Because the implementation of the Central American Single Declaration continues to generate problems in customs in the region, the contingency plan for DUCA F and DUCA was extended until June 27.
"If you use the Contingency Plan, we suggest that you make sure you arrive at the destination country with the DUCA F and DUCA T duly processed and the supporting documents," reported the Guatemalan Association of Exporters.
Since there are still difficulties arising from the implementation of the Single Central American Declaration, the Contingency Plan for DUCA F and DUCA T was extended until 17 June.
Central American customs authorities agree to maintain in force the Contingency Plan for DUCA F and DUCA T, until June 17, 2019, at 23:59 hours. If the Contingency Plan is used, we suggest that you make sure that you arrive at the destination country with the DUCA F and DUCA T duly processed and the supporting documents," explains a statement from Agexport. See full document.
Because the entry into force of the Central American Single Declaration has generated delays in the import and export processes, a contingency plan will be implemented at all customs offices in the region.
By agreement of the Council of Ministers of Economic Integration (COMIECO), on May 7 the Single Central American Declaration (DUCA) was implemented at the regional level, a situation that has generated many difficulties arising from the implementation of the new system in the import and export processes.
The long-awaited railway connection between the two countries depends on the rehabilitation of the Doctor Rodolfo Robles bridge in Ayutla, San Marcos, which would be done this year.
According to the Guatemalan Ministry of Communications, under current conditions the bridge cannot support the load of a locomotive and using that section would be a high risk.
On November 12th, the VII Round of Negotiations for the inclusion of El Salvador in the integration process towards the free transit of individuals and goods between Guatemala and Honduras began in San Salvador.
The negotiations between the three countries will last the entire week and it is expected that this round of dialogues will address issues related to the customs, migration, sanitary and phytosanitary challenges facing El Salvador.
In Costa Rica, an action of unconstitutionality filed almost three years ago is preventing the construction of a customs post on the border with Nicaragua, which would allow cargo transportation to be spared a distance of 160 kilometers.
Although the government has the $12 million needed for the final construction of the border post, where a temporary container has operated since 2013, the unconstitutionality action filed by the environmentalist Alvaro Sagot, is preventing the project from progressing.
In this third round of negotiations, discussion will take place on the border model to be implemented to incorporate El Salvador into the integration process initiated by Guatemala and Honduras.
From a statement issued by the Ministry of Economy of El Salvador:
February 12.The city of Tegucigalpa, Honduras, this week becomes the site of the third round of negotiations for the incorporation of El Salvador into the process of deep integration started by Guatemala and Honduras, informed the Vice Minister of Economy, Dr. Luz Estrella Rodríguez.
Although Juan Orlando Hernández has now been declared as the winner of the elections and blockades and demonstrations have decreased, difficulties in transporting merchandise to and from Puerto Cortés, as well as land borders, remain.
As a result of the difficulties faced by entrepreneurs when transporting goods to and from Honduras, companies in neighboring countries are looking for alternatives to expedite shipments, especially those of perishable products.
The $42 charge that the Guatemalan tax authority levied at border points during the holiday season will be eliminated starting from November 1 of this year.
Guatemala, Oct 31 (DE). - The Superintendency of Tax Administration (SAT) reported that as of today it will not make extraordinary collections during holidays as it did prior to November 1, when it commemorated All Saints' Day.
Of the $100 million approved to improve infrastructure at the border posts, $27 million will go towards the construction and equipment of the Paso Canoas post.
The Solis administration has reported that with therecent legislative approval of a $100 million loanto modernize border posts, the process can begin to select the land where the new infrastructure will be built, create the trust and manage the permits to develop the project.
The latest discovery of drugs in a container of Costa Rican heart of palms which was destined for Europe, brings back to the table the problem of the lack of controls in customs offices.
The problem also centers around the fact that the different authorities contradict each other when it comes to explaining who carries out the processes for the inspecting containers entering and leaving the country and how.
The $100 million loan contract to modernize the posts of Las Tablillas, Peñas Blancas, Paso Canoas and Sixaola has been withdrawn from the legislative agenda in order to re-consult with indigenous peoples.
The loan agreement between Costa Rica and the Inter-American Development Bank was withdrawn from the legislative agenda for further consultation with indigenous peoples.
On the Nicaraguan side everything is ready for cargo transported to and from the port of Limon to save 160 kilometers, through the customs post of Las Tablillas, but endless red tape is preventing works from starting in Costa Rica.
The Legislature granting approval for a loan to finance the work, completion of administrative procedures, the holding of a tender to hire a project manager who must then then tender the work internationally, are all of the steps that have to be completed to just to get work started at the customs post in Las Tablillas.
High electricity and fuel costs, outdated and inefficient border posts, and an educational system which is not aligned with market needs, are some of the complaints made to the Government.
On the positive side the union points to the balanced FTA negotiations with South Korea, the adoption of the Strategy for Services to Entrepreneurship and Innovation in the Development Banking System and adoption of 4 laws for the rationalization of pension schemes.
The Guatemalan Exporters Association wishes to express to the different sectors involved in the current crisis affecting transport and the free movement of people and goods, the need to remedy the situation.
From a statement issued by the Guatemalan Exporters Association (AGEXPORT):
Agexport, in light of the strikes held by some heavy transport drivers on different roads, ports and customs offices in the country, states: