The Governmental Accord 121-2012 from the Ministry of Finance states that it has “agreed to waive, for a term expiring on June 15, 2012, up to one hundred percent (100%) of fines to any individual or legal person incurred in some of the administrative customs offenses punishable by a fine established by the National Customs Law contained in Book III of Decree No. 10-2012 of the Congress.”

This Government Agreement comes into force on the day following its publication in the Diario de Centro America.

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Entirely New Customs Law Planned

September 2012

The National Competitiveness Program of Guatemala has announced that the Executive will introduce a draft bill to Congress to replace existing customs regulations.

Under pressure from the Guatemalan business sector, the executive has presented a new initiative to Congress, which has already been agreed with various chambers of commerce, said Juan Carlos Pais, Presidential Commissioner for Competitiveness.

Pressure for Changes to Customs Act

August 2012

Among the changes requested by the Guatemalan private sector, are the elimination of insurance for theft of goods in transit and the current billing method.

Private sector representatives together with the Tax Authority (SAT) are working on a draft for a new law, which introduces changes to almost 80% of the current Customs Act.

Guatemala: Confrontation Over Customs Act

May 2012

After further requests for extending fine exemptions and a comprehensive reform of the Customs Act, the government has responded saying that they will evaluate such requests.

The National Council for Promotion of Exports (CONAPEX), comprising representatives of the Executive and the private sector, called for an urgent reform of the Customs Act and the granting of another 90-day extension for exemptions from fines for violating the new customs regulations.

Guatemala: Effects of Customs Act Analyzed

March 2012

A two month exemption from fines resulting from the application of the new law is one of the issues being debated by government and business representatives.

The Tax Authority (SAT in Spanish), customs brokers, the business community and carriers are awaiting on Friday March 16th the president's decision to issue a decree for a two month exemption from fines resulting from violations of the newly enforced Customs Act.