Exporting goods to El Salvador, whether it is for the first time, or on a regular basis, can be a challenging experience. There are many elements to consider when shipping to a country such as El Salvador. If you are in Canada or the US and not entirely familiar with the Latin American market, you should consider a cargo shipping company that knows the business culture, the language, the customs regulations and has a proven track record of success when it comes to shipping to El Salvador.
Regulations in El Salvador are not only very different from the ones in the US or Canada, communication methods and business etiquette are also very distinct: ● Corporate culture in El Salvador is relationship-driven. Known as warm and friendly people, Salvadorans attach great importance to developing personal relationships rather than formal business connections which is the norm in the US or Canada. Therefore, it is important to develop easy going business “friendships”, as Salvadorians prefer to do business with people whom they know and they may be more loyal to you personally rather than to the company you represent. Third-party contacts are also a key to business success in El Salvador. An established person vouching for you and presenting your company will help you gain trust in the market. ● Flexibility and spontaneity are also common traits of Salvadorans, they have a more relaxed perception of time management than Americans and Europeans, however punctuality is expected for business appointments. ● It is also important to consider the language as a possible barrier: Although most business executives speak English fluently, a good knowledge of Spanish would be highly appreciated for business relations.
El Salvador is a fully dollarized economy that offers a unique and dynamic background for companies looking to expand internationally. The country’s economic performance has been historically tied to its agriculture. However its recent market expansion has been focused on the manufacturing (goods produced by local assembly plants called maquiladoras) of products such as textile, clothing and processed foods The import market has seen steady growth in recent years and it is expected to increase in the years to come. The USA is El Salvador’s largest trading partner and its dollarized economy eliminates foreign exchange risk and reduces transaction & financial costs. The new Central American Customs Union formed with Honduras and Guatemala, as well as the Central America – Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) offer interesting opportunities for exporters, with no duties on U.S. consumer and industrial goods. Furthermore there is strong potential for local assembly plants for different types of industries. The need for shipping to and from El Salvador has been increasing exponentially during recent years. With LAC by your side you will reinforce your company’s cargo shipping capability to El Salvador. Our experienced professionals are very familiar with the market requirements in El Salvador which is very important to avoid delays during the importation process. We provide you with all the necessary tools to break into the Salvadoran market, headache free.
Every country in every continent offers a unique mix of laws, guidelines, customs regulations, documentation requirements, controlled or prohibited goods lists, communication norms, and cultural biases. If you want to be successful in penetrating the Salvadoran market, you will need a logistics partner that understands the Salvadoran culture, the business landscape and speaks the local language as well. Our team of experts offer you superior freight forwarding services and the best rates for your cargo shipping to El Salvador. Our combined experience, extensive knowledge; logistics skills and local connections will help you get started on the right foot and make sure that your goods are transported quickly, safely, and worry-free. We have your company’s best interests at heart, if you want to be successful in El Salvador, Latin American Cargo is the best freight forwarding company for you.
If you are sending merchandise to El Salvador by sea or air for the first time, guidance and support will surely be needed, as there are guidelines, prohibitions and restrictions to consider. Documentation requirements vary depending on the category of goods being shipped, and can get quite extensive. They usually include: Commercial invoice, Bill of lading / Air waybill, Packing list, Insurance certificate, Certificate of Origin (if required). To avoid delays or hassles when shipping to El Salvador, your packing list must be as detailed as possible. Vague wording like “miscellaneous” attracts negative attention and further inspections. Regulations can be strict on certain categories of goods being imported to El Salvador. Prior authorization or special permits may be needed for certain items such as agricultural products, processed foods, pharmaceutical, cosmetics or antiques. Prohibited commodities include certain used vehicles, used clothing and accessories, used tires, certain used machinery and all types of toxic wastes or dangerous residues. Duties and tariffs are usually based on the total value of the shipment in question, and depending on how well-documented the cargo is, those values could be determined by the judgment of Customs Officials on the spot. Shipping cargo to El Salvador is easier with LAC as we have overcome these obstacles many times and have developed a thorough understanding of the customs procedures.
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