Guatemala import duty calculator (DAI + IVA)
Import duties in Guatemala are the taxes paid by any merchandise entering the country: mainly the Import Tariff Rights (DAI), which range from 0% to 15% depending on the product, plus 12% VAT calculated on the CIF value plus the DAI. This calculator estimates the total cost in quetzales of your imports so you know what you will pay before shipping.
With a CIF of USD 1,000 (electronics, 0% DAI) and an exchange rate of Q7.75:
- CIF in quetzales: Q7,750
- DAI (0%): Q0
- VAT (12%): Q930
- Estimated total cost: Q8,680 (≈ USD 1,120)
Formula: VAT = (CIF + DAI) × 12% = 7,750 × 12% = Q930.
Formula
CIF in quetzales = CIF in USD × Exchange rate
DAI = CIF in quetzales × DAI rate (0% to 15% by category)
VAT = (CIF in quetzales + DAI + special taxes) × 12%
Total cost = CIF + DAI + VAT + special taxes
The CIF value (Cost, Insurance and Freight) is the cost of the goods plus international freight and cargo insurance — the real value of your invoice delivered at the Guatemalan port.
Step-by-step example (defaults)
- CIF in USD: USD 1,000 (merchandise + freight + insurance)
- Exchange rate: Q7.75 per dollar → CIF in quetzales = 1,000 × 7.75 = Q7,750
- Category: electronics → 0% DAI → DAI = Q7,750 × 0% = Q0
- VAT: (Q7,750 + Q0) × 12% = Q930
- Total cost: Q7,750 + Q0 + Q930 = Q8,680
Scenario table (same logic as the engine)
| CIF (USD) | Category / DAI | CIF (GTQ) | DAI | VAT 12% | Total cost (GTQ) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 | Electronics / 0% | Q7,750 | Q0 | Q930 | Q8,680 |
| 1,000 | General / 15% | Q7,750 | Q1,162.50 | Q1,069.50 | Q9,982 |
| 5,000 | Electronics / 0% | Q38,750 | Q0 | Q4,650 | Q43,400 |
| 5,000 | General / 15% | Q38,750 | Q5,812.50 | Q5,347.50 | Q49,910 |
Table exchange rate: Q7.75, an illustrative value for the example. When available, the engine uses the Bank of Guatemala (Banguat) daily reference in the calculator.
Interpreting the result
The calculator gives you the actual cost of clearing your merchandise, not the purchase price. That number is what you should compare against your resale price or budget.
- 0% DAI: typical for electronics, industrial machinery, and products with preferential rates under trade agreements such as DR-CAFTA.
- 5% DAI: food and some processed inputs.
- 15% DAI: the general category for merchandise without preference.
- Special taxes: apply to products such as tobacco, alcohol, and fuel, with their own rates on top of VAT.
Besides DAI and VAT, a real import usually includes customs broker fees (indicative Q500–Q2,000), warehousing, DUA filing, and inland transport; this calculator focuses on the tax side.
DAI rates by category are reference values for orientation. The exact legal rate depends on your product's HS code, its origin, and current trade agreements. Confirm the classification and the official liquidation with a licensed customs broker or SAT before shipping or paying duties.
Frequently asked questions
They are taxes charged on imported goods: Import Tariff Rights (DAI), ranging from 0% to 15% depending on the product, plus 12% VAT on the CIF value plus the DAI.
CIF stands for Cost, Insurance, and Freight. It is the total value of goods delivered to the destination port, including product cost, transport insurance, and sea or air freight.
Import VAT is 12%. It is calculated on the CIF value plus import duties (DAI) and any applicable specific taxes. Example: CIF Q7,750 + DAI Q0 → VAT = Q7,750 × 12% = Q930.
Some products have 0% duty under free trade agreements (FTAs) like DR-CAFTA with the United States. Electronics and industrial machinery generally have 0% DAI rates.
Add CIF value + DAI (0–15% of CIF) + special taxes (if applicable) + VAT (12% on CIF + DAI + specials). The calculator does all this automatically with the exchange rate you enter.
Related calculators
- Guatemala import calculator: full landed cost with freight, insurance, and broker fees
- Import car to Guatemala: specific costs of bringing a vehicle into the country
- Guatemala VAT: VAT on local sales and prices with or without tax
- Quetzales to dollars: convert your import budget between currencies
- Guatemala ISR and VAT withholding: what clients withhold from your invoices as a taxpayer