In international trade, not every shipment is final. Many times, companies need to send goods abroad for repair, maintenance, or processing, with the intention of re-importing them later. In Panama, this procedure is regulated under the Temporary Export for Outward Processing regime, established in Chapter 522 of the Customs Regulations.
This regime is key to optimizing reverse logistics, reducing losses, and ensuring compliance with customs requirements.
https://i0.wp.com/gakam.com/eng/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/logistica-inversa-importacion-de-devoluciones-aduanas-panama-international-returns-reverse-logistics-importing-returns-customs-Exportacion-Temporal-para-Perfeccionamiento-Pasivo.jpg?fit=1000%2C448&ssl=14481000Grupo Aduanero Kamhttps://gakam.com/eng/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/grupo-aduanero-kam-panama-logo-300x292.pngGrupo Aduanero Kam2025-09-30 12:01:292025-10-01 12:01:46Temporary Export for Outward Processing in Panama: A Practical Guide for Businesses
Panama offers a special regulation that provides incentives for retirees, pensioners, and rentiers—both local and foreign. Under Law 9 of June 24, 1987, they can access customs exemptions and tax benefits when importing goods, such as vehicles, as long as the established requirements are met.
In this article, we explain what the exemption of incentives is, what the requirements are, and which taxes apply.
What does the Law 9 of 1987 exemption include?
This law allows retirees, pensioners, and rentiers residing abroad to import certain goods with tax benefits, as long as they complete the necessary procedures before the National Directorate of Migration and Naturalization and the National Customs Authority.
The process must be handled through a licensed attorney with power of attorney and requires both personal documents and proof of retirement, pension, income, or foreign residency.
Requirements for retirees’ tax exemptions
The procedure is carried out with the support of an attorney and requires submitting documents to the National Directorate of Migration and the National Customs Authority. The main requirements include:
Application Letter issued by the National Directorate of Migration.
Customs Pre-Declaration Settlement approved by the Valuation Department.
Shipping documents and original invoice.
Vehicle registration or title of ownership, translated into Spanish.
Retirement or pension certification showing monthly amount, apostilled at the Consulate of origin, translated and authenticated by Panama’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Copy of retiree card from Migration and passport, notarized.
For Panamanians: certified copy of national ID issued by the Electoral Tribunal.
For rentiers: bank certification showing monthly income details.
Proof of residence abroad for more than two years (e.g., utility bills).
National Tax Clearance Certificate with confirmation page.
Certification of vehicle entry into the Customs facility, in case of vehicle relocation.
Payments required under Law 9 of 1987
Although the law grants important benefits, certain mandatory payments are not exempt:
5% Selective Consumption Tax (ISC)
7% ITBMS (Value Added Tax)
Administrative fee
Customs system usage fee
In the case of a vehicle sale or transfer, applicable taxes must be paid at the time of the transaction.
Key benefits of the exemption of incentives for retirees
Significant tax savings when importing new or used vehicles.
Legal support under Law 9 of 1987.
How does Grupo Aduanero KAM help in this process of incentives for retirees?
At Grupo Aduanero KAM, we provide full support for retirees and pensioners relocating to Panama who want to process vehicle tax exemptions. We ensure that every document and procedure is handled correctly and on time.
Our services include:
Advisory on the preparation and review of requirements.
Customs and logistics management for goods or vehicle imports.
Personalized attention with customs brokers specialized in Panamanian regulations.
Your trusted partner in customs services
The exemption under Law 9 of 1987 is an excellent opportunity to reduce costs on imports, but the process can be complex if all requirements are not met.
Trust Grupo Aduanero KAM, your ally in customs and logistics services, to make your exemption procedures faster, safer, and simpler.Contact us today to get started!
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What Does Internal Transit in Panama Customs Really Mean? Internal transit in customs is a process that allows goods to be moved within Panama without paying import taxes at the entry point, always under the supervision of customs authorities. This is essential for companies that need to transport their cargo to locations such as warehouses or free trade zones before nationalizing or re-exporting it.
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The importation of construction materials is an essential step for companies in the sector that seek to guarantee quality, availability, and compliance with regulations in Panama. However, this process involves customs procedures, specific regulations, and documentation that must be followed in detail to avoid delays or extra costs.
https://i0.wp.com/gakam.com/eng/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/2149194799.jpg?fit=1000%2C667&ssl=16671000Grupo Aduanero Kamhttps://gakam.com/eng/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/grupo-aduanero-kam-panama-logo-300x292.pngGrupo Aduanero Kam2025-09-02 15:52:172025-09-15 15:53:46Importation of Construction Materials: Processes and Requirements
In international trade, choosing the right Incoterm is not just a contractual formality — it’s a strategic decision that defines who bears the costs, risks, and customs procedures at each stage of transportation. In Panama, where maritime, air, and land connectivity are key for regional trade, selecting the correct Incoterm can make the difference between a smooth operation and a costly logistical headache.
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The solar panels exemption in Panama is a legal benefit that allows importing these systems by paying only a minimal fee, protected under Law 37 of 2013 and its amendment, Law 38 of 2016. Thanks to this regulation, importers only have to pay $3.00 for system usage when processing the procedure at the Secretary of Energy, representing a significant saving in customs taxes.
https://i0.wp.com/gakam.com/eng/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/documentos-requisitos-exoneracion-paneles-solares-panama-ley-37-ley-38-tramite-secretaria-energia-servicios-aduaneros-logisticos.jpg?fit=1000%2C452&ssl=14521000Grupo Aduanero Kamhttps://gakam.com/eng/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/grupo-aduanero-kam-panama-logo-300x292.pngGrupo Aduanero Kam2025-08-23 13:33:252025-09-01 14:02:55Solar Panels Exemption in Panama: Law 37 of 2013 and Law 38 of 2016
When exporting goods from Panama, it’s important to choose the appropriate export customs regime based on the shipment’s purpose, destination, and whether the products will leave permanently or return to the country. There are three main regimes: definitive export, temporary export, and reexportation. Each has its own characteristics, benefits, and documentation requirements that you should understand to streamline your operations and stay compliant with current regulations.
Importing clothing to Panama in large volumes requires making strategic decisions to ensure shipping costs don’t exceed the value of the goods. One of the most important choices is whether to use a Full Container Load (FCL) or Less than Container Load (LCL). Both methods offer advantages and disadvantages depending on your budget, timelines, and business model.
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