Shopping in Panama, in the Colon Free Zone, continues to be a very popular option for Cubans, the so-called “mules.” This week it was learned that Customs detained a shipment of brand-name shoes valued at 83 thousand dollars. What happened?
According to an official note from Panama Customs, it was detailed that on July 9, a total of 1,986 pairs of exclusive brand sneakers, including Nike, Adidas, Puma, Reebok, New Balance, Fila, Louis Vuitton, and Converse, valued at approximately 83 thousand dollars, counting the cost of the same, insurance and freight to Cuba, were retained for alleged trademark fraud in one of the warehouses in the cargo area of Tocumen International Airport.
The merchandise, which was not purchased at the Colón, but was in transit from Ecuador and destined for an international courier and exchange company in Cuba, was identified and detained by Customs risk analysts.
The report indicates that the specialists alerted the customs prevention and control inspectors (DPFA), who confirmed that the products were exclusive brands.
Customs detains purchases from Cubans in Panama
The case was referred to the Intellectual Property Department, which is responsible for preparing the file, counting and valuing the merchandise before sending it to the Intellectual Property Prosecutor’s Office.
According to the report, the Intellectual Property Directorate of the National Customs Authority of Panama is empowered to inspect and/or detain merchandise throughout the national territory that may be infringing industrial property and copyright laws.
How to get a visa to make purchases in Panama? Documents such as the visa application form, filled out correctly, are required. Complete copy of passport (with a minimum of three months of validity). Copy of identity document. Three passport-sized photographs. Pay the sum of 50 dollars when presenting the documents. More details at this link.
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