Sending a package to Paraguay: Customs, VAT and delivery time
From Germany to Asunción, Ciudad del Este or Encarnación: How to properly prepare business shipments
Paraguay lies in the heart of South America and has no direct access to the sea. Nevertheless, the country is closely connected to the region's international trade routes via the Paraguay and Paraná rivers. Inland waterway transport and road transport therefore play a particularly important role for larger shipments.
- Shipping from Germany to Paraguay
- Parcel, express and freight solutions
- Shipping to Asunción, Ciudad del Este and Encarnación
- Prepare customs and goods data digitally
- Take into account 10% VAT on imports.
- Check current Mercosur customs tariff
- Proving EU preferential origin with REX
- Specify the recipient's RUC or ID number.
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Important new rules have been in effect for shipping to Paraguay since 2026.
Paraguay significantly further digitized its customs processes in 2026. At the same time, the new trade agreement between the EU and Mercosur provisionally entered into force.
For companies, it is therefore particularly worthwhile to thoroughly check the origin of goods, recipient details and customs tariff number before collection.
Include 10% VAT
The standard Paraguayan value-added tax (VAT) rate is 10 percent. A reduced rate of 5 percent applies to certain goods, such as certain pharmaceuticals.
Check REX and declaration of origin
Since May 2026, qualifying EU-origin goods have been able to benefit from the EU-Mercosur agreement. EU exporters use a declaration of origin for this purpose; above the stipulated threshold, a valid REX number is generally required.
Recipient ID important since January 2026
Since January 1, 2026, mail to Paraguay must include the recipient's ID number or RUC number. If it is missing, the shipment may be returned.
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Important information about customs and import duties
DAP or DDP to Paraguay: Clarify customs, VAT and importer requirements beforehand.
For business shipments, it should be determined who will handle import clearance before the shipment is booked.
For DAP The seller organizes the transport to the agreed destination.
The import formalities and the agreed import costs are generally the responsibility of the recipient.
This can include:
- Import duty
- 10% VAT or reduced tax rate
- Excise taxes, if applicable
- Import permits
- Customs broker fees
- Carrier handling fees
For DDP The seller assumes further import obligations and agreed duties, provided that the carrier and import structure allow this.
Before making a binding DDP offer, at least the following should be checked:
- NCM/HS code
- Customs value
- regular Mercosur customs duty
- possible EU-Mercosur preference
- Origin of the goods
- VAT rate
- Importer registration
- possible VUI approvals
- Carrier and handling costs
Therefore, for a realistic calculation, transport costs and import costs should be considered together.
You can find out more at guaranteed Landed Costs in international trade.
What is the import duty in Paraguay?
There is no uniform import duty for Paraguay.
The country is a member of Mercosur and generally uses its common external tariff.
The following are particularly important:
- NCM/HS code
- Type of goods
- Customs value
- Country of origin
- possible origin of preference
- National exceptions to the Mercosur tariff
Since May 2026, goods originating in the EU can receive customs benefits.
The interim trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur was signed in Asunción on January 17, 2026.
Relations between the EU and Paraguay have been strained since... 1 May 2026 provisionally applied.
This is particularly relevant for German exporters:
Qualifying EU originating products may be subject to reduced or waived import duties, depending on the tariff classification.
However, the following still applies:
Shipments from Germany do not automatically imply EU preferential origin.
For goods originating from a third country, the rules of origin of the agreement must first be met.
Determine customs value accurately
The value of the goods also plays a central role in determining import duties.
Depending on the delivery situation, transport, insurance and other customs-related costs may be included in the calculation.
Further information can be found at Calculate the correct customs value for international shipments.
What is the value-added tax (VAT) rate in Paraguay?
The Paraguayan value added tax is called:
Impuesto al Valor Agregado, IVA for short.
The regular rate is:
10%.
In addition, there is a reduced set of:
5%.
This only applies to certain legally defined goods and processes.
For example, certain products registered as medicinal products for human use may be subject to the 5 percent rate upon import.
For all other cases subject to regular taxation, the standard rate is 10 percent.
In addition to VAT, import duties and other charges may apply depending on the goods.
A possible customs preference from the EU-Mercosur agreement therefore does not automatically eliminate the Paraguayan VAT.
Regular VAT: 10%
DAD and VUI: Paraguay further digitizes imports
Paraguay further digitized its customs clearance process at the beginning of 2026.
Since 1 January 2026 is the:
Declaración Aduanera Digital, DAD for short
the authoritative electronic document for import and export transactions.
