Importer of Record in Paraguay
Paraguay sits at the crossroads of South America’s most active trade corridors. Ciudad del Este borders Brazil and Argentina. Asuncion moves cargo through the Paraguay River. But importing commercially without a Paraguayan-registered entity means your shipment stops. Without an active RUC, the Dirección Nacional de Aduanas will not release your goods.
Carra Globe is your Importer of Record in Paraguay. We hold every registration and approval needed to clear your cargo, pay your duties, and deliver to your consignee. No Paraguayan company required on your end.
Whether you need to import to Asuncion for enterprise deployment, manage data center hardware Paraguay rollouts, or import to Ciudad del Este for distribution across the Southern Cone, we handle compliance from first filing to final delivery.
Importer of Record in Paraguay
To import commercially into Paraguay, you need a Paraguayan-registered legal entity holding an active RUC (Registro Único del Contribuyente). The Dirección Nacional de Aduanas (DNA) requires all importers to register and file declarations through a licensed customs broker via a Single Customs Document (Documento Único Aduanero, DUA). All operations must be processed through an authorised local bank with notification to the Central Bank of Paraguay.
For foreign companies that want to ship to Paraguay without a local entity, an Importer of Record carries full legal responsibility for classification, valuation, duty payment, and post-import compliance. Our third-party IOR Paraguay model removes the need to incorporate locally. You remain the beneficial owner of the goods; we carry the regulatory exposure.
Why Companies Use Carra Globe as Their Importer of Record in Paraguay
Most IOR providers handle customs. Paraguay requires more than that. CONATEL homologation must be obtained before wireless or telecom equipment crosses the border. RUC registration must be active before any DUA can be filed. Consular-certified documentation, NCM tariff classification, and mandatory customs broker engagement apply simultaneously at every port of entry.
Carra Globe holds every registration in advance. When your freight arrives at Asuncion Villeta Port or Silvio Pettirossi International Airport, compliance is already done. We classify every SKU against Paraguay’s NCM schedule, confirm CONATEL status, check MERCOSUR preferential duty eligibility, and flag restricted goods before freight is booked. That is why companies shipping to Paraguay without a local entity use Carra Globe as their third-party IOR Paraguay partner. Paraguay import regulations require every commercial importer to hold an active RUC, engage a licensed customs broker, and submit consular-certified documentation at origin. We ensure all of that is handled before cargo moves.
When You Need IOR Services in Paraguay
- You’re managing data center hardware Paraguay projects without a Paraguayan subsidiary, or need to import IT equipment to Paraguay for deployment or infrastructure build
- You need to import to Asuncion for enterprise or government deployment, or import to Ciudad del Este for Southern Cone distribution
- Your product requires CONATEL homologation before DNA will release it
- You ship wireless or RF-enabled hardware and need a local representative to hold the CONATEL certificate
- You’re testing the Paraguay market before committing to incorporation
- You need a single accountable party across freight, compliance, and delivery
What Causes Holds at Paraguay Customs
Missing CONATEL homologation is the single most common hold for IT and telecom hardware — DNA will not release until the certificate is presented. Missing or uncertified consular documents require post-arrival legalisation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. No RUC on the consignee record stops the DUA from being filed. NCM mismatches trigger value reassessment. B/Ls showing a foreign consignee are rejected at the manifest stage. Paraguay import regulations covering RUC, CONATEL, consular documentation, and NCM classification all apply simultaneously. Full Paraguay customs compliance means every requirement is resolved before cargo reaches a Paraguayan port.
Paraguay Trade & Compliance Framework (2025-2026)
- Dirección Nacional de Ingresos Tributarios (DNIT) — Paraguay Customs & Tax Authority: dnit.gov.py
- DNIT — Ventanilla Única del Importador (Importer Registration): dnit.gov.py/vui
DNA, RUC & the DUA
The Dirección Nacional de Aduanas (DNA) controls all import registrations, DUA processing, and physical customs control. The Subsecretaría de Estado de Tributación (SET), under DNIT, administers the RUC registry and collects IVA at clearance. Every commercial import flows through both bodies.
