Panama has taken an important step in modernizing its customs processes with the implementation of the Central American Single Declaration for Originating Goods (DUCA-F) in electronic format approved in the region. This change not only streamlines export and import procedures, but also strengthens trade integration with other Central American countries, reinforcing the Central American free trade zone, the first stage of Central American economic integration.
What is DUCA-F?
The DUCA-F is a fundamental document for the export of products originating in a Central American country to other countries in the region, within the framework of current trade agreements. It is part of the Single Central American Declaration (DUCA), approved by Resolution 409-2018 of the Council of Ministers of Central American Economic Integration (COMIECO), whose objective is to unify and simplify customs procedures in the region.
This tool allows Panamanian exporters and importers to benefit from tariff preferences established in trade agreements, thus facilitating the mobility of goods within the Central American market.
More than an Electronic Declaration
DUCA-F is not limited to the submission of a declaration in a computer system, but also integrates and connects the customs systems of the six countries that make up the Central American region. This interconnection significantly improves customs controls, allowing for the automatic validation of declared data and real-time verification of approvals issued by the single windows and customs authorities of each country.
Furthermore, DUCA-F represents a key step forward in the implementation of the advance declaration, approved by COMIECO within the Central American Strategy for Trade Facilitation and Competitiveness. This mechanism further streamlines trade, as it allows declarations to be processed before the arrival of goods at border control points, reducing clearance times and optimizing trade logistics.
Digitalization of the process
The digital transformation of DUCA-F began in 2019, when the customs authorities of Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama implemented the electronic transmission of this document. This eliminated the need for physical procedures, reducing waiting times and operating costs for exporters.
The digital system is managed by the Secretariat for Central American Economic Integration (SIECA) and allows users to register and validate their exports online. To use the platform, companies must register and acquire digital tokens, which cost $3.00 for each transmission.
Panama implementation in 2025
On February 24, 2025, Panama expanded the functionality of the electronic DUCA-F to include imports. This new phase of the system is the result of months of joint work between the National Customs Authority and SIECA, with the aim of improving efficiency in customs management.
With this update, the Central American Digital Trade Platform (PDCC) now allows importers to carry out their procedures electronically, further simplifying the flow of trade between countries in the region.
Impact on trade and regional integration
The digitalization of DUCA-F in Panama represents a significant advance in the facilitation of trade and economic integration in Central America. The general director of the National Customs Authority, Soraya Valdivieso, has highlighted the importance of this modernization for the country's competitiveness and the strengthening of its commercial relationship with its neighbors in the region.
Furthermore, the support of organisations such as the European Union and SIECA has been key to the implementation of these technological improvements, which seek to reduce bureaucracy and improve security in cross-border trade.
The adoption of the electronic DUCA-F in Panama not only optimizes customs processes, but also promotes safer and more efficient trade in Central America. By integrating regional customs IT systems and improving data validation, this tool facilitates regulatory compliance and reinforces transparency in commercial operations. By digitalizing both exports and imports, Panama reaffirms its commitment to modernizing its procedures, promoting more agile, secure and connected trade exchange throughout the region.
The author is the Head of the Negotiating Office of the National Customs Authority of Panama.
