Since July 2 exporters and importers from both countries are able to manage online the Single Central American Customs Form.
With the online process the main change from the way things were done before is that information is now received by the tax authorities of both countries via the web, before the product reaches this point.
Victor Rivera, president of the National Customs Agents, told Elperiodico.com.gt that "...
Problems in making online payments and in the operation of customs have worsened since the fraud network was dismantled.
The dismantling of the network of officials taking advantage of their positions to commit customs fraud has worsened the problems that often affect businesses which have to interact with the Tax Administration. An online system which is down much of the time and additional delays at customs posts are part of the problems affecting commercial activity in the country.
Pressures on the customs sector have ensured that the ruling includes its recommendations, diluting the threat of strikes in customs offices.
The bill on the Agile Import Counter (VAI by its initials in Spanish) is looking for approval in Congress after the approval of resolutions. The union is expecting the promises it was made to be fulfilled.
The Corporation of Guatemala Customs Agents (CAAG) reported that, "the Presidential Commissioner Juan Carlos Paiz, will be responsible for making changes to the initiative of the respective law and submitting them to Congress no later than Monday March 10. "
They are opposing the Agile Import Window to be implemented if the law on competitiveness and productivity is approved.
The Corporation of Guatemalan Customs Agents (CAAG) and the Association of International Carriers oppose the Agile Import Window (VAI by is initials in Spanish) to be implemented if the Productivity and Competitiveness Act is approved.
From the border with Mexico up to Darien in Panama, customs offices are hindering trade and conspiring against the region's development.
According to the Corporation of Guatemalan Customs Agents (CAAG), delays suffered by transport carriers alone make goods 5% more expensive for Central American consumers. But added to this is 30% for sanitary and phytosanitary barriers and non-tariff measures that are applied in each country.
Guatemala will reduce the grounds for tax sanction from 75 to 25, and will reduce fines up to 75%.
S21.com.gt reports that "A new initiative of the National Customs Act, has the backing of both the Government, business, customs and shipping offices, to reduce the number of grounds for sanctions to 25, from a list of 78 established in the regulation which despite being in force since February 2012, is currently suspended by government decision. "
The Customs union intends to invest $2.5 million to implement the Project Paperless Customs Offices.
The initiative could reduce fraud and corruption in the country by up to 85%.According to Victor Manuel Rivera, president of the organization, when the Vice President Roxana Baldetti, as manager of the National Anti-Smuggling Unit (Conacon), authorizes the proposal, they will will have, in less than six months, the program installed in all Customs offices registered with the Superintendency of Tax Administration (SAT).
The unification of customs procedures would mean savings of $300 per day for each unit dedicated to the regional transport of goods.
S21.com.gt reports that "Representatives and delegates of the Confederation of Customs Brokers of the Caribbean Basin (Conaacc) from Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama and the Dominican Republic met yesterday to unify search procedures in a Central American Customs Code, which aims to facilitate trade between the region. "
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