The RUC (Registro Único del Contribuyente) is the single most critical prerequisite. DNA will not accept a DUA without it. Bills of lading must show a Paraguayan RUC-holding entity as consignee — manifests showing a foreign consignee are rejected outright, and B/Ls with generic cargo descriptions are refused. DNA recognises two importer types: casual (infrequent, lower value) and general (regular commercial activity). General importer status requires full DNA registration including identity documents, commercial activity registration, and electronic signature enrolment.
Paraguay requires a licensed customs broker (despachante de aduanas) for every commercial import. The broker prepares the DUA, classifies goods under the NCM nomenclature (Paraguay’s MERCOSUR-aligned tariff schedule), and submits the declaration to DNA. DNA then assigns shipments to a green channel (document review only) or red channel (physical inspection) based on risk profiling. Customs valuation uses CIF as the basis for all duty and IVA calculations. Value mismatches between the invoice and DUA trigger reassessment and penalty surcharges. Paraguay customs compliance starts with correct CIF valuation and NCM classification on every document before cargo departs.
Consular Certification
Consular certification is a Paraguay-specific requirement that catches many foreign shippers unprepared. Commercial invoices, packing lists, and cargo manifests must be certified by the Paraguayan consulate in the country of origin before shipment, or legalised at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Paraguay after arrival. The commercial invoice must carry the consular stamp and must state the CIF value, a detailed commodity description, and the correct NCM code. Generic descriptions are refused.
The consular fee is approximately USD 50 per commercial document, plus a 7% Indian contribution fee on top. Documents certified after arrival incur additional charges and processing delay. All wooden packaging must comply with ISPM-15 phytosanitary standards. For high-value or complex shipments, a guarantee letter signed on company letterhead, endorsed by the general manager and customs broker, and certified by a public notary may be required before cargo release at Asuncion. Carra Globe manages consular certification as part of every shipment preparation. Paraguay import regulations mandate it is complete before cargo departs origin.
September 2025 Legislative Reforms
On September 8, 2025, Paraguay enacted three laws that materially changed the trade and investment landscape:
Law 7546/2025 establishes a national policy for assembling electrical, electronic, and digital equipment in Paraguay. It provides customs duty exemptions on imported materials and reduces the IVA base to 15% for qualifying imports. Companies must create at least 20% national value-add. Importers sourcing components for in-country assembly should evaluate eligibility before calculating landed cost.
Law 7547/2025 overhauls the 1997 Maquila Regime. Foreign companies may import inputs, machinery, and raw materials duty-free and IVA-suspended for processing and re-export. A flat 1% tax applies on Paraguayan value-added or the export invoice, whichever is higher. Maquiladoras may sell up to 10% of previous year export volume domestically, subject to full CET and IVA. Benefits run for 20 years.
Law 7548/2025 replaces the three-decade-old Law 60/90 with a new Tax Incentive Regime for Domestic and Foreign Investment. It provides customs duty and IVA exemptions on capital goods for qualifying productive investments. Investments above USD 13 million gain exemption from Non-Resident Income Tax (INR) and IDU on dividends. Approvals require a biministerial resolution within 75 days.
MERCOSUR CET & Tariff Structure
Paraguay import duties 2025–2026 are calculated on CIF value using the product’s NCM code. Paraguay is a founding MERCOSUR member alongside Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay. All goods from outside the bloc face the Common External Tariff (CET), ranging from 0% to 35% ad valorem with an average applied rate of approximately 10.1%.
Paraguay is not a WTO ITA signatory. There is no blanket zero-duty treatment for IT hardware. Computers, servers, and networking equipment typically attract 10% to 16% CET from non-MERCOSUR origins, though exact rates vary by NCM code and can range from 0% to 20%+. Capital goods attract lower rates; consumer electronics 10% to 30%. Confirm at the NCM code level before quoting landed cost.
