# Peru (PE) **Capital:** Lima **Currency:** Peruvian Sol (PEN) (PEN) **Population:** 34,157,732 — Older stored figure; source year not documented. **Area:** 1,285,216 km² > Peru is a strongly export-oriented mining and agricultural country on South America's Pacific coast. Sea freight dominates via the main port of Callao and the new Cosco mega-port of Chancay, which speeds up links to Asia. The customs authority is SUNAT; clearance runs electronically via the DAM declaration and the single window VUCE. For Switzerland, the EFTA free trade agreement (in force since 2011) is central. Import tax is the 18 percent IGV; customs duties are 0, 6 or 11 percent. Peru (ISO code PE) lies on the west coast of South America, bordering Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia and Chile. It is a presidential republic with democratic institutions. The climate ranges from the arid coast and the cooler Andean highlands to the humid tropical Amazon. The economy is driven by mining, agriculture, fishing and a growing service sector, with copper, gold and silver as key exports. Logistically, Peru relies on the seaports of Callao, Chancay and Matarani and a limited Andean rail network. The country is strongly export-oriented but depends on imports of machinery, vehicles, fuel and consumer goods. Customs are handled by SUNAT through the electronic DAM declaration and the VUCE single window. The currency is the Sol (PEN). **Top Import Partners:** CN, US, BR, MX, CL **Top Export Partners:** CN, US, CA, CH, KR **Top Import Goods:** Petroleum products, Machinery, Vehicles, Electronic devices, Chemical products **Top Export Goods:** Copper ore, Gold, Zinc, Agricultural products, Fishmeal **Key Airports:** - [Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/alejandro-velasco-astete-international-airport-cuz) - [Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/jorge-chavez-international-airport-lim) - [Air Force Captain Jose A Quinones Gonzales International Airport (CIX)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/air-force-captain-jose-a-quinones-gonzales-international-airport-cix) - [Air Force Colonel Alfredo Mendivil Duarte Airport (AYP)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/air-force-colonel-alfredo-mendivil-duarte-airport-ayp) - [Alferez Fap David Figueroa Fernandini Airport (HUU)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/alferez-fap-david-figueroa-fernandini-airport-huu) - [Caballococha Airport](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/caballococha-airport-5041) - [Cadete FAP Guillermo Del Castillo Paredes Airport (TPP)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/cadete-fap-guillermo-del-castillo-paredes-airport-tpp) - [Cap FAP David Abenzur Rengifo International Airport (PCL)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/cap-fap-david-abenzur-rengifo-international-airport-pcl) - [Capitan FAP Carlos Martinez De Pinillos International Airport (TRU)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/capitan-fap-carlos-martinez-de-pinillos-international-airport-tru) - [Capitán FAP Guillermo Concha Iberico International Airport (PIU)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/capitan-fap-guillermo-concha-iberico-international-airport-piu) **Key Seaports:** - [Chancay (PE CHY)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/seaports/chancay-port-pe-chy) - [Paita (PEPAI)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/seaports/paita-port-pepai) - [Puerto Del Callao (PECLL)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/seaports/puerto-del-callao-port-pecll) - [Bahia De Matarani (PEMRI)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/seaports/bahia-de-matarani-port-pemri) - [Talara (PETYL)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/seaports/talara-port-petyl) - [Bahia De Ancon (PEANC)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/seaports/bahia-de-ancon-port-peanc) - [Bahia San Nicolas (PESNX)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/seaports/bahia-san-nicolas-port-pesnx) - [Caleta Lobitos (PELOB)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/seaports/caleta-lobitos-port-pelob) - [Conchan