/ De Karen Cruz / Logistic/ • • • • / 0 Comentarios

El Salvador Logistics Update: Faster Customs, Growing Trade & Modernized Ports

Dear Partners,

El Salvador continues to strengthen its position as a strategic logistics hub in Central America through customs modernization, growing cargo volumes, and significant investments in port and trade infrastructure.

At BFI El Salvador, we closely monitor these developments to help our international partners plan their operations with reliable, current, and locally supported information.

DUCA-T: A New Regional Rectification Process

The General Customs Directorate of El Salvador announced the implementation of Phase I of the regional rectification process for the Central American Single Declaration for International Land Customs Transit, known as DUCA-T.

This regional initiative represents an important step toward improving the management of international land transit declarations. It provides a formal framework for handling required corrections and supports more coordinated customs procedures across Central America.

For freight forwarders and companies moving cargo by road through the region, this development reinforces the importance of accurate documentation, timely customs coordination, and experienced local representation.

Official reference:

Informative Bulletin No. DGA 050-2026
Implementation of Phase I of the Regional Rectification Process for the Central American Single Declaration for International Land Customs Transit (DUCA-T)
The General Customs Directorate of El Salvador published it on August 31, 2026.

Faster Vessel Attention at the Port of Acajutla

The modernization of the Port of Acajutla is already producing measurable operational improvements.

According to information presented to El Salvador’s Inter-Association Commission for Trade Facilitation, waiting times for container vessels decreased from approximately 12 days in 2025 to around 24 hours in 2026.

The port has also introduced new operational and administrative systems, including NAVIS N4 and ERP SAP, while participating in the development of a Maritime Single Window designed to simplify and coordinate documentation among the institutions involved in maritime operations.

These improvements can provide importers, exporters, and logistics operators with greater predictability when planning shipments, inventory, and inland transportation.

Port Cargo Activity Continues to Grow

Between January 1 and July 26, 2026, the Port of Acajutla reported:

  •  A 25.45% increase in metric tons of cargo handled.
  •  218 vessels served, 37 more than during the same period in 2025.
  •  A 20.44% increase in the number of vessels attended.

The Port of La Unión also reported a 60% increase in vehicle movements and handled 62 vessels, including vehicle carriers, general cargo vessels, bulk carriers, and other specialized ships.

The results reflect increasing activity across El Salvador’s maritime logistics network.

El Salvador’s International Trade Is Expanding

According to the Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador, between January and July 2026:

  • Imports reached US$11.15 billion, increasing 8.5%.
  • Exports reached US$4.04 billion, increasing 4.4%.

These figures show continued growth in cargo flows and a growing need for efficient customs clearance, transportation, warehousing,, and distribution services.

A Long-Term Plan for Smarter Trade

El Salvador has also launched its Multiyear Trade Facilitation Plan 2026–2030, comprising 44 measures and 76 actions.

The plan includes:

  • Further digitalization and simplification of foreign trade procedures.
  • Strengthening the Single Window for Foreign Trade
  • Electronic signatures and paperless processes.
  • Artificial intelligence and optical character recognition for document validation.
  • Modernization of logistics infrastructure.
  • Coordinated border management.
  • Progress toward integrated border controls.

These initiatives support the country’s objective of developing more modern, efficient, and competitive trade procedures.

Your Logistics Partner in El Salvador

As El Salvador modernizes its customs systems, ports and regional connectivity, having an experienced local partner becomes increasingly important.

BFI El Salvador provides:

  • In-house customs coordination.
  • Ocean, air, and international land freight.
  • Import and export management.
  • Secure warehousing and inventory support.
  • Local and regional transportation.
  • Specialized project cargo handling.
  • End-to-end shipment coordination.

Our team is ready to support your shipments through El Salvador and across Central America with local expertise, operational visibility, and personalized service.

Contact BFI El Salvador to discuss your next shipment.

Best regards,

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/ De Karen Cruz / Logistic/ / 0 Comentarios

Customs Brokerage, Freight Forwarding & Integrated Logistics Solutions in El Salvador

Major infrastructure investments, technological innovation, and regional integration are reshaping the way cargo moves around the world. One example is the proposed US$15 billion Bioceanic Railway Project, an initiative designed to connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through South America, creating new trade corridors, improving regional connectivity, and expanding opportunities for international commerce.

