Country profile
Venezuela
VE · VENAs of: 7/1/2026Oil exporter / Caribbean transshipment point
Venezuela, on South America's Caribbean coast, is one of the world's largest oil and gas producers; crude oil and petrochemicals dominate its foreign trade. Its main seaports are Puerto Cabello, La Guaira and Maracaibo, and its main air-cargo hub is Maiquetía Simón Bolívar Airport near Caracas. Customs are handled electronically via SIDUNEA World (SENIAT); the general VAT rate is 16 percent. After the change of power in early 2026 and a partial easing of US sanctions, the situation remains volatile.
Overview
Venezuela (ISO code: VE) lies in northern South America on the Caribbean, bordering Colombia, Brazil and Guyana. Since January 2026 the country has been governed by a transitional administration under Delcy Rodríguez after the removal of Nicolás Maduro, amid continuing political and economic challenges. The climate ranges from tropical savanna in the north to humid rainforest in the south and semi-arid conditions in the northwest. Venezuela holds some of the world's largest oil and gas reserves, and crude oil and petrochemicals historically make up most of its exports and state revenue; mining and agriculture also play a role. The country depends heavily on imports of machinery, consumer goods and technology. Key seaports include La Guaira, Puerto Cabello and Maracaibo, complemented by international airports and road links that position Venezuela as a regional transhipment point on Caribbean trade routes. The currency is the Venezuelan bolívar (VES), which remains highly volatile.
Mentioned countries
Glossary terms
Customs & Import/Export
Import system
Electronic customs processing via SIDUNEA World (ASYCUDA) of SENIAT; import declaration as DUA (Declaración Única Aduanera) by an authorized customs agent.
Export system
Export declaration is also electronic via SIDUNEA World (DUA) at SENIAT; for many goods, registration and currency requirements must be observed.
Import VAT
- General IVA rate of 16 percent on CIF value plus customs duty
- reduced rate of 8 percent (including basic foodstuffs), additional luxury surcharge of 15 percent (SENIAT).
Import documents
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of Lading / Air waybill
- DUA (SIDUNEA import declaration)
- Proof of origin
- if applicable: import license / Certificado de No Producción Nacional
Export documents
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of Lading / Air waybill
- DUA (SIDUNEA export declaration)
- Certificate of origin
Origin proofs / FTA
Certificates of origin for ALADI preferences and bilateral agreements (including with ALBA states); no preferential agreements with the EU or EFTA.
Restricted & prohibited goods
Import and export restrictions, including for weapons, ammunition, narcotics, certain foodstuffs and foreign currency; many goods require a license or permit.
Export controls & sanctions
Extensive US sanctions (OFAC) against the state and PDVSA remain in place; since February 2026, OFAC general licenses (including No. 46A and 48) have eased parts of the oil trade.
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
Cargo airports
- Aeropuerto Internacional de Maiquetía Simón Bolívar (CCS/SVMI), Caracas
- Aeropuerto Internacional La Chinita (MAR/SVMC), Maracaibo
- Aeropuerto Internacional Arturo Michelena (VLN/SVVA), Valencia
Seaports / access ports
- Puerto Cabello (VEPBL)
- La Guaira (VELAG)
- Maracaibo (VEMAR)
- Puerto La Cruz / Guanta (VEPLC)
- Ciudad Guayana / Puerto Ordaz (Orinoco)
Inland ports & terminals
- Ciudad Guayana / Puerto Ordaz (Orinoco)
- Ciudad Bolívar (Orinoco)
Road corridors & border crossings
- Regional Central Highway (Caracas-Valencia)
- Caracas-La Guaira Highway
- Trunk Road 1 / Pan-American Highway
- San Cristóbal border with Colombia (towards Cúcuta)
Top trade lanes
- Venezuela-China
- Venezuela-USA
- Venezuela-Brazil
- Venezuela-Colombia
- Venezuela-Spain
Risk & Operational Notes
Risk notes
High political and economic uncertainty following the change of power in early 2026; continuing US sanctions, currency controls, currency volatility, and the territorial dispute over Essequibo with Guyana.
Seasonal & weather risks
Tropical climate with rainy season (May-November) and dry season; heavy rain and landslide risk on the coastal cordillera (e.g. state of Vargas/La Guaira); hurricanes rarely affect the mainland.
Current logistics notes
Following the removal of Maduro in early 2026 and the partial easing of US sanctions (OFAC general licenses), oil exports and trade activity are increasing again; the framework conditions remain volatile.
As of: 2026-07-01
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
- seniat.gob.ve
- ofac.treasury.gov
- data.worldbank.org
- trade.gov
Source references without warranty. For legal/tax decisions consult official authorities.
FAQ
What is the import tax (IVA) rate in Venezuela?
The general IVA rate is 16 percent on the CIF value plus customs duties and other charges. A reduced rate of 8 percent applies to certain goods such as basic foodstuffs; an additional surcharge of 15 percent is levied on luxury goods (SENIAT).
Which customs system does Venezuela use?
SENIAT processes imports and exports electronically via SIDUNEA World (ASYCUDA of UNCTAD). An authorized customs agent submits the Declaración Única Aduanera (DUA) together with supporting documents; goods are classified according to the Harmonized System.
What are Venezuela's most important ports?
The largest port is Puerto Cabello, followed by La Guaira (container port for Caracas) and Maracaibo in the west. Puerto La Cruz/Guanta and the Orinoco ports in Ciudad Guayana are important for oil, petrochemicals and raw materials.
Are there sanctions against Venezuela?
Yes. Extensive US sanctions (OFAC) against the state and the oil company PDVSA remain in place. Since February 2026, however, OFAC general licenses (including No. 46A and 48) have eased parts of the oil trade and the operation of ports and airports. Basic blocking sanctions continue to apply.
Which currency is used in Venezuela?
The legal tender is the Venezuelan bolívar (VES), which continues to fluctuate strongly. In business dealings and price setting, the US dollar is in fact widely used.
Which airport handles air cargo?
The main air cargo hub is Aeropuerto Internacional de Maiquetía Simón Bolívar (CCS/SVMI) near Caracas, with its own cargo terminal. La Chinita in Maracaibo and Arturo Michelena in Valencia also serve air freight traffic.
What risks exist for supply chains to Venezuela?
The key factors are the political and economic uncertainty following the change of power in early 2026, continuing US sanctions, currency controls and currency volatility. In addition, there is the territorial dispute over Essequibo with Guyana and high customs complexity.
Which trade partners are important for Venezuela?
Which logistics terms are especially relevant for Venezuela?
For international shipments, these terms are a good quick start:
Next steps
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