As of June 1, the advance electronic transmission of the Central American Single Declaration will be mandatory (DUCA) for trade in goods originating in the region (DUCA-F) and for the import or export of goods with third countries (DUCA-D) at the three common border posts between Guatemala and Honduras: El Florido, Agua Caliente and El Corinto, as confirmed by SIECA.
This measure, the first to be implemented in the Central American region in a bilateral and coordinated manner, has a clear objective: reduce transit and waiting times at common border posts, facilitating foreign trade operations, in compliance with Ministerial Resolutions –UA 83/2020 and 59/2019.
In this regard, the Executive Director of the Honduran Customs Administration, Juan José Vides, explained that “the Advance Declaration of Goods consists of the electronic transmission and presentation of documentation that supports the import and payment of taxes prior to the arrival of the means of transport at the integrated border posts. The purpose is to expedite the process, which leads to a quick passage through the borders, reducing queues, reducing time and costs for the importer.”
"The pilot plan has helped us to make technological and procedural adjustments in both countries, prior to the expansion of the new modality in the management of the advance electronic declaration and supporting documents," he added. Acting Superintendent of Customs at the Superintendency of Tax Administration of Guatemala, Juan José Arreaza.
Meanwhile, Melvin Redondo, head of the Secretariat for Central American Economic Integration, indicated: “In an effort to continue contributing to the facilitation of trade between the two countries, starting June 1, the second phase of the electronic submission of the Anticipated Declaration in the Agua Caliente and El Florido PFIs will begin, including products with non-tariff requirements.”
The official communication pointed out the following considerations::
- Advance electronic transmission involves uploading images of the documents supporting the declaration of goods: commercial invoice, transport document (bill of lading), cargo manifest, licenses, permits, certificates or other documents related to compliance with non-tariff restrictions and regulations.
- When the merchandise is covered by a DUCA-D, the declarant or his representative must consult the national customs system of Honduras or Guatemala, as the case may be.
- Means of cargo transport that do not comply with tax and non-tax obligations imposed by the regime, they will not be able to enter the primary area of the Integrated Border Posts.
The official text highlights the positive impact that the Advance Declaration has for the users of the Integrated Border Post of Corinto, which has been undergoing the bilateral electronic transmission process since March 1, by reducing 3 hours 10 minutes the time of the customs process.
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