Projects of this magnitude demonstrate how logistics is becoming faster, smarter, and more interconnected than ever before.

For importers, exporters, manufacturers, distributors, and multinational companies, these changes represent new opportunities—but also new challenges. Successfully navigating this evolving landscape requires experienced logistics partners who understand customs regulations, international transportation, supply chain security, and global market dynamics.

At BFI El Salvador, we closely follow these developments because they directly influence how international business operates. Our commitment is to help our customers adapt to these changes through efficient customs brokerage, integrated logistics solutions, and personalized service backed by knowledge, technology, and experience.

A Customs Broker Never Stops Learning

International trade continues to evolve through technology, innovation, specialized training, and continuous professional development.

Today’s customs environment requires much more than processing declarations. It demands technical expertise, regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, risk management, and the ability to adapt to an increasingly dynamic global trade environment.

For this reason, our customs professionals continuously invest in:

  • Specialized Training Programs
  • National and International Training
  • Exchange of Best Practices with Customs Authorities
  • Continuous Professional Development
  • Regulatory Updates
  • Digital Customs Processes

Because the customs broker of today is not only responsible for clearing cargo—but also for protecting supply chains, reducing risks, and facilitating international trade.

Technology Is Transforming Customs Operations

Innovation is changing every aspect of the logistics industry.

Modern customs operations increasingly rely on:

  • Artificial Intelligence applied to customs processes
  • Customs Data Analytics and Business Intelligence
  • Non-Intrusive Inspection Technologies
  • Digital Documentation
  • Risk Management Systems
  • Greater Operational Transparency

These technologies help improve efficiency, accelerate customs procedures, strengthen compliance, and provide better visibility throughout the supply chain.

At BFI El Salvador, we believe technology should complement experience—not replace it

Warm regards,

Mariam Acosta
Sales & Relocation Support
BFI El Salvador

📧 marketing@bfielsalvador.com
☎️ Office: +503 2132-3908
📱 Mobile: +503 7989-4023
🌐 www.bfielsalvador.com.sv

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/ De Karen Cruz / Logistic/ • • • / 0 Comentarios

Industry Update | El Salvador Air Cargo Terminal Expansion and Operational Changes

Dear Partners and Clients,

I hope this message finds you well.

As part of our commitment to keeping our customers, partners, and relocation clients informed of developments that may impact international logistics operations, we would like to share an important update regarding the ongoing expansion and modernization of the Air Cargo Terminal at El Salvador International Airport.

According to a recent notification issued by ADIMEX, construction activities at the Import Cargo Dock will begin on June 19, 2026, as part of a broader infrastructure project aimed at increasing operational efficiency, strengthening cargo handling capabilities, and supporting the continued growth of air freight operations in El Salvador.

This modernization initiative represents one of the most significant investments in the country’s air cargo infrastructure in recent years. Public reports indicate that the project includes new cargo docks, expanded maneuvering areas, cold storage facilities, modern cargo handling systems, and enhanced security technology. Upon completion, the terminal is expected to significantly increase its annual cargo handling capacity, reinforcing El Salvador’s role as a strategic logistics hub in Central America.

To ensure continuity of operations during the construction phase, ADIMEX has announced several temporary operational measures that will take effect beginning June 20, 2026:

✔ Extended Dispatch Hours
Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM and Saturdays from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

✔ Exit Pass Submissions
Accepted until 3:30 PM on weekdays. Requests submitted after this time will be processed based on operational availability.

✔ Cargo Pickup Procedures
Customers will have a maximum of 30 minutes to complete cargo pickup once the first notification has been issued.

✔ Appointment Scheduling
A scheduling system will be implemented for recurring and high-volume operations to improve planning and service efficiency.

✔ Articulated Truck Access
Restricted to the period between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM. Arrivals outside this timeframe may be subject to operational delays and additional charges.

At BFI El Salvador, we recommend reviewing transportation schedules, coordinating pickups in advance, and maintaining close communication with logistics providers throughout this transition period to avoid unnecessary delays.

While temporary operational adjustments are expected during the construction phase, the long-term benefits of this project are substantial. Increased cargo handling capacity, improved infrastructure, and enhanced operational efficiency will contribute to a stronger logistics platform for importers, exporters, freight forwarders, and international businesses operating throughout the region.

Our team is actively monitoring these developments and remains available to support your import, export, air freight, ocean freight, customs brokerage, and international moving requirements.

