What is the main destination port in Honduras?
Puerto Cortes on the Caribbean coast is the primary port and Central America's largest deepwater port; the smaller Pacific-coast San Lorenzo serves as a supplementary option.
What's the difference between Puerto Cortes and San Lorenzo?
Puerto Cortes, on the Caribbean coast, is the largest deepwater port in Honduras and Central America, handling mainstream import volume. San Lorenzo, on the Pacific-coast Gulf of Fonseca, is the country's only westward outlet, smaller in scale and sailing frequency — a supplementary option.
How long does ocean freight from China to Honduras take?
About 30-32 days via Puerto Cortes, depending on the carrier's port rotation and schedule; peak season or weather may extend this.
What is the DUCA regional declaration?
Since May 2019, a unified customs declaration used jointly by Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama, simplifying customs clearance across Central America.
How does cargo get from Puerto Cortes to inland cities?
After clearance, cargo is typically trucked to the capital, Tegucigalpa, or the industrial hub San Pedro Sula, which is closer to Puerto Cortes. Both are inland delivery destinations after port clearance, not ports.
What customs documents are required to export to Honduras?
Importers must register with the SAR. Basic documents: Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading — confirm specifics with your local customs broker.
Do Chinese goods qualify for CAFTA-DR preferential tariffs?
No. Although Honduras is a CAFTA-DR member, preferential tariffs only apply to goods from the U.S. and member countries. China-made goods pay standard import duty.
What are typical import duties in Honduras?
Duty varies by HS code, plus 15% ISV sales tax. Provide your exact HS code for an estimate — final rates confirmed by your local customs broker.
What seasonal risks should I plan around for Honduras?
Avoid the June-November hurricane season and the November-December year-end peak when space gets tight. Book 3-4 weeks ahead (4-6 weeks in peak season).
What is Forwarder International's advantage on the Honduras route?
We are familiar with the operational profiles of both Puerto Cortes and San Lorenzo and the DUCA regional declaration process, and can guide you on SAR registration and plan inland delivery to Tegucigalpa or San Pedro Sula based on your destination city.