Marine Import Permit
If you plan to import marine species into Panama (not covered under CITES regulations), you will require a Marine Import Permit from the Panamanian Maritime Authorities.
Procedures to obtain an import permit for marine organisms are different than for terrestrial and freshwater species. STRI will submit an application on your behalf if your project meets the STRI criteria for approval. There is a charge for this service (see fees at the end of the application form).
It is also important that scientists provide Mercedes Denis, Scientific Coordinator/Naos Marine Laboratory, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Building #356, Amador, Causeway - with a copy of a publication resulting from the research for which the marine organisms were imported as soon as it is available. If the import does not result in a formal publication, a summary report or abstract of status will be acceptable. Failure to comply with this regulation will adversely affect future authorization and processing of permits for you and/or your colleagues.
Important “TIPS” When filling out the application form:
- Fill the application form only if your project was approved by STRI.
- First Part can be written in English or Spanish but the Second Part must be in Spanish.
- Requested information should not be too technical.
- According to ARAP (Autoridad de Recursos Acuáticos de Panamá) the official processing time of the request to import will depend, to a large extent, on the justification and description provided by each researcher.
APPLICATION/REQUEST FOR MARINE IMPORT PERMIT PART I (To be completed in English or Spanish)
(Fill out this form COMPLETELY. DO NOT leave anything blank otherwise your application will not be processed.