Industry Sources & Additional Information

🔗 La Prensa Gráfica
Expansion of El Salvador Airport Cargo Terminal
https://www.laprensagrafica.com/economia/Anuncian-ampliacion-de-la-terminal-de-carga-del-Aeropuerto-de-El-Salvador.-Que-incluye-el-proyecto-20251015-0041.html

🔗 Diario El Mundo
ADIMEX Announces US$11 Million Investment in Cargo Terminal Expansion
https://diario.elmundo.sv/economia/adimex-invertira-11-millones-en-ampliacion-de-la-terminal-de-carga-del-aeropuerto-internacional-de-el-salvador

Why This Matters

This expansion project is expected to:

• Increase cargo handling capacity.

• Improve operational efficiency.

• Strengthen cold chain and specialized cargo capabilities.

• Enhance security and cargo control systems.

• Support El Salvador’s growth as a regional logistics hub.

We appreciate your continued trust and partnership.

Should you have any questions regarding upcoming shipments, cargo planning, or relocation services, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Best regards,

Jorge Rosa
Key Account & Relocation Manager
BFI El Salvador

📧 jorge@bfielsalvador.com
🌐 www.bfielsalvador.com


Circular – Notice of Scheduled Construction WorksDescarga
ADX CM CI11 2026 CIRCULAR Obras Programadas y Medidas OperativasDescarga

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/ De Karen Cruz / Logistic/ 0 Comentarios

IMPORTANT CUSTOMS UPDATE FOR IMPORTERS & EXPORTERS IN EL SALVADOR

New Customs Compliance Requirement for Importers in El Salvador

Sworn Declaration for Goods Free of Forced, Mandatory & Child Labor

The Dirección General de Aduanas (DGA) of El Salvador has officially announced new customs control provisions related to the importation of goods into the country, as established in Official Informative Bulletin No. DGA-032-2026.

This new regulation forms part of international compliance and ethical trade initiatives aimed at strengthening transparency within global supply chains and ensuring that imported products comply with international labor standards.

What Is the New Requirement?

Under the new customs provisions, individuals and companies importing goods into El Salvador under specific customs regimes will be required to submit a sworn declaration confirming that the merchandise being imported has not been manufactured or produced, totally or partially, through:

✔ Forced labor
✔ Mandatory labor
✔ Child labor

This declaration must be completed electronically as part of the customs documentation process and incorporated into the Merchandise Declaration or Central American Single Declaration (DUCA), depending on the applicable customs procedure.

Who Does This Regulation Apply To?

The new requirement applies to:

  • Importers
  • Customs Brokers
  • Auxiliary Customs Service Providers
  • Logistics Operators
  • Companies importing goods into El Salvador under definitive import, temporary admission for active processing, and free zone regimes.

The regulation is part of the Salvadoran government’s efforts to strengthen customs controls and align import operations with international labor and trade commitments.

Information Required in the Declaration

According to the bulletin issued by Salvadoran Customs, the declaration must include:

  • Importer identification details
  • Legal and tax registration information
  • Address and company information
  • A formal sworn statement confirming that the imported goods were not produced using forced, mandatory, or child labor.

The information provided may be shared with the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare for verification and compliance control purposes. Salvadoran authorities may also conduct additional reviews or investigations if there are alerts or indications regarding potential labor violations associated with imported merchandise.

Effective Date

The new customs provisions will officially enter into force on:

June 1st, 2026

Customs authorities have also indicated that additional operational guidelines may be issued regarding DUCA F procedures and declaration submission processes.

BFI El Salvador Commitment

At BFI El Salvador, we remain committed to keeping our clients, partners, and international agents informed about customs regulations, operational updates, and compliance requirements that may affect international trade, logistics, import, and export operations.

Our team continues providing:

✔ Customs coordination support
✔ Import & export assistance
✔ Freight forwarding services
✔ International relocation solutions
✔ Personalized customer service
✔ Operational follow-up and guidance

We continue strengthening our global partnerships through IAMovers, WCA World, Globalia, and Movers POE #1 BFI, providing reliable logistics and relocation solutions worldwide.

Additional Information

Our team will be pleased to assist you with any operational or customs-related inquiries.

