We are pleased to share important updates regarding El Salvador’s continued customs modernization and recent regulatory developments that further strengthen our logistics environment.
1️⃣ Technology & Operational Efficiency
Following the participation of the General Director of Customs at the World Customs Organization (WCO) Technology Conference in Abu Dhabi, El Salvador is moving forward with the implementation of advanced non intrusive scanning systems. These solutions will allow the inspection of more than 100 vehicles per hour, significantly reducing manual inspections, strengthening risk management, improving illicit detection, and accelerating clearance processes.
El Salvador continues to register an average direct export clearance time of approximately three days one of the most competitive timeframes in Latin America.
2️⃣ Administrative Simplification – Elimination of Requirements (DGA 010-2026)
As part of the national strategy for administrative simplification and competitiveness, the General Directorate of Customs has officially informed that requirements applicable to the importation of lighting products (luminaires) have been eliminated.
This means that no technical opinions or regulatory documentation will be required for their importation, streamlining procedures and reducing processing times.
3️⃣ Energy Efficiency Regulations – Updated Verification Process (DGA 011-2026)
Customs, in coordination with the Directorate of Energy, Hydrocarbons and Mines (DGEHM), will now digitally verify technical opinions for:
- Refrigeration equipment (domestic and commercial)
- Air conditioning units
- AC electric motors
Verification will be conducted through system integration between DGEHM’s online platform and SIDUNEA WORLD (“Paperless Customs”) or SIDUNEA ++, depending on the transmission system used.
Importers must attach the corresponding technical ruling or exemption to the customs declaration under the applicable RTS and RTCA energy efficiency regulations.
Important clarifications include:
- Technical rulings issued to a manufacturer may be certified and used by importers of that brand.
- Rulings issued to an importer are not transferable to another importer.
- Personal-use shipments (household goods, donations, parcels) are exempt.
- For products classified under HS headings 84.15, 84.18 and 85.01, compliance remains mandatory.
- The new bulletin replaces previous DGA 040-2025 guidelines.
These measures reflect a balanced strategy:
✔ Greater facilitation for compliant trade
✔ Stronger digital controls
✔ Regulatory clarity
✔ Increased operational predictability
El Salvador continues to consolidate its role as a strategic logistics hub in Central America, combining efficiency, modernization, and regulatory transparency.
We remain at your disposal for any clarification or operational coordination required.
Best regards,
Jorge Rosa / jrosa@bfielsalvador.com
BFI El Salvador
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