Priority Mail To Bolivia: Understanding The Restrictions

Sending mail to Bolivia can be challenging due to the country's unreliable postal system and specific restrictions on certain items. The Bolivian postal system, ECOBOL, has faced issues with operational inefficiencies, resulting in delayed or undelivered mail. Additionally, Priority Mail International service to Bolivia is currently suspended due to a lack of available air transportation. This suspension does not affect other international mail categories. It's important to note that Bolivia has unique restrictions on prohibited items, such as arms and ammunition, obscene or immoral printed materials, and certain valuable articles. These restrictions, along with the challenges in the postal system, make it difficult to send priority mail to Bolivia.

Priority Mail International parcel service is suspended due to a lack of air transportation

Priority Mail International parcel service is currently suspended in Bolivia due to a lack of available air transportation. This suspension only affects the Priority Mail International parcel service and does not impact other international mail categories, such as the Priority Mail International flat-rate envelope or small flat-rate box service.

This suspension is likely due to logistical challenges in transporting parcels to Bolivia by air. Air transportation is a crucial link in the international mail network, and its unavailability can disrupt the flow of mail to a particular country. It's important to note that this suspension is specific to the Priority Mail International parcel service and does not reflect on the overall state of Bolivia's postal system.

While this suspension is in place, senders are advised to explore alternative mailing options to Bolivia. Other international mail categories remain operational, and it's crucial to refer to the official postal services for the latest information on available services and their respective restrictions.

It's worth noting that mailing restrictions and regulations can change, and it's the sender's responsibility to stay informed about the latest updates. Additionally, each country has its own unique mailing restrictions, which should be carefully considered before sending any item.

Prohibited items include arms, ammunition, and obscene material

When sending mail internationally, it is important to be aware of the prohibited items that are restricted from being sent through the mail. Prohibited items include hazardous materials, such as liquid mercury, fireworks, live ammunition, strike-anywhere matches, explosive or flammable devices, corrosive or acidic substances, and lithium batteries. These items pose a significant danger to postal employees, equipment, and customers and are therefore illegal to send through the mail.

In addition to the above, arms and ammunition are also prohibited from being sent to Bolivia. This includes firearms, guns, and related accessories, as well as BB/pellet/airsoft/paintball guns, parts, and projectiles. It is important to adhere to the regulations and restrictions when sending mail internationally to ensure the safety of all involved and to avoid any legal consequences.

Other prohibited items to Bolivia include books, pamphlets, paintings, illustrations, figures, and objects of an obscene or immoral nature. These restrictions are in place to uphold the moral and ethical standards of the country and protect its citizens from potentially harmful content. It is crucial to respect the cultural and legal differences when sending mail to another country.

It is worth noting that the regulations and restrictions for sending mail internationally can vary depending on the destination country. It is advisable to consult the specific guidelines and prohibited items list for the country you are sending mail to, to ensure compliance with their laws and regulations.

Items requiring a certificate of disinfection: used clothing

When sending used clothing to Bolivia, a certificate of disinfection is required. This certificate can be issued by a recognised disinfection establishment or a private firm, including dry cleaning firms. The purpose of the certificate is to ensure that the used clothing has been properly disinfected and does not pose any health risks.

To comply with the requirements, you must endorse the package or wrapper of the shipment with the statement "CERTIFICATE OF DISINFECTION ENCLOSED". This will inform the postal service and customs officials that the required documentation is included. Failure to include the certificate may result in the package being returned to the sender at their own expense.

It is important to note that the disinfection certificate is specifically required for used clothing and other similar items such as footwear and linen. This requirement is in place to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and ensure the safety of both the recipient and the postal workers handling the package.

In addition to the certificate of disinfection, other important considerations should be made when sending used clothing to Bolivia. For example, it is essential to accurately declare the contents and value of the package on the customs form. Undervaluing the items may result in issues with customs clearance and potential fees.

Furthermore, it is worth noting that there are restrictions on sending certain items to Bolivia, such as arms and ammunition, obscene or immoral printed materials, and perishable infectious substances. These restrictions are implemented by the Bolivian government and are subject to change, so it is advisable to consult the most up-to-date information before sending any packages to Bolivia.

Items requiring a commercial invoice: shipments over $100

A commercial invoice is a crucial part of international shipping. It is a special export document that helps your package get through customs. It is a formal request for payment from the buyer to the seller for goods or services provided. It outlines key details of the transaction, including a description of the goods, their value, quantity, and terms of sale. It also serves as a legal document, providing evidence of the transaction and facilitating customs clearance processes.

A commercial invoice is required in international trade transactions when goods are sold across international borders. It is needed when the value of a shipment exceeds $100. In the case of Bolivia, a commercial invoice signed by a Bolivian consulate is required for shipments exceeding $100 in value. The invoice must be in the form prescribed by Bolivian consular regulations. If the sender is unfamiliar with the requirements, they should consult one of the Bolivian consulates located in principal US cities. Information can also be obtained from the American Republics Division, Bureau of International Commerce, Department of Commerce, Washington, D.C.

The commercial invoice should include the following:

• The time when and the place where the merchandise is sold.
• The seller's name, address, contact information, and possibly their tax identification number.
• The buyer's full name, address, contact information, and possibly their tax identification number.
• The ship-to party's full name, address, contact information, and possibly their tax identification number (if different from the buyer).
• A detailed description of the merchandise, including but not limited to:

• HS Number (first six digits of the Schedule B or HTSUS number).
• Name by which each item is known.
• Marks, numbers, and symbols under which the merchandise is sold.

• The country of shipment.
• The relevant trade term and the location associated with the term, e.g., Incoterms 2020, Free Carrier At Your Forwarder's Facility, Chicago, IL, USA.
• All goods and services provided by the buyer for the production of the merchandise (e.g., assists such as tools, dies, molds, and engineering work).
• A signature, the signor's title, and date of signing.
• Additional information provided in the terms and conditions or on the document:

• Import license requirements, if known.
• Additional certifications and statements required by the buyer's country.
• U.S. government-issued certifications to be provided.
• U.S. export controls (e.g., EAR99, ECCN, or USML).
• Where title will transfer from the seller to the buyer.

Items requiring an import permit: shipments over $500

When sending items to Bolivia, an import permit is required when the value of a shipment exceeds $500. This is in addition to the standard customs forms and other documentation that must be completed for items being shipped to the country.

To import goods into Bolivia, the importer must first register as a 'usual' or 'unusual' importer with the Operator Service Unit of National Customs (USO). They must then complete and present the Importer Registration Form N° 170, available on the customs website, and comply with the relevant authorisations and certifications prior to the shipment of goods. The importer must meet the requirements of the Servicio Nacional de Sanidad Agropecuaria e Inocuidad Alimentaria (SENASAG), Ministry of Health, Ministry of Interior, and the Ministry of Economy and Public Finance, among others.

Once the goods are dispatched, the importer can either contract a Customs Clearance Agency or handle the customs clearance themselves. This involves presenting the required documents, such as the Commercial Invoice, an original or copy of the transport document, air cargo manifest, maritime cargo manifest, etc. After collecting the documents, the importer must then prepare the Single Import Declaration (DUI) through the ASYCUDA (SIDUNEA in Spanish) computer system.

After the DUI is accepted, the importer has to pay the customs duties within three working days. These include VAT on imports and a Verification fee (1% of the FOB value).

The Bolivian National Customs then assigns a control channel (red, yellow or green) after verifying all the documents and their legality.

Frequently asked questions