This document was submitted in response to a questionnaire distributed by Global Hand regarding humanitarian customs information. It provides regulations for importing humanitarian aid into Uruguay.

Required Documents

• Bill of lading/airway bil
• commercial invoice
• packing list
• deed of donation
• certificate of origin

Prohibited Goods

• All clothes are prohibited (new and second hand clothes)
• Food with less than three months before its expiration date are not permitted entry into the Uruguay as humanitarian aid.

Tax Exemption

All goods are exempt from tax for all non-profit organisations (NPO). The NPO must be registered in Uruguay with “PERSONERIA JURIDICA” (legal representation) to the Uruguayan Government.

PreShipment Application

To apply for tax exemption from the government, the documents should be first sent directly to the NPO before the shipment. The NPO is then responsible for applying for tax exemption to the government. Applying for tax exemption before shipment avoids storage costs. The tax exemption process takes from three to four months in Uruguay.

Monetary Valuation

Monetary valuation is required for the shipment on an item by item basis. No currency preference is specified.

Restrictions

Clothes are not accepted and food with less than three months before its expiration date are not accepted.

Other Info

For more information please contact “Ejercito de Salvacion of Uruguay” (Salvation Army of Uruguay); this is an NGO (Non Government Organisation) and non-profit organisation.

Source:

Customs Department (Aduana) Date published: 22/05/2002