Oil Terminal (PECON)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/seaports/conchan-oil-terminal-port-pecon) - [Iquitos (PEIQT)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/seaports/iquitos-port-peiqt) ## Customs & Import **Import VAT:** Import IGV 18 percent (16 percent IGV plus 2 percent IPM) on customs value plus duty **Customs complexity:** medium **Customs system:** Electronic customs clearance by SUNAT; imports via Declaración Aduanera de Mercancías (DAM) through the system and the Ventanilla Única de Comercio Exterior (VUCE); customs agent mandatory for FOB above 2'000 USD. **Customs authority:** [SUNAT (Superintendencia Nacional de Aduanas y de Administración Tributaria)](https://www.sunat.gob.pe) ## Logistics & Risk **Logistics role:** Pacific hub / mining export country **Economic area:** Pacific Alliance / CPTPP / ALADI **Logistics risk:** medium **Dangerous goods relevance:** medium to high **Pharma/cold chain:** medium ## FAQ ### Which customs authority is responsible in Peru? The responsible authority is SUNAT (Superintendencia Nacional de Aduanas y de Administración Tributaria). Imports are processed electronically via the Declaración Aduanera de Mercancías (DAM) and the single window VUCE. ### What is the import tax rate in Peru? The import tax is the 18 percent IGV (16 percent IGV plus 2 percent IPM), calculated on the customs value plus duty. For certain goods the ISC applies additionally; SUNAT also levies a 10 percent perception charge on high-risk imports under Decreto Legislativo 1714. ### How high are import duties in Peru? Ad valorem duties are 0, 6 or 11 percent depending on the product category; raw materials and capital goods are mostly at 0 percent. About three quarters of import value enters duty-free. ### Do Swiss exporters benefit from a free trade agreement with Peru? Yes. The free trade agreement between the EFTA states and Peru has been in force for Switzerland since 1 July 2011. With a valid proof of origin (EUR.1 or origin declaration), originating goods benefit from reduced or zero duties. ### Which ports are important for trade with Peru? The main port is Callao near Lima (APM Terminals/DP World). The new Cosco mega-port Chancay reduces the sea transit to Asia to ~25 days; Paita in the north and Matarani in the south serve mining exports. ### Which goods are subject to special import controls in Peru? Strict controls apply to chemical precursors (IQBF, drug control), weapons, pharmaceuticals (DIGEMID) and plants/animals (SENASA). Used clothing, worn tyres and older used vehicles are restricted. ### What seasonal risks affect transport in Peru? El Niño Costero can trigger heavy rainfall, floods and huaicos on the coast. The rainy season from December to March hampers overland transport in the Andes and the Amazon region. ## Sources & Last Verified - [https://www.sunat.gob.pe](https://www.sunat.gob.pe) - [https://www.inei.gob.pe](https://www.inei.gob.pe) - [https://www.efta.int](https://www.efta.int) - [https://orientacion.sunat.gob.pe/3053-concepto-tasa-y-operaciones-gravadas-igv-empresas](https://orientacion.sunat.gob.pe/3053-concepto-tasa-y-operaciones-gravadas-igv-empresas) - [https://www.sunat.gob.pe/orientacionaduanera/mercanciasrestringidas/vuce.html](https://www.sunat.gob.pe/orientacionaduanera/mercanciasrestringidas/vuce.html) - [https://www.gob.pe/6985-conocer-el-arancel-de-aduanas](https://www.gob.pe/6985-conocer-el-arancel-de-aduanas) - [https://www.efta.int/trade-relations/free-trade-network/peru](https://www.efta.int/trade-relations/free-trade-network/peru) - [https://www.gob.pe/institucion/inei/noticias/1399446-inei-poblacion-del-peru-totalizo-34-millones-157-mil-732-habitantes-al-2025](https://www.gob.pe/institucion/inei/noticias/1399446-inei-poblacion-del-peru-totalizo-34-millones-157-mil-732-habitantes-al-2025) *Last verified: 2026-07-29* --- *Freight Academy — Country Profile: [https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/land/pe](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/land/pe)* *Markdown mirror: [https://www.freight-academy.com/api/md/country/en/pe](https://www.freight-academy.com/api/md/country/en/pe)*