The DAD includes, among other things:
- Product description
- Number of packages
- Weight
- Customs tariff number
- cart value
- related permits
- Data of the importer or exporter
This eliminates the previous requirement to use corresponding pre-printed security forms for these processes.
Ventanilla Única del Importador
For numerous goods requiring a permit, the following additional requirements apply:
Ventanilla Única del Importador, VUI for short
.
The system is used, for example, for processes such as:
- Machines and certain substances
- agrochemicals
- Plants and plant products
- Food products
- certain health products
- other controlled goods
For regulated products, it should therefore be checked before shipping whether a VUI approval or the release of a competent authority is required.
Sending a package to Paraguay: What companies should know beforehand
Paraguay lies between Brazil, Argentina and Bolivia and has no access to the sea.
Nevertheless, the country holds a strategically important position in South American trade.
The most important economic and commercial centers include:
- Assumption
- Ciudad del Este
- Encarnacion
- San Lorenzo
- Luque
- Villette
For smaller and time-critical goods, international parcel and express services are available.
For pallets, machinery and larger quantities of goods, however, combined sea, river and road transport plays an important role.
What documents do I need for Paraguay?
For a commercial delivery of goods, the following information and/or documents should typically be prepared:
- Commercial invoice
- Packing List
- Air Waybill, Bill of Lading or other transport document
- precise product description
- NCM/HS code
- cart value
- Country of origin
- Recipient or importer data
- Declaration of origin (if applicable)
- Import permits may be required.
The digital customs declaration, used since 2026, electronically transmits important information such as goods description, weight, tariff classification, value and permits.
What has changed for EU exports to Paraguay in 2026?
Since 1 May 2026 The interim trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur will be applied provisionally.
For goods with corresponding EU preferential origin, more favorable customs treatment in Paraguay may therefore be possible, depending on the tariff position.
However, the proof of preferential origin works differently than in many older EU trade agreements.
EU exporters use one:
Explanation of origin.
A standard EUR.1 certificate is not intended for EU-Mercosur preferential proof.
Do I need a REX number for Paraguay?
For EU exports, the REX system is generally relevant.
Registered exporters state their valid REX number in the declaration of origin.
Unregistered exporters can only issue a declaration of origin for consignments of originating products up to a value of:
EUR 6.000
exhibit.
Above this limit, a valid REX registration is generally required for self-certification.
The declaration of origin is generally valid for twelve months.
Specify recipient ID or RUC since 2026
For postal shipments, there has been a [new regulation/regulation] since [date]. 1 January 2026 another important change.
The customs declaration must include the identification document number or the following:
Registro Único de Contribuyentes, RUC
the recipient's name must be specified.
DHL explicitly points out that missing information can lead to problems with customs clearance and, in the worst case, to the return of the goods.
For business shipments, the RUC number should therefore be available as soon as possible when the order is entered.
How long does it take for a package to arrive in Paraguay?
Currently, relatively long lead times are to be expected for standard packages.
DHL Parcel currently states:
more than 30 working days.
The storage period is currently 60 days.
Express is significantly faster.
DHL Express Worldwide states the following for key destination areas:
2 business days
in the international main race.
For goods subject to customs duties, approximately one additional working day is given as a guideline.
The actual runtime also depends on:
- Customs clearance
- Import permits
- Recipient region
- Completeness of the documents
- selected carrier
What language should the customs declaration be in?
DHL accepts delivery to Paraguay:
- English
- Spanish
For local customs processes, a clear Spanish description can be helpful.
Not:
“Repuestos”
but for example:
“Acoplamiento de acero inoxidable para bomba industrial”
This makes the product, material, and intended use much more clearly identifiable.
Write the address for Paraguay correctly
International addresses should be written in Latin letters and Arabic numerals.
One possible format is:
PARAGUAY INDUSTRIAL SA
AV. MARISCAL LÓPEZ 1538
1536 ASUNCIÓN
PARAGUAY
Additionally, the telephone number, email address and, for business recipients, the RUC number should be provided.
These errors are delaying shipments to Paraguay
Especially due to the changes coming in 2026, older shipping processes should not be used without being reviewed.
Typical problems include:
- The recipient's RUC or ID number is missing.
- The NCM/HS code was incorrectly determined.
- The product description is too general.
- The value of the goods cannot be verified.
- EU preferential origin is assumed without proof.
- Old preferential documents are used instead of the new declaration of origin.
- REX number is missing from a corresponding shipment
- The necessary VUI approval was not verified.
