EL SALVADOR - GROWING TOGETHER LAW FOR THE INTEGRAL PROTECTION OF EARLY CHILDHOOD, CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS
On June 22, 2022, the Legislative Assembly approved decree number 431, which contains the Growing Together Law for The Integral Protection of Early Childhood, Children and Adolescents, and was published in the Official Gazette number 117, volume 435, of June 22, 2022.
The G...
COSTA RICA - HOMOLOGATION OF SANITARY REGISTRATIONS OF DRUGS
On June 22, 2022, an executive decree was signed that will accelerate registration procedures, since it will allow the application for homologation of drugs approved by regulatory authorities such as the European Medicines Agency (EMA), the United States Food and Drug Administrat...
BASIC QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON PROPERTIES IN THE MARITIME ZONE FOR HOTEL INVESTMENTS IN COSTA RICA
What is the nature of the maritime zone regime in Costa Rica?
The maritime terrestrial area in Costa Rica is the first 200 meters measured horizontally from the high tide line. The maritime zone includes islands, pinnacles of rock, mangroves, estuaries, and any smal...
NICARAGUA - NEW REPORTING OBLIGATIONS BEFORE THE GENERAL DEPARTMENT OF CENTRALIZATION OF INFORMATION AND PREVENTION (DGCIP)
On June 10th, 2022, DGCIP issued Newsletter DGCIP-03-2022, which establishes additional reporting obligations on the part of Attorneys and Notary Publics who authorize, participate, or intervene (or are about to do so) in transactions or services for or on behalf of their clients...
THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS TO NICARAGUA ARE MODIFIED AND THE NEGATIVE TEST REQUIREMENT FOR COVID-19 IS ELIMINATED
On June 16, 2022, the Nicaraguan Ministry of Health issued the Ministerial Resolution No. 309-2022, which amends the Ministerial Resolution No. 358-2020 that required travelers seeking to enter Nicaragua, among others, to present a negative test result: Real-time Polymerase Chain...
NEW NATIONAL CLIMATE CHANGE POLICY IN NICARAGUA
By Presidential Decree No. 04-2022, published in La Gaceta, Official Gazette No. 35 of the twenty-second of February of the year two thousand and twenty-two, the National Climate Change Policy (the "Policy") was approved.
Among others, the Policy reinforces policies an...
ARIAS NICARAGUA VOLUNTEERS AT THE MONTIBELLI PRIVATE WILDLIFE RESERVE
On June 5th, our team in Nicaragua carried out soil and water conservation works in commemoration of World Environment Day, as part of its annual volunteer program and strategic objectives of Corporate Social Responsibility that the firm has at the regional level. The works consi...
ARIAS CENTRAL AMERICA AND PANAMA: FINALISTS IN THE WOMEN IN BUSINESS LAW AWARDS 2022
WOMEN IN BUSINESS LAW published the list of nominees for this year's awards, which bring together the entire continent to recognize top female lawyers and celebrate law firms that have launched impressive initiatives to promote diversity and women’s leadership in the pr...
EL SALVADOR - ENTRY INTO FORCE OF THE NEW INSTRUCTIONS OF THE FINANCIAL INVESTIGATION UNIT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE (FIU)
By the Agreement No. 380 of the Attorney General of the Republic, dated October 22, 2021, the Instructions for the Prevention, Detection and Control of Asset and Money Laundering, Financing of Terrorism and Financing of the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction were issued...
29 LAWYERS LISTED IN THE WHO´S WHO LEGAL 2022 GUIDE
The talent, skills, passion for the law and dedication of our attorneys are reflected in the most recent edition of the Who's Who Legal guide in which 29 lawyers were listed in more than 14 practice areas. Get to know them below:
Throughout its history of more than...
COSTA RICA - THE RIGHT TO DIGITAL DISCONNECTION
In Costa Rica since September 18, 2019, was published the Law No. 9738, which is the Law to Regulate Teleworking. However, given the speed of information and immediacy of communications, this led to great difficulty in disconnecting from work, exceeding, in some cases, the limits...
EL SALVADOR - DISSOLUTION OF FONAES AND TRANSITION TO THE SALVADORAN WATER AUTHORITY
On May 25, 2022, the Legislative Assembly approved decree 388 containing the Law for the Dissolution of the Environmental Fund of El Salvador or as known in Spanish Fondo Ambiental de El Salvador (FONAES), hereinafter the Law, which was published in the Official Gazette number 10...
IFLR1000 RANKING 2022: PANAMA QUALIFIES IN BANKING AND FINANCE PRACTICE
ARIAS Panama was ranked by the distinguished legal directory as an outstanding firm within the highly competitive local market:
To qualify in this ranking, the International Financial Legal Review (IFLR1000) directory is based on transactional evidence, complexity and ...
IFLR1000 RANKING 2022: COSTA RICA EXCELS IN THE HIGHEST CATEGORY
IFLR100 published its most recent list of law firms ranked in the banking and finance practice in Costa Rica and, thanks to the effort, commitment and dedication of our outstanding team of experts we were qualified in the highest category:
To qualify in this ranking, the Inte...
NICARAGUA - AMENDMENT TO THE LABOR CODE FOR THE INCLUSION OF A NEW NATIONAL HOLIDAY
Last Friday, May 20, 2022, Law No. 1118 "Law Declaring Mother's Day a National Holiday" came into force, which amends article 66 of the Nicaraguan Labor Code, by including May 30 as new mandatory national holiday.
This implies that employers must comply with giving...
EL SALVADOR - RATIFICATION OF ILO CONVENTIONS 102, 148, 154, 183 AND 190
On May 16, 2022, the Congress ratified five Conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO): Convention 102, referring to minimum social security standards; Convention 148 on the Environment at Work, Associated with Occupational Hazards from Air Pollution, Noise and Vi...
IFLR AMERICAS 2022 AWARDS US WITH 6 IMPORTANT AWARDS THROUGHOUT THE REGION
Thanks to our human talent, their expertise, their knowledge and experience we have been awarded once again in the IFLR AMERICAS 2022 awards:
Central America Firm of the Year*
Central America Banking & finance Firm of the Year
Central America Corporate Firm of t...
GUATEMALA - SANITARY ALERTS UPDATE
The aforementioned agreement, effective as of its publication, establishes the parameters to determine the level of risk in each municipality and determinate the applicable color for alerts (based on traffic light system), according to the established indicators.
It also regulat...
OBLIGATORY VACCINATION FOR COVID 19 IN COSTA RICA
Today was published in the Official Diary La Gaceta the Executive Ordinance number 43543-S which refers to the mandatory vaccination against COVID 19.
As a first point, it is important to mention that this Executive Ordinance does not amend Executive Ordinance number 43249-S of ...
EL SALVADOR - VISAS FOR SALVADORANS TRAVELING TO THE UNITED KINGDOM
The UK Government has announced that from 9:00 a.m. (El Salvador time) on 11 May 2022, all nationals of El Salvador who intend to visit the UK will be required to obtain a visa ("entry clearance") in advance of traveling.
This measure is in addition to already establis...
ELIMINATION OF MANDATORY USE OF FACE MASKS IN COSTA RICA
Executive Ordinance number 43544 was published today, which amends article 3 of Executive Ordinance number 42421-S of March 10, 2021, called "Mandatory use of face mask".
With this amendment, the mandatory use of face masks is only required for front line health employ...
HONDURAS - SALES TAX EXEMPTIONS: THE MODERN PERSPECTIVE
Historically, consumption taxes, particularly the value added tax or as it is called in Honduras, Sales Tax (ISV), have been classified as regressive taxes. Tax regressiveness means that a tax is not collected based on a person's purchasing power, but is applied uniformly to ...
NICARAGUA - NEW REGULATIONS FOR PROVIDERS OF FINANCIAL SERVICES OF PAYMENT SERVICES AND VIRTUAL ASSETS
By means of Resolution CD-BCN-XXV-1-22 published in The Gazette, Official Diary No. 76 last Wednesday, April twenty-seventh, two thousand twenty-two, the Central Bank of Nicaragua (hereinafter "BCN") issued the Regulations for Financial Technology Providers of Payment S...
EXPERT PARTNERS IN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY EXCEL IN THE 2022 RANKING OF IP STARS
Intellectual property is recognized as one of the most important intangible assets for companies, and over the years it has gained greater value. Having a first-class team in this practice makes us stand out in the market and allows us to respond accurately to the needs of our cl...
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
On April 26, the World Intellectual Property Organization (hereinafter WIPO) celebrates Intellectual Property Day with the theme “IP and Youth: innovating for a better future”. At Arias, like WIPO, we believe that young people, through their energy, ingenuit...
EL SALVADOR - LAW AMENDMENTS TO BE CONSIDERED FOR DOCUMENTING CREDIT OBLIGATIONS
On April 26 of this year, the Legislative Decrees No. 293 containing amendments to the Law against usury (the "Law"); No. 294 containing amendments to the Civil Code and No. 295 containing amendments to the Commercial Code were published in the Official Gazette, all wit...
COSTA RICA - PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS 2022, SUMMARY OF MAIN EVENTS
During April, a new election process was completed in Costa Rica. After two electoral rounds, the presidential candidate Rodrigo Chaves of the Social Democratic Party was elected as the next President of Costa Rica. This electoral process also appointed the new 57 Congressman who...
