The Congress of the Republic of Guatemala has approved Decree Number 17-2025, the Law for the Facilitation of Tax Refund Compliance (hereinafter, the “Decree”), a comprehensive reform aimed at modernizing, streamlining, and organizing procedures for the refund and reimbursement of tax credits, primarily related to Value Added Tax (VAT). The Decree introduces fiscal and administrative…
Author Archives: BLP
Banking & Finance, Blog, Costa Rica, News
BLP advises IDB Invest on a US$20 million regional electric mobility financing for the Kaufmann Group
03
Dec
Dec
BLP advised IDB Invest as lead counsel in connection with a US$20 million senior secured, uncommitted revolving import finance facility granted to subsidiaries of the Kaufmann Group in Costa Rica and Peru to support the introduction and scaling of electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles, charging infrastructure, and related equipment in both jurisdictions. The facility, structured…
Blog, Guatemala, News, Public Law, Public Procurement & Regulation
New Opportunities in Public-Private Partnerships in Guatemala
02
Dec
Dec
On the night of November 25, 2025, two-thirds of the Congress of the Republic approved Decree 21-2025, which amends the Law on Partnerships for the Development of Economic Infrastructure (Decree 16-2010). This legislation governs Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in Guatemala. With these reforms: The approval process for PPP contracts is streamlined by removing from congressional approval…
28
Nov
Nov
The Congress of the Republic has enacted Decree 11-2025, a comprehensive reform that transforms Guatemala’s criminal legal framework, aiming to more effectively combat gangs, maras, and transnational criminal organizations. While these provisions are primarily intended to target criminal structures, businesses must pay close attention, as the new criminal offenses and control measures also seek to…
28
Nov
Nov
BLP’s summary of the most important regional news and opportunities offers an overview of the economic, social, and political landscape of Central America at just a click away. Costa Rica Costa Rica promotes aviation growth with new developments at Juan Santamaría Airport Costa Rica is moving forward on its airport modernization with two new projects…
Blog, Energy & Infrastructure, Environment, Health & Safety, Guatemala, News
Newsflash: New MEM Guideline Marks the Start of Progressive Biofuel Integration
25
Nov
Nov
The Ministry of Energy and Mines of Guatemala (MEM) issued Agreement No. 359-2025/SG, which establishes the procedure for implementing the blended fuel alcohol program. This measure is part of the policy that will enable the State of Guatemala to progressively implement the commercial use of biofuel. Under this Agreement, the percentages are set as follows…
Blog, Costa Rica, News, Sanitary Registration of Products
Newsflash: Regulatory Updates – November 2025
24
Nov
Nov
Executive Decree No. 45224-S establishes the procedure for simplified sanitary registration by notification and third-party import authorization for low-risk processed foods and cosmetics, streamlining their commercialization in the country. It also regulates the recognition of registrations, control, and monitoring through the digital platform REGÍSTRELO. The simplified registration applies only to foods listed in Annex I…
At BLP, Blog, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, News, Nicaragua
BLP Recognized Among Latin America’s Leading Law Firms by Latin Lawyer
24
Nov
Nov
Sources: M&A deals dipped across Latin America in H1 2025 Which LatAm partners advised on most M&A deals in H1 2025? Which LatAm debt capital markets partners were the busiest in H1 2025? Regional Recognition in Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Renowned publication Latin Lawyer has once again recognized BLP as one of the leading M&A…
21
Nov
Nov
BLP’s summary of the most important regional news and opportunities offers an overview of the economic, social, and political landscape of Central America at just a click away. Costa Rica Costa Rica climbs to the regional podium in service exports, according to ECLAC. Costa Rica ranked third in Latin America in service exports, driven by…
Analysis, At BLP, Blog, Costa Rica, Telecommunications, Media & Technology
Regulating New Technologies in Central America: Follow Global Trends or Reinvent the Wheel?
19
Nov
Nov
León WeinstokDirector, Costa RicaE-mail The rapid pace of technological development in recent years has challenged the ability of countries to adapt their regulatory frameworks quickly and effectively. In Central America, this tension is particularly pronounced, given the structural lag in innovation, digital infrastructure, and technology governance. The region faces a crucial dilemma: should it adopt…