Central AmericaShipping Heavy Equipment to El Salvador
El Salvador's manufacturing and construction sectors drive equipment demand. Access primarily via Puerto Quetzal (Guatemala) or Puerto Cortés (Honduras).
Main Ports
- Puerto de Acajutla
- Via Puerto Cortés (Honduras)
Shipping Methods
- Flat Rack Container
- Breakbulk
- RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off)
Key Regulations
- Salvadoran Customs
- CAFTA-DR
- USD Currency
Common Cargo
- Manufacturing Equipment
- Construction Machinery
- Agricultural Equipment
Main Ports in El Salvador
Puerto de Acajutla
Major Seaport
Via Puerto Cortés (Honduras)
Transit Route
Shipping Routes & Transit Times to El Salvador
| From (US Port) | To | Service | Est. Transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston, TX | Puerto de Acajutla | Container / RoRo | 12–18 days |
Transit times are indicative port-to-port estimates and vary by carrier, season, and sailing schedule.
U.S. Departure Ports for Shipping to El Salvador
We ship to El Salvador (Puerto de Acajutla) from every major U.S. port. Typical ocean transit is 12-18 days.
Gulf Coast
East Coast
Import Duty, VAT & Taxes for El Salvador
El Salvador (which uses the US dollar) applies a Central American CET import duty plus 13% VAT (IVA) and a first-registration tax, with age limits on used vehicles.
- Import Duty
- CET duty by type (confirm by HS code)
- VAT / Sales Tax
- IVA 13%
- Other Taxes & Fees
- First-registration tax; age-based limits apply to used vehicles
Source: Dirección General de Aduanas (El Salvador) · Last verified: June 2026
Import Regulations & Requirements
Salvadoran Customs
National customs with Central American integration.
CAFTA-DR
Free trade agreement with US for preferential access.
USD Currency
El Salvador uses the US dollar, simplifying transactions.
Required Documentation
Customs & Clearance Notes for El Salvador
- Acajutla is the main Pacific gateway; some cargo routes via Puerto Cortés (Honduras).
- Qualifying new US-origin vehicles may get CAFTA-DR preferential duty.
Frequently Asked Questions
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