- The invoice and the digital customs declaration do not match.
- Recipient data is incomplete
Especially for recurring items, it is therefore worthwhile to maintain the HS code, origin and product description centrally in the item master data.
This means the same data does not need to be reassembled for every shipment.
What goods are shipped from Germany to Paraguay?
Paraguay's economy is heavily influenced by agriculture, food production, energy, trade, and growing industrial processing.
This presents German companies with particular opportunities in the areas of technical products and capital goods.
Typical business mailings may contain, for example:
- Machines and production facilities
- Agricultural and agricultural technology
- Machine spare parts
- Pumps and water technology
- Electrical Engineering
- Automation and control technology
- Measurement and testing technology
- Tools and workshop equipment
- Vehicle and commercial vehicle parts
- IT and communication technology
- medical devices and accessories
Especially with machinery and spare parts, the tariff number should be determined before booking the shipment.
Paraguay uses the Nomenclatura Común del Mercosur, NCM and the associated common Mercosur external tariff.
Correct product classification has become even more important since May 2026, as the tariff position also determines whether and to what extent the new EU-Mercosur preference can be used.
Shipping information: Paraguay
Standard, express or freight to Paraguay?
The most suitable shipping method depends heavily on the size and urgency of the shipment.
Standard package
For less time-critical goods, an international parcel service can be used.
DHL Parcel currently specifies a delivery time estimate of more than 30 working days.
For more information, please visit DHL Parcel and international shipping options.
Express Shipping
For urgent spare parts, production materials or documents, express shipping is significantly faster.
DHL Express Worldwide estimates a delivery time of approximately two working days for key destinations during the main transit. Additional processing time should be allowed for goods subject to customs duties.
Freight shipping
For machinery, pallets and larger quantities of goods, sea freight, inland waterway transport and road transport play a particularly important role.
The Paraguay–Paraná Canal connects the interior of the country with the Atlantic Ocean.
Paraguay has no direct access to the sea.
However, this does not mean that sea freight plays no role in the transport of goods.
A key traffic artery is the:
Hidrovía Paraguay–Paraná.
This river system connects Paraguay to ports and international sea routes towards the Río de la Plata and the Atlantic Ocean.
The waterway is therefore particularly important for:
- Containers
- Machine
- Bulk goods
- Agricultural products
- industrial goods
An important port location is Villette, about 28 kilometers from Asunción.
The terminal facility there can handle both import and export traffic and has, among other things, container technology, storage areas and heavy-duty cranes.
For larger B2B shipments, a combined transport method using sea freight, inland waterway and road transport can therefore be advantageous.
For more information on larger shipments, please see international freight shipping.
What import costs might arise in Paraguay?
The actual import costs depend on the goods, tariff classification, and origin.
Possible components include:
- Import duty according to the Mercosur tariff
- 10% VAT or reduced rate
- Excise taxes, if applicable
- Import license costs
- Customs broker fees
- Carrier handling fees
Since May 2026, it should also be checked whether the goods meet the rules of origin of the EU-Mercosur agreement.
If the goods have a corresponding EU preferential origin, the import duty may be reduced or waived.
The VAT (Income Tax Act) must be considered separately.
How much does a package to Paraguay cost?
The transport price depends in particular on:
- Weight
- Dimensions
- Volumetric weight
- Carrier
- Standard or express shipping
- Target region
- Type of goods
- Additional Services
Due to its inland location, parcel, express and freight prices can differ significantly.
For a small spare part to Asunción, express shipping may therefore be a good option, while for a pallet or machine, a freight quote may be worthwhile.
In addition to the transport price, possible customs duties, taxes and clearance costs should be taken into account.
Online trade to Paraguay: Courier and postal service boundaries differ
For smaller e-commerce shipments, Paraguay has different regulations for postal and express shipments.
For international postal shipments, the Paraguayan Customs Code generally provides for full or partial exemption from duties up to an FOB value of:
200 US Dollars
provided that the respective conditions of the regulation are met.
For so-called Express Remittances or courier shipments, a lower threshold applies.
Goods shipped via express service can be delivered up to a maximum FOB value of:
100 US Dollars
be exempt from import duties.
Up to an FOB value of US$1.000, the authorized courier company can generally handle the simplified customs procedure directly. Above this limit, a customs broker is required according to the customs code.
These limits should not be advertised as a blanket tax exemption for every online order. The type of goods, the procedure, and current customs regulations must still be checked.
