Moving to Honduras

IMPORT REGULATIONS ON HOUSEHOLD GOODS AND PERSONAL EFFECT SHIPMENTS

Immigrants to Honduras have the right to import their used household goods and personal effects after obtaining their resident visa or immigrant status such as: diplomatic, international mission, resident with work permit.
Honduran citizens returning after one (1) year of living abroad are authorized to import their goods if there not for sale, resale or for gifts. Honduran citizens, diplomats, international missions and citizens of other countries with work permit are required to solicit a tax free exemption or “Dispensa” from the Treasure Department authorizing the import of the household goods. The same permit will be required for immigrants and must be authorized by the Foreign Affairs Ministry and the Treasure Ministry.
Once the migratory status is obtained then the client solicits the “Dispensa through an attorney by showing proof of the migratory status, copy of the passport, inventory list and petition for the “Dispensa”.
It is very important that the client obtains the “Dispensa” prior to shipment arrival to avoid paying storage at port and/or fees to the maritime line for the use of the container.
The “Dispensa” process must be done in Tegucigalpa through an attorney and it takes about 3-4 weeks to obtain it.
Resides obtaining a “dispensa” the client needs to obtain an RTN card or “Tarjeta de Registro Tributario Nacional” at the Dirección Ejecutiva de Ingresos (DEI). Such process takes 1-2 working days. Customs authorities will require copy RTN card at the time of clearance. The RTN card has the new one with numbers only.
Shipments with household goods and automobiles belonging to accredited diplomatic, international missions are exempt of all charges and import fees but they are subject to inspection. They must obtain a “Dispensa” authorized by the Foreign Affairs Ministry and the Treasure Ministry.
For all above shipments we recommend not to send them until client confirms obtaining the migratory status and the “Dispensa” prior shipment to arrival.

IMPORT OF FIRE ARM AND AMMUNITIONS

Fire arms and ammunitions can not be imported without a permit. Such permit must be awarded by the Ministry of Defence and Public Safety.

IMPORTATION OF VEHICLES

Any person with diplomatic status, international mission or international organizations accredited by the Honduran government is exempt from paying import taxes; however client must obtain an official authorization from the Foreign Affairs Ministry (“Dispensa Oficial”) for the vehicle.
For immigrants and Honduran citizens returning. Automobiles can not be more than 12 years old.
Original Title of Ownership and Commercial Invoice for the Vehicle will be required by customs authorities.

DOCUMENTATION FOR USED HOUSEHOLD GOODS AND PERSONAL EFFECTS

Copy of passport
2 originals bills of lading (OBL). NO EXPRESS RELEASE
Detailed inventory
Address and telephone number of the client prior to shipment arrival.
Copy of RTN card
Original “Dispensa”

Destination Agent must receive all ORIGINAL documentation prior to shipment arrival.

Please note:
The information on this page is intended as a guide and NOT as a complete or definitive resource.
The information on this page should not be used as an authoritative reference.

Updated April, 2008

THANK YOU TO:
Mudanzas International – Honduras
For Providing the above Customs Information