Warm regards,

Moises Carballo
Sales & Relocation Manager
BFI El Salvador
🌎 Logistics • Relocation • Customs Support

Boletín-informativo-No-DGA-032-2026-Disposiciones-de-control-aduanero-en-materia-de-trabajo-forzosoDescarga

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/ De Karen Cruz / Logistic • Uncategorized/ • / 0 Comentarios

BFI El Salvador Introduces Natalia Quijano to Support Global Partners

“Natalia Quijano is part of the BFI El Salvador team, supporting our global partners and clients in logistics coordination, international moving operations and customer relations. With a background in Public Relations and Marketing, she brings strong communication skills, attention to detail and a proactive approach to assisting agents with quotations, follow-ups and reliable logistics solutions involving El Salvador.”

Warm greetings from BFI El Salvador.

My name is Natalia Quijano, and I am pleased to introduce myself as a new member of the BFI El Salvador team. I will be supporting our international partners with logistics coordination, quotations, and client follow-ups for shipments and relocations involving El Salvador.

My background is in Public Relations with a specialization in Marketing, and I am currently expanding my experience in logistics operations and international moving coordination. Through my work with the BFI team, I have been gaining valuable exposure to documentation processes, shipment planning, and the operational coordination required to successfully manage each relocation or cargo movement.

I truly enjoy working in environments where communication, organization, and problem-solving are key. My goal is to support our partners with clear communication, timely responses, and reliable coordination to ensure a smooth experience for both agents and clients.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any RFQs, relocation requests, or logistics inquiries involving El Salvador. I will be happy to assist you and look forward to building strong partnerships with your team.

Warm regards,

Natalia Quijano
Logistics & Client Relations
BFI El Salvador / nquijano@bfielsalvador.com

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/ De Marketing BFI / Cargo • International • Logistic • Moving/ 0 Comentarios

Operational Guidance for IAM Partners | Imports into El Salvador

Dear IAM Partners,

I would like to share important guidance regarding imports into El Salvador, in line with current criteria applied by the Dirección General de Aduanas (DGA).
According to the provisions applied under DACG-016-2025, the DGA allows import operations to be structured using up to two import declarations, with a maximum declared value of up to USD 100,000 per category, provided that all customs requirements, valuation rules, and supporting documentation are properly met for salvadoreans or naturalized citizens.

CONTACT US

This value limit applies independently to each of the following categories:
• Household goods up to USD 100,000
• Vehicles (of all types) up to USD 100,000
• Work tools and professional equipment up to USD 100,000

BFI EL SALVADOR NEWS

Additional operational experience:
Based on our direct experience applying this framework in real operations, we have successfully managed imports under each of these categories, always coordinating transparently with customs authorities and in full compliance with DGA declaration, valuation, and control procedures.
As active members of IAM, we believe in sharing clear, experience based information that supports our partners and helps protect their operation. In my role, I focus on explaining these processes in a practical and straight forward manner, ensuring agents understand not only what is permitted, but how to structure the operation correctly.
If you have a specific case or would like to review how this framework may apply to an upcoming shipment to El Salvador, I will be glad to assist you directly.

Warm regards,

DACG-016-2025-Ley-Especial-para-la-DiásporaDescarga


Moises Carballo
Relocation & Destination Services Manager
BFI El Salvador
📞 Phone: (+503) 7398 3568
Active Member of IAM | WCA | Globalia

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/ De Marketing BFI / Cargo • International • Investment • Logistic/ 0 Comentarios

Trade Update | El Salvador–U.S. Agreement Eliminates 10% Export Tariff

I am Jorge Rosa, Key Account & Relocation Manager at BFI El Salvador, with over 25 years of experience in international logistics and more than 15 years growing with this company. 

Throughout my career, I have worked in imports and exports, international relocations, and project cargo, managing complex operations and specialized movements. 

My focus is on delivering reliable, trusted efficient, and transparent solutions, with strong attention to detail and fast response times.

I believe in teamwork and building long term relationships with clients and global partners, ensuring every operation is handled with professionalism and commitment.

