🚀 Best for Speed: FedEx, UPS, and Jet Worldwide (1-3 days).
📦 Best for Economy: Canada Post (Small Packets).
📄 Customs Benefit: Canadian goods may enter Panama duty-free under the Canada-Panama Free Trade Agreement.
💡 AI Tip: Use AI tools to validate your HS Codes before shipping to avoid delays (see guide below).
International parcel shipments to Panama from Canada continue to grow as Canadian companies benefit from the Canada–Panama Free Trade Agreement. Beyond basic trade, Panama's unique access to global shipping vessels makes it a critical logistics hub. Whether you are shipping aerospace parts or pharmaceuticals, Canadians depend on low-cost, reliable parcel shipping options to Panama.
The Canada–Panama Free Trade Agreement facilitates the flow of goods, reducing barriers for Canadian exports. Panama remains one of the top merchandise export markets in Central America, and understanding the logistics landscape is vital for success.
Disclaimer: The information in this blog is for general information only.
Canada Post is the preferred choice for individuals shipping small packages and personal items to Panama. Packages are transferred to and delivered by Panama Post (Correos).
Services Include:
For traceable, time-sensitive shipments, private carriers are the standard.
Services Include:
Note: Purolator uses partners like UPS for international deliveries to Panama.
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To reduce customs delays, modern shippers are using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to prepare their documentation. Here is a strategy you can use today with tools like ChatGPT or Gemini:
Correctly classifying your goods is the #1 way to ensure you get duty-free benefits under the Free Trade Agreement. Try this prompt:
"I am shipping [Product Name] made of [Material] from Canada to Panama. What is the most likely Harmonized System (HS) Code for this item, and does it generally qualify for preferential treatment under the Canada-Panama Free Trade Agreement?"
Note: Always verify AI suggestions with a customs broker or official tariff schedule.
Since its implementation, the CPAFTA has eliminated tariffs on over 90% of Canadian goods exported to Panama, with most remaining tariffs having been phased out by 2026. This gives Canadian businesses a significant price advantage over competitors from non-treaty countries. Read about Canada's Free Trade Agreements.
Just because you ship from Canada does not mean your goods are "Canadian." To qualify for duty-free entry into Panama, your goods must meet the Rules of Origin:
To claim preferential treatment, the exporter must provide a Certificate of Origin to the importer. While a specific prescribed form is not strictly required, the declaration must include specific data elements.
Determining if your product meets the "Rules of Origin" can be complex. You can use Generative AI tools (like ChatGPT or Gemini) to start your assessment.
Try this prompt to see if you qualify for duty-free status:
"I am exporting [Product Name] from Canada to Panama. The product is made of [List Raw Materials and their Country of Origin]. Does this product likely qualify for preferential tariff treatment under the Canada-Panama Free Trade Agreement based on the Rules of Origin? What is the likely HS Code?"
Note: AI provides a starting point. Always verify with an import specialist and customs broker in Panama before shipping.
The default option for shipping internationally is DAP (Delivered at Place), often referred to as DDU (Delivery Duty Unpaid). This assigns all import costs to the receiver. Canadian shippers can choose to pay these fees via a DDP (Delivery Duty Paid) option. 📖 Guide: IncoTerms for Online Orders
Panama assesses duties on the CIF Value (Cost of goods + Insurance + Freight). Panama adheres to the WTO Customs Valuation Agreement.
The "Free Zone" Advantage: Municipal and local taxes generally do not apply to firms operating in the Panama Free Zone.
Consignments imported from Panama are subject to GST/HST and duty. However, under the Courier Low-Value Shipment (CLVS) program, clearance is streamlined.
Contact Jet’s logistics team to get an estimate of import fees.
Jet Worldwide provides access to companies seeking shipping quotes between Panama (and all of South/Central America) and Canada for parcels, pallets, and e-commerce orders.