Sending a package to Peru: Customs, IGB and delivery time
From Germany to Lima, Callao or Arequipa: How to properly prepare business shipments
Peru is one of the most important markets on the South American Pacific coast and boasts a diverse economy encompassing mining, industry, agriculture, trade, and a growing e-commerce sector. For German companies, machinery, spare parts, electrical engineering products, medical technology, IT products, and industrial equipment can be particularly attractive export goods.
- Shipping from Germany to Peru
- Parcel, express and freight solutions
- Shipping to Lima, Callao and Arequipa
- Prepare customs and goods data digitally
- 18% IGM must be taken into account when importing.
- Check the customs duty rate of 0, 6 or 11%
- Properly proving EU preferential origin
- Clarify import permits via VUCE
10.000+
Shipments / Month
220+
Countries worldwide
< 2 seconds
per label
Up to 80%
günstiger
In Peru, the import process is determined by the value of the goods, the HS code, and their origin.
Not every shipment to Peru is treated the same.
For business shipments, the goods description, customs tariff number, value of goods, origin and recipient details should therefore be determined before collection.
Factor in 18% IGV
The regular total tax rate will remain at 18 percent in 2026. For imports, the IRC is generally calculated on the customs value plus import duties and other relevant charges.
Check EU preferential origin
The trade agreement between the EU and Peru allows for tariff advantages for qualifying EU-origin products. Depending on the circumstances, an EUR.1 certificate or a declaration of origin can be used as proof.
Know the $200 limit
Certain standard courier shipments with an FOB value of up to US$200 may be exempt from import duties and IMR in Peru. Exceptions apply to restricted goods and special customs procedures.
Shipping from
22.16 €
Delivery in
2-18 days
Guaranteed total cost for Platinum customers
Checkout-ready
for international orders
DDP / DAP
directly controllable
Carrier selection
including price & duration
More transparency
for dealers & customers
“We have automated our international shipping with the Billbee connection from Paket International and save several hours every day – especially with customs issues.”
Besler-Scharf – DLA Proficiency Tests
Important information about customs and import duties
DAP or DDP to Peru: Who pays customs duties and import VAT?
For deliveries to Peru, it should be determined before booking who will handle the import clearance and the associated costs.
For DAP The seller organizes the transport to the agreed destination.
Import clearance and the agreed import costs are generally the responsibility of the recipient.
This can include:
- Import duty
- 18% IGV
- if applicable, Impuesto Selectivo al Consumo
- 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 situation allow this.
Therefore, at least the following should be checked before making a binding DDP offer:
- HS code
- FOB and CIF value
- regular import duty
- possible EU preference
- Origin of the goods
- 18% IGV
- RUC and the recipient's import capability
- possible VUCE approvals
- Carrier and customs agent costs
Especially with B2C shipments, transparent import costs can reduce abandoned purchases and unpleasant surprises during delivery.
For more information, please visit Display landed costs directly at checkout..
What is the import duty in Peru?
Peru does not levy a uniform import duty.
For normal imports, the following ad valorem rates apply, depending on the tariff position:
- 0%
- 6%
- 11%
Import duties are generally calculated on the CIF value.
This typically consists of:
- cart value
- international transport costs
- Insurance costs
Therefore, for a concrete calculation, the HS code, customs value and origin should be checked together.
EU origin can reduce import duties.
A comprehensive trade agreement has been in place between the European Union and Peru since 2013.
For goods that meet the rules of origin specified therein, reduced or completely waived customs duties may apply.
However, the actual origin of preference is crucial.
For example, a product manufactured in China does not automatically receive EU preferential origin status simply because it is shipped to Peru via a German warehouse.
What is the value-added tax (VAT) in Peru?
The Peruvian sales tax is called:
Impuesto General a las Ventas, IGV for short.
The total applicable tax rate in 2026 is:
18%.
The composition of the sentence is interesting.
The following will be discontinued in 2026:
- 15,5% on the actual IGM
- 2,5% on the Impuesto de Promoción Municipal, IPM
The total burden for the importer thus remains at 18 percent.
For imports, the tax is generally not calculated solely on the invoice value.
The basis of assessment may include, in particular:
- CIF value
- Import duty
- possibly other relevant import duties
Certain goods and import transactions may be exempt from tax or treated differently.
Regular total tax rate 2026: 18%
VUCE and DAM: Peru relies on digital customs procedures
An important component of Peruvian foreign trade is:
Ventanilla Única de Comercio Exterior, VUCE for short.
