Economy
During the first four months of 2025, Guatemala has faced a rebound in illegal merchandise income, with seizures valued at Q18.9 million.
The authorities promote a new institutional strategy to combat this scourge that persists through blind routes and modified transportation from Mexico. (Free press photo: direct impact)
During the first four months of the year, the Guatemalan authorities have seized merchandise entered from smuggling for a value of Q18.9 million. Among confiscated products are food without health review, which represents a risk to public health. Smuggling is mainly done from Mexico, using modified transport and blind routes, without going through the established customs controls.
To face this problem, the Government began to structure a new policy against smuggling, in order to establish a solid institutional framework. This proposal will be prepared jointly by the members of the Interinstitutional Commission against smuggling and customs fraud, and seeks to structurally address the causes and mechanisms of this crime.
Health experts have warned about the dangers of consuming food and personal hygiene products that enter the country without health controls. Some of these articles, such as cosmetics and personal care products, may be adulterated and cause skin or hair affectations. Therefore, it is recommended to verify the origin of these goods before consumption or use.
For its part, the Superintendence of Tax Administration (SAT) has registered this year Q168 million in adjustments related to goods that presented inconsistencies between the declared value and the one that should really be paid. Edwin Curtidor Juárez, mayor of Customs, said that it is necessary to implement measures that generate a perception of risk among smugglers and promote voluntary compliance with tax obligations.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_knx_8icy4
*Direct impact is an informative program that is broadcast by Guatevisión, Monday through Friday at 7:00 p.m.