The exemption which was to expire on 15 September will be extended until 15 December.

"We are extending the agreement because there is a new Intendent of Customs and we do not want to generate distortion in operations. We believe this will be the last extension to be given," said Pavel Centeno, Minister of Finance, yesterday.

"The official stated that they have reached an agreement with the president, Otto Perez Molina, to make an assessment of the impact of the lack of charges for penalties established in this law, which took effect in 2012," reported Prensalibre.com.

Source: prensalibre.com

More on this topic

Free Movement of Goods Between Honduras and Guatemala

February 2015

The agreement between the two governments states that as of December 15, 2015 customs offices at common borders will suspend their tax functions and allow the free movement of goods and people.

From a statement issued by the Government of Guatemala:

64 years after having started the process of Central American integration, the presidents of Guatemala, Otto Pérez Molina, and Honduras, Juan Orlando Hernandez, signed a historic agreement for a customs union between the two nations today, from which it is expected that economic growth of 15% will be produced in the short term. The agreement aims to eliminate the three land crossings on the borders of the two countries.

Exemptions of Fines, Interest and Penalties in Guatemala

June 2013

The amnesty includes those who owe taxes for tax periods prior to 1 January 2012.

S21.com.gt reports that "this measure is complementary to the cancellation of 10% in tax payments and 50% reduction in the circulation tax".

"It was clear they had to agree to the waiver.

New Extension for Customs Fines in Guatemala

March 2013

The exemption for fines established under the National Customs Act will be extended until June 15 of this year.

According to Pavel Centeno, the Finance Minister of Guatemala, the deadline is March 15, however, it will be extended, for the fifth time, until 15 June.

"Not a single fine has been charged to anyone and it is a problem because it encourages the kind of disorders there have been in the past and it lowers tax revenues," said the official.

No Customs Penalties For Three Months

March 2012

By executive decree, the government of Guatemala is exempting businesses and individuals from paying fines for customs offenses between March 19th and June 15th, 2012.

In the stipulated period, the Ministry of Finance will exempt any person or legal entity who commits any of the administrative customs offenses punishable by a fine established by the National Customs Act, under Government Agreement No. 51-2012.