Category Archives: News

Personal Data Protection Law in El Salvador

On November 15, 2024, Legislative Decree No. 144, which contains the Law for the Protection of Personal Data, was published in the Official Gazette.  Purpose and scope of application  The purpose of the law is the protection of personal data, establishing the essential requirements for its legitimate and informed treatment, and guaranteeing the right to…

Cybersecurity and Information Security Law in El Salvador

On November 15, 2024, Legislative Decree number 113 was published in the Official Gazette, which contains the Cybersecurity and Information Security Law.  The purpose of the law is to establish the guiding principles and the legal framework to structure, regulate, and supervise the cybersecurity and information security measures of the information systems of the entities…

New Income Tax Brackets for the 2025 Fiscal Period in Costa Rica

On December 3, 2024, Executive Decree No. 44772-H was published, updating the income tax brackets applicable for the 2025 fiscal period, as detailed below: Salary Tax Gross salary from: To Rate $0.0 ₡922.000,00 ($1,814.00 Approx.) 0% ₡922.000,00 ($1,814.00 Approx.) ₡1.352.000,00 ($2,660.00 Approx.) 10% ₡1.352.000,00 ($2,660.00 Approx.) ₡2.373.000,00 ($4,668.00 Approx.) 15% ₡2.373.000,00 ($4,668.00 Approx.) ₡4.745.000,00 ($9,334,00…

New Framework Law for the Integration of the Primary and Agricultural Sector in Guatemala

The Congress of the Republic has approved Decree 31-2024, the Framework Law for the Integration of the Primary and Agricultural Sector. This innovative legislation consolidates the tax collection framework for the primary and agricultural sectors into a single legal text. The initiative aims to address economic distortions in the tax chain caused by a lack…

New Regulation Streamlines the Entry of Raw Materials for Free Trade Zones into Costa Rica

The Ministry of Foreign Trade and the Ministry of Health have issued regulations under Decree No. 44696-S-COMEX, allowing the admission of products of sanitary interest or their raw materials into the free trade zone and active improvement regimes without requiring sanitary registration or authorization notification, considering the following: The products of sanitary interest or their…

BLP advised IFC on a $20 Million Investment in Grupo Farmanova Intermed (GFI)

BLP advised the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, on an investment of up to USD 20 million in Grupo Farmanova Intermed (GFI), a regional leader in marketing, sales, distribution, and logistics. This investment aims to expand access to high-quality, effective, safe medicines in Central America and the Caribbean. The…

New Competition Law Approved in Guatemala

On November 20, 2024, the Congress of Guatemala urgently approved Decree 32-2024, the “Competition Law.” This approval marks a significant milestone for the country, aiming to promote a competitive market, attract foreign investment, and boost national economic growth. The new law seeks to prevent anti-competitive, monopolistic practices or practices that limit market access for small…

Modifications to the Public Procurement Law Regulations in Costa Rica

Important Modifications To The Regulations Of The General Law On Public Procurement Announcements And In Force According To Gazette No. 217 Scope No. 186 Of November 19, 2024 In Decree No. 44745-H Before Contractual activity carried out between public law entities is exempt from the application of ordinary procedures, provided that the following requirements are…

BLP achieves tenth consecutive distinction at the Chambers Latin America Awards 2024

We are pleased to announce that, for the tenth consecutive time and the eleventh overall, BLP has been recognized as Costa Rica Law Firm of the Year at the prestigious Chambers Latin America Awards 2024, presented by Chambers and Partners. At a ceremony held at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Miami, United States, this award reaffirms…