Author Archives: BLP

Eliminate Free Trade Zones: A Legal and Economic Mistake?

For a long time, economic policies have had to find a balance between the immediate needs of the State and the long-term development of the nation. In that regard, free trade zones (FTZs) have emerged as a strategic solution in many countries. For decades, these zones have been the basis of multiple economic and legal…

The DIACO and its sanctioning processes

The Directorate of Consumer Attention and Assistance (DIACO), a dependency of the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Guatemala, is the authority in charge of any administrative sanctions derived from the dissatisfaction of consumers of products or services through administrative complaints.  The Consumer and User Protection Law (CUPL) and its respective regulations establish a…

The reality of adjustments for wage discrepancies determined by the IGSS

It is well known that, as part of the exercise of its functions established in article 50 of its Organic Law, the IGSS, through employer auditors, has conducted reviews of the accounting records of the employers, under the presumption that the employer incorrectly reported the salaries earned by its employees. With these accounting reviews, even…

How to Protect Company Real Estate Ownership Rights in Guatemala

The business environment offers a wide range of opportunities and benefits. However, it also presents risks, especially for real estate holdings. Despite the many associated benefits of owning real estate, companies may find that their properties are targets for fraud and scams.  The business environment offers a wide range of opportunities and benefits. However, it…

BLP celebrates victory at the Chambers Latin America Awards 2023

It fills us with joy and pride to share the exciting news that, for the ninth in a row, and tenth in total, BLP has been distinguished as Costa Rica Law Firm of the Year at the prestigious Chambers Latin America Awards 2023, awarded by Chambers and Partners. At a gala held at The Ritz-Carlton…

New expiration date for EMB sanitary registry

The sanitary registrations of Biomedical Equipment and Material (EMB), Chemical Synthesis Medicines, Biological medicines, Medicines with Therapeutic Equivalence, Hygienic Products, and Natural Products that expire between April 2023 and November 2023 will have their expiration extended to February 29, 2023. 2024.

New requirements and procedures for the classification, registration, import, labeling, advertising, and surveillance of biomedical equipment and material

On September 9, 2023, the new RTCR 505: 2022: BIOMEDICAL EQUIPMENT AND MATERIAL. CLASSIFICATION, REGISTRATION, IMPORT, LABELING, ADVERTISING, SURVEILLANCE, AND CONTROL came into effect, establishing requirements and procedures for the classification, registration, import, labeling, advertising, and surveillance of biomedical equipment and material. Under this new regulation, the following documents, which were not previously requested by…

BLP advised CMI on the acquisition of Corporación AUG in Costa Rica

BLP has played a fundamental role in the acquisition of Corporación AUG by CMI in Costa Rica. This sweeping transaction involved a series of critical stages and a diverse group of sellers, marking a significant milestone for CMI in the country following the devastating fire at its plant in early 2023.  The firm’s advice covered…

Temporary suspension of SICOP from october 19 to 22, 2023

Please be informed that SICOP will be suspended on Thursday, October 19 at 6:00 p.m. until Sunday, October 22, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. During the suspension period, users will not have access to the platform, precluding them from paying invoices, releasing guarantees, publishing solicitations, or performing any other system procedure. SICOP makes the following communication…