For goods transshipped through another MERCOSUR country before entering Paraguay, the CET applies at each border crossing — a shipment from Asia transiting Brazil pays CET to Brazil and again to Paraguay. Paraguay has a bilateral trade agreement with Singapore — the MERCOSUR–Singapore Free Trade Agreement (MCSFTA), which entered into force on February 1, 2026 and covers IT hardware. Paraguay maintains preferential economic ties with Taiwan but no full bilateral FTA is in force; duty benefits on Taiwan-origin goods are limited and must be confirmed at NCM code level. Several Central American bilateral agreements also apply. Confirm NCM-line staging and rules of origin per your export country before claiming any preferential rate.
IVA, Duties & Additional Charges
IVA of 10% applies to all commercial imports on CIF value, paid to SET/DNIT before DNA releases goods. A 5% reduced rate covers basic food basket items and real estate — IT hardware and electronics attract the standard 10%. IVA paid at import is recoverable as an input credit for RUC-holding entities filing monthly declarations via the Marangatú platform (Form 120). The Impuesto Selectivo al Consumo (ISC) applies to tobacco, alcohol, and fuel only — not to IT hardware or industrial equipment.
Additional charges on every commercial import, calculated on CIF valuation:
- Port rates: 0.65% to 1.50%
- Customs valuation service fee: 0.5%
- Consular fee: approx. USD 50 per document plus 7% surcharge
- IT system utilisation fee: USD 15 to USD 50
- Customs broker fee: standardised by law
Paraguay customs compliance requires accurate CIF valuation, correct NCM classification, and full charge calculation before quoting landed cost.
CONATEL Homologation
The Comisión Nacional de Telecomunicaciones (CONATEL) mandates homologation for any product using radio frequencies or connecting to Paraguay’s public network. Products covered:
- WiFi — 5925–6425 MHz authorised per Resolución 1035/2025 (April 23, 2025); the 6425–7125 MHz sub-band is prohibited and must be disabled on all Wi-Fi 6E devices before import
- Bluetooth
- LTE/4G — must support Band 28 for 700 MHz operation
- 5G — 3300–3700 MHz allocated per Resolución 0148-2025 (January 22, 2025)
- RFID and short-range devices — 918–928 MHz, per Resolución 1269/2020
- Mobile phones — mandatory certificate plus IMEI registration per Resolution 410/2019
- All radio transmitters and receivers connecting to the public network
No in-country testing is required. CONATEL accepts existing FCC grants or EU-type examination certificates (RED 2014/53/EU). A Paraguayan local representative must hold and submit the application. Certificates are valid for five years. The CONATEL label must be affixed to equipment before entering Paraguay. Products confirmed exempt receive a No Homologation letter that must accompany the shipment. Carra Globe acts as local CONATEL representative for all IOR engagements.
Controlled & Restricted Goods
SENAVE (plant products, seeds, pesticides) and SENACSA (animal products, veterinary medicines) require import permits obtained before departure. DINAVISA governs medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics — registration is mandatory before commercial import and must be confirmed at SKU level for any wireless-enabled device. Firearms, explosives, and dual-use goods require prior authorisation from the Ministry of National Defence or National Police. DNA will not release any controlled goods without the permit presented at clearance. Carra Globe verifies controlled goods status at NCM code level before any booking is made.
Paraguay Import Documents Checklist
- Commercial invoice (consular-certified at origin; must state CIF value, detailed description, NCM code)
- Packing list (consular-certified)
- Bill of Lading or Air Waybill showing Paraguayan entity as consignee with active RUC
- Certificate of origin (consular-certified; required for MERCOSUR or bilateral FTA preferential duty claims)
- DUA (prepared and filed by licensed customs broker)
- Banker’s draft or letter of credit from an authorised local Paraguayan bank
- CONATEL homologation certificate with CONATEL label affixed (all wireless, telecom, and RF-enabled products)
- CONATEL No Homologation letter (for confirmed-exempt products)
- IMEI registration with CONATEL (mobile phones and components)
- SENAVE, SENACSA, or DINAVISA permit (agricultural chemicals, veterinary products, medical devices)
Product Categories Requiring Special Attention in Paraguay
Carra Globe’s IOR services are tailored to industries that rely on precision, speed, and reliability.