GUATEMALA - REGULARIZATION PERIOD. ENVIRONMENTAL LICENSE
We remind you that in accordance with Governmental Agreement 137-2016 “Environmental Assessment, Control and Monitoring Regulations” of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, any project, construction, industry or activity regardless of its object must com...
COSTA RICA - TAX ADMINISTRATION ACTIVATES CONTINGENCY PLAN AND MAKES AVAILABLE TO TAXPAYERS FORM D-110 FOR THE PAYMENT OF TAXES DUE ON APRIL 18TH, 2022
The term to pay the taxes due on April 18th begins today. As established by guideline N°DGT-R-012-2022, since the ATV services have not been re-established as of April 29th, 2022, all taxpayers (except Major National Taxpayers who were the first to whom these measures we...
PANAMA APPROVES LAW FOR ELECTRIC MOBILITY
Last Monday, April 25, Panama approved Law 295 that encourages Electric Mobility in Transportation, which will come into effect next year, January 1st, 2023.
The Transit and Land Transport Authority (ATTT) will promote a steady replacement of mass transit fleets (buses and taxis...
COSTA RICA - TAX ADMINISTRATION GRANTS AN EXTENSION FOR THE FILING OF THE UBO REPORT
Last Friday, April 23, 2022, the Ministry of Treasury announced through its social media, an extension to the deadline to submit the UBO report, which should have been submitted no later than April 30 of the current year.
The new deadline will be until May 31st,2022. All legal e...
COSTA RICA - POTENTIAL REFORM TO THE LAW ON CANNABIS FOR MEDICINAL AND THERAPEUTIC USE AND HEMP FOR FOOD AND INDUSTRIAL USE. N° 10.113
Bill No. 22,964 is pending in congress to amend the recently approved law on cannabis for medicinal and therapeutic use and hemp for food and industrial use. The reform is motivated by the partial veto of the executive power that modified article 5 of bill No. 21,388.
Article 5,...
COSTA RICA - REFORM TO THE LABOR CODE: PATERNITY LEAVE AND SPECIAL LEAVES
The Legislative Assembly approved project number 21 149 reforming articles 94, 94 BIS, 95, 96, 97 and 100 of the Labor Code and adding paragraph k) to article 70 of the Labor Code.
The most important reforms are the creation of paternity leave and other special leaves, the exten...
THE FINTECH BOOM AND ITS DEVELOPMENT IN EL SALVADOR
The growing technological development has had an impact on the structure and the form the financial sector operates, accelerating its evolution towards a more automated and accessible ecosystem with immediate responses for its users. The term FinTech, an acronym for the words &ld...
NICARAGUA - TEMPORARY RULE FOR THE AMENDMENT OF ARTICLE 15 OF CREDIT CARD OPERATIONS REGULATIONS ENTERS INTO FORCE
On March 29, 2022, the Board of Directors of the Superintendence of Banks and Other Financial Institutions (SIBOIF) published Resolution No. CD-SIBOIF-1305-1-MAR29-2022, Temporary Rule for the Amendment of Article 15 of Credit Card Operations Regulations.
Said Amendment ...
AMENDMENTS TO THE CIVIL LAW NOTARY OBLIGATIONS AND THE COMMERCIAL CODE OF NICARAGUA
On April 4, 2022, Law number 1113 "Amendments to the civil law of notaries and the commercial code of the Republic of Nicaragua" came into force. Among the relevant aspects of these amendments, the status of Civil Law Notaries is reiterated as obligated subjects, that i...
MANAGING IP AWARDS US AS CENTRAL AMERICAN FIRM OF THE YEAR 2022
We were awarded as Central American Firm of the Year 2022 in the seventeenth edition of the Managing IP awards an event expected by lawyers in the practice of intellectual property.
Managing IP obtains information from thousands of law firms, IP professionals and their cli...
HONDURAS - VACCINATION AGAINST COVID-19: IMPLICATIONS IN THE WORK CENTERS
The pandemic caused by COVID-19 has posed many challenges in different areas for employers and employees. The use of masks, social distancing, disinfection and other biosecurity measures have been implemented to reduce the spread of the virus in the workplace, in this sense the a...
AGREEMENT FOR THE INCREASE OF THE MINIMUM WAGE IN HONDURAS FOR 2022 AND 2023
The Tripartite Table made up of Representatives of the Government of the Republic, the Business Sector and the Labor Sector has reached an agreement to increase the minimum wage in Honduras for the years 2022 and 2023. The increase was agreed on April 1 of the present year and es...
NICARAGUA - CREATION OF A NATIONAL GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS MITIGATION COMMITTEE
Last March 16, 2022 the Presidential Decree No. 06-2022 was published in La Gaceta Diario Oficial No. 51, which formally created the National Committee for the Mitigation of Greenhouse Gas Emissions (hereinafter the "Committee"), whose main objectives are to adapt the N...
PANAMA - REGULATION TO THE LAW THAT CREATES THE PRIVATE AND UNIQUE SYSTEM OF REGISTRATION OF BENEFICIAL OWNERS OF LEGAL ENTITIES
On March 25, 2022, Executive Decree No. 13 of 2022 (hereinafter "the Regulation") was published, by means of which Law No. 129 of 2020 (hereinafter "Law No. 129), which created the Private and Unique System of Registration of Beneficial Owners of Legal Entities, is...
WE STAND OUT AS LEADERS IN THE REGISTRATION OF PATENTS IN THE REGION - The Patent Lawyer Ranking 2022
The Patent Lawyer recently published the 2022 ranking of the Americas and the Caribbean of law firms offering patent services and we were included as leaders in patent registration in 5 countries: Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica.
To see the full magazi...
IFLR1000 CHOOSES 7 OF OUR PARTNERS AS WOMEN LEADERS
IFLR1000 recognizes leading female lawyers involved in impressive transactions and with the best recommendations from clients and colleagues for the quality of their service. Our lawyers are focused on banking and finance, corporate advisory, mergers and acquisitions and projec...
ARIAS SHORTLISTED FOR THE IFLR AMERICAS AWARDS 2022
The shortlist for the long-awaited IFLR AMERICAS 2022 awards were revealed and thanks to the outstanding work of our regional team in the areas of Banking, Finance, Restructuring, M&A and Corporate we were shortlisted in 3 important categories:
National Firm of the...
INTERVIEW PROCEDURE WITH PATENT EXAMINERS IN COSTA RICA
According to the last amendment to the Bylaws to the Patent Law back in 2014, among other relevant changes to the form and substance of patentability examinations, the formal possibility of requesting an interview with the examiner was established.
Although it is true that befor...
GUATEMALA - DEADLINE FOR ANNUAL SHAREHOLDERS PARTNER MEETINGS 2022
April 30th is the deadline for holding the annual ordinary shareholders' or partners’ meeting required per the Commercial Code, Decree 2-70 of the Congress of the Republic of Guatemala, for all commercial companies.
At said meeting, the financial statements of th...
SUSPENSION OF CONSTITUTIONAL GUARANTEES IN EL SALVADOR
As a result of an increased number of homicides in the country, at the initiative of the President of the Republic in use of his constitutional faculties, on March 27, 2022, the Congress issued the Legislative Decree No. 333, which contains the Exception Regime through which exce...
EL SALVADOR - TECHNICAL GUIDELINES FOR THE EVALUATION OF ACTIVITIES, WORKS OR PROJECTS THAT INCLUDE THE ALTERNATIVE OF REUSE OF TREADED WASTEWATER
The Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources of El Salvador has approved the Technical Guidelines for the Evaluation of Activities, Works or Projects that Include the Alternative of Reuse of Treated Residual Water (hereinafter the "Guidelines") as stated in the...
10 POSITIVE ASPECTS OF THE INSOLVENCY LAW
The Ministry of Economy has presented a series of bills to the Congress of the Republic of Guatemala with the purpose of reactivating the national economy. [1] Among these was Bill number 5446, which proposed a special law on insolvency matters to provide support to natural and l...
EL SALVADOR - NEW REGULATION FOR SANITARY REGISTRATION OF RISK A, B, C PRODUCTS AND SPECIAL IMPORT AUTHORIZATION FOR PREPACKAGED FOODS AND BEVERAGES
On March 8th of the current year, the Agreement Number 390, called: "REGULATION FOR THE SANITARY REGISTRATION OF RISK TYPE A, B, C PRODUCTS AND THE SPECIAL AUTHORIZATION FOR THE IMPORT OF PREPACKAGED FOOD AND BEVERAGES" was published. The new regulation allows the natio...
EL SALVADOR - NEW MINSAL'S (MINISTRY OF HEALTH) TECHNICAL STANDARD FOR OPERATING PERMITS AND AUTHORIZATIONS
We inform you that on March 8th of the current year, the Agreement Number 390, called "MINSAL's Technical Standard for Operating Permits and Authorizations" was published in the Official Gazette number 47, Volume 434. The new regulation represents a modernization of...
The global esports betting market
The global esports betting market has been growing at a rapid pace since the early 2000s. In 2010, there were just 600 esports events organized in the world. By 2024, that number will exceed 8,000 with revenue totaling $1 billion.
But what does this mean for you? It means that i...
GUATEMALA - WORLD CONSUMER RIGHTS DAY
The United Nations (UN) declared March 15 as World Consumer Rights Day in 1983, as a date to commemorate consumer rights and raise awareness about their protection internationally. Since this date, the UN has issued a series of guidelines for consumer protection and invites all c...