The central platform allows companies to digitally process procedures related to import, export and transit.
VUCE is particularly relevant for goods that require permits or controls from various authorities.
Depending on the product, this could include, for example:
- Food products
- Pharmaceuticals (self manufacturing)
- medical products
- Plants and plant products
- animal products
- Chemicals
- other regulated goods
DAM for regular imports
For regular commercial imports, the following applies:
Declaración Aduanera de Mercancías, DAM for short
for use.
The information declared in the customs declaration must be complete and consistent with the commercial documents.
Commercial importers also generally require an active Peruvian RUC.
This should clarify, even before shipment, whether the recipient meets the requirements for commercial import.
Sending a package to Peru: What companies should know beforehand
Peru stretches from the Pacific coast across the Andes Mountains and deep into the Amazon region.
These geographical differences have a direct impact on transport routes and delivery times.
The most important economic and logistics locations include:
- Lima
- Callao
- Arequipa
- Trujillo
- Piura
- Cusco
- Chiclayo
Lima and the immediately adjacent Callao form the country's most important economic and logistics center.
For smaller shipments, parcel and express solutions are available. For machinery, pallets, or larger quantities of goods, however, air and sea freight play an important role.
What documents do I need for Peru?
For a commercial delivery of goods, the following information and/or documents should typically be prepared:
- Commercial Invoices
- Packing List
- Air Waybill or Bill of Lading
- precise product description
- HS code
- cart value
- Country of origin
- Sender and recipient data
- if applicable EUR.1 or declaration of origin
- Import permits may be required.
For samples, warranty replacements or other shipments without a classic sale of goods, a pro forma invoice can be used, depending on the transaction.
For more information, please visit How to correctly use a pro forma invoice at customs.
Is there a trade agreement between Peru and the EU?
Yes.
The trade agreement between the European Union and Peru and Colombia has been in effect with Peru since [date missing]. March 1, 2013 applied.
Ecuador later joined the agreement as well.
The agreement reduces or eliminates import duties for many originating products.
This can make a significant difference for German exporters.
However, it is crucial that the goods actually meet the respective rules of origin.
Do I need a EUR.1 for Peru?
For goods with EU preferential origin, a EUR.1 movement certificate can be used as proof of preference.
Alternatively, the agreement allows for a declaration of origin or invoice declaration.
For shipments of originating products up to a total value of:
EUR 6.000
In principle, this can be created by any executor.
For higher values, an appropriately authorized exporter can use the declaration of origin. Alternatively, an EUR.1 certificate can be used.
Shipping from Germany alone is not sufficient for preferential treatment. The decisive factor is the preferential origin of the goods.
How long does it take for a package to arrive in Peru?
DHL Parcel currently states a delivery time estimate of:
12 to 18 working days.
The current storage period is 30 days.
Express shipments can reach key destinations significantly faster.
DHL Express indicates a standard delivery time of approximately [amount] for Peru, depending on the type of shipment and service. 2 working days in the international main race.
Additional time may be required for goods subject to customs duties and for recipient addresses outside major metropolitan areas.
The actual runtime also depends on:
- Customs clearance
- Import permits
- Recipient region
- Type of goods
- Completeness of the documents
What language should the customs declaration be in?
DHL lists the following for Peru:
- English
- Spanish
To ensure the clearest possible customs clearance, a precise description of the goods in English or Spanish is recommended.
Not:
“Machine Parts”
but for example:
“Stainless steel coupling for industrial centrifugal pump”
This makes the product, material, and intended use more easily identifiable.
Write the address to Peru correctly
International addresses should be written in Latin letters and Arabic numerals.
One possible format is:
PERU INDUSTRIAL SAC
AV. JAVIER PRADO ESTE 2450
SAN BORJA
15036 LIME
PERU
The recipient's phone number and email address should also be provided.
For B2B shipments, the importer's Peruvian RUC may also be required for customs clearance.
These errors are delaying shipments to Peru
Many delays do not occur during the actual transport, but only during import.
Typical problems include:
- The product description is too general.
- HS code was incorrectly determined
- The value of the goods cannot be verified.
- CIF costs were incorrectly accounted for.
- The commercial importer's RUC is not valid.
- The necessary VUCE approval is missing.
- EU preferential origin is stated without proof.
- EUR.1 or declaration of origin is incorrect
- The commercial invoice and packing list do not match.
