Peru has emerged as a major trade hub in South America, supported by free trade agreements with the United States, the European Union, China, and other key markets. Establishing an export–import business in Peru is relatively straightforward, but it requires compliance with corporate, tax, and customs regulations.

Company Incorporation

The first step in forming a trading company in Peru is selecting the appropriate legal entity. Read about company name reservation, company type selection, public deed preparation, tax registration, and other essential incorporation steps in our article.

Foreign Ownership Limit

Peru maintains an open foreign investment regime, allowing 100% foreign ownership in most sectors, including trading and import–export activities. Foreign investors are granted national treatment, meaning they enjoy the same rights as Peruvian nationals, and there is no requirement for local shareholders or residency to hold equity in a Peruvian company.

In practice, while ownership may be entirely foreign, companies are required to appoint a legal representative domiciled in Peru, which is essential for tax and regulatory compliance.

Minimum Capital

There is no statutory minimum capital requirement under Peruvian law in most sectors, including trading and import–export activities, and in practice, companies are often established with nominal capital, typically around PEN 500-1,000.

Special Authorisations for Import–Export Activities

Unlike general commercial companies, trading entities in Peru must comply with customs and sector-specific regulatory regimes.

Registration as an Importer/Exporter

All import–export companies are required to register with the tax and customs authority (Superintendencia Nacional de Aduanas y de Administración Tributaria, SUNAT). This includes obtaining a tax identification number (Registro Único de Contribuyentes, RUC), enrolling in the customs system administered by SUNAT, and being formally recognised as an importer or exporter of record. This registration is mandatory for conducting any cross-border trade.

Customs Registration and Licensing

In addition, companies engaging in international trade must complete customs registration and operate in accordance with Peru’s customs framework. In most cases, import and export activities must be carried out through a licensed customs broker (agente de aduanas). Businesses are also required to ensure accurate customs declarations, including proper classification using HS codes and compliance with valuation rules. Failure to meet these requirements can result in penalties, shipment delays, or even confiscation of goods.

Sector-Specific Permits and Certifications

Depending on the type of goods being traded, companies may also need to obtain sector-specific permits and certifications from relevant regulatory authorities. For example, sanitary registrations are required for food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics; phyto- and zoo-sanitary permits apply to agricultural products; and technical standards compliance may be necessary for industrial goods and electronics. These approvals are typically issued by specialised agencies and must be secured before import or export activities take place.

Foreign Investment Registration

While not mandatory for incorporation, foreign investors are generally advised to register their investment with the Central Reserve Bank of Peru. Doing so facilitates the repatriation of profits and capital and may provide access to certain legal stability protections.

Additional Compliance Considerations for Trading Companies

Export–import companies must also maintain proper accounting and invoicing systems in line with SUNAT requirements, ensure full traceability and documentation for all traded goods, and comply with the rules of origin under Peru’s free trade agreements where applicable.

How We Can Assist

We provide practical, end-to-end legal support for establishing and operating export–import businesses in Peru, with a focus on efficiency and regulatory compliance. Our services include:

• Company formation: Structuring and incorporation, drafting constitutional documents, and appointing local representatives.
• ‍Tax and customs registration: Obtaining TIN and registering as an importer/exporter with SUNAT.
• ‍Customs compliance: Advice on import/export procedures, documentation, and coordination with customs brokers.
• Regulatory authorisations: Securing sector-specific permits (e.g., sanitary, phytosanitary, technical certifications).
• Ongoing legal support: Corporate compliance, commercial contracts, and regulatory advisory.

Our approach ensures a streamlined setup process while mitigating legal and operational risks.