🇵🇦Shipping guide

Shipping from the US to Panama — landed-cost calculator

Panama uses the US dollar, has the $100 CIF de-minimis (no taxes below that), and grants 0% DAI on roughly 87% of US-origin tariff lines under the US-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement. The result: many imports land with only the 7% ITBMS on top of shipping.

Even better — books, pharmaceuticals, and educational materials are ITBMS-exempt. We model the full preferential schedule plus the $25–$40 customs-broker fee Panamanian operators (CableOnda, EasyShip, Aeropost) typically pass through.

Calculate my landed cost → 🇵🇦 Panama Shipping from 🇨🇳 China to Panama

Taxes & duties for imports into Panama

Charge	Rate	Notes
ITBMS (VAT)	7%	Books, pharma, food staples are exempt.
DAI (import duty)	0–10%	US-Panama TPA: ~87% of US-origin clears at 0%.
De minimis	$100 CIF	Below $100 total = no duties, no ITBMS.
Customs broker	$25–$40	Required on shipments above $100 CIF.

Top carriers shipping to Panama

Aeropost

casillero

Aeropost (formerly known as TaCa Cargo) is the largest casillero network in Central America. Founded in Costa Rica, they operate Miami warehouses and offer door-to-door delivery in every country we cover.

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Box Correos

casillero

Box Correos is operated by Correos de Costa Rica (the national postal service). They offer competitive rates with home-delivery options across the country and presence in Panama and El Salvador too.

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DHL Express

express

DHL Express Worldwide is the gold standard for international express. From the US to Central America: 3–6 business days. From China (Zone 25): 4–7 business days. The flat-rate tariff is public and verifiable.

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FedEx

express

FedEx International Priority is the main competitor to DHL Express for fast tracked delivery. Similar transit times, comparable rates, ~23% fuel surcharge.

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Quick tips for importing to Panama

✓Panama uses the US dollar, so no FX conversion losses on the product price.
✓Anything under $100 CIF (product + shipping + insurance) clears tax-free.
✓Most US-origin electronics, baby items, and tools are 0% DAI under US-Panama TPA.
✓Books and pharmaceuticals are also ITBMS-exempt — great for textbook/medication imports.

Frequently asked questions

What is the de-minimis threshold for Panama?▾

CIF under $100 (product + shipping + insurance) clears duty-free and ITBMS-free. Above that, taxes apply on the full amount, not just the portion over $100.

How much is ITBMS in Panama?▾

7% applied to CIF + DAI. Pharmaceuticals, books and food staples are exempt. The rate jumps to 10% on alcohol and 15% on tobacco.

Do US-origin imports really clear at 0% in Panama?▾

Roughly 87% of US-origin tariff lines were phased to 0% DAI under the US-Panama TPA (in force since 2012). Most consumer electronics, apparel, sporting goods and home items qualify — you still pay 7% ITBMS unless exempt.

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