The Superintendence of Tax Administration (SAT) Guatemala decided to change the material and manufacturing process of vehicle plates due to continuous problems with the supply and breach of international suppliers.
Change a Poliestiren platesor it was proposed as more solution economic and durablewith the aim of reducing the dependence of foreign suppliers. This material will improve Durability of the plates and guarantee a constant supply.
This model of local manufacturing It is already used in Other countriesas Spain, and the use of polystyrene is expected to reduce production costs and achieve greater customization. The change too will allow that the vehicles retain the Plate throughout life vehicle useful.
The manufacturing cost of polystyrene circulation plates In Guatemala it is not still fixed due to the variability in the prices of the raw material and the tender acquisition process, but there is already an estimate of the first manufacturing lots.
During the first two months of the year, the National Steel Engravings Workshop (TNGA) has produced 107 thousand 745 plates for different types of vehicles.
Raw material and suppliers
He Taxpayer’s mayorArmando Pokus, indicated that since the local production of circulation plates began, there has been no shortage problems.
However, the raw material suppliers Some supplies must import, which represents a challenge, since currently only two companies have managed to supply demand. Therefore this year is expected to buy enough material to stock up for the next three years.
The main materials used in the manufacture of polystyrene plates are:
- Polystyrene: Main plastic base.
- Laminator: Intermediate protective layer.
- Self -adhesive vinyl: Outer layer that provides resistance to water and greater durability.
- Safety hologram material: Key element to avoid falsifications.
Raw material variation
In the Award of 2021the Metal plates For motorcycles they had a cost of Q24.50 and for vehicles of Q69.00. With polystyrene transition, current costs are:
- Motorcycle plates: Q9.07
- Vehicle plates: Q32.84
According to Miguel Calel, head of the Fiscal Vehicle Registry of the SATthese prices were calculated based on the raw material acquired last year.
However, the price could fluctuate because suppliers establish different costs according to a direct purchase or one tender.
Tenders and aggregate costs
This year it is expected that the first bidding for the purchase of raw material will be published between March and April, with the aim of ensuring supplies for the next three years.
The additional costs that should now be considered in production include:
- Manufacture by the National Steel Engravings Workshop (TNGA).
- Raw material transfer.
- Distribution of plates to the Care centers of the SAT.
- Import VAT losssince the plates are no longer imported.
- Material cost for safety hologramthat until now had used previous purchases.
Plate deliveries in the first months of the year
The current price of polystyrene plates is based on the raw material acquired in the previous year.
However, this year, the authorities have initiated the verification process, after that the publication would proceed to tender, which could generate cost adjustments.
In addition, a new material that was not part of the previous purchase has been included, which will impact the final value.
The delivery of plates in the first months of the year was distributed as follows:
- January: 10 thousand 794 plates for vehicles of two badges and 49 thousand 350 for vehicles of a badge
- February: 20 thousand 628 plates for vehicles of two badges and 26 thousand 73 for vehicles of a badge
Will the price for taxpayers modify?
Currently, the cost emission cost is maintained in:
- Plate vehicle: Q60.00
- Two plates vehicle: Q120.00
Despite fluctuation in the price of raw material, The cost for taxpayers It will be the same, since there is sufficient margin that allows stabilizing the price while the project consolidates and adjusts the purchase processes.
Advantages and disadvantages of change
Benefits:
- Local production with immediate delivery.
- Reduction of waiting times, eliminating delays from foreign suppliers.
- Generation of local employment through state agreements.
Challenges:
- Innovative process that requires time to evaluate its effectiveness.
- Import VAT elimination.
- Direct Liability of the SAT in the resolution of unforeseen production.
The foreign provider is expected GSIin charge of the metal plates, make your latest delivery in March, complying with the award of 2021which was delayed by problems in delivery terms.
The production of polystyrene plates in Guatemala seeks to improve taxpayers, but an evaluation period will be necessary to make improvements and optimize costs.