Shipping ATVs & SUVs to Panama: 2025 Rules, Tax & Cost Guide

Shipping ATVs and SUVs to Panama offers exciting opportunities for adventure, resale, or relocation—but understanding the rules and cost differences can save you significant time and money. 

Why Panama Imports ATVs & SUVs

Panama's varied terrain, adventure travel industry, and urban growth drive strong demand for all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and sport utility vehicles (SUVs). Whether importing for private use, tourism, or commercial resale, these vehicles support Panama’s outdoor lifestyle and city mobility. 

Shipping Methods & Costs to Panama

Container Shipping: The Secure Standard

Container shipping remains the safest and most reliable method for importing both ATVs and SUVs to Panama.

• Direct Routes: Ship from California, Florida, or New York straight to Panama’s Cristobal port, with regular consolidated departures.

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

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

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

• Shared Containers: Cost-effective, multiple vehicles per shipment.

• Dedicated Containers: Best for high-value, oversized, or custom vehicles.

SUVs generally require a full container or dedicated space, especially for larger models. ATVs can be shipped in multiples per container..

Documentation & Compliance Essentials

• Original Title (No Liens): In the shipper’s name.

• Bill of Sale: Proof of purchase and value.

• Power of Attorney: Allows your shipper to process documentation and clear customs.

• Export Declaration & Customs Forms: Required by US/Port authorities.

• Panama Residency or Passport/ID: Needed for import registration; businesses require RUC tax ID.

• Vehicle Questionnaire: A Panama-specific form for specs, modifications, and intended use.

• Environmental Declaration: Required for hybrids, diesels, or ATVs with non-standard emissions.

Import Rules: ATVs vs SUVs

ATVs: Registration, Road Legality & Local Caveats

• Legal/Street Use: ATVs must meet Panama’s street-legal standards—working lights, mirrors, horn, and safety equipment. Registration eligibility varies by province; you must verify with your customs broker and local municipality if your ATV qualifies for registration and road use.

• Rural Use: Some ATVs may only be permitted on private land or for agricultural purposes.

• Modifications: Heavily modified ATVs or race vehicles often require additional documentation.

SUVs: Model Restrictions, Condition & Special Cases

• Popular Imports: Compact (Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4), mid-size (Toyota Highlander, Chevrolet Tahoe), and full-size (Ford Expedition) SUVs are commonly shipped. SUVs must generally be left-hand drive and within age limit (usually less than 10 years old for standard imports). See Panama car model/year restrictions.

• Condition: Vehicles with salvage or severe accident history may be rejected. Heavily modified or non-running SUVs can face additional scrutiny.

• Classic & Luxury Vehicles: Classics (25+ years) need extra documentation and discretionary approval; luxury surcharges may apply for high-value imports.

Taxes & Cost Differences Explained

CIF Valuation System

Panama calculates taxes using the CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) value—which includes your vehicle’s purchase price plus ocean freight and protection fees. All import duties, local taxes, and port processing charges are based on this CIF value learn more about CIF calculation.

Duties & Taxes for SUVs

• Selective Consumption Tax (ISC): Progressive, ranges from 15–25% depending on CIF value—higher value vehicles face steeper rates. For example:

  • Up to $8,000 CIF: 15%

  • Up to $25,000 CIF: 23%

  • Above $25,000 CIF: 25%

• ITBMS (Transfer Tax): 7% of CIF value plus ISC, mandatory across the board.

• Luxury Surcharges: High-value or collector SUVs may be subject to an additional 5–10% luxury tax.

See exact rate tables and detailed examples in Car Shipping to Panama: 2025 Complete Cost Guide.

Additional Fees

• Port Handling & Processing: $400–$1,000 depending on vehicle size and consolidation.

• Customs Broker Services: $500–$1,200 for paperwork management.

• Registration (ATTT): $150–$400.

• Technical Inspection: $75–$150.

• Police Verification: $50–$100.

Special Incentives & Electric SUV Imports

• Full electric SUVs can qualify for 0% ISC tax until 2030 per Panama law, but plug-in hybrids may not apply. Note that ITBMS still applies.

• For environmental documentation and battery rules, check how to ship electric and hybrid cars to Panama.

Panama Road Registration Process

Once your ATV or SUV clears customs, you’ll need to:

1. Complete technical/safety inspection.

2. Submit all supporting documents to ATTT.

3. Pay registration and licensing fees.

4. Finalize police verification and obtain local liability coverage.

More details about the registration sequence are found in Car Shipping to Panama: Costs and Steps.

Common Questions Answered

Can ATVs be driven on public roads in Panama?

Only if street-legal; check with your local municipal and customs broker for region-specific rules and registration options.

Are luxury/tax surcharges standard for SUVs?

High-value models may incur luxury taxes, but these surcharges are assessed case-by-case.

Does Panama accept modified or salvage vehicles?

Salvage or heavily modified vehicles may be rejected or require extra compliance steps—official, clear documentation is key.

What’s the fastest way to get cost estimates?

Use West Coast Shipping’s instant shipping calculator for customized rates to Panama.

Ready to Ship an ATV or SUV to Panama?

West Coast Shipping delivers transparent rates, expert compliance support, and the safest route for your adventure or family vehicle. Learn more in the main ATV & SUV shipping guide for Panama and get your instant quote on our shipping calculator.