GUATEMALA - AMENDMENTS TO THE REGULATIONS OF THE LAW ON COPYRIGHT AND RELATED RIGHTS OF GUATEMALA
On March 8, 2022, Governmental Agreement No. 52-2022 was published in the Official Gazette of Guatemala, which contains amendments to the Regulations of the Law on Copyright and Related Rights of Guatemala.
Amendments are mainly due to the "Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Ac...
EL SALVADOR - PUBLICATION IN THE OFFICIAL GAZETTE OF THE ANIMAL WELFARE LAW
On January 25 of this year, the Legislative Assembly approved the Special Law for the Protection and Welfare of Animals, which was published in the Official Gazette number 33, volume 434 on February 16. The purpose of this law is to guarantee the welfare, protection and good care...
ARIAS COSTA RICA ADVISES TELEFONICA IN THE SALE OF ITS OPERATIONS TO LIBERTY LATIN AMERICA
Telefónica completed the sale of its regional operations in Central America to Liberty Latin America in Costa Rica for a value of $538 millions USD, and at Arias we advised them with the coordination of the entire transaction related to Costa Rica, including advice on the ...
NICARAGUA PROMOTES THE IMPORTATION OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES INTO THE COUNTRY
On February 15th, 2022, Law No. 1,111, Law of Amendments and Additions to Law No. 554, Energy Stability Law, was published. The main objective of this law is to encourage the purchase and import of new electric vehicles, through the exemption of up to 100% of the import customs d...
WORLD TRADEMARK REVIEW WEIGHS THE EXPERTISE OF OUR EXPERT IP LAWYERS
WTR1000 (World Trademark Review) has published its ranking for the period 2021-2022 and we were recognized as a leading firm in trademark-related matters in the region, and, in addition, 5 of our expert Intellectual Property lawyers were highlighted in this edition:
In...
MARCH 3RD: WORLD NATURE DAY - WHAT ROLE CAN ORGANIZATIONS PLAY IN PROTECTING ECOSYSTEMS?
According to data from the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD), the capacity of ecosystems to provide the essential services on which societies depend continues to decline. The Living Planet Index 2020 indicates that human beings are overexploiting the Ea...
COSTA RICA - THE LAW ON CANNABIS FOR MEDICINAL AND THERAPEUTIC USE AND HEMP FOR FOOD AND INDUSTRIAL USE NO. 10,113 WAS SIGNED BY THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH ON MARCH 2, 2022 AFTER ITS APPROVAL IN THE SECOND DEBATE
Since the bill was partially vetoed in late January, the bill has been modified to adopt the Executive Power’s observations. The Executive Power had objected provisions 5, 25 and 26 in the bill related to self-consumption and domestic cultivation. These objections were rais...
THE VANCE CENTER RECOGNIZED OUR PRO-BONO WORK IN ITS "KEEP FAMILIES TOGETHER" INITIATIVE
On February 28, 2022, The Vance Center recognized our Pro-Bono work in its initiative called Keep Families Together, which was launched in 2018 in response to the U.S. government's "Zero Tolerance" policy, this initiative connects Pro-bono counseling from Latin Amer...
GUATEMALA - CHARGES EXEMPTION FOR LATE PAYMENT OF CONTRIBUTIONS TO SOCIAL SECURITY
We inform you that through the Government Agreement 53-2022 of the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance, published on February 28 of the present year in the Official Journal, new rates are established for technical services provided by the Departments: a) Department of...
GUATEMALA - NEW RATES FOR FOOD REGULATION AND CONTROL SERVICES, PHARMACEUTICALS, RELATED PRODUCTS AND HEALTH ESTABLISHMENTS
We inform you that through the Government Agreement 53-2022 of the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance, published on February 28 of the present year in the Official Journal, new rates are established for technical services provided by the Departments: a) Department of...
COSTA RICA - ORDINARY FILING OF THE ULTIMATE BENEFICIAL OWNER (UBO) REPORT
During the month of April, the Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) Report of legal entities incorporated in the country must be submitted. In this report, the entire shareholder’s structure of the legal entities must be reported up to their final beneficiaries, whether they are...
COSTA RICA - REFORM OF REGULATION ON PUBLIC OFFERING OF SECURITIES REGARDING THE PRIVATE OFFERING OF SECURITIES
On November 13th, 2021, the Public Offering of Securities Regulation was amended. Prior to the implementation of this reform, securities trading in foreign markets or in securities markets not registered in the National Registry of Securities and Intermediaries carried out by int...
ARIAS GUATEMALA PROMOTING KEY TALENT IN THE REGION
At Arias, we have always distinguished ourselves by being a firm that promotes its key talent, to achieve together being strategic partners of our clients and making things happen. Preparing and promoting our talent is vital to offer our clients the highest quality stan...
5 ARIAS LAWYERS AMONG THE “45 of 45” BY DERECHO Y NEGOCIOS
Derecho y Negocios Magazine, recently announced the launch of an upcoming edition "Las 45 de 45" where they rate the impact and projection at a national level, taking into account their trajectory and efforts throughout their career, we are pleased to announce that 5 of...
ARIAS ADVISED IMCD N.V. IN 5 COUNTRIES
IMCD N.V., a leading distributor of speciality chemicals and ingredients, signed an agreement to acquire 100% of the business and the subsidiaries of Quelaris Internacional S.A., a LATAM regional raw material distributor with offices in Colombia, Costa Rica and Peru.
Arias acted...
CHAMBERS GLOBAL 2022 HIGHLIGHTS OUR EXPERTISE IN THE REGION
Chambers and Partners recently announced the 2022 edition of its Global Guide, which covers more than 190 countries around the world, including regional sections.
Our firm once again stands out in the ranking as a leading firm in Central America, qualified in the highest distinc...
ARIAS REPRESENTED BANCO LATINOAMERICANO DE COMERCIO EXTERIOR S.A. (BLADEX)
Arias represented Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior S.A. (Bladex) as Lender, Administrative Agent, Sole Lead Arranger, and Bookrunner in an up to US$101.5 million dual tranche Term Loan to Financial Group Credi Q.
The Sindicated loan to CrediQ, to ...
GUATEMALA - EMPLOYER´S ANNUAL REPORT
On February 28th, 2022, the deadline to comply with the obligation to submit the Employer’s Annual Report before Ministry of Labor expires. Every employer, regardless of the economic activity he carries out, must comply with this obligation during the first two months of ea...
GUATEMALA - CHANGES IN THE REGULATIONS REGARDING INSOLVENCIES AND BANKRUPTCY: APPROVAL OF THE LAW ON INSOLVENCIES, BY VIRTUE OF WHICH THE EXISTING REGULATIONS WILL BE BROUGHT UP TO INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS ON SUCH MATTER
On February 8, 2021, the Congress of the Republic of Guatemala approved the Insolvencies Law. Such Law will imply material and important changes to the legal framework applicable to insolvency and bankruptcy procedures, which will be oriented to benefit the reorganization and con...
ARE SPECIAL REGIMES ABOVE DATA PROTECTION LAW?
Law 81/2019 on the Protection of Personal Data in Panama exempts from its scope of application, those procedures that are expressly regulated by special laws or by the regulations that develop them.
However, the provisions and postulates on the protection of personal data contai...
SUMMA MAGAZINE RECOGNIZED OUR HUMAN TALENT MANAGEMENT IN ITS RECENT EDITION
Summa Magazine included in its 333rd edition the study "Companies with the best practices in human capital in the region" and we are very pleased to be included among the best companies in human talent management in El Salvador.
For us, our human talent is the most val...
MINIMUM WAGES INCREASE IN NICARAGUA
In accordance with agreements reached by National Minimum Wage Commission on February 3rd, 2022, agreement CNSM 03/02/2022, minimum wages will be increased by seven percent (7%) annually. Additionally, the agreement ratified the eight-point twenty five percent (8.25%) increa...
DATA PRIVACY WEEK - NICARAGUA: DATA PROTECTION LAW
Nicaragua has, since March 29th, 2012, a Personal Data Protection Law and its Regulations, with the purpose to protect individuals or legal entities when their personal data is being processed, whether automated or not, in order to guarantee the right to personal and family priva...
DATA PRIVACY WEEK - HONDURAS: CLASSIFICATION OF PERSONAL DATA
In Honduras, the protection of personal data is regulated: (i) in general terms by the Constitution of the Republic, which contemplates the protection of personal privacy and the inviolability of communications as a fundamental right of its individuals; and, (ii) by special laws ...
ARIAS INCORPORATES THE RENOWNED ENVIRONMENTAL LAWYER ROBERTO CORDERO TO ITS PRACTICE
With excitement we announce the incorporation of the renowned lawyer Roberto Cordero, to our Environmental Law practice, who for more than 20 years has served as a leader of this practice in the country. The integration of the new partner will be effective fr...
DATA PRIVACY WEEK - EL SALVADOR: WHAT IS THE MEANING OF A “CONSENT”?
In the context of Data Privacy, consent is associated with the right of the content of informative self-determination, which gives special interest to the development of rules of security of processing, transparency and information of the person, so that said interest, according ...
EL SALVADOR - PUBLICATION IN THE OFFICIAL GAZETTE OF THE GENERAL LAW FOR WATER RESOURCES
The General Law for Water Resources approved by the Congress on December 21, 2021 was published in the Official Gazette N°8 Book 434 of January 12, 2022. The law will become effective six months after its publication.
Among the relevant aspects of this law is the recognition...
DATA PRIVACY WEEK - GUATEMALA: WHY SHOULD YOU HAVE A DATA PRIVACY POLICY?
Guatemala does not have a law that addresses the protection of personal data. However, the Constitutional Court has recognized certain parameters that must be observed when processing, deal with and marketing personal data; the Court has also recognized the rights that citizens h...
LATIN LAWYER AND THE VANCE CENTER RECOGNIZE AMONG THE LEADING LIGHTS 2021 LAW FIRMS
Latin Lawyer and The Vance Center published the list of outstanding law firms for Pro-bono work and social responsibility activities among which we were recognized as one of the "Leading Lights" of the year 2021, reflecting the commitment and impact we generate region...
IVÓN HERNÁNDEZ, LEGAL INFLUENCER BY LEXOLOGY IN THE LAST QUARTER OF 2021
In its most recent publication, Lexology named Ivón Hernández, Senior Associate and market leader.
Ivón has over fifteen years of experience and is head of the IP Department of Arias in Guatemala, offering top legal services relates to trademarks, geographic...
EL SALVADOR - AUTHORIZATION OF NEW INSTRUCTIONS TO QUALIFY INSTITUTIONS DOMICILED ABROAD
In Session No. CD-39/2021 of December 2021, the Board of Directors of the Central Reserve Bank authorized the new “Instructions to Qualify Institutions Domiciled Abroad in the context of the Income Tax Law, the VAT Law, and the Tax Code”, which entered into force on J...
EL SALVADOR - APPROVAL OF THE ELECTRONIC APOSTILLE APPLICATION LAW
In ordinary plenary session number 39, held on January 18th, 2022, the Legislative Assembly approved the Law for the Application of the Electronic Apostille, which has as its purpose the legalization of public documents generated, digitalized or reproduced in electronic support, ...
WE CONGRATULATE TELEFONICA AND CMI FOR FINALIZING THE SALE OF THEIR OPERATIONS IN EL SALVADOR
On January 13, Telefónica, S.A. announced the sale of the entire share capital owned by Telefónica Centroamérica Inversiones, S.L. in Telefónica Móviles El Salvador, S.A. of C.V. (99.3%), to General International Telecom El Salvador,...
TAX AND CUSTOMS AMNESTY IN HONDURAS
By Legislative Decree 110-2021, published on December 29, 2021, a tax and customs amnesty has been approved for the fulfillment of pending material and formal obligations. The amnesty frees the tax and customs debt from full or partial payment of fines, surcharges, and interest. ...
PANAMA - MANDATORY COVID-19 VACCINE FOR PUBLIC SERVANTS IN PANAMA
Panama recorded yesterday 4,372 new contagions, which means that COVID-19 infections are increasing an average 2,390 new cases every day. This represents 66% of the peak — the highest average reported on January 9, last year.
Consequently, yesterday the National Government...
NICARAGUA - UPDATE OF THE VALUE OF THE SPECIFIC QUOTA PER LITER OF ALCOHOL FOR THE YEAR 2022
On December 17, 2022 the Ministry of Treasury signed and published the Ministerial Agreement No. 012-2011, which notifies the new quota for the specific tax on alcoholic beverages, wines and beers as applicable from January 1 to December 31, 2022.
This update is made in acc...
EL SALVADOR - MINISTRY OF FINANCE ISSUES A GUIDE FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE NIT BY THE DUI FOR NATURAL PERSONS
As a result of the reforms made to the Law on the Registration and Special Control of Taxpayers to the Treasury issued by Legislative Decree number 203 dated November 9, 2021 published in the Official Gazette number 235 Volume 433 dated December 9, 2021, the Ministry of Finance t...
EL SALVADOR - DEADLINE TO ADEQUATE TO THE LAW OF INTEGRAL WASTE MANAGEMENT AND PROMOTION OF RECYCLING
In accordance with Article 64 of the Law of Integral Waste Management and Promotion of Recycling, all persons, natural or legal, involved in the integral management of waste that were operating at the time the law came into force and that have an environmental permit, have a peri...
HONDURAS - REMINDER: DECLARATION AND PAYMENT OF THE INDUSTRY, COMMERCE AND SERVICES TAX (MUNICIPAL TAX)
The annual tax on Industry, Commerce and Services of the municipalities for the 2022 period must be declared before January 31 and may be paid in full in January or monthly throughout the fiscal year.
This tax must be paid by all commercial companies, sole traders, and every bra...
REMINDER: PAYMENT OF CORPORATE TAX
The annual Corporate Tax for 2022 fiscal year must be paid during this month and should be done on January 31st at the latest.
The Corporate Tax must be paid by any company, branch of a foreign company or its representative, as well as any individual limited l...
PARTIAL INCREASE IN THE MINIMUM WAGE IN PANAMA
By not reaching a consensus in the National Minimum Wage Commission -formed by workers and employers- the Panamanian Government set the last day of the year 2021, through Executive Decree #74, the new minimum wage that will begin to govern from January 16, 2022, for two year...
NICARAGUA REGULATES THE COMMERCIALIZATION OF ELECTRIC ENERGY
Last November 25th, 2021, Law No. 1094, Law of Amendments and Additions to Law No. 272 Law of the Electric Industry and its Reforms, came into effect, that seeks to strengthen and diversify the activities of the electric sector, through the regulation of the commercialization act...
COSTA RICA - DEADLINE TO SUBMIT THE LUXURY HOMES TAX RETURN IS JANUARY 17TH
January 17th, 2022 is the last day to submit and pay, without surcharges, the Luxury Homes Tax. This tax applies to properties with a construction value that exceeds CRC137,000,000.00 (approx. $212.403). The applicable tax rate extends from 0,25% to 0,50%, depending on the determ...
NICARAGUA - UPDATE OF THE VALUE OF THE STAMP TAX FOR THE YEAR 2022
On December 17 of 2021, the Ministry of Treasury signed and published the Ministerial Agreement No. 011-2011, which notifies the new values to be paid for the Stamp Tax as applicable from January 1 to December 31, 2022.
This update of the values of the Stamp Tax is made in acco...
COSTA RICA - NEW SALARY TAX BRACKETS WILL BE EFFECTIVE AS OF JANUARY 1ST, 2022
New brackets and applicable rates to salary tax were published in Executive Decree No. 43375-H, in the national newspaper La Gaceta on December 22nd, 2021.
The monthly salary withholding tax rates and brackets that will apply as of January 1st, 2022 are the following:
&nbs...
EL SALVADOR - APPROVAL OF THE GENERAL LAW FOR WATER RESOURCES
On December 21, 2021, the Salvadoran Congress approved the General Law of Water Resources, which creates a new general law on water, which is of public order.
Said law consists of 9 titles and 179 articles. Among the relevant aspects is the recognition of the human right to wate...
GUATEMALA - MINIMUM WAGE 2022
On December 17, 2021, Government Agreement No. 278-2021 of the Ministry of Labor was published in the Official Gazette, which establishes the minimum wage for agricultural, non-agricultural activities and export and maquila activities as of January 1, 2022.
How much is t...
EL SALVADOR - NEW SANITARY TECHNICAL STANDARD FOR USE OF THE CERTIFICATE OF FREE SALE, SANITARY REGISTRATION PROCEDURE FOR RISK C PRODUCTS AND SPECIAL AUTHORIZATION FOR THE IMPORTATION OF PREPACKAGED FOOD AND BEVERAGES IS APPROVED
On November 12, the Executive Branch in the field of Health issued Sanitary Technical Standard for the Application of the Certificate of Free Sale, Sanitary Registration Procedure for Risk C Products and Special Authorization for the Importation of Prepackaged Food and Beverages,...
ARIAS NICARAGUA: FIRM OF THE YEAR 2021 BY WHO’S WHO LEGAL
Every year Who's Who Legal carries out an in-depth research and evaluation, in which they identify attorneys in different practice areas and leading law firms in over 70 jurisdictions. Since 1996, Who's Who Legal has recognized and raised awareness of leaders in the legal...
EL SALVADOR - LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY APPROVES A TRANSITORY DECREE THAT EXEMPTS WORKERS’ END-OF-THE-YEAR BONUS FROM AN AMOUNT NOT EXCEEDING US$1,100.00 FROM THE PAYMENT OF INCOME TAX AND THE APPLICATION OF WITHHOLDINGS
In the plenary session held on Tuesday, December 7, 2021, a transitory decree was approved by the Legislative Assembly through which the workers’ end-of-the-year bonus was declared non-taxable income and as a consequence not subject to the withholding of Inco...
LACCA APPROVED 2022 RECOGNIZING LEGAL GREATNESS
The Latin America Corporate Counsel (LACCA) has released the latest edition of LACCA Approved, bringing together some of the region’s top private practice lawyers who have been personally recommended by LACCA members, the leading general counsels from around ...
ARIAS WITH TWO DELEGATES AT ASIPI 2021-2023
We are pleased to inform you that, after having carried out the election process for the position of ASIPI Delegates, our Partners Sonia Urbina from Honduras and Simón Valverde from Costa Rica have been selected as alternate representatives of the association in their re...
ARIAS STANDS OUT ONCE AGAIN AT THE CHAMBERS LATIN AMERICA AWARDS 2021
Every year, Chambers Latin America awards recognizes the preeminence of law firms in key jurisdictions in the region and reflect their achievements of the last 12 months by valuing outstanding work, strategic growth and excellence in client service; this year, Arias was recogni...
