Importing to Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras: What You Must Know Before Buying in China

Importing into Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras (the CA-3 region) presents unique challenges and opportunities that differ from Mexico, South America or the U.S.

While China remains the most competitive global sourcing hub, importers in these three countries must consider:

• local customs rules,
• required documentation,
• freight routes and transit times,
• taxes and duties,
• volume constraints,
• and the real landed cost per SKU.

This guide explains everything you must understand before placing a purchase order in China.

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1. Customs Differences Across Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras

Though these countries share regional trade similarities, each operates independently with its own customs authority.

Guatemala (SAT – Superintendencia de Administración Tributaria)

Key considerations:

• HS classification accuracy is heavily reviewed
• Environmental and electrical products may require prior permits
• Local port charges at Puerto Quetzal and Santo Tomás can vary widely

More info:
SAT Guatemala

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El Salvador (DGA – Dirección General de Aduanas)

Characteristics:

• Fastest clearance among the three countries
• Strong document-matching controls (Invoice, PL, BL)
• Some categories require Ministry of Economy or Ministry of Health approvals

More info:
Aduanas El Salvador

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Honduras (Dirección Adjunta de Rentas Aduaneras)

Details:

• Greater scrutiny for declared values
• Importers should understand CIF base for duties
• Possible delays in peak seasons

More info:
Aduanas Honduras

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2. Freight Routes From China to the CA-3 Region

Most shipments arrive via the Pacific side, using:

• FCL containers (best cost efficiency)
• LCL for smaller companies
• Transshipment routes through Mexico or Panama

Transit times typically range from 28 to 43 days, depending on port and season.

Air freight is used only for urgent, high-value or low-volume items.

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3. Required Documentation (and Why Accuracy Matters)

Your shipment must include:

• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Bill of Lading (BL) or AWB
• Certificate of Origin (when applicable)
• Product-specific certifications (electrical, sanitary, telecom, etc.)

If ANY information is inconsistent across these documents, customs will delay clearance.

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4. Duties, Taxes and Local Charges

Although the CA-3 countries are neighbors, their duty rates and VAT differ:

Country	Import Duty (avg.)	VAT / Sales Tax	Notes
Guatemala	0–15%	12% IVA	Strong focus on customs valuation
El Salvador	0–15%	13% IVA	Efficient clearance when documentation is clean
Honduras	5–15%	15% ISV	Additional security taxes may apply

Landed cost varies substantially per category.

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5. Product Categories That Require Extra Attention

• Electronics → certifications + labeling
• Kitchen and home appliances → energy and safety requirements
• Children’s products → stricter compliance
• Food contact items → sanitary permits
• Textiles → labeling rules

A sourcing partner can help pre-validate compliance before production.

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6. Supplier Selection: What Matters Most for CA-3 Buyers

• Ability to handle FOB shipments
• Clear packaging and labeling requirements
• Willingness to support small/medium MOQs
• Strong post-production QC
• Predictable lead times (important due to longer transit)

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7. Landed Cost Planning for Central America

Beyond product price, consider:

• local port fees (CAUCA rules apply but differ in practice),
• import duties and VAT,
• agency fees,
• inland transportation from port to San Salvador / Guatemala City / San Pedro Sula,
• bank transfer fees and currency exchange impacts.

Accurate forecasting prevents margin erosion.

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