Central AmericaShipping Heavy Equipment to Panama
Panama's construction, logistics, and Canal operations drive equipment demand. Strategic location with world-class port infrastructure on both oceans.
Main Ports
- Port of Balboa
- Port of Colón
- Manzanillo International Terminal
Shipping Methods
- RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off)
- Flat Rack Container
- Breakbulk
Key Regulations
- Panamanian Customs (ANA)
- Colón Free Zone
- Canal Equipment
Common Cargo
- Construction Machinery
- Port Equipment
- Industrial Equipment
Main Ports in Panama
Port of Balboa
Pacific Gateway
Port of Colón
Atlantic Gateway
Manzanillo International Terminal
Container Hub
Shipping Routes & Transit Times to Panama
| From (US Port) | To | Service | Est. Transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston, TX | Port of Balboa / Colón | Container / RoRo | 8–14 days |
| Savannah, GA | Colón (Manzanillo) | Breakbulk / Container | 8–14 days |
Transit times are indicative port-to-port estimates and vary by carrier, season, and sailing schedule.
U.S. Departure Ports for Shipping to Panama
We ship to Panama (Port of Balboa) from every major U.S. port. Typical ocean transit is 8-14 days.
Gulf Coast
East Coast
Import Duty, VAT & Taxes for Panama
Panama applies a graduated import duty that rises with vehicle age, plus 7% ITBMS (sales tax) on the CIF value. Personal imports over 15 years old are prohibited.
- Import Duty
- ≈15% (0–5 yrs), ≈25% (6–10 yrs), ≈35% (11–15 yrs)
- VAT / Sales Tax
- ITBMS 7%
- Other Taxes & Fees
- Vehicles over 6 years need emissions testing; Pensionado retirees may qualify for a duty exemption
Source: Autoridad Nacional de Aduanas (Panama) · Last verified: June 2026
Used Vehicle & Equipment Age Limits
Personal vehicle imports are allowed up to 15 years from manufacture; over 15 years is prohibited, and 6+ year vehicles face higher duty and emissions testing.
Source: Autoridad Nacional de Aduanas (Panama) · Last verified: June 2026
Import Regulations & Requirements
Panamanian Customs (ANA)
National customs with free zone benefits.
Colón Free Zone
Second largest free zone in the world for re-export.
Canal Equipment
Special procedures for Panama Canal Authority equipment.
Required Documentation
Customs & Clearance Notes for Panama
- Qualifying new US-origin vehicles may get preferential duty under the US–Panama Trade Promotion Agreement.
- Balboa (Pacific) and Colón (Atlantic) flank the Canal — choose by final destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
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