Peru is one of the more straightforward Latin American markets to serve from China, and almost all of that trade runs through one gateway: Callao. If you are a Chinese exporter or e-commerce seller shipping to Lima, or a Peruvian importer sourcing from China, understanding how Callao works, what the China–Peru free trade agreement means for your duties, and how SUNAT handles imports will save you time and money. Here is a practical overview.

Why Callao is the gateway to Peru

Callao is Peru’s main and largest seaport. It sits on the Pacific coast next to Lima, the capital and the country’s largest consumer market, which makes it the natural entry point for the vast majority of containerised imports.

For shipping from China, Callao is a key call on Asia–West Coast South America (WCSA) services. Most of the major ocean carriers operate on these routes, including:

CMA CGM
COSCO
Evergreen
Hapag-Lloyd
Maersk
MSC
Wan Hai
Yang Ming

Because so many lines call at Callao, you usually have a choice of carriers, sailing days and FCL or LCL options. That competition tends to keep rates and schedules reasonable compared with smaller or less-served ports in the region.

Routing and transit expectations

One advantage of Peru over many Latin American destinations is geography. Callao is on the West Coast of South America, so vessels sailing across the Pacific reach it relatively directly, without the longer routing around the continent that East Coast ports such as those in Brazil or Argentina require.

A few points to keep in mind on transit:

Ocean freight transit varies by carrier, the specific service string, and whether the sailing is direct or has transhipment. Treat any quoted transit as a range, not a fixed number.
Always be clear about whether a transit time is port-to-port or door-to-door. Door-to-door includes origin pickup, export clearance, the sea leg, import clearance and final delivery, so it is naturally longer.
Air freight is the fast option, typically a few days airport-to-airport from China to Lima, and is worth it for samples, urgent restocks, or high-value, low-weight goods.

We will give you a realistic, current window when we quote, because schedules and transhipment patterns change through the year.

The China–Peru FTA: a real advantage

This is where Peru genuinely stands apart. Peru and China have had a free trade agreement in force since 2010. For qualifying products, that agreement allows preferential or reduced import tariffs rather than the standard most-favoured-nation rate.

This matters because two of the region’s biggest markets, Mexico and Colombia, do not have a free trade agreement with China. For comparable goods, a Peruvian importer may pay less duty than an importer in those countries, simply because of the FTA.

To benefit, you need to do two things:

Confirm your product actually qualifies under the agreement’s rules of origin. Not every HS code or every supplier’s goods will be eligible.
Obtain a valid certificate of origin for the shipment. Without the correct certificate presented at clearance, customs will apply the normal tariff and the preference is lost.

It is worth checking this before you place a large order, because the duty saving can change the landed-cost maths significantly. We can help you sense-check whether your goods are likely to qualify, but the official tariff determination always sits with Peruvian customs.

Peruvian customs: SUNAT and IGV

Peru’s customs and tax authority is SUNAT. Every commercial import is cleared through SUNAT, and you will need a properly prepared document set to move smoothly:

Commercial invoice and packing list that match the goods exactly
Bill of lading (ocean) or air waybill (air)
Certificate of origin if you are claiming the China–Peru FTA preference
Any permits or certifications required for regulated products (food, cosmetics, electronics, and similar categories)

Beyond duty, remember that IGV — Peru’s value-added tax — applies on imports. IGV is calculated on the customs value plus duties and certain charges, so it is part of your true landed cost even when the FTA reduces or removes the tariff itself. Build it into your pricing from the start rather than treating it as a surprise at clearance.

Accurate, consistent paperwork is the single biggest factor in avoiding delays. Mismatched values, vague product descriptions, or a missing certificate of origin are the usual causes of held cargo.

Ocean vs air: choosing the right mode

The decision comes down to volume, value and urgency.

Ocean FCL suits full containers or large, steady volumes, and gives you the lowest cost per unit. If you are not sure whether to consolidate or book a full box, our guide on FCL vs LCL ocean freight breaks down the trade-offs.
Ocean LCL suits smaller shipments that do not fill a container; you pay for the space you use and share the box with other cargo.
Air freight suits urgent, high-value or low-weight goods where speed justifies the higher cost.

It is also worth agreeing the Incoterms up front so everyone knows who handles export clearance, the main carriage, insurance and import duties. Our Incoterms 2020 explainer covers the common terms. If you would rather we manage the whole chain through to delivered duties, ask about a DDP style arrangement; the mechanics are similar to those described in our DDP shipping guide, adapted for Peru.

The bottom line

Callao gives you a direct, well-served Pacific gateway into Peru, and the China–Peru FTA can make your landed costs more competitive than shipping comparable goods into Mexico or Colombia, provided you qualify and hold a valid certificate of origin. The keys are choosing the right mode, getting your SUNAT paperwork right, and planning for IGV.

For more on the wider region, see our China to Latin America shipping guide. When you are ready for real numbers on a Callao shipment, message us on WhatsApp with your origin, volume and product, and we will send a tailored quote with a realistic transit window.

Shipping from China to Peru: A Practical Guide to Callao