Local regulations do not require labels to be in Spanish for most products unless there is a specific ingredient in a food product that the Ministry of Health has declared needs to be labeled in Spanish, such as medicines, agricultural chemicals, toxic products, and food products that require specific instructions or warnings due to health risks. Labels must have basic information regarding the manufacturer’s name and address, expiration date, a listing of ingredients, lot number, and the product form, e.g., powder, liquid, etc.

In general, products that comply with U.S. labeling and marking requirements are accepted for sale in Panama. Food products labeling and marking must comply with CODEX Alimentarius guidelines. However, specific labeling requirements are established by Panama’s Technical Regulations, for products such as fresh onions, fresh potatoes, dairy products, and fresh shell eggs.

All goods arriving in Panama intended for immediate re-exportation must be marked “PANAMA IN TRANSIT” on each box or outside the container.

For more information, please contact the Panama Customs Authority: http://www.ana.gob.pa/