Global Import Regulations for

Panama

Market Condition: No Restrictions, but Public Institutions Cannot Buy

Source: Report from Post (via E-Mail), 25 April 2003

Regulatory Agency

The Ministry of Health manages the health care system in Panama. Along with the Social Security System, it is responsible for procuring all of the medical equipment in the public sector. Private hospitals and clinics are the other major buyers of medical equipment in Panama.

Regulations

There are no local additional regulations, technical or safety standards. Both U.S. and European standards are accepted in Panama. There is a requirement however, to provide Spanish language labeling. Labels may be multi-lingual (e.g., in English and Spanish), but Spanish is required.

Import Duties and Taxes

In 1998 import duties for medical equipment were lowered to 10 percent, from the previous levels of 35 percent and 27.5 percent. Import duties in Panama are assessed on the CIF value. Additionally, a 5-percent value added tax is charged on the aggregate of the CIF value plus the import duty.

Used Equipment

There are some market opportunities for used/refurbished medical equipment, especially in small hospitals and private hospitals in the interior of the country. The government does not purchase used or refurbished equipment. There are no special regulations for used equipment in comparison to new equipment.

Medical equipment in high demand includes: cardiovascular, electro-diagnostic, ultrasound, anesthesia, intensive care, dental, optical, and ozone-therapy equipment.

Third-party companies legally can import any equipment in used/refurbished condition without the need for new safety inspections, etc.

Contact Information

Government Agencies

Colon Free Zone Administration
P.O. Box 1118 ZLC, Panama
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
Contact: Jorge Fernandez, Director

Caja de Seguro Social

P.O. Box 1393
Panama 1, Panama
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Contact: Juan Jovane, Director

Ministerio de Comercio e Industrias

Viceministerio de Comercio Exterior
P.O. Box 61897 El Dorado, Panama
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
Contact: Meliton Arrocha, Vice-Minister

Ministerio de Economia y Finanzas

Direccion General de Aduanas
P.O. Box 1671 Balboa, Ancon
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Contact: Mercedes Villalaz, Director

Ministerio de Salud

P.O. Box 2048
Panama 1, Panama
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Contact: Fernando Gracia, Minister

Trade Associations

American Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Panama (AMCHAM)
P.O. Box 74, Balboa, Panama
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
Contact: David Hunt, Executive Director

Asociacion de Usuarios de la Zona Libre de Colon

P.O. Box 3118 ZLC, Panama
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
Contact: Digna Donado, President

Panamanian Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture

P.O. Box 74, Panama 1, Panama
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
Contact: Jose Ramon Varela, Executive Director

Sindicato de Industriales de Panama

P.O. Box 64798, El Dorado, Panama
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
Contact: Daniel Vega, Executive Director

Source: International Market Insight, Commercial Opportunites for Used/Refurbished Medical Equipment in Panama, 2 March 2002

Summary

Panama offers good opportunities for exporters of used/refurbished medical equipment. Although government organizations by law cannot acquire used equipment, there is a potential market in the private sector, especially small to medium clinics and hospitals both in Panama City and in the interior of the country. U.S. medical equipment has an excellent reputation and is preferred by most doctors and hospitals. There are no restrictions/regulations for importing used medical equipment and import duties are relatively low. End Summary.

Body

The Ministry of Health manages the health care system in Panama. Along with the Social Security System, it is responsible for procuring all of the medical equipment in the public sector. Private hospitals and clinics are the other main buyers of medical equipment in Panama.

There are no regulations, technical or safety standards applicable to new and used medical equipment in Panama. Both U.S. standards and European standards are accepted. Both used and new equipment is subject to the same treatment. By law, public institutions cannot buy used or refurbished equipment. The Panamanian international banking center offers excellent facilities for international trade transactions. The U.S. dollar is legal tender in Panama. No payment or exchange restrictions exist.

In 1998 import duties for medical equipment were lowered to an average of 10 percent, compared to the previous levels of up to 35 percent. Import duties in Panama are assessed over the CIF value. Additionally, a five percent value added tax is charged on the aggregate of the CIF value plus the import duty. Product reputation, as well as quality and service are the most important factors for end users when making a purchase decision, followed by price.

There are good market opportunities for used/refurbished medical equipment, especially in small hospitals and private hospitals both in Panama City and in the interior of the country. Products in greatest demand are imaging, x-ray, laboratory and diagnosis equipment.

For more information on Panama’s health sector, please contact:

Ministerio de Salud

PO Box 2048
Panama 1, Panama
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Contact: Fernando Gracia, Minister

Source: Report from CS Post (via Cable), 6 March 2000

Are there special restrictions or tariffs that apply to used equipment that do not apply to new medical equipment?

No special restrictions apply to used medical equipment in comparison to new equipment.

Can public health institutions buy used or refurbished medical devices?

Public health institutions cannot buy used or refurbished equipment. By law, the government can buy only new equipment.

Is there a market for used or refurbished devices?

There is a market for used and refurbished equipment.

Best prospects?

Best prospects are: diagnosis equipment, imaging equipment, X-ray equipment.