Shipping a Container to Paraguay: Costs and Process

Container Transport to Paraguay

Many emigrants want to bring their household goods to Paraguay. Container transport is feasible, but it requires careful planning, clean documents, and realistic cost comparison.

Costs

• 20-foot container (approx. 33 m³): often quoted around 3,000-5,000 euros, depending on route and season
• 40-foot container (approx. 67 m³): often quoted around 5,000-8,000 euros
• Customs and local fees: approx. 500-1,500 euros
• Insurance: approx. 2-3% of declared value

Timeline

• Packing and pickup: 1-2 weeks
• Sea transport from Hamburg or Bremerhaven: often 6-8 weeks
• Customs clearance in Paraguay: can take 1-2 weeks or longer if documents are missing
• Total: plan roughly 8-12 weeks and allow buffer

What Can Usually Be Imported?

• Used household goods such as furniture, clothing, and kitchen equipment
• Personal belongings
• Electronics, noting that Paraguay uses 220V
• Books and documents

What is prohibited?

• Food and perishable goods
• Plants and seeds without permits
• Weapons, ammunition, and regulated goods
• Counterfeit branded goods

Tips

• Create a detailed inventory list in Spanish
• Photograph valuable items and boxes
• Use a freight forwarder with Paraguay experience
• Start planning 3 months before the move

Our Recommendation

Consider carefully what is worth bringing. Often it is cheaper to buy furniture and basic electronics locally, while personal memories and high-quality items may justify shipping.

2026 Practical Update on Shipping a Container

For household goods, ocean freight is only one part of the project. The critical points are the inventory list, customs handling, insurance, local delivery, and whether some items are worth shipping at all.

Clarify Before Booking

• Prepare a detailed packing list with realistic current values
• Check electronics, furniture, and vehicles separately because rules and costs may differ
• Plan temporary accommodation in case the container arrives later
• Photograph valuable items and boxes
• Define a local contact for unloading and customs communication

Many emigrants save in the wrong place: a cheap shipment without proper documentation can become more expensive than a professionally prepared container. Status: May 2026. Always verify current requirements with the Dirección Nacional de Migraciones, DNIT, and the relevant Paraguayan authorities before making decisions.