Moving To Peru


No Matter What You Need, We Got You Covered

Customs Regulations for Peru

  • Passport (original) with last entry stamp into Peru or:
    • Work contract (notarized copy issued by local company approved by the Peruvian Ministry of Labor)
    • Resident visa (original)
    • Wedding certificate (notarized copy indicating marriage to a Peruvian citizen)
  • Bill of Lading or Air Waybill (two original sets for ocean shipments, must state: “used household goods and personal effects” and include net and gross weight)
  • Detailed inventory – avoid PBO items (in English or Spanish)
  • Packing list (copy)
  • Customer’s presence in Lima, Peru is required for Customs clearance
  • All shipments inspected by Peruvian Customs Authorities with the exception of foreign diplomatic shipments
  • Client must have proof that they have lived outside Peru for a minimum of 13 consecutive months before last entry
  • Shipments should arrive one month before or up to six months after Customer’s arrival in Peru
  • Customer cannot have imported another household goods shipment in the last two years
  • Household goods and automobiles shipped together must be clearly stated as such on the Ocean Bill of Lading
  • Peruvian Custom’s Authority will review declared weight of shipment
    • Customer will be fined $250.00 USD if actual weight is 5 percent more or less than declared weight

In Peru, some articles may not be imported whatsoever. These items include, but may not be limited to:

  • Illegal drugs and narcotics
  • Pornographic materials
  • Firearms and explosives
  • Raw ham from Italy and Portugal
  • PISCO alcohol which has not been made in Peru (will be destroyed by Customs Authorities if discovered)

Some articles may have restricted quantities or require special authorization/ payments of duties and taxes to clear Customs in Peru. These items include, but are not limited to:

  • Arms and ammunition (requires proof of ownership and license obtained by Ministry of Interior before departure)
  • Import of sausages, salami, ham and cheese is allowed if holding original sanitary certificate issued by the manufacturer
  • Radio, telephones, fax machines, modems, routers and other telecommunication devices (require license from Ministry of Interior)
    • Receipts, manuals or technical brochures also required
  • Refrigerators, freezers and air conditioners (Import Authorization from the Ozone Technical Office in Peru required before arrival)
    • Must contain original manufacturer declaration stating gas will not damage the ozone layer
    • Must also present the user manual, technical brochure or photographs of technical specification plates for each appliance
  • Works of art and antiques (original invoices needed)
  • Small quantities of food (10 percent of an air shipment)
  • Liquor (more than 5 liters requires a permit)

Customers moving to Peru may import one new or used vehicle:

  • Vehicles not belonging to diplomats require an inspection before clearance can be completed
  • Used car does not exceed five years of the date of manufacture or 80,000 kilometers at the time of importation
  • Used diesel vehicles are prohibited

You will need the following documents:

  • Passport (original) with last entry stamp into Peru
  • Original Bill of Lading (two sets)
  • The car’s make, model, year, engine serial number and VIN number
  • Customs Form (DUA) and Tax ID Form (RUC)
  • Title, registration and insurance policy
    • Letter to Customs required if insurance not yet obtained
  • Purchase invoice
  • Inspection certificate from origin (from SGS, Bureau Veritas or similar companies)
    • Must state carbon emission does not exceed 9 percent in volume
  • Declaration of value (issued by owner – for used cars only)
  • Technical sheet (issued by authorized engineer in Peru)

When importing a pet to Peru, the requirements are:

  • A veterinarian good health certificate (containing products used against parasites)
  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Official health certificate for export of pets (issued by country of origin)
  • Pets arriving without proper documentation will quarantined or returned to their place of origin
  • Upon arrival, Customer is required to fill out a legal form declaring that the animals has not been fed bovine meat
    • Required if arriving from: Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Rep., Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland (Rep. of), Israel, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom (incl. Channel Isl., Isl. of Man and Northern Ireland) or the United States
  • Belongings of foreign Peruvian diplomats duty free
  • Import duties and excise tax levied on all used cars
  • Household goods and personal effects dutiable
    • Duties are assessed based on value given by the Peruvian Customs Authorities after the shipment is inspected

The following items are considered duty free:

  • Medicine for personal use
  • For passengers over 18-years-old:
    • 20 packets of cigarettes or 5 cigars or 250 grams of shredded/threaded tobacco
    • 5 liters of alcohol (beyond this amount requires permit and is taxable)
  • Other good for personal consumption or gifts not totaling $300 USD
  • One item not exceeding value of $100 USD
  • 2 kg of non-prohibited foodstuffs
  • Electrical items for personal use (no more than 1 per person)
  • Phonographic records, magnetic tapes, compact discs or cassettes (up to a total of ten units)
  • 5 visual recording cartridges (camera or camcorder rolls/cassettes)

NOTE – Customs regulations are subject to change at any time. The proceeding information is a brief summary of customs regulations applicable to household goods shipments to this destination and is being provided for general guidance to assist our Agents and Customers. Since such regulations are subject to change without notice, International sea & air shipping cannot be held liable for any costs, damage, delays, or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance. Always double check with your local embassy or consulate.

Call our International Moving Specialists @ 1 (866) 788-1090

How International Sea & Air can help for moving to Peru


To start your overseas relocation process, one of our trained moving specialists will provide a one-on-one consultation with you, thoroughly outlining your moving options based on certain criteria, such as:

  • Your moving timeline. When do you need to be in Peru?
  • Your real estate plans. Will you be renting or buying?
  • Your family/household size. Will you be moving alone or with your family? For business or personal reasons?
  • Cubic feet estimate. How large is your shipment?

What Will Moving to Peru Cost?


For an accurate estimate of your shipment size, you should schedule a home survey as early as possible for your move to Peru. Our moving specialists will assess your belongings to give you the best estimate possible to expedite your relocation. The cost of moving to Peru will vary considerably based on the cubic footage of your belongings and your proposed destination arrival time.

Don’t forget to ask about our overseas packing and custom crating services, too!

About Peru


Bordered by EcuadorColombiaBrazilBoliviaChile and the Pacific Ocean, the South American country of Peru is a biodiverse landscape made up of coastal regions, mountains, arid plains and tropical locales like the Amazon Rainforest. It also home to the remote slope of Nevado Mismi, the source of the Amazon river, and shares control of Lago Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake.

Filled with remnants of ancient cultures, Peru is home to the remains of civilizations like the Inca Empire and the Norte Chico civilization, one of the oldest civilizations in the world.

As for its culture, the 25 regions of Peru contain a multiethnic (mostly Spanish speaking) population of around 30.8 million people. A developing country with a high Human Development Index (HDI) and one of the fastest growing economies in the world, Peru’s main economy derives from mining, manufacturing, agriculture and fishing.

Can’t wait to get started with your overseas relocation to Peru? First, find out what you’ll need to clear Customs.

Moving to Peru from the U.S.


Moving to Peru from the United States is a big transition for anyone, and there will be plenty to consider and prepare for before you head to South America. The last thing you want to do is worry about how you and your belongings are going to get there – you’ll need a quality international moving company to handle the job for you!

International Sea & Air Shipping will make your transition to Peru as seamless as possible by providing top-notch shipping services for all of your household goods, and much more.

Do you need help with documentation and clearing Customs? Do you need custom crating for your fragile items? Here at International Sea & Air Shipping, we do it all!