
- Electronics: Anti-static packaging and desiccants mandatory. Use original packaging for high-value monitors and servers.
- Mattresses: Heavy-duty mattress bags, stored upright to prevent sagging during the long maritime voyage.
- Antiques: Climate-controlled FCL containers available for sensitive items, though they cost 50-100% more than standard units.
Vehicle Importation
The 10-Year Age Limit
Paraguay enforces a strict 10-year age limit on all internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. Vehicles older than 10 years at the Bill of Lading date cannot be imported (exception: diplomatic personnel).
- • Pre-shipment inspection (PSI) required by Bureau Veritas or SGS
- • Without PSI certificate: mandatory re-exportation
- • Total duties typically 35-37% of customs valuation
EV Incentive: Law 6925
A major 2026 incentive: electric vehicles are exempt from customs import taxes and VAT (IVA) for a ten-year window under Law 6925. This makes EV importation significantly cheaper than ICE vehicles.
- • 0% import duty (vs 10-35% for ICE)
- • 0% VAT (vs 10% for ICE)
- • Still must meet 10-year age requirement
- • Highly rational choice for relocating expats
| Cost Component | ICE Vehicle Rate | EV Rate (Law 6925) |
|---|---|---|
| Import Duty (Arancel) | 10% - 35% | 0% (Exempt) |
| VAT (IVA) | 10% | 0% (Exempt) |
| Customs Fee | 0.5% | 0.5% |
| Despachante Fee | Variable (negotiated) | Variable (negotiated) |
Considering buying locally instead? Our guide to buying a car in Paraguay covers the used market, prices, and the purchasing process. For most expats, buying a used Toyota locally is more cost-effective than importing.
Ongoing Package Receiving Services
For digital nomads and remote workers who receive regular international packages, these "Buzon" (locker) services provide a seamless way to get mail and online purchases in Paraguay.
Saspy Express
Smart locker system throughout Asuncion and Greater Asuncion. Fast air freight from USA, China, and Europe. 24-72 hour locker delivery.
Best for online shoppersSendIt
Comprehensive service with shopping assistance and consolidation. Premium membership ($2.99/mo) reduces costs by $2/kg. Sources from Brazil and Argentina too.
Best for remote workersGlobalbox
Focuses on larger expat shipments. Offers maritime consolidation options for bulky items that don't fit in air courier envelopes.
Best for bulky itemsParaguayBox
Expat-focused service with repatriation and sea freight options. Good for those who also need to ship items back home.
Best for expatsStep-by-Step Port Clearance
Document Consularization
Before shipping, ensure all origin documents (Packing List, original Bill of Lading) have the official stamp of the Paraguayan Consulate in your country of origin. This is a non-negotiable requirement — without it, your goods cannot be released.
Barge Arrival & Manifestation
Once the barge arrives at Terport Villeta or Asuncion port, the shipping line's destination agent issues a delivery order. At this stage, terminal handling fees ($260) and the $90 customs documentation charge are paid. Your despachante handles this.
Physical Inspection
Paraguayan customs agents will inspect the container. Your physical presence may be required. Discrepancies between the packing list and actual contents can lead to significant fines or seizure of "unmanifested" items. This is why an accurate, detailed packing list is critical.
Canal Verde / Canal Rojo
Your shipment is assigned either a "Canal Verde" (Green Channel — expedited release) or "Canal Rojo" (Red Channel — detailed inspection). Green channel means faster release; red channel requires full unpacking and verification of every item against the packing list.
Local Transport to Residence
After clearance, your broker arranges a local truck to transport the container to your residence for offloading. This typically costs $200-$500 depending on distance from the port. Many brokers include this in their professional fee.
Pro Tip: Storage Costs Add Up Fast
The first 3 days at Terport Villeta are free. After that, you're paying $24.59/day for a 20ft container. A one-week delay costs ~$172. Have your despachante engaged and all documents ready before the barge arrives to minimize storage charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship belongings to Paraguay?
A 20ft container costs $1,500-$5,000 for ocean freight depending on your origin port (e.g., $3,100 from Newark, $4,400 from Houston, $2,800-$3,500 from Hamburg). Add $500-$1,500 for the mandatory customs broker (despachante), plus port fees including $260 terminal handling and $24.59/day storage from day 4. Total budget: $3,000-$8,000 for a full move.
Can I ship household goods duty-free to Paraguay?
Yes, if you have permanent residency. Permanent residents get a 6-month window from the date their residency card is issued to import used household goods duty-free. This window is non-extendable. Temporary residents (the default under the 2022 Migration Law) must pay full duties of 32-40% on imported goods.
How long does shipping to Paraguay take?
Ocean freight takes 35-50 days from the US or Europe, including river transit up the Paraguay-Parana Waterway from transshipment ports in Montevideo or Buenos Aires. Air freight takes 5-9 days but costs significantly more ($3.35-$5.35 per kg). Add extra time during the low-water season (August-October) when river delays are common.
What items are prohibited from shipping to Paraguay?
Firearms, narcotics, military-grade equipment, and currency production machinery are strictly prohibited. Plants and agricultural products require a phytosanitary certificate from the origin country plus a SENACSA permit in Paraguay. All wood packaging (crates, pallets) must comply with ISPM-15 standards with official heat-treatment or fumigation stamps.
Do I need a customs broker to import goods to Paraguay?
Yes, Paraguayan law mandates that all formal importations be handled by a licensed Despachante de Aduana (Customs Broker). They act as the legal guarantor of your shipment and interface with the DNIT (tax authority). Expect to pay $500-$1,500 for a household move. Start engaging your broker at least 3 months before shipping.
Can I ship my car to Paraguay?
Yes, if the vehicle is under 10 years old at the time of the Bill of Lading date. Standard import duties total 35-37% of the customs valuation (import duty + 10% VAT + 0.5% customs fee). However, electric vehicles are exempt from customs import taxes and VAT under Law 6925, making EV importation significantly cheaper.
What's the best time to ship to Paraguay?
Avoid August-October (low-water season on the Paraguay River) when shipping lines impose surcharges of $150-$300 per container and barges may be light-loaded, causing cargo backlogs. Also avoid November-December (holiday rush). The best months are January-July, when river levels are stable and port congestion is lower.
What about ongoing package delivery services in Paraguay?
Several services cater to expats: Saspy Express ($21.50-$22.50/kg) offers smart locker delivery in 24-72 hours. SendIt ($19.90/kg with premium membership at $2.99/month) includes shopping assistance. Globalbox handles bulkier items with maritime consolidation. ParaguayBox ($23.50/kg) offers repatriation and sea freight options.
Ready to Plan Your Move to Paraguay?
Shipping is just one piece of the puzzle. Get your residency strategy right first to unlock duty-free privileges, then plan your shipment timeline accordingly.
Related Guides
Start Your Shipping Plan Today
The key to a successful move is timing your shipment with your residency status. Get your residency sorted first, then ship within the duty-free window.