Recipient data can be imported directly from the shop.
Since 2026, the recipient's identification number has been particularly important for postal shipments.
For B2B recipients, the Paraguayan RUC number should therefore be recorded as early as possible during checkout or in the customer data.
The following data should also be transferred in a structured manner:
- Product description
- cart value
- Weight
- Country of origin
- HS code
In automated shops, shipping status and customs data can also be transmitted system-wide.
You can find out more at Tracking webhooks for automated shipping processes.
EU-Mercosur: New preferential rules have been in effect since May 2026.
The most important current feature regarding shipping from Germany to Paraguay is the new EU-Mercosur trade agreement.
The interim trade agreement was signed on January 17, 2026 in Asunción signed and has been in effect between the EU and Paraguay since the 1 May 2026 provisionally applied.
This fundamentally changes the customs process for many EU-originating products.
For preferential treatment, a declaration of origin is used for EU exports.
EU exporters with REX registration must state their valid REX number in this declaration.
Without REX, a declaration of origin can generally only be issued for originating products up to a value of 6.000 euros.
This also means:
An EUR.1 is not the intended proof of preferential origin under the new EU-Mercosur agreement.
Companies that regularly export to Paraguay should therefore review existing customs forms and internal work instructions.
Which carrier is suitable for Paraguay?
For shipments from Germany to Paraguay, various parcel, express and freight providers are available.
Depending on the broadcast, the following can be used, for example:
- DHL
- DHL Express
- UPS
- FedEx
- international air freight partners
- Sea freight and forwarding partner
When making a comparison, the base price should not be the only factor considered.
Other important criteria include:
- Runtime
- Customs service
- Tracking
- Insurance
- maximum dimensions and weights
- Target region
- possible surcharges
The difference between more than 30 working days for standard parcel shipping and around two working days for express main service shows, especially in Paraguay, why a carrier comparison makes sense.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shipping
Can I send a package from Germany to Paraguay?
Yes. Parcels, express shipments, and business goods can be sent from Germany to Paraguay. Since Paraguay is not part of the EU, shipments require complete customs information.
How long does it take for a package to arrive in Paraguay?
DHL Parcel currently estimates a delivery time of more than 30 working days. DHL Express Worldwide requires approximately two working days for the main route to key destinations; additional processing time is indicated for goods subject to customs duties.
What is the value-added tax (VAT) rate in Paraguay?
The standard Paraguayan VAT rate is 10 percent. A reduced rate of 5 percent applies to certain goods and transactions.
What is the import duty in Paraguay?
Customs duties are determined by the specific NCM tariff classification. Paraguay is a member of Mercosur and generally uses its common external tariff. Since May 2026, EU-origin products can also benefit from the EU-Mercosur agreement, depending on their tariff classification.
Is there a trade agreement between Paraguay and the EU?
Yes. The EU-Mercosur Interim Trade Agreement has been provisionally applied between the European Union and Paraguay since May 1, 2026.
Do I need a EUR.1 for Paraguay?
For the preferential treatment under the new EU-Mercosur agreement, EU exporters do not use EUR.1, but rather a declaration of origin in accordance with the rules of the agreement. Taxation and Customs Union
Do I need a REX number for Paraguay?
EU exporters with REX registration must state their valid REX number in the declaration of origin. Non-registered exporters may generally only issue a declaration of origin for products originating in the EU with a value of up to €6.000.
What has changed at customs in Paraguay in 2026?
Since January 1, 2026, Paraguay has used the digital Declaración Aduanera Digital (Digital Declaration) as the central document for imports and exports. For postal shipments, the recipient's RUC number or identification number has also been required since January. The new EU-Mercosur trade agreement has also been in effect since May 2026. nit
Question 9: Is there a duty-free allowance for packages to Paraguay?
The Paraguayan Customs Code provides for full or partial duty exemption for international postal shipments up to FOB 200 US dollars, subject to applicable conditions. For courier shipments, the legal exemption limit is generally FOB 100 US dollars.
What language should the customs declaration be in?
DHL lists English and Spanish as acceptable languages for the customs declaration to Paraguay.
What is the VUI in Paraguay?
The Ventanilla Única del Importador is a central platform for various import permits and official approvals. It is used, among other things, for certain machinery, agrochemicals, plants, and other regulated goods.
What documents do I need for Paraguay?
Typically, a commercial invoice, transport document, complete goods description, tariff number, goods value, and recipient details are required. Depending on the goods, a packing list, declaration of origin, and import permits may also be necessary.
