PANAMA Capital: Panama Population:  3,200,000 Official Language(s): Spanish Currency:  Balboa I. CHEMICAL MAXIMUM RESIDUE LEVELS (MRLs) II. CHEMICALS AND ADDITIVE INFORMATION A. Chemical residue standards: Panama follows maximum residue levels established by the Codex  Alimentarius Commission. B. Monitoring chemical residues: Panama regularly tests produce for chemical residues. C. Restrictions on use of waxes: None. III. ORGANIC FRUIT REGULATIONS No information. IV. TARIFFS Apples:    2% Pears:      5% Cherries:  1% V. NON-TARIFF BARRIERS A. Labeling requirements: Labels should be in Spanish.  There are no specific labeling requirements for fresh fruits and vegetables.  Please check with your importer to ensure compliance. B. Licenses and quotas: None. C. Currency Issues: The Panamanian economy has been dollarized since 1904. D. Pest and plant disease restrictions: A Phytosanitary Certificate and Import Permit are required. VI. SUBSIDIES None.  Panama does not produce apples, pears or cherries. VII.  OTHER RESOURCE LINKS: Governmental:  USDA Foreign Agricultural Service Field Office The World Factbook (Central Intelligence Agency) Consular Information Sheets (U.S. State Department) U.S. Embassy VIII. ADDITIONAL COMMENTS The U.S. and Panama concluded free trade negotiations on December 19, 2006.  Under this agreement the tariffs on apples, pears and cherries will be eliminated.  Before the agreement can enter into effect it must be signed into law by both countries.  It is not clear when this might occur. Special thanks to FAS Field Office 105 South 18th Street, Suite 105 Yakima, Washington 98901, USA Voice: (509) 453-3193, Fax: (509) 457-7615 E-mail general@nwhort.org