Just on the hiring of private security services companies spend $243 million per year, on top of the payments made to those extorting transport carriers on the roads.
These unpunished crimes are not just affecting freight companies operating in the country, but are also increasingly reducing the possibility Guatemala has to attract more and better foreign investment which would contribute to its socioeconomic development.
With the decreed intervention the time it takes to pass through customs has doubled and even tripled in some cases.
Elperiodico.com.gt reports: "The militarization in customs offices and the lack of staff in the Tax Authority (SAT) are delaying the passage of trucks by between three and ten days."
Added to this are technical and administrative deficiencies in the Directorate General of Customs at the Ministry of Finance of El Salvador for passage through Cuidad Pedro de Alvarado and San Cristobal.
The Tax Authority has approved the implementation of a pilot program in customs offices which will reduce the time it takes to inspect containers.
According to the Indendent of Customs, Filadelfo Reyes, the plan will come into effect on August 2. "We want to facilitate foreign trade operations in customs with this new methodology," the official said.
Those containers that remain in customs over 3 months must be nationalized.
The change in the rule reported by the Superintendent of Tax Administration (SAT) applies for dry-goods or refrigerated containers that are awaiting merchandise and whose temporary stay permits have expired.
Byron Dardón, journalist for Prensaliber.com wrote: "Prior to the new provision, when the equipment arrived at the ports, customs authorities would allow entry for 90 days, using the Temporary Admission of Containers (ATC) form. Once the period had expired, the ship had to pay $100 in fines and the authorization could be extended for more three months."