GUATEMALA - IMPLEMENTATION OF CUSTOMS SERVICES REASONABLE DOUBT DIGITAL SYSTEM FOR CUSTOMS VALUATION OF GOODS
On November 29th, 2021, the resolution SAT-IAD-005-201 was published in the Official Gazette, through which the Superintendency of Tax Administration (SAT) through the Intendant of Customs agreed to regulate the guidelines and conditions for the digital use of the Customs Service...
EL SALVADOR - EXTENSION TO THE ENTRY INTO FORCE OF THE NEW INSTRUCTIONS OF THE FINANCIAL INVESTIGATION UNIT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE (FIU)
By resolution of the sixteen hours of November 24th, 2021, the Attorney General approved a six-month extension to the entry into force of the new Instructions for the Prevention, Detection and Control of Money and Asset Laundering, Financing of Terrorism and the Financing of the ...
COSTA RICA - SIMPLIFIED HEALTH REGISTRATION BY NOTIFICATION FOR FOOD AND COSMETICS
On November 24, 2021, the decree "Procedure for simplified health registration by notification, health registration, registration recognitions, raw materials, control and surveillance of processed foods and low-risk cosmetics", number 43291-S, was published in the Offic...
EL SALVADOR - CREATION OF THE GENERAL DIRECTORATE FOR ENERGY, HYDROCARBONS AND MINES
On October 26, 2021, the Legislative Assembly of El Salvador approved the Legislative Decree No. 190, which contains the Law on the Creation of the General Directorate of Energy, Hydrocarbons and Mines; said decree was published in the Official Gazette number 212, volume 433, dat...
EL SALVADOR - CHANGES TO THE ANTITRUST ACT
In Ordinary Plenary Session held on November 17th, 2021, the Legislative Assembly approved the changes to the Antitrust Act, in support of the initiative summited by the Minister of Economy on September 30, 2021, which have as their main objective adapt the procedures regulated b...
ARIAS EL SALVADOR ASSOCIATES PROMOTED TO SENIOR ASSOCIATES
At Arias we value our team and consider it key to offer our clients high quality services, that is why 7 of our associates in Arias El Salvador were promoted to Senior Associates thanks to their merits since their incorporation into the firm.
René García
He has ...
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A PATENT PRACTITIONER IN LATIN AMERICA
To access the English version click the image below:
...
GUATEMALA - NEW REGULATION FOR CLINICAL TRIALS IN HUMANS
The Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance through Ministerial Agreement 206-2021 approves the new Regulations for Clinical Trials in Humans, which are effective from October 30, 2021. Ministerial Agreement 299-2019 of the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance,...
EL SALVADOR - NEW INSTRUCTIONS OF THE FINANCIAL INVESTIGATION UNIT (FIU) FOR THE PREVENTION OF MONEY AND ASSET LAUNDERING
By means of Agreement No. 380, issued by the Attorney General on October 22nd, 2021, the new Instructions of the Financial Investigation Unit for the Prevention of Money and Asset Laundering were approved, which will enter into force on November 26th, 2021, thirty days after its ...
EL SALVADOR - SPECIAL REGULATORY LAW OF THE OBLIGATION OF INDIVIDUALS AND ENTITIES OF PRIVATE LAW TO COMPLY WITH THE PRINCIPLE OF PUBLICITY
Through Legislative Decree No. 174, approved on October 5 of this year, published in the Official Gazette number 200, volume 433, dated October 20, 2021, the Special Regulatory Law of the Obligation of Individuals and Entities of Private Law to Comply with the Principle of Public...
ARIAS PROMOTES TALENTED, COMMITTED, AND SKILLFUL ATTORNEYS
Founded in 1942, at Arias El Salvador we are the law firm of reference in the country for having talented lawyers, with high knowledge of the law, creative solutions and focused on serving our clients.
We have also been characterized by promoting our human talent based on...
LEXOLOGY QUALIFIES ARIAS AS A LEGAL INFLUENCER IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 2021
Once again Lexology names our firm and our partner in Guatemala, Liz Gordillo as a legal influencer in the Health and Life Sciences practice. Congratulations Liz, well deserved!
Legal Influencers by Lexology is a powerful research tool that guides users through...
GENERALITIES ABOUT BITCOIN SERVICE PROVIDERS IN EL SALVADOR
On September 7, 2021, the Bitcoin Law (hereinafter the "Law") came into force in El Salvador, regulating bitcoin as an unrestricted legal tender with unlimited releasing power in any transaction. One of the main challenges when implementing a cryptocurrency as legal ten...
ARIAS ACCENTUATES THE QUALITY OF ITS SERVICES IN THE RANKINGS OF THE LEGAL 500 - 2022
The Legal 500 is a legal directory that for 33 years has analyzed the capabilities of law firms around the world, with an extensive research program reviewed and updated each year to provide the most real view of the global legal market.
In its recent publication...
GUATEMALA - AUTHORIZATION TO WORK ON REST DAYS AND HOLIDAYS FOR THE YEAR 2022-2023
If the business of your company requires employees to work on weekly rest days and/or holidays, it’s necessary to obtain an authorization from the Ministry of Labor and Social Security. Currently the authorization is granted for a period of two years.
It is importa...
ARIAS: FIRM OF THE YEAR AT THE DERECHO Y NEGOCIOS AWARDS 2021
Today the twelfth gala of the Derecho y Negocios Awards were held and we are pleased to announce that our firm was recognized with the following awards:
Firm of the Year
Corporate Law Firm of the year
Banking and Financial Law Firm of the year
Tax Law Firm...
COSTA RICA - DISSOLUTION OF THE ENTITIES THAT HAVE A DEFAULTER STATUS IN THE PAYMENT OF THE CORPORATE TAX
During the month of September, the publication in the Official Journal “La Gaceta” of the lists of legal entities that for having accumulated three, or more periods, of default on payment of the Corporate Tax, are being dissolved as of right according to the provision...
EL SALVADOR - NEW TENDER PROCESS FOR THE SUPPLY OF 115 MW OF POWER AND ITS ASSOCIATED ENERGY TO BE PROVIDED AS OF JANUARY 1, 2022
The electricity distributor company AES CLESA Y CIA., S. EN C. DE C.V., on its behalf and on behalf of the electricity distributor companies DELSUR, S.A. DE C.V., CAESS, S.A. DE C.V., EEO, S.A. DE C.V., DEUSEM, S.A. DE C.V., EDESAL, S.A. DE C.V., B & D SERVICIOS TÉCNIC...
ARIAS ADVISES TELEFÓNICA IN THE SALE OF ITS OPERATIONS IN EL SALVADOR
Arias advised Telefónica, S.A., TLK Investments, C.V. and Telefónica Centroamérica Inversiones, S.L., as selling companies, in the signing of the share purchase agreement regarding the sale of 100% of its interest in the operations in El Salvador in favor of ...
EL SALVADOR - ENTRY INTO FORCE OF THE GENERAL ELECTRICITY LAW AMENDMENTS
According to the amendments to the LGE, the activities of generation, transmission, distribution and commercialization of electricity are recognized as public services, which will continue to be regulated under the LGE.
Regarding the concession for the exploitation of a ...
COSTA RICA - MANDATORY VACCINATION AGAINST COVID-19 IN THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS
The President of the Republic and the Minister of Health signed today, October 11, the Executive Decree number 43249-S which establishes the obligation for employees in the Public Sector to be vaccinated against COVID-19 virus and also empowers employers in the Private Sector to ...
COSTA RICA - EXTRAORDINARY FILING OF THE ULTIMATE BENEFICIAL OWNER-REPORT
During April and May was carried out the ordinary filing of the Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) Report of the legal entities incorporated in the country.
Based on regulation DGT-ICD-R-06-2020, legal entities will have the obligation to file an extraordinary or an ordinar...
COSTA RICA - COMPULSORY COVID-19 VACCINATION IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR
On September 28, 2021, the National Commission of Vaccination and Epidemiology approved the obligatory vaccination against COVID 19 for the employees of the private sector whose employers, within their internal labor regulations, have opted to incorporate this vaccination as obli...
PANAMA - REGULATION OF THE PANAMANIAN FOOD AGENCY (APA)
On September 29, 2021, Executive Decree No. 125 which regulates the Law 206 that creates the Panamanian Food Agency (APA), was published in the Official Gazette. The APA replaces the Panamanian Food Safety Authority (AUPSA).
The APA is a new autonomous entity of the Stat...
ARIAS: CENTRAL AMERICAN TAX FIRM OF THE YEAR BY ITR AWARDS 2021
The International Tax Review awarded the achievements and notable developments by professionals specialized in international taxes from the North American, Central American and South American region during a period of 12 months in its “ITR 2021 Awards” and...
PANAMA GRANTS PATERNITY PRIVILEGE
In September 2016, the Government has approved the Law No. 238 of 2021 that extends the scope of the maternity privilege to the father and mandates a vacation leave in cases where the mother has passed away. This paternity privilege is coming into effect the next day after l...
ARIAS SHORTLISTED FOR CHAMBERS LATIN AMERICA AWARDS 2021
The finalists for the Chambers Latin America Awards 2021 were announced and we are pleased to announce that our firm was bestowed 6 nominations including CENTRAL AMERICA LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR 2021.
These awards are based on the research for Chambers Latin Americ...
