Country profile
Bolivia
BO · BOLAs of: 6/22/2026Landlocked / Commodity exporter
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.
Overview
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.
Mentioned countries
Glossary terms
Customs & Import/Export
Customs authority
Aduana Nacional de Bolivia (ANB)Import 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.
Export system
Export clearance via the electronic export declaration (DEX) in the SIDUNEA system of the Aduana Nacional; port logistics of transit ports are coordinated via the ASP-B.
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).
Import documents
- Commercial invoice (Factura Comercial)
- Transport document (B/L, AWB, CRT)
- Packing list
- Andean Value Declaration (from USD 5'000)
- Certificate of origin (for preferential treatment)
Export documents
- Commercial invoice
- Export declaration (DEX)
- Certificate of origin (Certificado de Origen)
- Transport document
- SENASAG certificate (for agricultural goods)
Origin proofs / FTA
Preference proofs (Certificado de Origen) within Mercosur and CAN (Comunidad Andina) via authorized bodies; Bolivia has been a full Mercosur member since 2024.
Restricted & prohibited goods
Import restrictions include, among others, used vehicles (age limits), used clothing, weapons, narcotics as well as protected species (CITES).
Export controls & sanctions
No comprehensive international sanctions against Bolivia (status 2025); usual export controls for weapons, dual-use and CITES goods.
Without warranty — always verify with freight forwarder/customs agent and official authorities.
Customs / Import / Export (Americas) — General process
Quick operational overview for international shipments to the Americas. Depending on the destination, additional security filings, product requirements, or broker processes may apply.
Documents (typical)
- Commercial invoice (description, value, Incoterms)
- Packing list (weights, dimensions, packages)
- HS code / tariff classification
- Proof of origin / preference docs (where relevant)
- Transport documents (AWB / Bill of Lading) depending on mode
Process (simplified)
- Prepare export (docs, HS code, origin)
- Import clearance in destination country (declaration, possible checks)
- Release and delivery; duties/taxes according to classification and value
Common pitfalls
- Vague description or missing HS codes → delays and clarifications
- Incoterms unclear: who clears customs/pays charges?
- Incomplete origin data → preferential treatment may not apply
- Inconsistent documents (invoice vs packing list vs shipment data)
Important: Requirements depend on goods, origin, Incoterms, value, and consignee. When in doubt, confirm with your broker/forwarder and official sources.
Official links
Note: regional/general sources. Country-specific authority links will be added iteratively.
Trade
Freight Infrastructure & Transport Network
Transport relevance
Cargo airports
- VVI - Viru Viru International, Santa Cruz
- LPB - El Alto International, La Paz
- CBB - Jorge Wilstermann, Cochabamba
Inland ports & terminals
- Puerto Aguirre (Hidrovia Paraguay-Parana)
- Puerto Busch
- Puerto Quijarro / Central Aguirre
Road corridors & border crossings
- Bioceanic Corridor: Santa Cruz - Puerto Suárez - Brazil
- Santa Cruz - Cochabamba - La Paz
- La Paz - Tambo Quemado - Arica (Chile)
- Oruro - Pisiga - Iquique (Chile)
Rail corridors
- Red Oriental: Santa Cruz - Puerto Suárez - Brazil
- Red Andina: Oruro - Uyuni - Villazón - Argentina / Arica (Chile)
Top trade lanes
- Bolivia - Brazil
- Bolivia - China
- Bolivia - Argentina
- Bolivia - Chile (transit Arica/Antofagasta)
- Bolivia - Peru (transit Ilo/Matarani)
Risk & Operational Notes
Risk notes
Main risks: landlocked location with long transit routes, dependence on ports in Chile and Peru, occasional road blockades and social conflicts, as well as demanding high-altitude logistics in the Andes.
Seasonal & weather risks
Rainy season roughly November to March with floods and landslides in the lowlands and on Andean roads; dry season more favourable for road transport.
Current logistics notes
Bolivia handles around 90 percent of its foreign trade via Chilean ports (Arica, Antofagasta) and is diversifying toward Ilo (Peru) and Hidrovia Paraguay-Parana. Status: June 2026.
As of: 2026-06-22
Operational notes – no claim to completeness. Verify with your freight forwarder and official sources.
Airports in this country
Latest News
Sources & Data Confidence
Official sources
Source references without warranty. For legal/tax decisions consult official authorities.
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.
Which trade partners are important for Bolivia?
Which logistics terms are especially relevant for Bolivia?
For international shipments, these terms are a good quick start:
Next steps
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