Guatemala
GT · GTM
As of: 6/23/2026
Agrarexporteur und zentralamerikanisches Transitland mit Häfen am Pazifik und an der Karibik
Capital: Guatemala City
SIECA / Zentralamerikanischer Gemeinsamer Markt (MCCA)SeefrachtStrasseLuftfrachtSchieneImport VAT: IVA 12 Prozent auf CIF-Wert plus Einfuhrzoll (Decreto 27-92). Kleinunternehmer-Regime 5 Prozent ohne Vorsteuerabzug.Customs: mittelRisk: mittelPharma/Cold Chain: mittelDangerous Goods: mittelE-Commerce: mittel
Overview
Guatemala (ISO GT) is the most populous country and largest economy in Central America, bordering Mexico, Belize, Honduras and El Salvador, with coastlines on both the Pacific and the Caribbean. The economy combines agriculture, manufacturing (textiles) and services; key exports are coffee, bananas, sugar, cardamom and apparel, while the country relies heavily on imports of fuel, machinery and consumer goods. Import VAT (IVA) is 12 percent on the CIF value, administered by the SAT through the DUCA customs declaration. Guatemala is part of CAFTA-DR, the Central American Common Market and free trade agreements with the EU, EFTA, Mexico, Chile, Colombia, Panama, Peru and Taiwan. The main gateways are Puerto Quetzal on the Pacific and Santo Tomas de Castilla and Puerto Barrios on the Caribbean, handling about 96 percent of foreign trade, complemented by La Aurora International Airport (GUA) for air cargo. The currency is the quetzal (GTQ).
Mentioned countries
Area108,889 km²
Population17,843,132
CurrencyGuatemaltekischer Quetzal (GTQ)
Economic areaSIECA / Zentralamerikanischer Gemeinsamer Markt (MCCA)
ContinentNordamerika
ReligionsKatholisch, Protestantisch, Andere
ISO codeGT / GTM
Customs & Import/Export
Import system
Einfuhr elektronisch über DUCA-D (Drittländer) bzw. DUCA-F (zentralamerikanischer Ursprung); FYDUCA in der Zollunion mit Honduras und El Salvador. Abwicklung durch SAT-Aduanas.
Export system
Ausfuhr über die DUCA (Declaración Única Centroamericana) der SAT; FYDUCA für Lieferungen innerhalb der Zollunion Guatemala-Honduras-El Salvador.
Import VAT
- IVA 12 Prozent auf CIF-Wert plus Einfuhrzoll (Decreto 27-92). Kleinunternehmer-Regime 5 Prozent ohne Vorsteuerabzug.
Customs complexitymittel
Import documents
- Handelsrechnung
- DUCA-D / Importerklärung
- Frachtbrief (B/L oder AWB)
- Packliste
- Ursprungs-/Präferenznachweis
- ggf. Einfuhrlizenzen (MAGA, Gesundheit)
Export documents
- Handelsrechnung
- DUCA (Ausfuhrerklärung)
- Frachtbrief
- Packliste
- Ursprungsnachweis (EUR.1/REX/CAFTA)
- Phytosanitäres Zeugnis (Agrarexporte)
Origin proofs / FTA
EU-Abkommen: EUR.1 oder registrierter Ausführer (REX). CAFTA-DR und EFTA: Ursprungserklärung. Innerhalb Zentralamerikas: DUCA-F.
Restricted & prohibited goods
Genehmigungspflichten u.a. für Waffen und Munition, Agrochemikalien, Arzneimittel sowie Lebens-, Pflanzen- und Tierprodukte (MAGA/Gesundheitskontrollen). Kulturgüter geschützt.
Export controls & sanctions
Keine UNO-Sanktionen gegen Guatemala. Als UNO-Mitglied setzt es UNSR-Sanktionen um; keine eigene Dual-Use-Kontrollliste. Bei US-Technologie gelten Reexportregeln (EAR).
Without warranty — always verify with freight forwarder/customs agent and official authorities.
Customs / Import / Export (Americas) — General process
Quick operational overview for international shipments to the Americas. Depending on the destination, additional security filings, product requirements, or broker processes may apply.
Documents (typical)
- Commercial invoice (description, value, Incoterms)
- Packing list (weights, dimensions, packages)
- HS code / tariff classification
- Proof of origin / preference docs (where relevant)
- Transport documents (AWB / Bill of Lading) depending on mode
Process (simplified)
- Prepare export (docs, HS code, origin)
- Import clearance in destination country (declaration, possible checks)
- Release and delivery; duties/taxes according to classification and value
Important: Requirements depend on goods, origin, Incoterms, value, and consignee. When in doubt, confirm with your broker/forwarder and official sources.
