Ship Motorcycles, ATVs & SUVs to Panama | 2025 Guide & Costs

Panama remains a top destination for US vehicle exports in 2025, thanks to a vibrant motorcycle scene, robust infrastructure, and expanding opportunities for motor enthusiasts, expats, and dealers. Whether you're shipping motorcycles, ATVs, or SUVs, the following guide explains the regulatory nuances, paperwork, popular models, and cost structures—always with West Coast Shipping positioned as your trusted logistics partner.

How to Ship a Motorcycle from USA to Panama

Shipping a motorcycle to Panama starts with selecting the right shipping method, preparing documentation, and ensuring you meet Panama's evolving regulatory requirements.

Choosing the Best Shipping Method

Container shipping is the gold standard for motorcycles heading to Panama, offering secure, weatherproof options via consolidated and dedicated shipments from California, Florida, and New York.

Want to dive deeper? Check out our complete guide on how to ship a motorcycle from the USA to Panama for step‑by‑step instructions, documents, costs, and timelines.

Container Shipping Costs and Timelines:

• California to Cristobal: $4,400, delivered in 13 days

• Florida to Cristobal: $4,475, delivered in 5 days

• New York to Cristobal: $2,750, delivered in 6 days

Consolidated containers let multiple owners share shipping costs. Dedicated containers are preferable for unique, high-value, or multiple motorcycles.

Air freight remains available for time-sensitive moves, with premium rates and shorter delivery windows, typically reserved for collector's bikes or event shipping. 

Required Documentation and Compliance

• Title: Must be clear (no liens), registered in your name

• Bill of Sale: Demonstrates legal ownership and transaction value

• EIN Letter: US residents must provide this for export compliance

• Customs Declaration: Details specs, VIN, and value of motorcycle

• Power of Attorney: Allows your shipper to interact with customs on your behalf

Panama’s Motorcycle Import Rules

• Age restrictions: Most motorcycles must be ten years old or newer (manufacturing date).

• Safety: Motorcycles must have working lights, brakes, and meet emissions standards.

• Configurations: Motorcycles with non-standard features (including right-hand drive) may require prior approval. While Panama restricts RHD cars, these rules aren't strictly enforced for bikes; always verify eligibility with your customs broker before shipping.

• VIN documentation: Must be exact; any discrepancies can trigger delays.

• Classic motorcycles: Exemptions exist but require extensive documentation (title history, clear photos, registration documents, and customs declarations). These are not automatically granted—expect a discretionary evaluation. For more details, see the classic car export update.

Calculating Duties, Taxes, and Fees

Panama bases its duties and taxes on the CIF value (Cost, Freight, plus Handling). Calculations for motorcycles usually fall near 31% of the CIF value—but this is an estimate based on typical duties and fees, not a guaranteed rate.

• Import Duty: Usually 15–25% of CIF, depending on engine size/type.

• ITBMS Tax: 7% of CIF value plus duties.

• Port/Processing Fees: $400–$800 (varies by location and services).

• Registration Fee (ATTT): $150–$400.

• Police Inspection: $50–$100.

Use the Panama car shipping calculator for precise, real-time estimates.

Port Processing and Timeline

• Ocean transit: 5–13 days, depending on port of origin

• Customs processing: Often adds 1–2 weeks (more if paperwork is incomplete)

• Expect 6–8 weeks door-to-port total, factoring consolidation and Panamanian registration

Shipping ATVs or SUVs to Panama: Rules & Cost Differences

ATVs and SUVs follow similar import principles with key local caveats and variations.

ATV Import Guidelines

ATV registration and classification in Panama is complex and varies heavily by port, province, and type of usage. While street-legal ATVs may qualify for road registration, others are limited to agricultural or private property use in rural zones.

• Street registration: Must meet all road-legal standards (lights, mirrors, signals, horn)

• Usage eligibility: Varies by province; you must verify with your customs broker and local Panamanian municipality if your ATV qualifies for registration

• Age: Most eligible ATVs are ten years old or newer

• High modification: Modified ATVs face scrutiny and may need further documentation

Shared and dedicated container options exist; typically, 2–4 ATVs can fit a 20ft container.

