Uruguay Country Commercial Guide
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Import Requirements and Documentation
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Uruguay maintains a transparent and straightforward import regime that aligns with international trade standards. U.S. firms seeking to enter the Uruguayan market must ensure full compliance with local documentation and procedural requirements. This section outlines the key documents and steps needed for U.S. exporters and their Uruguayan import partners to facilitate smooth customs clearance.


Documentation Required from U.S. Exporters

U.S. companies exporting to Uruguay are responsible for providing the following core documents:

  • Commercial Invoice: Must include product description, quantity, unit price, total value, Incoterms, exporter and importer contact details, and country of origin. It serves as the official transaction record for Uruguayan customs to assess value, classification, and admissibility.
     
  • Packing List: Details how goods are packaged – including weight and dimensions – to support customs inspection, handling, and accurate delivery.
     
  • Bill of Lading (for sea shipments) or Air Waybill (for air shipments): Serves as a shipment receipt and transport contract between the exporter and importer. Details must correspond with those in the commercial invoice.
     
  • Certificate of Origin: This documentation is required by Uruguayan customs and used to facilitate product-specific licensing, regulatory approvals, or preferential trade criteria.
     
  • Sanitary or Phytosanitary Certificates: Required for food, animal, agricultural, or plant products. These should be issued by relevant U.S. agencies – such as the USDA, FDA, or APHIS.
     
  • Electronic Export Information (EEI) via AES filing: Required for all U.S. shipments over $2,500 or those needing U.S. export licenses. U.S. exporters must submit EEI through the Automated Export System (AES) prior to export.


Documentation Required by the Uruguayan Importer

While the U.S. exporter must prepare and provide the above documents, the Uruguayan importer is responsible for the formal import declaration process. However, exporters may be asked to support these steps:

Documento Único Aduanero (DUA): The Uruguayan Single Customs Document, mandatory for all import operations. This document is filed by a licensed customs broker and includes information from the commercial invoice and shipment documents.

  • Import License: Certain regulated goods – including motor vehicles, sugar, acetic acid, textiles, shoes, and steel for structural uses – require non-automatic import licenses. The importer is responsible for securing these licenses prior to customs clearance.
     
  • Product-Specific Certificates: Technical or quality certificates may be required for items such as industrial machinery, telecommunications equipment, medical devices or electrical products. These must be obtained by the importer and may require information or documentation from the U.S. exporter.
     
  • Labeling Requirements: Consumer products must be labeled in Spanish prior to market entry. Labels must include the product name, ingredients or materials, country of origin, net content/weight, expiration/manufacture date (if applicable), and the names and addresses of both the manufacturer and importer.


Compliance and Coordination

To avoid delays or customs penalties, U.S. exporters are encouraged to maintain close communication with their Uruguayan partners and confirm all requirements well before shipment. Working with experienced customs brokers on both sides is strongly recommended. U.S. firms should also consult with the U.S. Commercial Service in Uruguay for sector-specific regulatory guidance.

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