PANAMA HARDENS SANCTIONS TO FOREIGNERS MISSING WORK PERMITS
By means of the Law No. 237 of 2021, the Labor Code is modified to increase sanctions due to infringements related to the recruitment of foreign personnel without the corresponding authorization, establishing US$ 15,000 fines and provisional suspension of the company’s comm...
EL SALVADOR - BITCOIN LAW AND REGULATIONS ENTER INTO FORCE IN EL SALVADOR
On June 8, 2021, the Congress of the Republic of El Salvador approved the Legislative Decree 57 that contains the Bitcoin Law, being its purpose to regulate Bitcoin as legal tender, unrestricted, with liberating power, and unlimited in any type of transaction that individuals or ...
SONIA URBINA IS PROMOTED TO PARTNER IN ARIAS HONDURAS
Our vision as a law firm is to be strategic partners to our clients and an enhancer of our human talent, motivating and encouraging them to offer top notch legal services, hence promoting our best talent is key to making things happen.
Sonia Urbina, senior asso...
PANAMA EXEMPTS FROM SUBMITTING COVID-19 TESTS TO VACCINATED TRAVELERS
Through Executive Decree No. 833 of August 30, 2021, Panama has eliminated the requirement to present COVID-19 tests and to carry on a 72-hour preventive quarantine, for travelers arriving in the national territory, as long as the person has completed the vaccination pr...
IFLR1000 LEGAL RANKING 2022 (INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL REVIEW)
IFLR1000, announces the Central American lawyers ranking, basing their qualifications on transactional evidence and feedback from clients and colleagues, extremely valuable factors for our firm.
Congratulations to the entire regional team, thanks to your talent we have p...
ARIAS DEMONSTRATES LEADERSHIP IN CHAMBERS AND PARTNERS LATIN AMERICA'S 2022 RANKING
Chambers and Partners conducts an in-depth research to rank the top law firms and lawyers across Latin America for its prestigious annual guide: Chambers and Partners Latin America. In this guide, the renowned legal directory covers a total of 20 jurisdictions, cov...
NICARAGUA - RESOLUCIÓN MINISTERIAL NO.334-2021 - “SE APRUEBAN LOS REQUISITOS Y PROCEDIMIENTOS DE REGISTRO SANITARIO DE LOS PRODUCTOS DE TABACO”
On August 6, 2021, Ministerial Resolution Number 334-2021 was published in Nicaragua in the Gazette Number 146. Such resolution approves the requirements and procedures for sanitary registration of tobacco products and their derivatives; registration of establishments dedicated t...
NICARAGUA - AMENDMENTS TO FINANCIAL AND BANKING REGULATIONS
On August 24, 2021, the Nicaraguan Parliament approved amendments to the General Banking, Non-Banking Financial Institutions and Financial Groups Law, particularly with respect to sanctions applicable to directors, managers, officers, employees and internal auditors of financial ...
ARIAS: AMONG THE 10 MOST WELL-RESPECTED LAW FIRMS IN CENTRAL AMERICA IN THE TRADEMARK LAWYER RANKING 2021
Throughout the year, The Trademark Lawyer magazine carries out extensive research to highlight leading firms in the IP and trademark field in each jurisdiction to recognize the hard work and improvement firms have achieved and to aid clients select the best firm for their needs.
...
NON-USE CANCELLATION
In Costa Rica, trademark applicants/owners are not required to file declarations of use to demonstrate the effective use of their trademark in commerce in order to obtain registration nor to maintain their registrations. Proof of use will only be required if a trademark owner is ...
KEY ASPECTS OF THE TRADEMARK OFFICE PROCEDURE TO ACHIEVE THE RECOGNITION OF WELL-KNOWN MARKS
It has been almost two years since the Trademark Office issued the Directive DPI-0003-2019, which authorizes and regulates the procedure for achieving the well-known status of a trademark without having to contend it in a contentious proceeding, such as in an opposition or a null...
A BRIEF GUIDE TO OBTAINING BREEDER’S RIGHTS FOR A PLANT VARIETY IN COSTA RICA
Since Costa Rica joined UPOV on December 2008 plant variety protection rights are obtainable through a simple and efficient process. The competent authority for this registration is the National Seeds Office (OFINASE).
The breeder’s right shall be granted to the breeders o...
ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW - AVENUES TO CHALLENGE PRE-GRANTED OR POST GRANTED PATENTS
The administrative review provides an opportunity to challenge a patent application refusal issued by the Patent Office and/or challenge a granted patent at the administrative level. This review is done by experienced Examiners and/or administrative judges.
Denial Decis...
NEW EDITIONS FOR PATENT, TRADEMARK AND INDUSTRIAL DESIGN CLASSIFICATIONS COME INTO FORCE IN GUATEMALA
On September 27, 2021, the following Ministerial Agreements issued by the Ministry of Economy were published in the Official Gazette of Guatemala:
Ministerial Agreement number 396-2021 for the enforcement of the International Patent Classification (IPC), established by...
COVID-19 LEGAL TASK FORCE COSTA RICA – UPDATE 60
Arias created an interdisciplinary task force with the participation of different practice areas, that is monitoring and informing about measures taken by the Government to mitigate the impact of COVID 19.
The Government of Costa Rica announced today some modifications t...
ARIAS CONTINUES TO GROW BY PROMOTING KEY TALENT IN THE REGION - RODRIGO IBARRA PROMOTED TO PARTNER IN ARIAS NICARAGUA
At Arias, we have always distinguished ourselves by being a firm that promotes its key talent to be, together, strategic partners to our clients and make things happen. Promoting our talent is a priority, we consider it key to offer our clients top notch legal services....
GUATEMALA - NEW REGULATION FOR WASTE MANAGEMENT
Through Governmental Agreement 164-2021 of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources and Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance, published on August 10 of this year in the Official Journal, the Regulation for the Integral Management of Waste and Common Solid Wast...
ARIAS SHORTLISTED AS LATIN AMERICAN TAX FIRM OF THE YEAR (AND MORE) FOR THE ITR AWARDS 2021
The shortlist for the 2021 ITR (International Tax Review) awards were recently announced, and we are pleased to announce that our firm was nominated in the following categories:
Central America Tax Firm of the Year
Central America Transfer Pricing Firm of the Year
La...
LILIAN ARIAS, WOMAN LEADER IN EL SALVADOR - By SUMMA Magazine, Special Women
MJ, special edition of SUMMA magazine, published the selection made by the Research Unit of Summa Media Group, of 150 women leaders in Guatemala, El Salvador and Costa Rica, based on consultations with specialists and evaluations of professional trajectory, follow-up to...
COVID-19 LEGAL TASK FORCE COSTA RICA – UPDATE 59
Arias created an interdisciplinary task force with the participation of different practice areas, that is monitoring and informing about measures taken by the Government to mitigate the impact of COVID 19.
The Government of Costa Rica announced today some modifications t...
ARIAS HONDURAS: TIER 1 BY IFLR1000 - PROJECT DEVELOPMENT – FINANCIAL AND CORPORATE
The Project Development and Financial and Corporate practice in our offices in Honduras were ranked by IFLR1000 as TIER 1 in its thirty-first edition, which is extremely important to us as the guide takes into account not only transactional evidence but also f...
ARIAS NICARAGUA TIER 1 BY IFLR1000 - PROJECT DEVELOPMENT - CORPORATE AND FINANCIAL
The thirty-first edition of the IFLR1000 guide was recently published and in Nicaragua we were ranked as TIER 1 in the Project Development and Financial and Corporate practices, this rating is very significant and valuable for the firm because their research i...
ARIAS GUATEMALA: TIER 1 BY IFLR1000 - PROJECT DEVELOPMENT - CORPORATE AND FINANCIAL
Our Project Development and Financial and Corporate practices were ranked as TIER 1 in the thirty-first edition of the IFLR1000 guide, which bases its research not only on transactional evidence but also on good feedback from clients and colleagues, which is e...
ARIAS PANAMA TIER 1 IN PROJECT DEVELOPMENT BY IFLR1000
IFLR1000 published the ranking of law firms in its 31st edition, including for the first time Arias' office in Panama in the category of "NOTABLE" in the practice of Project Development. It is a significant recognition because this prestigious legal directory b...
ARIAS EL SALVADOR TIER 1 BY IFLR1000 - PROJECT DEVELOPMENT & FINANCIAL AND CORPORATE
IFLR1000 in its thirty-first edition published on June 28 of this year, ranked us as TIER 1 in the PROJECT DEVELOPMENT and FINANCIAL AND CORPORATE practices, this rating is very significant and valuable to the firm because their investigation is based on ...
ARIAS COSTA RICA TIER 1 IN PROJECT DEVELOPMENT BY IFLR1000
On July 28, 2021 IFLR1000 announced its ranking of law firms in the practice of PROJECT DEVELOPMENT. This research is based on transactional evidence and most importantly, feedback from clients and colleagues, therefore being considered as Tier 1 in this ...
ARIAS QUALIFIED IN THE THIRTY-FIRST EDITION OF THE IFLR1000 RANKINGS - PROJECT DEVELOPMENT, FINANCIAL AND CORPORATE
On July 28, 2021 IFLR1000 announced its PROJECT DEVELOPMENT, FINANCIAL AND CORPORATE rankings . This ranking is based on transactional evidence and most importantly, feedback from clients and colleagues, therefor being considered in Central America as Tier 1 in these practice are...