Paraguay Customs Clearance Lead Times
Lead times vary by entry point and channel. Compliant shipments with CONATEL certificates pre-held, consular documentation certified at origin, and correct RUC on all documents clear at the lower end.
- Green channel (sea/river, Asuncion Villeta Port): 1 to 2 business days from vessel arrival
- Green channel (air, Silvio Pettirossi Airport): 1 to 2 business days after aircraft arrival
- Red channel (physical inspection added): Add 3 to 5 business days
- Missing CONATEL certificate hold: 5 to 20+ business days
We hold CONATEL homologation across a wide range of IT and telecom categories, maintains an active RUC, and pre-clears consular documentation before your shipment departs origin, keeping Paraguay customs clearance at the lower end of these ranges.
Carra Globe already holds every licence, certification, and approval listed above so your cargo moves without any delay with custom clearance in 1-2 business days.
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Carra Globe services in Paraguay
Carra Globe provides Importer of Record (IOR) services in Paraguay with RUC-registered entity representation, DUA filing through a licensed customs broker, and DNA clearance management, Exporter of Record (EOR), DDP shipping to Paraguay with full duty, IVA, and regulatory cost settlement, CONATEL homologation management including local representative holding, consular document certification at origin, NCM tariff classification and MERCOSUR preferential duty assessment, maquila and re-export flow management, Paraguay freight forwarding by air, sea, and river across Asuncion Villeta Port, Silvio Pettirossi International Airport, and Ciudad del Este, global trade compliance, warehouse logistics, and white glove delivery and installation across Asuncion, Ciudad del Este, Luque, San Lorenzo, and Encarnacion.
DDP shipping to Paraguay means Carra Globe bears all import duties, IVA, CONATEL homologation, consular certification, and customs broker obligations to your named delivery point. One all-inclusive price. No surprise customs bills on arrival.
Carra Globe supports multi-country rollouts from a single IOR engagement, covering China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, India, and Mexico alongside Paraguay. For equipment sourced from the EU, UK, or USA, we manage full export compliance at origin and freight forwarding to Paraguay under one coordinated workflow. Need Paraguay freight forwarding only? We handle that as a standalone service too.
Frequently Asked Questions — Paraguay IOR & DDP Shipping
Can I ship to Paraguay without a local entity?
Yes. Carra Globe acts as your Importer of Record, holding the RUC and all certifications. Your goods import legally without you needing a Paraguayan company or bank account.
What is RUC and why is it required?
The RUC is Paraguay’s taxpayer registration number issued by SET. Only RUC-holding entities can file DUAs or appear as consignee on a Paraguayan B/L. Foreign companies cannot hold a RUC without a local entity. Carra Globe provides its registered Paraguayan entity and RUC for all IOR engagements.
What are Paraguay import duties 2025–2026 for IT equipment?
IT hardware from outside MERCOSUR typically attracts 10% to 16% CET on CIF value, though exact rates vary by NCM code. IVA of 10% applies on top. Paraguay is not a WTO ITA signatory, so there is no blanket zero-duty treatment. Confirm rates at the NCM code level before shipment.
What is CONATEL homologation and which products need it?
CONATEL homologation is the mandatory pre-import certification for any product using radio frequencies or connecting to Paraguay’s public telecom network — WiFi, Bluetooth, LTE, 5G, RFID, and mobile phones. Mobile phones also require IMEI registration with CONATEL in addition to the standard certificate. FCC grants and EU RED test reports are accepted; no local testing required. A Paraguayan local representative must hold the certificate. Valid for five years.
