# Bolivia (BO)

**Capital:** La Paz  
**Currency:** Bolivian Boliviano (BOB) (BOB)  
**Population:** 11,365,333 — Older stored figure; source year not documented.  
**Area:** 1,098,581 km²

> Bolivia is a landlocked country in the heart of South America and, since 2024, a full Mercosur member (and a CAN member). Around 90 percent of its foreign trade passes through the Chilean ports of Arica and Antofagasta, where Bolivia holds its own customs powers under the 1904 treaty; alternatives are Ilo and Matarani in Peru and the Paraguay-Parana waterway with Puerto Aguirre and Puerto Busch. The main cargo airport is Viru Viru in Santa Cruz. The Aduana Nacional clears imports via the DUI declaration in the SIDUNEA++/SUMA system; import VAT is effectively around 14.94 percent and the customs duty (GA) is generally 10 percent. Key exports are natural gas, minerals, precious metals and soy.

Bolivia (ISO code: BO) is located in Central South America and borders Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile, and Peru. The country is a presidential republic with a federal structure and stable, yet politically heterogeneous institutions. The climate varies significantly by region: tropical humid in the lowlands, semi-arid in the high plains, and cold alpine in the Andes. Economically, Bolivia relies on raw materials such as natural gas, minerals, and agricultural products, while industrial processing is limited. The country is dependent on imports for industrial products, machinery, fuels, and consumer goods. Due to its inland position and limited port access, Bolivia plays a limited transit role, with access through ports in Chile and Peru. Foreign trade is heavily concentrated on energy exports and minerals, while imports meet domestic needs. The national currency is the Boliviano (BOB), which supports stable trade and payment processes. Logistically, the inland status requires an efficient road and railway network to connect to international markets.

**Top Import Partners:** CN, BR, AR, CL, US

**Top Export Partners:** BR, CN, AR, CO, JP

**Top Import Goods:** Mineral oils, Machinery, Vehicles, Electronic devices, Raw materials

**Top Export Goods:** Ore, Mineral oils, Precious metals, Soybean oil, Metals

**Key Airports:**
- [Viru Viru International Airport (VVI)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/viru-viru-international-airport-vvi)
- [Alcantarí Airport (SRE)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/alcantari-airport-sre)
- [Bermejo Airport (BJO)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/bermejo-airport-bjo)
- [Capitan Nicolas Rojas Airport (POI)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/capitan-nicolas-rojas-airport-poi)
- [Capitan Oriel Lea Plaza Airport (TJA)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/capitan-oriel-lea-plaza-airport-tja)
- [Capitán Aníbal Arab Airport (CIJ)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/capitan-anibal-arab-airport-cij)
- [Capitán Av. Salvador Ogaya G. airport (PSZ)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/capitan-av-salvador-ogaya-g-airport-psz)
- [Capitán Av. Selin Zeitun Lopez Airport (RIB)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/capitan-av-selin-zeitun-lopez-airport-rib)
- [El Alto International Airport (LPB)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/el-alto-international-airport-lpb)
- [El Trompillo Airport (SRZ)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/el-trompillo-airport-srz)

## Customs & Import

**Import VAT:** Import IVA effectively around 14,94 percent (on CIF plus duty). Gravamen Arancelario (GA) generally 10 percent, capital goods 5 or 0 percent (status 2025).  
**Customs complexity:** medium to high  
**Customs system:** Import clearance via the electronic import declaration (DUI) in the SIDUNEA++/SUMA system of the Aduana Nacional; duties to be paid within three working days to Banco Union; traffic light channel green, yellow or red.  
**Customs authority:** [Aduana Nacional de Bolivia (ANB)](https://www.aduana.gob.bo)

## Logistics & Risk

**Logistics role:** Landlocked / Commodity exporter  
**Economic area:** Mercosur / CAN  
**Logistics risk:** medium to high  
**Dangerous goods relevance:** medium  
**Pharma/cold chain:** medium

## FAQ

### Which authority is responsible for customs in Bolivia?

The responsible authority is the Aduana Nacional de Bolivia (ANB). It handles imports and exports, collects customs duties and operates the electronic clearance systems. Information and regulations are available at aduana.gob.bo.

### Which system is used for imports?

Imports are declared with the import declaration DUI (Declaracion Unica de Importacion) in the SIDUNEA++ or SUMA system. After acceptance, duties must be paid to Banco Union within three working days; the system then assigns a green, yellow or red channel.

### What are the import VAT and customs duty rates?

The import VAT (IVA) is effectively around 14,94 percent (on CIF plus duty and other charges). The Gravamen Arancelario (GA) is 10 percent for most consumer goods and 5 or 0 percent for capital goods (status 2025).

### Bolivia is landlocked – through which ports does trade run?

About 90 percent of foreign trade runs through the Chilean ports of Arica and Antofagasta, where Bolivia has its own customs powers under the 1904 treaty. Alternatives are Ilo and Matarani in Peru, as well as the Hidrovia Paraguay-Parana with Puerto Aguirre and Puerto Busch.

### Which airport is most important for air freight?

The most important cargo airport is Viru Viru (VVI) in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, the country's central international hub. El Alto (LPB) near La Paz lies above 4'000 metres, which limits the use of large cargo aircraft.

### Which trade agreements apply to Bolivia?

Bolivia is a founding member of the Comunidad Andina (CAN) and has been a full member of Mercosur since July 2024. Tariff preferences can be used for both areas with a Certificado de Origen. Bolivia has four years to adapt its legislation to Mercosur.

### Which logistics risks should be considered?

Key risks are the long transit routes due to the landlocked location, dependence on ports in Chile and Peru, occasional road blockades and social conflicts, and the rainy season (November to March) with floods and landslides.

## Sources & Last Verified

- [https://www.aduana.gob.bo](https://www.aduana.gob.bo)
- [https://www.ine.gob.bo](https://www.ine.gob.bo)
- [https://www.aduana.gob.bo/regimen-aduanero](https://www.aduana.gob.bo/regimen-aduanero)
- [https://bolivia.unfpa.org/es/news/bolivia-tiene-11365333-habitantes-segun-el-censo-2024](https://bolivia.unfpa.org/es/news/bolivia-tiene-11365333-habitantes-segun-el-censo-2024)
- [https://boliviaimpuestos.com/impuestos-para-importacion-en-bolivia/](https://boliviaimpuestos.com/impuestos-para-importacion-en-bolivia/)
- [https://ibce.org.bo/haga-negocios-informacion-para-importar.php](https://ibce.org.bo/haga-negocios-informacion-para-importar.php)
- [https://www.aspb.gob.bo/ilo-peru/](https://www.aspb.gob.bo/ilo-peru/)
- [https://en.mercopress.com/2024/07/04/bolivia-s-senate-passes-mercosur-accession-bill](https://en.mercopress.com/2024/07/04/bolivia-s-senate-passes-mercosur-accession-bill)

*Last verified: 2026-06-22*

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