URUGUAY 

PROHIBITED AND RESTRICTED GOODS

To import firearms and ammunitions the consignee must obtain a Uruguayan Ministry of Defence permit before shipment is made. Otherwise firearms will be retained by Customs. 

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS 

HOUSEHOLD GOODS

Household goods and personal effects shipments or unaccompanied luggage must arrive within 90 days from Shipper's arrival in Uruguay.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Returning Uruguayans (including Diplomats and Uruguayans who have been working for international organisations).

• Certificate of Residence abroad issued by the Uruguayan Consulate at origin, stating that Shipper has resided abroad for a minimum period of one year.
  Itemised inventory in Spanish, legalised by the Uruguayan Consulate at origin.

Foreigners

• If Shipper is not a permanent resident in Uruguay, he will have to deposit a banking guarantee letter or the value of the shipment in titles.  These will be returned by the Customs authorities once the shipment leaves the country or the Shipper has normalised his status by obtaining a Permanent Visa. 
• Itemised inventory in Spanish.

Foreign diplomats or military personnel

• Franchise to be obtained from Uruguayan Ministry for Foreign Affairs by the Diplomatic Mission or the Foreign Official Organisation the shipper belongs to, upon presentation of packing list and original bill of lading. 

CARS

Temporary admission - Used vehicles for Non-Residents or Transitory Residents in Uruguay

Kindly note that through a new Governmental authorization of our Ministry of Finances, Non-Residents or Transitory residents in the country may be allowed to import their used car under temporary admission.  In order to apply for import of a used car under temporary admission, shipper must:

�         Show proof of their quality of "Non-Resident" or "Transitory Resident (through our Migration Office in Montevideo)

�         Show proof of a work contract with any private or public company in Uruguay

�         Show proof of vehicle's property in his name, through registration document at country of origin with a validity of at least 6 months prior to arrival in Uruguay

�         Full Customer and Account information in Uruguay should be sent to T.I.M.N. Agent prior to shipping car

�         Formalities with Ministry of Economy can take about 2 to 3 months before being able to proceed with customs clearance

The temporary import of the car will not exceed a maximum term of 18 months (to be considered from the exact date of clearance), after which vehicle will have to be re-exported

Kindly note that a bank guarantee may be required in order to authorize the vehicle's temporary admission, and this will be returned at time of re-export of the vehicle

Recommendation that full information on shipper and account in Uruguay, be forwarded to T.I.M.N. Agent prior to shipping car

Foreign Diplomats

All the following documents are required in order to obtain diplomatic franchise with Uruguayan Foreign Affairs Ministry.

• Commercial Invoice.
• Title or certificate of register or matriculation.
• Registration form.

Uruguayan Diplomats and Uruguayans who have been working for international organisations

• Same as above but these documents must be legalized by Uruguayan Consulate at origin. An official translation of document into Spanish will also be required (which must be obtained in Uruguay). 
• If officers were in mission abroad before 1st March 2002, they will have to pay normal Port Charges and Customs Ad-Valorem on Cars CIF, Value, COFISS, etc. as usual. *
• If officers have been designated in mission after 1st March 2002, when returning they may import automobile, but at time of selling the car for the first time will be subject to payment of:
  a) VAT  - 23% on CIF value
  b) If Car is petrol powered - 27% on CIF value
  c) If car is diesel powered - 47% on CIF value
  
  In addition to the normal Port Charges, Ad-Valorem, COFISS, etc. indicated above*

Returning Uruguayans

As of June 1st 2002, Uruguayan Customs Regulations state that returning Uruguayans are no longer authorized to import used cars.  Pertinent regulation which was in force (Decree 567/1993) has been abolished.

Important: This information is intended for general guidance and all T.I.M.N. members are entitled to reproduce this information and any contributions are welcomed.  T.I.M.N. cannot however take responsibility for any errors or omissions or for any loss or damage that may occur from its use.  As such it is advisable to contact the nearest customs office for Uruguay for full and current information prior to importation.