Peru Customs Guide Household Goods, Vehicles, Pets & Restricted Items

Important: This Peru customs guide provides essential information for individuals and families planning international moving, relocation to Peru, or the import of personal effects. Customs regulations are administered by the Superintendencia Nacional de Aduanas y de Administración Tributaria (SUNAT).

Home To Home Relocations assists clients moving from Toronto, the GTA and across Canada with international moves to Peru, including export packing, ocean or air freight, customs documentation and delivery to Lima, Arequipa, Cusco, Trujillo, Piura and all major regions.

1. Moving to Peru – Key Customs Overview

1.1 Who Can Import Household Goods Duty-Free?

Duty-free importation of used household goods may be granted under the “Menaje de Casa” allowance for:

Peruvian citizens returning after 12+ months abroad
Foreign residents with approved residency visas (Carné de Extranjería)
Diplomatic personnel

Important: Tourists, temporary visitors and students without residency status cannot import household goods duty-free.

1.2 Goods Must Be Used & Previously Owned

All goods must be used and previously owned. New items are subject to duty and tax and may trigger additional inspections by SUNAT.

1.3 Shipment Timing Rules

Household goods must arrive within the timelines set by SUNAT after the client’s entry into Peru or visa approval. Late shipments may lose Menaje de Casa eligibility.

2. Used Household Goods & Personal Effects

2.1 Required Documentation

Passport copy
Peruvian DNI or Carné de Extranjería (foreign resident ID)
Bill of lading / air waybill
Detailed packing list (preferably in Spanish)
Menaje de Casa application (if applicable)
SUNAT customs declaration forms
Power of Attorney for customs broker

2.2 Inventory Requirements

Electronics must list brand, model and serial number
High-value items must be clearly declared
Avoid vague descriptions such as “miscellaneous goods”
Inventory should match shipment contents exactly

H-H Relocations Tip: Peru has one of the most detail-oriented customs inspection processes in South America. A clean, accurate Spanish-language inventory reduces the chance of cargo being detained.

3. Importing Motor Vehicles into Peru

3.1 Vehicle Import Rules

Importing vehicles into Peru is allowed but involves strict environmental and age limitations:

Used vehicles older than the legal age limit are prohibited
High import taxes apply to vehicles and motorcycles
Returning citizens do not receive automatic duty-free vehicle import
Foreign citizens rarely qualify for vehicle import exemptions

3.2 Required Vehicle Documentation

Original title / registration
Purchase invoice
Bill of lading
Passport and residence card
Emission compliance documentation

Important: Most relocation experts recommend purchasing a vehicle locally in Peru rather than importing one due to cost and compliance restrictions.

4. Bringing Pets to Peru

Peru permits the import of pets provided veterinary, health and vaccination requirements are met. SENASA (Servicio Nacional de Sanidad Agraria) oversees all animal entry.

4.1 Pet Import Requirements

International veterinary health certificate
Rabies vaccination certificate
Microchip recommended
Inspection by SENASA upon arrival

Pet Travel Tip: Missing or incomplete veterinary documents may lead to quarantine or require on-arrival treatment fees.

5. Alcohol, Tobacco, Food & Restricted Goods

5.1 Alcohol

Alcohol imported as part of household goods is subject to duty and excise tax. SUNAT may confiscate undeclared alcohol or require high tariff payments. To avoid complications, alcohol should not be included in personal effects shipments.

5.2 Tobacco

Tobacco products are allowed only in limited personal-use quantities and must be declared. Commercial-level quantities require licensing.

5.3 Food & Agricultural Products

SENASA enforces strict controls to protect Peruvian agriculture. The following items are **not permitted** in household goods shipments:

Fresh fruits and vegetables
Meat, poultry, fish or dairy products
Seeds, plants, soil or untreated wood
Animal-origin food products (including pet food)

5.4 Medicines, Chemicals & Controlled Goods

Prescription medication must include doctor's letter and original packaging
Chemicals may require DIGEMID or SENASA authorization
Weapons and ammunition require special federal permits
Cultural or archaeological artifacts require approval from Peruvian authorities

Important: SENASA inspections are detailed and may require cargo review at the airport or bonded warehouse. Non-compliant agricultural items may be seized and destroyed.

6. Prohibited Items – Do Not Ship to Peru

Peru prohibits the import of the following items in personal effects shipments:

Illegal drugs and narcotics
Weapons, ammunition and explosives (without proper authorization)
Fresh food, seeds, plants and soil
Pornographic or obscene material
Hazardous chemicals or toxic substances
Counterfeit goods or pirated media
Multiple identical electronics (commercial suspicion)
New items not declared separately

Violations of Peruvian customs rules may result in penalties, confiscation, or significant clearance delays.

7. Practical Tips for International Moves to Peru

7.1 Moving from Toronto or the GTA

For a smooth international move from Canada to Peru, Home To Home Relocations recommends:

Prepare an accurate, Spanish-language inventory
Ensure all electronics include model and serial number
Avoid packing new or unopened items
Confirm your Menaje de Casa eligibility before shipping
Expect SUNAT inspections at major ports such as Callao (Lima)

7.2 Why choose a Peru relocation specialist

Peru’s customs environment is paperwork-intensive, highly regulated and time-sensitive. Working with an experienced international moving company provides:

Correct SUNAT documentation and declarations
Reduced inspection delays
Guidance on restricted or high-value items
Coordinated delivery anywhere in Peru

Relocation Tip: The most common cause of delay in Peru is missing or incorrect Menaje de Casa paperwork. Ensure all requirements are met before shipment arrival.

8. Useful Official Links – Peru

Use these official government resources for up-to-date customs regulations:

This guide supports individuals relocating to Peru. Final import approval is determined by SUNAT and SENASA authorities.