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Guide · Updated

Importing Cargo Tricycles (Trimotos de Carga) and Mototaxis into Peru

Last checked: October 2026. General information only, not legal or customs advice. Confirm the details with a licensed Peruvian customs agent (agente de aduana) and the MTC.

Peru is one of the largest three-wheeler markets in Latin America. The trade paper Gestión, citing industry figures, reported that 94,268 trimotos were sold between January and September 2025, up 23% year on year (Gestión). Public bodies also buy cargo trimotos. For example, the national agricultural research institute INIA contracted 8 "trimotos de carga" for PEN 158,700 in November 2025 (public tender record). This guide explains the rules an importer needs to understand.

1. Passenger mototaxis vs cargo trimotos: two different questions

Peruvian rules separate what the vehicle is (its vehicle category, such as L5) from what service it provides (for example, public passenger transport).

  • Ley N.º 31917 regulates public transport of people in minor motor vehicles of category L5, that is, mototaxis, as a complementary service for short trips.
  • Decreto Supremo N.º 011-2025-MTC (published 26 July 2025) approved the regulation for that law. It has 40 articles plus final and transitional provisions (MTC on gob.pe; El Peruano).
  • Decreto Supremo N.º 004-2026-MTC (El Peruano, 20 January 2026) extends to 31 December 2026 the entry into force of DS 011-2025-MTC set in its Fourth Final Complementary Provision, as well as the deadlines in the regulation's Second, Third, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth and Tenth Final Complementary Provisions and its Fourth Transitory Complementary Provision (official text, PDF).

Cargo-only trimotos are generally outside the passenger-service rules of Ley 31917. Uncertain: we have not confirmed which technical rules (homologation, vehicle registration) apply specifically to cargo trimotos. Ask your customs agent and the MTC.

2. What DS 011-2025-MTC changes for mototaxi operators

According to the MTC's own summary (MTC news):

  • District municipalities authorise mototaxi services through operating permits and certificates.
  • Drivers must wear a vest printed with the vehicle plate, and authorised mototaxis must carry a holographic sticker issued by the district municipality. Under DS 004-2026-MTC, the regulation's entry into force and these implementation deadlines are extended to 31 December 2026. The decree does not list each measure by name. Confirm with the MTC and the district municipality which obligations apply, and from when.
  • Medical and psychological evaluations for the driving licence stay in place until 31 December 2026.

What it means for importers: demand for passenger mototaxis depends on municipal formalisation. Operators will ask for vehicles that can be registered and plated without problems, so make sure your documents (invoice, VIN or frame number, engine or motor number, certificate of origin) are complete and consistent.

3. Customs classification: get it right before the first shipment

Tricycles can fall under different tariff headings depending on their design, for example goods vehicles versus motorcycles with sidecars or other three-wheelers. Electric and petrol versions may also be classified differently. We do not state an HS code here because classification depends on the exact vehicle. Instead:

  1. Ask your customs agent to propose a subpartida nacional based on the supplier's technical data sheet and photos.
  2. If you are unsure, request an official SUNAT tariff classification resolution. SUNAT's procedure (DESPA-PE.00.09) allows anyone to request one, and the resolution is binding on all customs offices (SUNAT – solicitud de clasificación). SUNAT's procedure annex states that a classification resolution is issued within 45 working days, and an advance ruling (resolución anticipada, available under trade agreements) within 90 calendar days unless the agreement sets a shorter period (SUNAT procedure annex).
  3. Peru's trade agreements include one with China. SUNAT's instructions on advance rulings list China among the covered partners (SUNAT instructivo). Whether preferential duty applies to your product depends on rules of origin. Ask your agent whether a China–Peru FTA certificate of origin helps.

Documents to prepare from the supplier: technical data sheet (engine cc or motor W, dimensions, weights, load), photos, commercial invoice, packing list and certificate of origin.

4. Configurations Peruvian buyers ask for

Based on public tenders and dealer enquiries (qualitative, not market statistics):

  • Petrol cargo trimotos dominate rural and agricultural use, such as the tenders above for farm projects. A 150–200 cc engine, a cargo box with drop sides and a strong rear suspension are typical requests. See F175 petrol cargo tricycle.
  • Electric cargo units are worth considering for flat urban routes with reliable charging. See C16.
  • High altitude: petrol engines lose power at high altitude. Ask the supplier about carburettor jetting or other adjustments for highland regions. We have no source for specific derating figures.

5. Pre-order checklist for Peru

  1. Classification agreed with your customs agent, or a SUNAT resolution requested.
  2. A technical sheet whose figures match the invoice description exactly.
  3. Frame and engine numbers listed for each unit.
  4. Certificate of origin (ask whether the FTA form applies).
  5. For passenger mototaxis: confirm the client's municipality accepts the model.
  6. Spare-parts kit and service manual in Spanish.

Frequently asked questions

What is Ley 31917?

A Peruvian law regulating public passenger transport in category L5 minor motor vehicles (mototaxis). DS 011-2025-MTC (July 2025) is its regulation; DS 004-2026-MTC extended its entry into force and implementation deadlines to 31 December 2026.

Do cargo trimotos fall under Ley 31917?

The law covers public transport of people. Cargo-only trimotos are generally outside its service rules, but registration and technical requirements still apply. Confirm with your customs agent and the MTC.

How do I know the correct HS code for a tricycle in Peru?

Ask a licensed customs agent. For certainty, request a SUNAT tariff classification resolution, which is binding on all customs offices.

How long does a SUNAT classification ruling take?

According to SUNAT's procedure, 45 working days for a classification resolution and 90 calendar days for an advance ruling under a trade agreement, unless the agreement sets a shorter period.

Sources

All sources checked in October 2026.

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