Want to learn more about ATVs and SUVs? Check out our full 2025 guide to shipping ATVs and SUVs to Panama, including registration rules, tax estimates, and shipping costs.

SUV Shipping Process and Pricing

SUVs take up more space—one per 20ft container or several in a consolidated 40ft container. Our ports offer direct, reliable routes:

• California to Cristobal: $4,400 / 13 days

• Florida to Cristobal: $4,475 / 5 days

• New York to Cristobal: $2,750 / 6 days

Container shipping protects high-value SUVs from weather, theft, and handling damage. RoRo shipping exists but is generally reserved for oversized or commercial vehicles only. Compare container and RoRo shipping.

Duties and Fees for ATVs and SUVs

Duties and taxes vary, but a good estimate for SUVs is about 31% of CIF value:

• 20% import duty: $6,880 (for a $30,000 SUV + $4,400 freight, $34,400 CIF)

• 7% ITBMS: $2,450

• Port/processing: $400–$800

• ATTT registration: $400

Panama’s Electric Mobility Law 162 grants a 0% ISC tax for fully electric vehicles until 2030—note: only full EVs qualify; plug-in hybrids may not get this benefit. The standard ITBMS (7%) still applies.

Registration includes safety inspections, police verification, and compulsory liability coverage issued by Panamanian insurers.

Documents and Timeline

Common paperwork for ATVs/SUVs:

• Title demonstrating ownership

• Bill of sale

• EIN/tax ID letter

• Panama customs forms and declarations

• Model, year, and regulatory compliance documents

Which Motorcycles Are Most Commonly Shipped from the US to Panama in 2025?

Knowing model trends helps buyers, dealers, and enthusiasts make informed purchases and streamline customs processes.

American Cruisers Dominate Shipments

Harley-Davidson continues to lead US-to-Panama exports with models like Street Glide, Road Glide, Heritage Classic, and Sportster. Indian Scout and related models add significant volume thanks to growing local support networks.

Classic Harleys and reliable Japanese cruisers like the Honda Shadow or Suzuki Boulevard see strong demand from collectors and expats. Exemptions for classics are possible, but always discretionary—expect to provide detailed documentation, including title history, clear photos, and prior registry. See guide to classic imports.

Want to learn more about which bikes are trending? Check out our latest breakdown of the most popular motorcycles shipped from the USA to Panama in 2025

Japanese Sport and Adventure Models

High-volume sport and adventure exports include Honda Rebel 500/1100, Yamaha MT-07, Kawasaki Z650/Ninja 500, and Suzuki V-Strom 650. Adventure touring favorites—Honda Africa Twin, Yamaha Ténéré 700—appeal to those seeking off-road capabilities across diverse Panamanian terrain. More details are available in our top motorcycles for South American import guide.

Electric and Hybrid Motorcycles

Zero Motorcycles dominates the electric import segment with the SR/F and DSR/X. Panama offers robust incentives for battery-electric bikes, but plug-in hybrids may not receive full benefits. Shipping electric motorcycles is subject to rigorous battery safety standards:

• Must comply with international standards (e.g., UN3481 for lithium batteries)

• Batteries must be shipped at reduced state of charge (generally <30%)

• Manufacturer's MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) required for customs

ATV and Dual-Purpose Bikes

Brands like Polaris, Yamaha, and Honda continue to export ATVs for agricultural, tourist, and recreational use. Popular dual-purpose motorcycles such as Honda’s CRF300L, Suzuki DR650, and Kawasaki KLX230 suit urban/rural mixed environments and Panama’s varied geography.

Ready to Ship? Use Our Shipping Calculator

West Coast Shipping simplifies every step—from US export processing to Panamanian import, compliance, and registration. For accurate rates, timelines, and one-on-one support, use our shipping calculator now and get your vehicle moving.