Can you bring your household goods to Guatemala with reduced duties?

In Guatemala, people who return or move may get a reduction of the import duty on their used household goods. It is a reduction decided by customs, not an exemption. Whether you qualify depends on who you are and your situation. This check tells you what we found in the official texts, what is missing, and what to prepare.

• Back in Guatemala after 24 months abroad — reduction of the import duty on household goods (PR-IAD/DNO-DE-16 norma 3 b; Convenio Arancelario art. 21 a)A person domiciled in Guatemala who was away for the 24 months before coming back for good can ask customs to reduce the import duty (DAI) on the household goods they bring: up to 50% (granted by the customs-house administrator), up to 70% (by the head of customs on a written request) and up to 25% for goods whose wear cannot be judged, such as glassware and china. It is a reduction, not an exemption: what is left of the duty and the 12% IVA are charged. Customs sets the percentage after inspecting the goods. The estimate shows 50%, the usual case, and says what 25% and 70% would give.
• Guatemalan diplomats and international staff coming home — household goods (PR-IAD/DNO-DE-16 norma 3 e; Ley del IVA art. 7 no. 1 d)Officials and employees of the Guatemalan diplomatic service who return when their mission abroad ends (by transfer to the Foreign Ministry or to another post), and Guatemalans who return after at least two years of service in an international organisation of which Guatemala is a member, bring their household goods free of every duty and tax, including the IVA. Only one appliance of each function, type or nature enters free; customs checks it.
• Foreign diplomats, consular staff and international organisations — customs franchise (Vienna Conventions; Ley del IVA arts. 7-9; Acuerdo SAT 123-2001)Foreign consular officers and their families bring personal-use and installation goods (household goods) free of all duties and taxes (Vienna Convention on Consular Relations art. 50); consular employees on their first installation. Diplomats and international organisations follow the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, reciprocity and their host agreements, and the franchise is requested through the Foreign Ministry. The quotas and time limits were not found: no amount or deadline is shown, our team confirms the requirements for your case.

1. Say who is moving.
2. Answer only the questions that apply to you: the result updates after every answer.
3. Get the documents and deadlines, and send or save the summary.