Usps's Work With Bolivian Cargo: What, Why, And How?

The United States Postal Service (USPS) delivers to Bolivia. However, there are restrictions on what can be sent there. For instance, arms and ammunition, counterfeit currency, and obscene or immoral printed matter are prohibited. There are also size, weight, and value limits for packages. USPS offers several shipping methods to Bolivia, including Postal Service Fully Tracked, USPS Priority, and USPS Express.

Prohibited items

When sending mail to Bolivia, there are several prohibited items that you should not include in your packages. Here is a list of prohibited items for mail to Bolivia:

• Arms and ammunition.
• Articles that violate Bolivian trademark laws.
• Obscene or immoral books, pamphlets, paintings, illustrations, figures, and other printed matter.
• Coins, banknotes, paper money, traveler’s checks, and other valuable articles made of gold, platinum, or silver, whether manufactured or not.
• Counterfeit or illegal currency, and advertisements that imitate currency or postage stamps (except for philatelic or numismatic catalogs).
• Perishable infectious and non-infectious biological substances.
• Radioactive materials.
• Tobacco in any form, including cigarettes and cigarette papers or packaging.
• Pharmaceutical and medicinal products that have not been approved by the Bolivian health authorities.
• Used clothing that is not accompanied by a certificate of disinfection issued by a competent authority or disinfected by a firm with the necessary facilities.
• Liquids.
• Drugs.
• Certain food items.
• Precious metals and stones.
• Any substance used for the manufacture of illegal drugs, including cocaine or coca products.
• Logs and timber products from Liberia, such as woodchips, poles, fence pickets, sheets, flooring, and more.

It is important to note that the list of prohibited items may change over time, and it is always a good idea to check with your local post office or courier service for the most up-to-date information before sending any mail or packages to Bolivia.

Customs forms

When mailing from the US to Bolivia, it is important to correctly fill out the customs forms. The type of customs form required depends on the type of mail being sent.

For First-Class Mail International items, Priority Mail International flat-rate envelopes, and small flat-rate boxes, you will need to fill out PS Form 2976.

If you are sending correspondence and business papers, you will need to fill out PS Form 2976-B, place it inside PS Form 2976-E (a plastic envelope), and clearly endorse the item as "Business Papers" next to the mailing label.

For merchandise samples without commercial value, you will need to fill out PS Form 2976-B, and place it inside PS Form 2976-E (a plastic envelope).

For merchandise and all articles subject to customs duty, you will need to fill out PS Form 2976-B, place it inside PS Form 2976-E (a plastic envelope), and enclose a commercial invoice in each item.

Additionally, if you are sending packages that weigh more than 2 kilograms, you will need to go to a special section of the post office called ENCOMIENDAS. You will need to fill out a customs certificate stating the contents of your package, its weight, and its value. You will also need to provide your original ID and two photocopies of it.

It is important to note that certain items are prohibited from being shipped to Bolivia, including but not limited to arms and ammunition, articles that violate Bolivian trademark laws, obscene or immoral materials, counterfeit or illegal currency, and perishable infectious biological substances.

Delivery times

When sending mail to Bolivia, it is important to include the recipient's name, street address (including street name and number), city and department name (e.g. Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Santa Cruz), country (Bolivia), and seven-digit local phone number. Including "SOUTH AMERICA" on the package can also help ensure it reaches its destination.

For packages weighing less than 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds), you can seal the package without needing to fill out a customs form. For packages over 2 kilograms, you must leave the package open for inspection at the post office, and you need to go to a special section of the post office called ENCOMIENDAS to mail it. You will have to fill out a customs certificate stating the package's contents, weight, and value. For this procedure, you will need to provide your original ID (Bolivian carnet or passport) and two photocopies of the same.

Shipping from the USA to Bolivia can take between 5 to 30 business days, depending on the shipping method chosen. USPS offers several shipping methods to Bolivia, including Postal Service Fully Tracked, USPS Priority, and USPS Express. USPS Express and Planet Mail Express are recommended delivery methods, as DHL and FedEx charge high fees for customs processing. Planet Mail Express does not require you to pay VAT, but there are size and weight limits, and tracking information is not as precise.

The Bolivian Postal Service does not deliver to homes and businesses in a regular and timely manner, and most people and businesses use post office boxes. When sending mail to Bolivia, it is recommended to include the recipient's phone number just under their delivery address, so the post office can call them to pick up their package or letter.

Shipping costs

When shipping cargo to Bolivia, there are a few things to keep in mind in terms of shipping costs. Firstly, the weight and dimensions of the package will impact the price. For example, USPS offers discounted rates on certain methods, such as Postal Service Fully Tracked, USPS Priority, and USPS Express. However, it's important to choose the right carrier as some carriers, like DHL or FedEx, may have high fees for customs processing.

Another factor that affects shipping costs is the value of the items being shipped. For shipments to Bolivia valued at over $100 USD, a commercial invoice signed by a Bolivian consulate is required, and an import permit is necessary when the value exceeds $500 USD. Additionally, the recipient is responsible for any duties and taxes assessed by the country. These charges may include a duty tax rate of approximately 33% and a VAT rate of 14.71%, plus a customs tax that varies depending on the product category.

To get the most accurate estimate of shipping costs to Bolivia, it is recommended to use a postage calculator, taking into account the weight, dimensions, delivery method, and value of the items being shipped.

Courier services

When sending mail to Bolivia, it is important to include the recipient's name, street address (including street name and number), city and department name (e.g., Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Santa Cruz), and the country (Bolivia). It is also recommended to include the recipient's seven-digit local phone number and to clearly mark the package as destined for "SOUTH AMERICA" to avoid confusion.

For packages weighing less than 2 kilograms, no customs form is required. However, for packages over 2 kilograms, a customs certificate stating the contents, weight, and value of the package must be filled out at a special section of the post office called ENCOMIENDAS. A form of identification, such as a Bolivian carnet or passport, along with two photocopies, is also required.

Registered mail is recommended for extra security, as it requires a signature upon delivery, and the sender can be reimbursed for the declared value of the package if it does not arrive. Courier services also offer the advantage of package tracking, which is not always available with the regular post.

When shipping from the US to Bolivia, it is important to be aware of prohibitions and restrictions on certain goods. For example, precious metals and stones are prohibited, and items such as firearms, drugs, liquids, cash, and certain food items may also be restricted. It is the customer's responsibility to complete the customs declaration accurately and to stay informed about any changes in restrictions.

Frequently asked questions