GUATEMALA - REGULATION FOR THE COMPENSATION MECHANISM FOR THE USE OF VACCINES AGAINST COVID-19 AUTHORIZED FOR EMERGENCY USE
We inform you that through Ministerial Agreement No. 150-2021 of the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance published on July 10 in the Official Journal, the Regulation of the compensation mechanism for the use of vaccines against Covid-19 that have authorization for eme...
GUATEMALA - PROVISIONS FOR THE OPERATION OF THE SERIOUS ADVERSE REACTIONS TO COVID-19 VACCINE ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE
We inform you that through Ministerial Agreement No. 149-2021 of the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance published on July 10 in the Official Journal, the provisions for the integration and operation of the Committee for the Evaluation of Serious Adverse Reactions to ...
EL SALVADOR - FIRST REVISION AND PUBLICATION OF THE SALVADORAN TECHNICAL REGULATION ON MEDICAL DEVICES, MEDICAL USE MASKS, TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS AND TESTING METHODS
Last Friday, July 16 of this year, the Salvadoran Technical Regulation (RTS): Medical Devices, Medical Use Masks, Technical Specifications and Testing Methods was published in the Official Gazette, No. 136, Volume 136, effective as of the date of its publication, which aims to es...
NICARAGUA - CARLOS ÚBEDA - LEGAL INFLUENCER BY LEXOLOGY
Lexology Legal Influencers recognizes the thought leaders in the legal industry every quarter. Individual experts and companies are chosen through their proprietary scoring system that takes into account the number of readings and lexscore of each article written by law...
COVID-19 LEGAL TASK FORCE COSTA RICA – UPDATE 58
Arias created an interdisciplinary task force with the participation of different practice areas, that is monitoring and informing about measures taken by the Government to mitigate the impact of COVID 19.
The Government of Costa Rica announced today a modification to th...
PANAMA MODIFIES THE "FRIENDLY NATIONS" IMMIGRATION SUBCATEGORY
Executive Decree No. 226 of July 20, 2021 which modifies the Permanent Resident Permit as National Foreigners of specific countries that maintain friendly, professional and investment relations with the Republic of Panama, also known as "Friendly nations", was recently ...
EL SALVADOR - SIGNIFICANT REFORMS TO THE ELECTRONIC SIGNATURE ACT
On July 20, 2021, the Salvadoran Congress approved a broad package of reforms to the Electronic Signature Act ("ESA"), which are intended to correct certain deficiencies that were noticed in the practical application of said law, in force since April 23, 2016. Additiona...
COSTA RICA - APPROVAL OF NEW LAWS THAT BENEFIT THE FOREIGNERS THAT WANT TO RESIDE IN COSTA RICA (DIGITAL NOMADS, INVESTORS, RENTERS, RETIREES)
In order to increase foreign investment and flow, Costa Rican Government has approved Law Project Number 22,215: Law to attract international workers and remote service providers and Bill 9996 (which has already been published and is already in effect): Law to attract investors, ...
GUATEMALA STARTS THE WITHDRAWAL FROM THE REGIONAL ELECTRIC MARKET
Through a letter dated July 6th, 2021, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Guatemala notified the Central American General Secretary (SICA), the withdrawal from the General Treaty of the Electric Market in Central América, with which Guatemala will no longer be a part of th...
COVID-19 LEGAL TASK FORCE COSTA RICA – UPDATE 57
Arias created an interdisciplinary task force with the participation of different practice areas, that is monitoring and informing about measures taken by the Government to mitigate the impact of COVID 19.
The Government of Costa Rica announced today some modifications t...
ARIAS COSTA RICA EXCELLED IN THE BENCHMARK LITIGATION RANKING 2021
Last June, Benchmark Litigation announced its most recent rankings for Latin America and our litigators in Costa Rica stood out for being noticed thanks to their practice and trajectory.
Victor Garita, partner of the firm, is the one who leads the Litigation department and, fo...
ARIAS HONDURAS EXCELLED IN THE BENCHMARK LITIGATION RANKING 2021
In the recent publication of the Benchmark Litigation rankings, our team of litigators in Arias Honduras excelled for their quality of work and trajectory. It is of great value to the team to be among this select group of lawyers, since this legal directory focuses on a specific ...
GUATEMALA - DISCLAIMER AND CREATION OF COMPENSATION MECHANISMS FOR THE USE OF VACCINES AGAINST COVID-19 AUTHORIZED FOR EMERGENCY USE BY THE PANDEMIC
Through Decree 8-2021 authorized by the Congress of the Republic and published on July 6 of this year in the official journal, the Law on Exemption from Liability and Creation of the Compensation Mechanism for the Use of Vaccines Against Covid-19 that Have Authorization of Emerge...
BENCHMARK LITIGATION RATED OUR ENTIRE TEAM OF LITIGATORS IN NICARAGUA
Benchmark Litigation recently announced its 2021 ranking in which they appoint recognized attorneys in the Litigation and Arbitration areas around the world. On this occasion our entire team of litigators in Nicaragua was included in the list in several categories:
Roger P&eac...
COSTA RICA INCORPORATES TO ITS PRACTICE TO THE RENOWNED LAWYER MARÍA DEL PILAR LÓPEZ
The new partner, an expert in intellectual property, and her core team, will contribute to the expansion of the department in Arias. Pilar has more than 20 years leading a sophisticated IP practice.
Today, with great enthusiasm we announced the incorpor...
MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE IN EL SALVADOR
On July 2, 2021, the National Minimum Wage Council agreed to increase by 20% to the minimum wage for the various productive sectors, effective as of August 1, 2021, according to the following list:
The agreements to increase the minimum wages from different productive sectors ...
EL SALVADOR - EXTENSION OF THE TRANSITORY PROVISIONS TO THE INTERNATIONAL SERVICES LAW
Until December 31, 2021, the Transitory Provisions to the International Services Law will be in force, which are intended to allow Direct Users of Service Parks and Service Centers to carry out their activities outside the facilities authorized by the Ministry of Economy.
...
EL SALVADOR - TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS FOR THE CELEBRATION OF ASSEMBLIES AND GENERAL MEETINGS OF LEGAL PERSONS BY VIDEOCONFERENCES AND OTHER TECHNOLOGICAL MEANS
By Legislative Decree No. 61, dated June 15, 2021, published in the Official Gazette No. 117, volume 431, dated June 21, 2021, transitory provisions that enable the holding of shareholder assemblies and meetings of legal entities by video conference and other technological means ...
EL SALVADOR - TEMPORARY PROVISIONS FOR THE RENEWAL OF BUSINESS LICENSE AND REGISTRATION OF PREMISES FOR THE YEAR 2021
Given the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Salvadorian Congress approved Decree No. 62 dated June 15, 2021, and published in the Official Gazette No. 117, volume 431, dated June 21, 2021, which will become effective from its date of publication and until on A...
EL SALVADOR - MINISTER OF THE ENVIRONMENT PRESENTS DRAFT OF THE GENERAL LAW OF WATER RESOURCES
On June 18, 2021, the Minister of the Environment of El Salvador, Mr. Fernando López, presented a draft of the General Law of Water Resources to the Legislative Assembly which aims to become a general water law that had been expected with much anticipation since for many y...
ARIAS COSTA RICA: LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR BY IFLR AMERICAS
The IFLR AMERICAS awards highlight the most legally innovative cross-border transactions that closed in 2020. During the research, IFLR editors considered multi-jurisdictional transactions, to highlight work that innovated legal schemes, introduced new structures and in...
EDUARDO ANGEL, CENTRAL AMERICA LITIGATOR OF THE YEAR BY BENCHMARK LITIGATION
For the first time since its inception, Benchmark Latin America celebrates the leading litigators, firms and disputes stemming in an inaugural awards ceremony. According to Benchmark Litigation “these awards aim to recognize the firms and litigators who have performed excep...
PANAMA - EXTENSION TO PROCESS APPLICATIONS FOR SANITARY PERMITS
Through Resolution No. 0899 of 2021, the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Panama, has established an additional period of six months, as of April 1, 2021, for companies and/or establishments to process their applications and renewals for:
Sanitary Operation Permit...
ARIAS EL SALVADOR: LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR BY IFLR AMERICAS
On May 27th, IFLR AMERICAS announced, the winners of the awards throughout the Americas, in which we were recognized as "FIRM OF THE YEAR IN EL SALVADOR". To be on such a prestigious list of winning firms, International Financial Legal Review investigates...
LATIN LAWYER RECOGNIZES DR. ARIAS' TRAJECTORY BY AWARDING THE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Latin Lawyer, world-renowned publishing house, announced the delivery of the LIFETIME ACHIVEMENT AWARD, an extremely important award given only to two people throughout Latin America, and with great joy, we inform you that Dr. Armando Arias, outstanding lawyer and pioneer ...
GUATEMALA - AMENDMENTS TO THE FREE ZONE LAW (DECREE 65-89)
On July 1st, 2021, Decree 6-2021 of the Congress of the Republic of Guatemala amending the Free Trade Zone Law, decree 65-89, was published in the Official Gazette.
This reform is derived from the Guatemalan Government’s intention to promote an economic reactivatio...
ARIAS HONDURAS: LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR BY IFLR AMERICAS
On May 27, 2021, was held the IFLR AMERICAS 2021 awards ceremony. These awards highlight the most legally innovative cross-border transactions that closed in 2020. During the research, IFLR editors considered multi-jurisdictional transactions, to highlight work that inn...
