We have experience, among others in the following subjects:
- Customs Classification. The tariff position in which merchandise
are classified can affect the percentage of applicable taxes. There
are several applicable principles to determine the correct
classification of an item and often Cutosm authorities do not
classify the item in the correct position, but in the position that pays
more taxes.
- Customs Valuation. Recently ithe number of valuation adjustments
made by customs valuation authorities has increased. Guatemala
applies by law the GATT valuation method that mandates customs
to apply transaction value. nevertheless, customs might have
reasonable doubts, but in many cases doubt is not justified.
- Lobbying before governmental agencies for presentation and
pursuits of proposals in customs subjects
- Special Customs Regimes. In order to promote its exports,
Guatemala offers different options for investors to establish a
production plant that manufacture goods to be exported outside the
country. There are many tax benefits that a company can use if the
company applies for a specific regime, like draw back (maquila).
- Preferential tarrifs applicable derived from free trade agreements
(Central America, Mexico, Dominican Republic and CAFTA)
- Rules of origin. We can examine if a given product complies with a
rule of origin derived from an agreement in order to qualify for
preferential treatment
- Barriers to Trade. Restrictions made at the border by customs
authorities for sanitary reasons, technical standards or other.
Customs Law
This area is closely related with our
international trade practice
Tariffs are not the only barrier to
trade, and Central America is no
exception to that rule. The average
tariff in Central America is below 6%.
Nevertheless, there are other
measures applied by customs
authorities that may be considered
trade restrictions.
Guatemala
import related
taxes account
for almost half
of the national
budget
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Specific Experience
Participation in the negotiation table of
customs procedure in many international
trade agreements.
In the last year we have handled more
than 20 customs valuation cases before
administrative autorities, with a 100%
success rate in the cases that are closed.
Advice and represented the client in the
important trade dispute in Central
America
Muadi & Murga
Attorneys at Law
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