Buy machinery in Europe for Latin America: costs, documents and logistics
Practical guide to export used machinery to Latin America from Europe: documentation, logistics, shipping costs, customs clearance and a checklist to sell safely and close international deals faster.
1) Which used machinery is most exported to Latin America?
Demand is especially strong for industrial, agricultural, construction, forestry and energy machinery. Buyers in Latin America often look for well-maintained equipment, ready to work and priced competitively.
- Agricultural machinery: tractors, harvesters, irrigation and spraying equipment.
- Construction machinery: excavators, backhoe loaders, wheel loaders, dumpers.
- Industrial machinery: CNC machines, metalworking equipment, generators, compressors.
- Forestry & wood: sawmills, wood chippers, biomass machinery.
Before exporting, define the Incoterm (EXW, FOB, CIF, etc.), as it determines who pays for transport, insurance and customs.
2) Step-by-step guide to export used machinery
- Confirm buyer and destination country and check local import requirements.
- Prepare the technical data sheet: brand, model, year, serial number, hours.
- Calculate total costs: inland transport, shipping, insurance and customs.
- Prepare documentation: invoice, contract, manuals and certificates.
- Choose shipping method: container, Ro-Ro or breakbulk.
- Export customs clearance with a freight forwarder or customs agent.
- Secure payment terms: deposit, balance before shipment or documentary payment.
3) Export costs: what affects the final price?
The total cost of shipping used machinery to Latin America depends on several factors, not just ocean freight:
- Domestic transport to port.
- Loading, lashing and packing.
- Ocean freight rates.
- Transport insurance.
- Export and import customs fees.
- Local taxes and duties at destination.
Tip: provide both FOB and CIF prices. Buyers often compare offers this way and close deals faster.
4) Documents required to export used machinery
- Commercial invoice or sales contract.
- Technical data sheet with serial number.
- CE declaration or conformity documents (when applicable).
- Maintenance records and service history.
- Operation manuals.
- Shipping documents (packing list, bill of lading).
Always check country-specific requirements, as regulations vary between Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Chile, Argentina and other markets.
5) Checklist before buying machinery abroad
- ✔ Real operating condition verified.
- ✔ Serial numbers and nameplates photographed.
- ✔ Clear photos and videos of the machine working.
- ✔ Maintenance history available.
- ✔ Clear Incoterm, delivery time and payment terms.
6) Compare European machinery for Latin America: buyer checklist
- Match the machinery to the actual process, throughput, power supply and site dimensions.
- Verify the manufacturer, model, equipment included and documentation needed by the destination country.
- Confirm the contracting seller, freight and insurance arrangements, loading, unloading and customs responsibilities.
- Compare final landed costs including taxes, installation, any import duties and local servicing.
Buying through a European distributor does not necessarily mean the machine was manufactured in Europe. Verify the product origin when that matters to your purchase.
New Makitor machines to evaluate for export
The following individual English-language product listings may be useful for different applications; export eligibility and delivery to Latin America must be confirmed for each model:
- Master 750.3L lathe, mill and drill — metalworking.
- HELI CPD15-20SQ electric forklift — warehouse handling.
- Floorpul Onyx 35 E industrial floor scrubber — industrial cleaning.
These machines perform different functions. Ask for the actual configuration, price, supplier availability, applicable documentation and total delivery to your country.