- Recipient information is incomplete
Especially for recurring items, the HS code, country of origin and precise product description should therefore be maintained centrally in the item master data.
This means that the same customs data does not have to be manually compiled for each shipment.
What goods are shipped from Germany to Peru?
Peru has significant mining, energy, agricultural, food and industrial sectors.
This creates a need for imports, particularly for machinery, technical components and capital goods.
For German companies, the following goods, for example, may be of interest:
- Machines and production facilities
- Mining and Conveyor Technology
- Machine spare parts
- Pumps and water technology
- Electrical Engineering
- Automation and control technology
- Measurement and testing technology
- medical devices and accessories
- Laboratory and analytical technology
- IT and communication technology
- Tools and industrial components
Especially with technical goods, the customs tariff number should be clearly determined before shipment.
Peru uses national tariff classifications based on the Harmonised System. The HS code determines, among other things, the tariff rate, any preferential treatment, and licensing requirements.
For electronic devices with lithium-ion batteries, the respective transport regulations of the carrier must also be taken into account.
Shipping information: Peru
Standard, express or freight to Peru.
The most suitable shipping method depends primarily on size, weight, and urgency.
Standard package
For smaller and less time-critical shipments, an international parcel service can be used.
DHL Parcel currently specifies a delivery time estimate of 12 to 18 working days.
For more information, please visit DHL Parcel and international shipping options.
Express Shipping
For urgent spare parts, technical products or production materials, express delivery can be significantly faster.
For key destinations, transit times of a few working days are possible, depending on the carrier.
Freight shipping
Air and sea freight are particularly suitable for machinery, pallets and larger quantities of goods.
For heavier shipments, it is therefore worthwhile to compare parcel services, express services and traditional freight forwarding companies.
Callao and Chancay dominate the maritime freight traffic to Peru.
The Peruvian Pacific coast has a strategically important port infrastructure for larger shipments of goods.
The most important classic port location is:
Callao.
The port is located immediately west of Lima and features, among other things:
- Muelle Sur for container traffic
- Terminal Norte Multiproposito
- specialized transshipment facilities
Callao has the highest traffic volume and extensive storage and container capacities within Peru.
In addition, there is the new port:
Chancay.
It is located about 70 kilometers north of Lima and is designed as a modern automated multipurpose and container hub.
Other important port locations include:
- Paita
- Matarani
- Pisco
This means that various sea freight routes may be suitable for machinery and larger B2B deliveries.
For more information, please visit Freight shipping for international business shipments.
What import costs might arise in Peru?
The actual import costs depend on the goods and the import situation.
Possible components include:
- Ad valorem duty of 0, 6 or 11%
- 18% IGV/IPM
- if applicable, Impuesto Selectivo al Consumo
- If applicable, the importer's IGV perception
- Import license costs
- Customs broker fees
- Carrier handling fees
Import duties are generally calculated on the CIF value.
The IGV is then calculated on an extended basis of assessment, which includes, among other things, the CIF value and import duty.
For products with preferential EU origin, the regular import duty may be reduced or waived due to the trade agreement.
The 18 percent IGR should be considered separately.
How much does a package to Peru cost?
The transport price depends in particular on:
- Weight
- Dimensions
- Volumetric weight
- Carrier
- Standard or express shipping
- Target region
- Type of goods
- Additional Services
A shipment to Lima can therefore be calculated differently than a delivery to a remote region of the Andes or the Amazon.
In addition to the pure transport price, possible import duties and handling fees should be taken into account.
Therefore, comparing different carriers can be particularly worthwhile for regular shipping.
You can find out more at Multi-carrier shipping for international companies.
Online trade to Peru: Making the most of the 200-US-dollar limit
Peru has a relatively clear value limit for small international courier shipments.
Standard shipments with an FOB value of:
up to 200 US dollars
They can generally be exempt from import duties and IEU.
For courier shipments with an FOB value of:
more than 200 to a maximum of 2.000 US dollars
The following generally applies in the simplified courier procedure:
- 4% Ad-valorem duty
- 18% IGV/IPM
However, there are important exceptions.
Goods subject to special duties, restrictions, preferential treatment or other special customs regulations may fall into a different category.
Multiple shipments may not be artificially split to circumvent the $200 limit.
RUC must be observed during commercial imports
For commercial imports, the Peruvian recipient generally requires an active RUC.
However, there are limited exceptions for private individuals.
