When goods enter Honduras under definitive import they pay, as a general rule, two taxes: the Import Duty (DAI) and the Sales Tax (ISV). Depending on the product, specific taxes may be added. This guide explains each one and how they are calculated.
1. The base: customs value
All duties are calculated on the CIF value of the goods: the price paid to the supplier plus international freight and insurance to the Honduran port or airport of entry. If you bought on FOB or EXW terms, freight and insurance are added to the invoice value to form the base.
2. Import Duty (DAI)
This is the tariff itself. Its rate depends on the tariff line under which the goods are classified in the Central American Tariff System (SAC). General levels run from 0% to 15%, with higher rates for certain agricultural products and sensitive goods.
- 0%: raw materials, capital goods and goods not produced in the region.
- 5% and 10%: intermediate goods.
- 15%: finished and consumer goods.
Trade agreements can reduce or eliminate the DAI if the goods originate in the partner country and the corresponding certificate of origin is presented: CAFTA-DR for the United States, the Central American regime, the Association Agreement with the European Union, among others.
3. Sales Tax (ISV)
The general rate is 15% and it applies to the CIF value plus the DAI, not just the value of the goods. Some products, such as alcoholic beverages and tobacco, are taxed at 18%. Certain basic-basket goods, medicines and others are exempt.
4. Specific taxes
In addition to DAI and ISV, certain products pay the Production and Consumption Tax or other selective levies: alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, vehicles and fuels are the most common cases. They are calculated under product-specific rules.
5. Other charges that are not taxes
The landed cost also includes items customs does not charge but which must be paid: port or air terminal charges, storage if the cargo waits, customs brokerage fees, inland transport and, where applicable, the cost of prior permits.
Example
An importer buys goods with a 15% DAI for USD 10,000 FOB, with USD 1,500 freight and USD 100 insurance.
| Item | Calculation | USD |
|---|---|---|
| FOB value | Invoice | 10,000 |
| Freight and insurance | 1,500 + 100 | 1,600 |
| CIF value (base) | 10,000 + 1,600 | 11,600 |
| DAI 15% | 11,600 × 0.15 | 1,740 |
| ISV 15% | (11,600 + 1,740) × 0.15 | 2,001 |
| Total taxes | 1,740 + 2,001 | 3,741 |
In this case taxes amount to 37% of the FOB value. If the same goods originated in the United States and qualified under CAFTA-DR with a 0% DAI, taxes would drop to USD 1,740 of ISV: the difference between a profitable deal and one that is not.
