Yes, purchasing Everclear (ethanol ≥95%) in Peru is legal but tightly controlled under national alcohol regulations. The product is classified as a high-proof spirit, requiring special permits for sale and distribution. Importation is restricted to licensed entities, and retail sales are prohibited to individuals without authorization.
Key Regulations for Purchasing Everclear in Peru
- Licensing Requirements: Only entities with a Permiso Especial de Importación from SUNAT (National Customs and Tax Authority) may import Everclear. Individuals cannot legally purchase it for personal use without a Licencia de Funcionamiento for commercial activities.
- Proof Limits: Peruvian law caps retail alcohol proof at 55° GL (≈27.5% ABV). Everclear (95% ABV) is only permitted for industrial, medical, or scientific use under DIGESA (General Directorate of Environmental Health) oversight.
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: New SUNAT resolutions (e.g., Resolución de Superintendencia N° 0012026) mandate digital tracking of high-proof alcohol imports, with penalties for unauthorized possession exceeding 1 liter per individual.
Violations may result in confiscation, fines, or criminal charges under Decreto Legislativo N° 1109 (2012), which criminalizes unlicensed high-proof alcohol trade. Consumers should verify supplier credentials with MINCETUR (Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism) before attempting acquisition.