Category Archives: News

BLP advises Evertec on a strategic acquisition that boosts the digital payments market in Costa Rica

BLP advised Evertec in the acquisition of 100% of the share capital of Zunify Payments, Ltd., a company dedicated to the business of financial operations by electronic means, providing a payment network that interconnects consumers, companies, and issuing and acquiring financial institutions, all through the Zunify Platform.  Zunify is a fintech company founded by Costa…

Customs and Free Zone Updates – Costa Rica

Reform to articles 110, 111, and 111 bis of the Regulations to the Free Zone Regime Law The Ministry of Foreign Trade, through decree No. 44447-COMEX-H, issued reforms to articles 110, 111, and 111 bis of the Regulations to the Free Zone Regime Law.  The reforms introduce changes to customs procedures in inventory operations, recycling,…

BLP renews its brand: the new face of corporate legal advice in Central America

May 23, Central America.  BLP excitedly announces the official launch of its new brand image. This precise and modern change reflects everything that BLP represents while reaffirming its commitment to excellence in corporate legal advice.  Since our founding in 2003, BLP has redefined legal services in the region by acting as true allies that constantly…

The Congress of the Republic of Guatemala approves initiative 5082, which contains the “Framework Law for Consumer Defense and Protection”

With 122 votes in favor, the Guatemalan Congressman have approved initiative 5082, “Framework Law for Consumer Defense and Protection.” This approval marks a significant milestone for the country and its commitment to protecting consumer rights and clarifies procedures. This new regulation, which aims to replace the current Consumer and User Protection Law, seeks to regulate…

Obligation for Large Taxpayers to present audited financial statements

Obligation for Large Taxpayers to present audited financial statements The General Directorate of Taxation reformed Resolution DGT-R-46-2014*, regarding the obligation of Large National Taxpayers to present financial statements audited by an Authorized Public Accountant. In this way, those Large Taxpayers who, at the close of their fiscal period, determine a zero-profit tax, must provide, without…

BLP advised Bancolombia and a consortium of Banks on a Syndicated Loan for US$700 Million

BLP has advised a group of several first-line creditors, including Banks from the following financial groups: Bancolombia, Davivienda, BAC, Aval, Banco Industrial, and Banco General, on a syndicated loan for US$700 million, granted to Grupo Calleja, the leading grocery retailer in El Salvador.   The credit facility’s primary purpose is the acquisition by Grupo Calleja of…

Update of new RTCA for cosmetics in Central America, including Panama.

As of February 5, the new RTCA for registering cosmetic products will come into force, for which the following information must be included:  In case a laboratory that is not a subsidiary or member of the same group is employed, a Manufacturing Contract (or manufacturer’s power of attorney as used in the case of Costa…

Fee for apostille certificates in Guatemala

As of February 11, 2024, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will charge a fee for the issuance of apostille or legalization certificates of documents. On January 13, 2024, Government Agreement No. 250-2023 was published in Diario de Centroamérica, authorizing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to charge Q. 150.00 for each Apostille document or certificate of…

Update of the exemption limit for real estate tax

On January 24, 2024, MH-DGH-RES 0002-2024 was published, updating the requirements for exemption from the real estate tax, as follows: The property must be unique, i.e., that only a natural person has registered such property in the Real Estate Registry. That the value of the property registered with the Municipality does not exceed ¢20,799,000 (the…