Planning to move to Peru?
Whether you’re relocating for work, returning home, or beginning a new chapter abroad, moving internationally requires careful planning, coordination, and an understanding of your destination’s customs requirements.
From preparing your belongings for shipment to navigating customs procedures and arranging delivery, there are several important steps to consider before moving overseas.
At Shipping Solutions Worldwide, we help individuals, families, and professionals coordinate international household goods relocations from the United States to destinations throughout Peru.
1. What to Know Before Moving to Peru
Peru has specific customs regulations governing the importation of household goods and personal belongings, commonly referred to as menaje de casa.
Depending on your residency status, immigration circumstances, and shipment contents, your belongings may be subject to import taxes, documentation requirements, or special customs procedures.
Under Peru’s standard household goods import regime, qualifying shipments are generally subject to a special 12% tax on their customs value, provided the applicable eligibility requirements are met.
Certain returning Peruvian citizens may qualify for separate tax exemptions under Peru’s Returned Migrants Law.
Because eligibility and import requirements vary, it’s important to review your circumstances before arranging shipment.
2. What Documents Are Required to Ship Household Goods to Peru?
Proper documentation is an essential part of the international moving process.
Depending on your shipment and customs status, commonly requested documents may include:
- A valid passport and applicable immigration documentation.
- A detailed packing list or household goods inventory.
- An Ocean Bill of Lading (B/L) or Air Waybill (AWB).
- A Power of Attorney authorizing customs representation, when required.
- Additional customs declarations or supporting documentation.
Your inventory should accurately describe the contents of your shipment. Certain items, including electrical appliances, may require additional identifying information.
Shipping Solutions Worldwide works with its destination partners to help customers understand the documentation needed for their particular relocation.
3. Are Household Goods Subject to Import Taxes in Peru?
Import taxes and exemptions depend on the customs regime under which your shipment qualifies.
Peru’s standard household goods regime generally provides a special 12% tax rate for qualifying household belongings, subject to specific eligibility conditions.
Separately, eligible Peruvian citizens returning after an extended period abroad may qualify for exemptions under Peru’s Ley de Reinserción Económica y Social para el Migrante Retornado.
These are different customs programs, each with its own requirements.
Not every household goods shipment qualifies for reduced taxes or exemptions. Customers should confirm their eligibility before shipping.
4. Are There Restricted Items When Moving to Peru?
Yes. Certain goods may be restricted, prohibited, or subject to special permits.
Examples that may require additional attention include:
- Alcoholic beverages.
- Firearms and ammunition.
- Certain foods and agricultural products.
- Plants and plant-based materials.
- Prescription medications.
- Appliances containing regulated refrigerants.
- Certain telecommunications equipment.
- Motor vehicles.
Import restrictions can change, and requirements may vary depending on the type, quantity, and intended use of the goods.
Before packing potentially restricted items, consult your international moving coordinator to determine whether additional documentation or permits may be necessary.
5. Shipping to Peru: Air Freight vs. Ocean Freight
When planning your international move, choosing the appropriate shipping method is an important decision.
Ocean Freight
Ocean freight is commonly used for larger household goods shipments, including furniture, appliances, and complete household relocations.
Depending on shipment volume and requirements, your belongings may travel in a dedicated shipping container or as part of a consolidated shipment.
Ocean freight is often a practical solution for customers transporting larger quantities of household goods.
Air Freight
Air freight may be suitable for smaller shipments or essential belongings that need to arrive sooner.
While generally more expensive than ocean freight for comparable shipment volumes, air freight can offer faster transportation.
The best option depends on your shipment size, budget, schedule, and destination requirements.
Shipping Solutions Worldwide can help you evaluate available transportation options for your relocation.
6. What Happens When Your Shipment Arrives in Peru?
Once your belongings arrive in Peru, several steps may be necessary before final delivery.
The process generally includes:
- Shipment Arrival: Your belongings arrive at the designated port or airport.
- Documentation Review: Required shipping and customs documents are submitted or reviewed.
- Customs Clearance: The shipment undergoes applicable customs procedures and may be selected for inspection.
- Release Authorization: Applicable taxes, charges, and customs requirements are addressed before release.
- Final Delivery: Once the shipment is released, delivery arrangements are coordinated according to your moving agreement.
Customs processing times vary depending on documentation, inspections, government procedures, and other circumstances.
Preparing accurate documents in advance can help reduce avoidable delays.
7. International Expertise, Local Knowledge
Moving internationally involves more than transporting belongings from one country to another. Every destination has its own customs procedures, documentation requirements, and logistical considerations.
At Shipping Solutions Worldwide, we coordinate international relocations through an established global network of experienced destination partners, including companies affiliated with the International Association of Movers (IAM).
Our destination partners provide valuable local knowledge and assist with customs coordination, shipment handling, and delivery arrangements, helping us guide customers through the moving process from origin to destination.
Whether you’re relocating to Lima or another destination in Peru, our goal is to make your international move as organized and straightforward as possible.
8. Preparing for Your Move to Peru
Before your belongings leave the United States, consider the following recommendations:
- Plan early. Allow sufficient time for scheduling, packing, transportation, and customs preparation.
- Review customs requirements. Understand the documentation and import conditions that may apply to your shipment.
- Prepare an accurate inventory. Ensure your packing list reflects the belongings being shipped.
- Identify restricted items. Confirm whether special permits or approvals are required.
- Review moving insurance. Understand available coverage options, limitations, and valuation requirements.
- Discuss destination charges. Confirm which services and expenses are included in your moving quotation.
- Stay in communication. Maintain contact with your moving coordinator throughout the relocation process.
Proper planning and professional coordination can help make an international relocation more manageable.
9. Moving to Peru with Shipping Solutions Worldwide
Whether you’re relocating to Peru for professional opportunities, returning home, or moving with your family, choosing an experienced international moving company can make a meaningful difference.
Shipping Solutions Worldwide provides international moving and relocation services, including:
- Professional packing and household goods preparation.
- Ocean and air freight coordination.
- International shipping documentation assistance.
- Customs coordination through destination partners.
- Destination delivery arrangements.
- International moving insurance options.
Our team works closely with customers and our global network of moving professionals to coordinate the many stages of an international relocation.
Planning a Move to Peru?
Let Shipping Solutions Worldwide help you prepare for your next international move.
Contact us today to discuss your relocation and request a personalized moving quotation.
Website: https://shippingsolutionsworldwide.com/
Important Customs & Shipping Disclaimer
The information provided in this guide is intended for general informational purposes only and is based on publicly available resources, including the International Association of Movers (IAM) and applicable customs authorities.
Customs regulations, documentation requirements, import duties, taxes, restrictions, and shipping procedures are subject to change without notice. Requirements may also vary depending on nationality, residency status, shipment contents, and individual circumstances.
Shipping Solutions Worldwide recommends confirming all applicable requirements with the relevant customs authorities and your assigned destination representative before arranging your shipment.
While we strive to provide accurate and helpful information, Shipping Solutions Worldwide does not guarantee the completeness or continued accuracy of the information presented. Final customs decisions are made by the appropriate government authorities.
Information reviewed: November 2026.
References
- International Association of Movers (IAM): https://iamovers.org/country-guide/peru/
- SUNAT — Peru’s National Customs and Tax Administration: https://www.sunat.gob.pe/
- SUNAT — Household Goods Import Guidance: https://asistenteaduanero.sunat.gob.pe/el-menaje-de-casa
- SUNAT — Returning Migrant Information: https://asistenteaduanero.sunat.gob.pe/quiero-retornar-al-pais