Paraguay import duties 2025 are the unavoidable gatekeepers standing between you and that shiny package from abroad. Whether you’re ordering a new iPhone from Miami, Korean skincare from Seoul, or a gaming laptop from Singapore, understanding exactly how much you’ll pay at customs can make the difference between a bargain and a budget disaster. In 2025, the rules haven’t gotten simpler—but they’ve become more predictable, and savvy shoppers are saving hundreds of dollars by planning ahead.
Let’s break it all down in plain Paraguayan Spanish (well, English with a tereré twist) so you never get hit with a surprise bill again.
How Paraguay Import Duties Actually Work in 2025
Forget the old myths—Paraguay has zero de minimis threshold. That means every single package that enters the country, no matter if it costs $10 or $1,000, goes through customs and pays taxes. Yes, even that $8 phone case from AliExpress.
Here’s the exact formula Aduana uses in 2025:
Total to pay = Tariff (0%-30%) + 10% VAT + 5% miscellaneous fees (usually)
All calculated over the CIF value (Cost of item + Insurance + Freight/Shipping)
Example: You buy a $200 pair of sneakers with $35 shipping
CIF = $235
Average tariff on footwear = 20% → $47
VAT 10% on (CIF + tariff) = $28.20
Total extra: ~$80 on top of your original price
Suddenly that “deal” isn’t looking so hot, right?
Current Paraguay Import Duty Rates 2025 (Most Common Categories)
| Product Category | Tariff Rate (2025) | Total Approx. Tax (incl. VAT) |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics (phones, laptops) | 14–18% | 28–33% |
| Clothing & shoes | 20% | 35–38% |
| Cosmetics & perfumes | 18–22% | 33–38% |
| Toys & games | 20% | 37% |
| Books, magazines, printed | 0% | Only 10% VAT |
| Medicines (personal use) | 0–5% | 10–15% |
| Used personal items | Often exempt | Case-by-case |
Pro tip: Books are basically tax-free—perfect excuse to stock up on those English-learning paperbacks or art albums!
Big Changes in Paraguay Import Duties 2025 You Need to Know
- New digital declaration portal (SOAMIG) – Faster clearance (sometimes same-day in Asunción)
- Pre-paid duty options – Some platforms now let you pay taxes at checkout (huge time-saver)
- Stricter enforcement on commercial quantities – More than 3 identical items? They’ll treat it as commercial import (up to 60% duties).
- Mercosur CET updates – Slight reductions on certain tech and auto parts from Brazil/Argentina.
How to Slash Your Paraguay Import Duties in 2025 (Legally!)
Want to pay less? Here are the tricks Paraguayans are using right now:
1. Split Orders Strategically
Order from multiple sellers so no single package exceeds PYG 1,500,000 CIF (~$200). Customs agents are less likely to scrutinize small personal packages.
2. Choose Platforms That Bundle Duties
The smartest move in 2025? Shop on sites that calculate and pre-collect taxes for you. Check out our complete list of the best cross-border online shopping platforms for Paraguay 2025—many of them (Ubuy, Amazon Global, Desertcart) now show the exact final price in guaraníes including all Paraguay import duties 2025. No surprises, no waiting three weeks at Aduana.
3. Use a Courier with “DDP” (Delivered Duty Paid)
Companies like DHL Express, FedEx Priority, or Boxit Paraguay can deliver DDP—meaning you pay nothing extra when the package arrives. You pay a higher shipping fee upfront, but zero stress.
4. Take Advantage of Mercosur Origin
Buy from Brazil or Argentina via Mercado Libre Full—average duty drops to 0–11.5% instead of 20–30% from China or the U.S.
5. Declare Honestly (Yes, Really)
Under-declaring invoices is tempting, but in 2025 Aduana is using AI + X-ray scanners at Silvio Pettirossi and Ciudad del Este. Fines are now 200–500% of the evaded amount. Not worth it.
Real-Life Example: Same Product, Different Costs in 2025
| Platform | Item Price | Shipping | Duties & VAT | Final Price in PYG | Winner? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Direct from China | $150 | $25 | $78 | ~1,950,000 | |
| Amazon US (standard) | $180 | $40 | $90 | ~2,200,000 | |
| Ubuy (duty prepaid) | $199 | Included | Included | 1,750,000 | Winner! |
Same laptop—Ubuy saved almost 200,000 guaraníes just by handling Paraguay import duties 2025 upfront.
Quick Checklist Before You Click “Buy” in 2025
- Is the total CIF under $200? (Lower scrutiny)
- Does the site offer duty-prepaid or DDP shipping?
- Are you buying from Mercosur countries?
- More than 3 identical items = commercial import risk
- Keep invoices and tracking ready
Final Thoughts: Turn Duties from Enemy to Ally
Yes, Paraguay import duties 2025 are higher than many neighbors—but with the right knowledge (and the right platforms), they stop being a nightmare and become just another line item you can control.
Start shopping smarter today: head over to our detailed guide on the best cross-border online shopping platforms for Paraguay 2025 and discover exactly which sites now handle all the tax headaches for you. Because in 2025, the winners aren’t the ones avoiding duties—they’re the ones who understand them and shop anyway.