For example, a private individual can carry out up to three occasional imports per calendar year without a RUC, provided that each shipment has an FOB value of no more than US$1.000.
Alternatively, an import of more than 1.000 up to a maximum of 2.000 US dollars is possible once a year.
However, as soon as goods are used for commercial purposes, the importer should have a corresponding RUC.
Make import costs transparent in the shop as much as possible
For international orders, the following information should already be fully maintained in the shop system:
- Product description
- cart value
- Weight
- Country of origin
- HS code
For higher shipping volumes, customs and import costs can also be taken into account during checkout.
For more information, please visit Display landed costs at checkout.
Automatic status messages are also useful, especially for longer standard runtimes.
You can find out more at Proactive shipment updates for international deliveries.
EU trade agreements and simplified courier imports collide in Peru.
Peru is particularly interesting for international traders because several customs procedures may be relevant in parallel.
For a normal, low-value courier shipment, the $200 rule can be crucial.
For higher-value business goods, however, the trade agreement between Peru and the European Union may play a greater role.
This means that before shipping, you should not only ask:
What is the value of the goods?
Equally important are:
- What tariff number does the product have?
- Is it regulated?
- Does it have EU preferential origin?
- Which importer operates in Peru?
- Which customs procedure is used?
A shipment worth less than US$2.000 is therefore not necessarily automatically sent via the simple 4 percent courier service.
For example, if an international preference is claimed, a different customs classification may be required.
Especially for recurring B2B shipments, a clean combination of article master data, source information and automated document creation is therefore worthwhile.
Which carrier is suitable for Peru?
For shipments from Germany to Peru, various international 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
- Weight and size limits
- Target region
- Remote area surcharges
- Assistance with customs clearance
For a small spare part to Lima, an express service may therefore be useful, while for a machine or several pallets, air or sea freight may be more economical.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shipping
Can I send a package from Germany to Peru?
Yes. Parcels, express shipments, and business goods can be sent from Germany to Peru. Since Peru is outside the EU, shipments require complete customs information.
How long does it take for a package to arrive in Peru?
DHL Parcel currently estimates delivery times of 12 to 18 working days. Express shipments can reach key destinations like Lima significantly faster.
What is the value-added tax (VAT) in Peru?
The Peruvian total tax rate, comprising IGV and IPM, will remain at 18 percent in 2026. For imports, the tax is generally calculated on the CIF value plus import duties and other relevant charges.
What is the import duty in Peru?
For standard imports, depending on the tariff heading, ad valorem customs duties of 0, 6, or 11 percent apply. Lower customs duties may apply to qualifying EU-origin goods due to the trade agreement.
Is there a trade agreement between Peru and the EU?
Yes. The trade agreement between the European Union and Peru and Colombia has been applied to Peru since March 1, 2013. It allows for preferential customs treatment for qualifying originating products.
Do I need a EUR.1 for Peru?
An EUR.1 certificate can be used as proof of preferential origin for qualifying EU-originating goods. Alternatively, a declaration of origin is possible. For originating products valued up to €6.000, this can generally be issued by any exporter; above this threshold, additional requirements apply.
Is there a duty-free allowance for packages to Peru?
Certain standard mail and courier shipments with an FOB value of up to US$200 are exempt from import duties and IMR. Exceptions apply to restricted goods and special procedures.
What happens to courier shipments over $200?
For standard courier shipments with an FOB value of more than US$200 up to US$2.000, the simplified procedure generally applies 4% ad valorem duty and 18% IMR. Special cases and regulated goods may be treated differently.
What is VUCE in Peru?
The Ventanilla Única de Comercio Exterior is Peru's central digital platform for various import, export, and transit procedures. Among other things, permits for restricted goods can be applied for and processed through it.
Does the recipient in Peru need a RUC?
Generally, an active Peruvian RUC (Residence Certificate) is required for commercial imports. Limited exceptions exist for certain occasional private imports, regarding the value and number of imports.
What language should the customs declaration be in?
DHL lists English and Spanish as acceptable languages for the customs declaration to Peru. The goods description should clearly state the product, material, and intended use.
What documents do I need for Peru?
Typically, a commercial invoice, transport document, full goods description, HS code, goods value, and origin declaration are required. Depending on the goods, a packing list, EUR.1 certificate, declaration of origin, or import licenses may also be necessary. SUNAT requires, among other things, an invoice, transport document, and, where applicable, control and origin documents for simplified import procedures.