BFI News

A New Chapter in El Salvador – EEUU Trade Relations

🇸🇻🤝🇺🇸
El Salvador and the United States have officially signed a Reciprocal Trade Agreement that eliminates the 10% tariff on Salvadoran exports to the EEUU market. This milestone further strengthens the commercial relationship between both countries and positions El Salvador as a more competitive and attractive sourcing and manufacturing hub for international trade. Why this mattersFrom a logistics and trade perspective, this agreement is expected to:Improve cost efficiency for exportersEncourage new trade flows and foreign investmentIncrease demand for reliable freight, relocation, and project cargo solutionsStrengthen long term EEUU – Central America trade lanesInternational media have highlighted this agreement as a key step in reinforcing bilateral trade and positioning El Salvador as one of the first countries in the region to secure a reciprocal tariff elimination with the United States. How BFI El Salvador can supportAt BFI El Salvador, we are closely monitoring these developments and preparing to support our partners with tailored logistics solutions across:Export and import freightInternational relocationsProject cargo and special movementsOur focus remains on efficiency, compliance, and fast response times, ensuring smooth operations under this new trade framework.If you have current or upcoming business involving El Salvador–EEUU trade lanes, we would be glad to explore opportunities together. 

Kind regards,

Jorge Rosa
Key Account & Relocation Manager
BFI El Salvador
Member of IAMovers | WCA | WCA Relocations | Globalia | MoversPOE

Informational links:

Forbes Spain
https://forbes.es/economia/estados-unidos-firma-un-acuerdo-comercial-con-el-salvador-que-elimina-el-arancel-del-10-a-sus-productos/

Europa Press / Notimérica
https://www.notimerica.com/economia/noticia-estados-unidos-firma-acuerdo-comercial-salvador-elimina-arancel-10-productos-20260129164507.html

El Salvador in English
https://elsalvadorinenglish.com/2025/11/14/us-eliminates-reciprocal-tariffs-on-salvadoran-exports/

BFI El Salvador – News
https://www.bfielsalvador.com/news

The United States and El Salvador signed the Reciprocal Trade Agreement on January 29, 2026, which sets the framework for eliminating the 10% tariff on certain Salvadoran exports under CAFTA-DR. The agreement will enter into force once both countries complete their domestic legal procedures and notify each other in writing, a date that is expected to be announced soon by the governments.

The Port of La Unión has been reactivated as a strategic hub for      RO/RO cargo in El Salvador, specializing in the handling of vehicles and rolling equipment. Its modern infrastructure allows efficient reception of RO/RO vessels, helping to decongest Acajutla Port and positioning La Unión as a key alternative for automotive and project-related imports in the region.

As El Salvador continues to expand its infrastructure, the country is receiving large scale construction equipment, modular structures, and specialized machinery for major public and private projects. BFI specializes in handling project cargo and oversized shipments, providing door to door solutions for complex and high value operations.

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/ De Karen Cruz / Logistic/ 0 Comentarios

Meet our team!

Estimado cliente,

En BFI El Salvador, cada envío, cada mudanza y cada operación aduanal cuentan una historia: la suya.
Agradecemos la confianza que deposita en nosotros y queremos recordarle que detrás de cada importación, exportación y proyecto logístico, hay un equipo comprometido en servirle con excelencia, empatía y profesionalismo.

🌍 Karen Cruz – Gerente General
Con visión y liderazgo, Karen garantiza que cada proceso desde la planificación logística hasta el cumplimiento aduanal se realice con integridad, propósito y cuidado. Su pasión por las mudanzas internacionales y el comercio exterior conecta personas, culturas y destinos.

🚛 Moisés Carballo – Gerente de Ventas y Relocations
Apasionado por brindar soluciones personalizadas, Moisés acompaña cada mudanza internacional y cada envío con empatía y precisión. Supervisa procesos puerta a puerta, coordinando exportaciones e importaciones con atención total al detalle y a la experiencia del cliente.

📦 Jorge Rosa – Gerente de Cuentas Clave y Proyectos
Con una amplia trayectoria en carga de proyectos, Jorge vela por la eficiencia y cumplimiento en operaciones de exportación, importación y despacho aduanal. Su experiencia garantiza seguridad y confianza en cada envío, sin importar su complejidad.

✈️ Haicel Paiz – Gerente Comercial
Con visión analítica y enfoque estratégico, Haicel lidera las operaciones aéreas y de importación, asegurando tiempos óptimos, documentación correcta y cumplimiento normativo. Su prioridad: que cada carga llegue a destino con eficiencia y cuidado.

Gracias por ser parte de nuestra historia y permitirnos ser parte de la suya.
En cada operación, en cada contenedor y en cada destino, nuestro equipo está aquí para servirle.

Con aprecio,


El equipo de BFI El Salvador
🌐 www.bfielsalvador.com

📩 marketing@bfielsalvador.com

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