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.

In this regard, the Superintendence of Tax Administration of Guatemala reported that "... in order not to hinder trade in the region and facilitate the customs clearance process in the different customs offices of the country, it was recommended that in addition to the Customs Services activate the regional contingency plan, which will allow the different foreign trade operators to carry out their operations under the framework of the aforementioned plan."

See "Losses due to Customs bureaucracy"

From the Ministry of Finance of El Salvador statement:

Considering that by agreement of the Council of Ministers of Economic Integration (COMIECO), the regional implementation of the Single Central American Declaration (DUCA) in the form of DUCA-F, DUCA-T and DUCA-D was scheduled for May 7, the General Directorate of Customs (DGA) announces:

Read full statement.

More on this topic

Customs: Contingency Plan Finishes

July 2019

After having been extended several times, the contingency plan for DUCA F and DUCA was finalized on July 8, however, there is uncertainty because the platform is not fully operational.

The entry into force of the Central American Single Declaration at the beginning of May generated delays in the import and export processes, so it was decided to activate a contingency plan at the Central American level.

Central America: Customs Difficulties Persist

June 2019

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.

Difficulties in Customs Do Not Stop

June 2019

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.

Customs Problems: Contingency Plan Expanded

May 2019

Until May 20, the validity of the regional contingency plan was extended to customs, which was activated because of the difficulties generated by the use of the Central American Single Declaration.

Since May 7, when the Single Central American Declaration (DUCA) was implemented at the regional level, the situation in customs has been complicated, because of multiple difficulties reported in the import and export processes arising from the implementation of the new system.