Venezuela - Distribution & Sales Channels Venezuela - Distribution & Sales
Distribution and sales channels might include a manufacturer's representative or commissioned agent, wholesale importing distributor, importing retailer, or direct sale to end-user. Venezuelan companies commonly play several of these roles. No specific business license is required for a local company or individual to be an importer. Many retailers handle their own imports, sometimes placing orders through commissioned agents and sometimes purchasing directly from foreign suppliers.
Containers will not clear Venezuelan customs unless their contents fall under one single tariff classification number. If they contain consolidated mixed cargo, customs will separate their contents to check each item. To alleviate congestion at ports and airports, customs will authorize this procedure to take place in a bonded warehouse or under special arrangements at extra cost at the recipient’s warehouse. Containers must be sealed during the transfer.
U.S. firms should avoid parcel post shipment. Venezuelan mail is typically subject to delays, sometimes weeks or months. If such a parcel arrives, customs will send a notification by mail to the recipient, who then has to reply by mail that he is willing to accept the package. The speediest procedure is air freight, or sea freight in the case of very heavy shipments.
Major distribution centers include the ports of La Guaira and Puerto Cabello, and the international airport of Maiquetia, in Caracas. Firms should note that operations in Puerto Cabello and Puerto La Guaira, Venezuela’s two largest seaports, are handled by the national government. The GBRV’s multiple import procedures can cause substantial delays and demurrage costs.