
El Salvador Tech Equipment Import Requirements
El Salvador is worth considering if you are a high-net-worth tech equipment importer looking to scale internationally. The country attracts global tech expertise and investments with generous incentives and a well-defined regulatory framework.
A key driver is the Law for the Promotion of Innovation and Technological Manufacturing, which creates a favourable environment for national and international tech investors.
However, making the most of El Salvador’s tech investment benefits compliantly requires the support of an experienced importer of record like Blackthorne.
Let’s look at IT equipment import requirements in El Salvador and how an IOR can optimise your importation profit margins while ensuring full compliance.
El Salvador Tech Equipment Import Requirements
Here are the three main import requirements to fulfil when importing technology equipment into El Salvador:
1. Documentation Requirements
Here are the key documents to provide when importing tech equipment into El Salvador:
- Documentation Requirements
- Customs declaration
- Commercial invoice
- Bill of lading/ airway bill
- Certificate of origin
- Import licence (when applicable)
- Technical documentation (RED, FCC, or ANATEL test reports)

2. Import Duties and Taxes
- Duties: 0% import duties for most ICT equipment
- Value Added Tax (VAT): The standard VAT is 18% for all imports
- Tax payment: Import tariffs and accompanying taxes are paid via the Electronic Payment System (P@GOES-DGA)
3. Compliance Requirements
In addition to providing the required documentation and paying applicable duties and taxes, you must ensure full compliance by ensuring;
- Pre-arrival notification: Freight forwarders or carriers must issue advance cargo information to Salvadoran customs at least 24 hours before vessel arrival and 2 hours before aircraft arrival.
- Certificate of Conformity (CoC): You must provide a CoC for electrical and telecommunication equipment.
- Type Approval: You must seek SIGET’s approval and certification before commercialising electrical and telecommunication equipment, including RFID devices, wireless gateways, and wifi modules.
- Equipment labelling: Details such as manufacturer/distributor details, technical warnings, disposal/recycling symbols, and volume, weight, or energy rating must be visibly labelled (in Spanish).
- Local presence: You must establish an office in El Salvador or work with a locally established IOR to represent you.
Import with an IOR
Use our online calculator to see how much it costs to ship to the USA with Blackthorne IT

Import into El Salvador with Blackthorne IOR
Here’s how Blackthorne IOR optimises your profit margins when importing technology equipment into El Salvador:
- Import /export compliance: We eliminate unnecessary costs such as penalties and delivery delays by ensuring end-to-end compliance
- Entity representation: No need to register a local presence. We can act as the legal entity responsible for your import transaction
- Coordinated global logistics management: We offer a door-to-door delivery, cutting redundant transportation costs
- Duties and tax management: We handle classification, valuation, and tax exemptions accurately, lowering upfront importation costs
- Post-import compliance: We track regulatory updates and keep importation records for the minimum required period for ongoing compliance

Navigate importing into El Salvador with Blackthorne IOR Services
If you are ready to import tech equipment into El Salvador compliantly, you can email us at sales@blackthorneit.com or call right away so we can discuss the way forward.