Official links
Note: regional/general sources. Country-specific authority links will be added iteratively.
Trade
Freight Infrastructure & Transport Network
Cargo airports
- La Aurora International Airport (GUA/MGGT), Guatemala-Stadt
Seaports / access ports
- Puerto Quetzal (Pazifik, APM Terminals)
- Santo Tomás de Castilla (Karibik, staatlich EPNSTC)
- Puerto Barrios (Karibik)
Road corridors & border crossings
- CA-1 Panamericana
- CA-2 (Pazifikküste)
- CA-9 (Guatemala-Stadt - Puerto Quetzal bzw. - Puerto Barrios)
Top trade lanes
- Guatemala - USA
- Guatemala - Zentralamerika (SIECA)
- Guatemala - China
- Guatemala - Mexiko
- Guatemala - EU
Risk & Operational Notes
Logistics riskmittel
Customs delay riskmittel bis hoch
Port congestion riskmittel bis hoch
Risk notes
Veraltete Hafentechnik und begrenzte Tiefgänge führen zu Engpässen. Korruption und Bürokratie verlängern Abfertigungszeiten. Reformprojekt für eine nationale Hafenbehörde 2026 in Arbeit.
Seasonal & weather risks
Atlantische Hurrikansaison Juni bis November (Karibikküste); Regenzeit Mai bis Oktober mit Erdrutschen; seismische Aktivität und aktive Vulkane (Fuego) am Pazifischen Feuerring.
Current logistics notes
Hafenumschlag 2025 plus 11 Prozent auf rund 1,12 Mio. Container. Geplante Ley de Autoridad Portuaria soll Quetzal, Santo Tomás und Barrios bündeln und Konzessionen ermöglichen.
As of: 2026-06-23
Operational notes – no claim to completeness. Verify with your freight forwarder and official sources.
Airports in this country
La Aurora Airport
GUA · Guatemala City
Coban Airport
CBV · Coban
Mundo Maya International Airport
FRS · San Benito
Puerto Barrios Airport
PBR · Puerto Barrios
Retalhuleu Airport
RER · Retalhuleu
Rubelsanto Airport
RUV · Rubelsanto
San José Airport
GSJ · Puerto San José
Bananera Airport
Morales
Canilla Airport
Canillá
Carmelita Airport
CMM · Carmelita
Chajul Airport
Chajul
Champerico Airport
Champerico
Latest News
No news for this country yet.
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Sources & Data Confidence
hochVerified: 2026-06-23
Official sources
- ine.gob.gt
- portal.sat.gob.gt
- sieca.int
- trade.gov
Source references without warranty. For legal/tax decisions consult official authorities.
FAQ
What is the import VAT (IVA) rate in Guatemala?
VAT (IVA) is 12 percent, levied on the CIF value plus import duty (Decree 27-92). It is the lowest VAT rate in Central America. Source: SAT (portal.sat.gob.gt).
Which system is used for customs declarations?
Imports and exports are processed electronically through the SAT's DUCA (Central American Single Declaration): DUCA-D for third countries, DUCA-F for Central American origin. The FYDUCA applies within the customs union with Honduras and El Salvador.
Which free trade agreements does Guatemala have?
Guatemala is part of CAFTA-DR (USA, since 2006) and the Central American Common Market. Further agreements exist with the EU, EFTA (incl. Switzerland), Mexico, Chile, Colombia, Panama, Peru and Taiwan.
Which ports handle foreign trade?
About 96 percent of foreign trade runs through Puerto Quetzal on the Pacific and Santo Tomas de Castilla and Puerto Barrios on the Caribbean. In 2025 around 1.12 million containers were handled (up 11 percent).
Which proof of origin is needed for exports to the EU?
Under the EU-Central America Association Agreement, the EUR.1 movement certificate or a registered exporter (REX) declaration applies. For CAFTA-DR and EFTA an origin declaration is sufficient.
Are there sanctions or export controls against Guatemala?
There are no UN sanctions against Guatemala. As a UN member it implements UN Security Council sanctions and has no autonomous dual-use control list. For US technology, US re-export rules (EAR) must be observed.
Which seasonal risks affect logistics?
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November and can affect the Caribbean coast. The May-October rainy season brings landslides, and there are earthquake and volcanic risks (Fuego volcano).
Which trade partners are important for Guatemala?
Which logistics terms are especially relevant for Guatemala?
For international shipments, these terms are a good quick start:
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