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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