How does DDP shipping to Paraguay work?
Carra Globe covers all freight, duties, IVA, CONATEL homologation, consular certification, and broker costs to your delivery point. One price, zero arrival surprises.
How long does Paraguay customs clearance take?
Green channel sea/river freight clears in 1 to 2 business days. Air freight takes 1 to 2 days. Red channel adds 3 to 5 days. Missing CONATEL certificates or consular documents cause holds of 5 to 20+ business days.
What is the MERCOSUR CET and how does it affect my costs?
The CET is the unified tariff on goods from outside MERCOSUR, ranging 0% to 35%, averaging 10.1%. IT hardware typically attracts 10% to 16%, though exact rates vary by NCM code. Goods transshipping through another MERCOSUR country pay the CET twice — once at entry to the bloc and again at Paraguayan customs.
What ports does Carra Globe use for Paraguay imports?
Sea and river freight arrives via Asuncion Villeta Port (ANNP). Ciudad del Este receives overland cargo from Brazil and Argentina. Air freight uses Silvio Pettirossi International Airport in Luque. For freight forwarding to Paraguay by sea, Asuncion Villeta handles the majority of commercial IT hardware volumes.
Does Paraguay require consular certification on import documents?
Yes. Commercial invoices, packing lists, and cargo manifests must be certified by the Paraguayan consulate in the country of origin before shipment, or legalised at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Paraguay after arrival. The invoice must carry the consular stamp and state the CIF value, a detailed commodity description, and the correct NCM code. Uncertified documents cause clearance holds. Carra Globe coordinates consular certification as part of every shipment preparation.
Can Carra Globe handle IT and data centre imports into Paraguay?
Yes. We manage NCM classification, CONATEL homologation for all wireless-enabled hardware, consular document certification, DUA filing, duty and IVA settlement, and last-mile delivery across Asuncion and Ciudad del Este. For data center hardware Paraguay projects, we confirm homologation status at SKU level before freight is booked and act as the local CONATEL representative throughout.
What is the difference between IOR and DDP for Paraguay shipments?
Under IOR, Carra Globe is the legal importer of record — we hold the RUC, file the DUA, pay duties, and carry regulatory liability. The commercial arrangement between you and your end customer remains separate. Under DDP (Delivered Duty Paid), we go further: we cover all freight, duties, IVA, homologation, and consular costs to your named delivery point in Paraguay, and you receive one all-inclusive landed price. Both models are available through Carra Globe.
Does Paraguay have a de minimis threshold for imports?
Paraguay does not publish a widely recognised commercial de minimis that exempts low-value shipments from full duty and IVA. All commercial imports, regardless of value, require a DUA filed by a licensed customs broker, an active RUC on the declaration, and consular-certified documentation. For express or courier shipments, confirm applicable thresholds with Carra Globe before booking, as separate courier import regimes may apply.
How does the MERCOSUR–Singapore FTA affect IT hardware imports into Paraguay?
The MERCOSUR–Singapore Free Trade Agreement (MCSFTA) entered into force on February 1, 2026. It provides preferential duty treatment on qualifying goods of Singapore origin, including IT hardware categories. To claim preference, a valid certificate of origin from the relevant Singapore authority must accompany the shipment. Rules of origin and NCM-line staging must be confirmed per product before claiming the preferential rate. Carra Globe verifies MCSFTA eligibility as part of every Singapore-origin IOR engagement.
What happens if my goods are held at Paraguay customs?
The most common holds are missing CONATEL homologation, uncertified consular documents, no RUC on the consignee record, and NCM mismatches between the invoice and DUA. Resolving a CONATEL hold requires presenting the homologation certificate — if it was not obtained before departure, this can take weeks. Consular document holds require post-arrival legalisation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, adding days and fees. Carra Globe resolves all of these before cargo departs, not after it arrives.
