Central AmericaShipping Heavy Equipment to Guatemala
Guatemala's mining, agriculture, and construction sectors drive equipment demand. Caribbean and Pacific ports serve Central America's largest economy.
Main Ports
- Puerto Quetzal
- Puerto Santo Tomás de Castilla
Shipping Methods
- RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off)
- Flat Rack Container
- Breakbulk
Key Regulations
- Guatemalan Customs (SAT)
- CAFTA-DR
- Mining Regulations
Common Cargo
- Mining Equipment
- Agricultural Equipment
- Construction Machinery
Main Ports in Guatemala
Puerto Quetzal
Pacific Gateway
Puerto Santo Tomás de Castilla
Caribbean Port
Shipping Routes & Transit Times to Guatemala
| From (US Port) | To | Service | Est. Transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston, TX | Puerto Quetzal / Santo Tomás de Castilla | Container / RoRo | 10–16 days |
Transit times are indicative port-to-port estimates and vary by carrier, season, and sailing schedule.
U.S. Departure Ports for Shipping to Guatemala
We ship to Guatemala (Puerto Quetzal) from every major U.S. port. Typical ocean transit is 10-16 days.
Gulf Coast
East Coast
Import Duty, VAT & Taxes for Guatemala
Guatemala applies an import duty (DAI, by engine/type under the Central American CET), 12% VAT (IVA), and IPRIMA (first-registration tax) on the SAT-assessed depreciated value. Salvage/junk-title vehicles are prohibited; EVs have 0% duty.
- Import Duty
- DAI ≈10–20% of CIF (EVs 0%)
- VAT / Sales Tax
- IVA 12% (on CIF + duty)
- Other Taxes & Fees
- IPRIMA first-registration tax ≈5–20% on the SAT depreciated value
Source: Superintendencia de Administración Tributaria (SAT) · Last verified: June 2026
Used Vehicle & Equipment Age Limits
Age-based tariff rises with vehicle age; salvage/junk-title vehicles are forbidden. SAT values on its official tables, not the purchase price.
Source: SAT Guatemala (RECAUCA) · Last verified: June 2026
Import Regulations & Requirements
Guatemalan Customs (SAT)
National customs with electronic processing.
CAFTA-DR
Free trade agreement with US for preferential access.
Mining Regulations
Specific requirements may apply for mining equipment.
Required Documentation
Customs & Clearance Notes for Guatemala
- A licensed customs agent files the DUCA; SAT values from its published tables.
- Puerto Quetzal (Pacific) and Santo Tomás (Caribbean) are the main gateways.
Frequently Asked Questions
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