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.
Shipping a motorcycle to Panama starts with selecting the right shipping method, preparing documentation, and ensuring you meet Panama's evolving regulatory requirements.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
ATVs and SUVs follow similar import principles with key local caveats and variations.
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.
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 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.
Title demonstrating ownership
Bill of sale
EIN/tax ID letter
Panama customs forms and declarations
Model, year, and regulatory compliance documents
Knowing model trends helps buyers, dealers, and enthusiasts make informed purchases and streamline customs processes.
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
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.
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
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.
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.