Arguing that this is misleading advertising, the Directorate of Consumer Services has sanctioned businesses that offer "covid-19 free zones" in the country's capital.
According to Guatemalan authorities, five establishments have already been sanctioned, since these businesses have offered free covid-19 tests or masks that ensure total protection against infection, which is classified as misleading advertising.
On November 20, the moving weighing system began operating in Guatemala, which will verify that the weight and dimensions of the cargo vehicles are within the permitted range, otherwise the respective sanctions will be applied.
Ministry of Communications staff reported that the system is equipped with cameras and sensors embedded in the asphalt, which captures and sends the information immediately to a computer.
The Constitutional Court revoked the $260 fine that the municipality of Guatemala would charge to heavy vehicles and double trailers that travel through the city in unauthorized hours, so now the penalty will be $65.
The action of unconstitutionality was brought to the Constitutional Court by the Central American Federation of Transportation (FECATRANS) and the National Coordinating Association of Transport, against Article 4 of Agreement COM-13-2016 of the Municipal Council of Guatemala.
January 3, 2020 is the deadline for companies and businesses that already operate in Guatemala and do not have the study, submit their Environmental Diagnosis to receive a reduction in the fine.
Fines for companies that do not yet have an Environmental Diagnosis could be as high as $13,000; however, if they present their documentation before the deadline, the penalty could be set at $650.
The amount paid to the Tax Authority corresponds to unpaid taxes, plus penalties and interest.
An article on Lahora.gt reports that the Superintendent of the SAT, Juan Francisco Solorzano, said that "... It is the largest payment made by any entity, in relation to adjustments that had been made or that had been ordered as a result of a judicial process from which it was ruled that there was tax fraud or tax evasion. "
Insurance against damage to third parties and a single registration for each unit are part of the announced amendments to the regulations on heavy transport in the country.
In 15 days reforms could take effect which include fining drivers instead of the companies that own the vehicles. In addition, employers must provide drivers documentation in order to hold them accountable in case of possible accidents.
A waiver of fines, interest and penalties will apply starting June 12th and will run for 90 days for all taxpayers, both natural or legal persons.
Government Agreement No. 174-2014 published in Diario de Centroamérica:
"Article 7. Transient. Regularization. Taxpayers from the term of this Agreement, who elect to regularize operations or modify the method of recording costs and expenses, under this agreement, though the application of the special treatment provided therein and who owe taxes or formal sanctions, may enjoy exemptions from penalties, interest or surcharges in the method set out in this article. "
On December 2nd the amendments to the law that regulates the processes for entry and exit of goods into the country will take effect.
From a press release published in Diario de Centro América:
Decree 14-2013 of Congress, National Customs Act, published today in the Diario de Centro América, will take effect on 2 December and contains in its articles customs procedures and supplementary provisions, administrative offenses and sanctions, with the aim of regulating the entry and exit of goods in Guatemala.
The aim of the new rule is to prevent bias in the interpretation of the Act and the application of sanctions.
From a press release issued by the Congress of Guatemala:
With the main purpose of overcoming the difficulties in foreign trade and generating greater competitiveness, agility, controls, service improvement and increased social benefit, the National Assembly has passed decree 14-2013, National Customs Act in one discussion and with the status of national emergency.
The exemption of fines for customs offenses will be extended, for the sixth time, until December 15.
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.
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 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.
While Central American businesses assume the costs of the bureaucracy associated with money laundering controls, big banks are granted a license to steal.
EDITORIAL
The United States has lost the moral authority in the fight against drug trafficking, and countries who suffer in the drug war, should taken that into account.
President Otto Perez Molina will not grant exemptions from fines imposed by the Tax Authority.
An article in Elperiodico.com.gt reports that "The President has asked the General Secretariat of the President to address the 202 cases presented by businessmen, politicians and figureheads." A study of each case will be conducted, the recommendation and the opinion of the President now is that they [exonerations] will not be granted", said the general secretary, Gustavo Martinez."
By Governmental Accord administrative customs offenses punishable by a fine, and their cumulative effects, will be exempted until September 15, 2012.
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.”