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.
The lack of a competition law in Guatemala could expose the country to sanctions from the European authorities, since it is a requirement demanded in the regulations of the Association Agreement with the European Union.
Since the end of 2016, the Association Agreement (AdA) required Guatemala to have a law on the matter, since in 2019 a Central American competition authority would have to be created.
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.
A proposal has been made in Panama to make public all sanctions to be imposed on entities that violate the law on prevention of money laundering.
The proposal put forward by the National Committee Against Money Laundering, and Financing of Terrorism and the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (CNBC), created in 2015 within the framework of the new law on prevention of money laundering, aims to "...
A bill has been presented which incorporates the concept of customs fraud and smuggling into the Penal Code and establishes penalties from 5-12 years in prison.
The bill provides various prison terms ranging from 5 to 12 years. Porcell explained that these concepts will be incorporated into the Penal Code and that predicates to money laundering will also be considered as an offence.
The Ministry of Finance has announced the sending to the Legislative Assembly of a bill which eliminates 220 different tax exemptions.
The bill already has the signature of the president, Luis Guillermo Solis, and besides eliminating 220 tax breaks also establishes penalties for those who enjoy them without a right to do so.
Entrepreneurs are demanding an acceleration of discussions in the Assembly to approve a bill which introduces the concept of "fractional smuggling" and toughens penalties.
From a statement issued by the Costa Rican Union of Chambers and Associations in the Private Business Sector (UCCAEP):
The Costa Rican Union of Chambers and Associations in the Private Business Sector (UCCAEP) is calling on the members of the Commission on Security and Trafficking in the Legislative Assembly to approve project n° 19,407, entitled "An Act to Improve the Fight Against Smuggling".
The Superintendency of Securities in Panama has issued a fine of more than $300,000 for violations and administrative misconduct in the public offering of securities.
The highest fine recorded in the history of the Superintendency of Securities in Panama has generated high expectations, as now they are starting to resolve investigations which were pending and which may also lead to the possibility of criminal investigations.
Law 44 signed by President Martinelli establishes prison sentences of 1-3 years for the unauthorized occupation of buildings, land or constructions belonging to others.
From a press release from the Presidency of Panama:
Law 44, which amends and adds articles to the Penal Code, was sanctioned by the President of the Republic, Ricardo Martinelli. The regulation increases penalties with imprisonment of one to three years or its equivalent in fines or weekend arrest, to those who, without authority, occupy all or part of a building, land or building belonging to others.
The rule provides incentives for the construction, operation and maintenance of solar power stations or installations.
From a press release from the Government of Panama:
Law 37 of June 10, 2013 establishes incentives to encourage the diversification of the energy mix in the country, through solar generation, promoting (through the incentive scheme) the construction, operation and maintenance of solar power stations or installations.
Insurance companies must pay a tax of 2% to the National Treasury to be deposited in a special account belonging to the Fire Department.
From a press release from the Government of Panama:
The law aims to provide new revenue for the Fire Department of Panama (CBP by its initials in Spanish) and thereby make it able to cope with the need for more equipment.
The Department of Commerce has imposed a fine of $1.75 million on the Panamanian subsidiary of Ericsson for exporting equipment to the Caribbean island, violating trade restrictions.
Ericsson Panama, subsidiary of the multinational of Swedish origin, will be fined $1.75 million by the U.S. Department of Commerce for exporting mobile network equipment to Cuba, violating trade restrictions in Washington.
A bill aims to impose penalties on airlines that transport people carrying illegal drugs.
The Airlines Association of Panama (ALAP) has announced its opposition to a proposal submitted by the Security Minister, Jose Raul Mulino, to the National Assembly, which penalize airlines whose planes have transported persons wishing to bring illicit drugs into the country.