The fever of Black Friday It has already started and, like every year, thousands of Peruvians are ready to buy technology, clothing, makeup, food and more in international stores, either online or during trips abroad.
However, the National Superintendence of Customs and Tax Administration (SUNAT) issued a key warning: not everything you buy abroad can freely enter the country. Some products are prohibited and others require prior authorizations to avoid obstacles and extra costs when collecting your order.
Given the increase in imports through digital purchases, SUNAT recommends using the virtual Customs Assistant, an online tool that allows you to know, before paying, if your purchase requires permission, is restricted or even prohibited. This applies both to shipments whose value is less than US$2,000, and to items that travelers bring in their luggage.
Before purchasing any product abroad, the entity recommends entering the Customs Assistant platform to verify the status of the desired item. And there are completely prohibited goods, such as used car parts or foreign drinks that carry the name “pisco”, as well as others that require specific permits.
Among the most frequent cases are:
- High-end smartphones and mobile devices
Although most models are already approved by the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC), not all meet this condition.
Therefore, SUNAT suggests that you previously review the MTC approval portals to confirm that the device you want already has a certificate. Otherwise, you could be detained upon arrival in the country.
- Medicines, cosmetics and medical equipment
Medications and medical devices require prior authorization from DIGEMID, permission that can be managed entirely online. Regarding cosmetics, Official Letter No. 355-2018-DIGEMID-DG-EA/MINSA allows the entry of up to 4 units for personal use without the need for a Health Registration.
If you plan to buy food or drinks, you must first verify the requirements established by DIGESA, the entity responsible for health control.
Entry into the country through luggage
In the case of those citizens who make their purchases in the United States or another country and who, upon their return, require entry into Peru, they must take into account the following:
• Each passenger can bring goods for their own use and consumption, as well as gifts with a value that does not exceed US$ 500 dollars and that it is noted that they will not be destined for commerce.
• Two cell phones and one laptop are allowed tax-free entry. In order not to exceed this limit, it is preferable that you register, when leaving the country, the equipment (phone and laptop) that you carry with you by going to the Customs office located on the third floor of the New Jorge Chávez Airport. Remember that all mobile equipment must be approved.
For greater ease, you can see the list of allowed products and the entry conditions established for each one in the portal.
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