No import licenses are required in Panama. Any company holding a commercial license can freely import goods into Panama. A commercial or industrial license is required by individuals or companies wishing to engage in commercial or industrial activities.

The essential import documents are:  Commercial Invoice (original), and Bill of Lading (for sea transportation) or Airway Bill (for air transportation).  Some products require additional documentation such as sanitary or phytosanitary certificates for food and agricultural products, certificate of free sale for pharmaceutical products, and certificate of origin to access the preferential duties under the TPA. Special import permits are required for all types of firearms, ammunition, and fertilizers.

For other requirements for the import of food, beverage, and other agricultural products, please review USDA Foreign Agricultural Service’s Exporter Guide and Food and Agriculture Import Regulations and Standards Report.