GUATEMALA - APPROVES “LAW FOR THE SIMPLIFICATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES”
Yesterday the Official Gazette published Decree No. 5-2021 of the Guatemalan Congress containing the "LAW FOR THE SIMPLIFICATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES", which will be enforceable 90 days after its publication (that is, on August 31st , ...
NICARAGUA OPTS TO START REGULATING VIRTUAL ASSETS
On May 17, 2021, Law No. 1072 Law of Amendments and Additions to Law No. 977 Law against Money Laundering, Financing of Terrorism and Financing of the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction ("LA/FT/FP") and Addition to Law No. 561 General Law of Banks, Non-Banking...
ARIAS COSTA RICA: TIER 1 BANKING AND FINANCE BY IFLR1000
On May 27, 2021, IFLR100 announced the law firms’ rankings in the Banking and Finance practice in Costa Rica. This ranking is based on transactional evidence and most importantly, feedback from clients and colleagues, so being considered in Tier 1 in said practice area...
MODIFICATION OF PRICES REGARDING QUALIFICATION OF INSTITUTIONS DOMICILED ABROAD BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF EL SALVADOR
The Board of Directors of the Central Bank of El Salvador, in Session No. CD-17/2021, on May 27, 2021, agreed the approval of the modification to Annex 2 “Table of Prices for Provision of Qualification Service of Institutions domiciled Abroad, in the context of the Income T...
COVID-19 LEGAL TASK FORCE COSTA RICA – UPDATE 55
Arias created an interdisciplinary task force with the participation of different practice areas, that is monitoring and informing about measures taken by the Government to mitigate the impact of COVID-19.
The Government of Costa Rica announced new measures that apply fr...
PANAMA REGULATES DATA PROTECTION LAW
Law No. 81 of March 26, 2019, which entered into force just two months ago, on March 29, has finally been regulated since last Friday May 28, through Executive Decree 285, establishing tangible guidelines for compliance with the principles, rights, obligations and procedures for ...
ARIAS EXCELS AT IFLR AMERICAS AWARDS 2021
Today was the celebration of the IFLR AMERICAS 2021 Awards, which highlight the most legally innovative cross-border transactions that closed in 2020. During the research, IFLR’s editors considered multi-jurisdictional transactions structured from Canada to Chile, and every...
COSTA RICA - EXTENSION OF THE TERM WHICH AUTHORIZES THE REDUCTION OF WORKSHIFTS IN THE TOURISM SECTOR, FOLLOWING THE DECLARATION OF NATIONAL EMERGENCY
Following the measures applied by the Costa Rican Government to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we inform you that the Legislative Assembly of the Republic of Costa Rica, approved the addition of transitory IV to the Law 9832, "Authorization of Reduction of Wor...
SHORT STAY VISA AS A REMOTE WORKER IN PANAMA
Through Executive Decree No. 198 of May 7, 2021, Panama has created, within the non-resident immigration category, the short-stay visa as a remote worker; specifically focused on attracting extended stay tourists and digital nomads who are able to work remotely from Panama.
&nbs...
EL SALVADOR - MINISTER OF THE ENVIRONMENT SUBMITS PROPOSAL OF REFORM OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL LAW
On Friday, May 21, the Minister of the Environment of El Salvador, submitted a proposal of reform of the Environmental Law before the Legislative Assembly, which is supported by the president of El Salvador, pursuant to the information available on the website of the Ministry of ...
COSTA RICA APPROVES THE DRAFT GENERAL LAW ON PUBLIC PROCUREMENT
This Monday, May 17th, the Legislative Assembly unanimously approved in a second debate the draft General Law on Public Procurement, File No. 21,546. With this approval, the bill will now pass to the Executive Branch for its final signature. The new Law requires a regulation and ...
COVID-19 LEGAL TASK FORCE COSTA RICA – UPDATE 54
Arias created an interdisciplinary task force with the participation of different practice areas, that is monitoring and informing about measures taken by the Government to mitigate the impact of COVID-19.
As noted in recent weeks, the increase in COVID-19 infections and...
EL SALVADOR - TRANSITORY PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE EXTENSION OF THE TERMS ESTABLISHED IN ARTICLE 22 OF THE FREE ZONES INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIALIZATION LAW
By Legislative Decree number 850 dated March 25, 2021 published in the Official Gazette number 87 Volume 431 dated May 7, 2021, Transitory Provisions Relating to the Extension of the Terms Established in Article 22 of the Free Zones Industrial and Commercialization Law were appro...
ARIAS, CONSIDERED AN ELITE LEGAL FIRM BY LATIN LAWYER 2021
Once again, Arias is included in the list of Latin Lawyer Elite 2021 law firms in Central America, which, according to Latin Lawyer, considers “the legal firms that lead the way in their respective markets for the excellent work they do for clients. Also, firms th...
COVID-19 LEGAL TASK FORCE COSTA RICA – UPDATE 53
Arias created an interdisciplinary taskforce with the participation of different practice areas, which is monitoring and informing about measures taken by the Government to mitigate the impact of COVID-19.
The Government of Costa Rica, due to the increase in cases relate...
7 OF OUR PARTNERS RECOGNIZED AS WOMEN LEADERS BY IFLR1000
In May 2021 IFLR1000 (International Financial Legal Review 1000) announced the WOMEN LEADERS of the year in the legal field in Latin America and the prestigious directory recognized seven of our partners in the region:
The aforementioned list includes the world's...
ARIAS SHORTLISTED FOR BENCHMARK LITIGATION AWARDS 2021
On May 4, 2021, was announced the shortlist for first awards from the prestigious legal directory, Benchmark Litigation, which focuses on the Litigation and Arbitration practice area around the world.
For the first time since its inception, Benchmark Latin America celebrates the...
ARIAS NICARAGUA ADVISES THE LARGEST PLACEMENT OF GREEN BONDS IN CENTRAL AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN
CMI Energy, of the CMI Latin American family corporation, financed the placement of US$700 million in green bonds, this being the largest placement of green bonds in Central America and the Caribbean. The successful transaction was executed within the celebration of CMI&rsq...
COVID-19 LEGAL TASK FORCE COSTA RICA – UPDATE 52
Arias created an interdisciplinary taskforce with the participation of different practice areas, which is monitoring and informing about measures taken by the Government to mitigate the impact of COVID-19.
The Government of Costa Rica, due to the increase in cases relate...
ARIAS PROMOTES KEY TALENT - ROSA MARÍA ARENALES WAS APPOINTED PARTNER BOOSTING THE FIRM'S GROWTH IN THE REGION
Rosa María Arenales, has extensive and broad experience in labor counseling and immigration matters. Additionally, she has participated in multiple mergers and acquisitions of national and international companies, providing advice from the due diligence to the acquisitio...
COVID-19 LEGAL TASK FORCE COSTA RICA – UPDATE 51
Arias created an interdisciplinary taskforce with the participation of different practice areas, which is monitoring and informing about measures taken by the Government to mitigate the impact of COVID-19.
The Government of Costa Rica announced a new modification to the ...
ARIAS GUATEMALA GROWS TO PROVIDE TOP SERVICES TO ITS CLIENTS - FERNANDO ZELADA IS PROMOTED TO SENIOR COUNSEL
Arias Guatemala, opened operations in 1998 and since then has positioned itself as a reference law firm in the country, having renowned lawyers, who with their talent and experience allow to manage the most important matters. Considering the professional growth of lawyers, it i...
COVID-19 LEGAL TASK FORCE COSTA RICA – UPDATE 50
Arias created an interdisciplinary task force with the participation of different practice areas to monitor and inform about measures taken by the Government to mitigate the impact of COVID-19.
The Government of Costa Rica announced a modification to the preventive measu...
PANAMA - THE PANAMANIAN FOOD AGENCY IS CREATED
In recent days, Law 206 of March 30, 2021, which creates the Panamanian Food Agency (APA) and eliminates Decree Law 11 of 2006, was published in the Official Gazette.
The aforementioned law eliminates the Panamanian Food Safety Authority (AUPSA), in favor of the creation...
GUATEMALA - NEW CENTRAL AMERICAN TECHNICAL REGULATION FOR SANITARY REGISTRATION OF VETERINARY MEDICINAL PRODUCTS
Ministerial Agreement 094-2021 of the Ministry of Economy, published in the Official Journal on March 18 of this year, released the resolution number 436-2020 (COMIECO-XCIII) dated December 10, 2020, through which it was agreed to amend by total replacement the Central American T...
GUATEMALA - SHAREHOLDERS/PARTNERS ANNUAL MEETINGS IN COMMERCIAL COMPANIES
GUATEMALA - DEADLINE FOR ANNUAL SHAREHOLDERS/PARTNER MEETING 2021
April 30th is the deadline for holding the annual ordinary shareholders' or partners meeting required per the Commercial Code, Decree 2-70 of the Congress of the Republic of Guatemala for all comm...
ARIAS ADVICES TOP 100 COMPANIES LATAM - LACCA
In its landmark data project, LACCA conducts detailed research into which law firms advise Latin America’s largest 100 corporations, as ranked by revenue.
Thanks to the trust of our clients, our firm is in the list of law firms advising Latin America’s 100 ...
PANAMA - MEF EXTENDS DEADLINE FOR INCOME TAX FILINGS
This past March 31st, the Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Panama issued Executive Decree No. 110 of 2021, by means of which it extends the deadline for the filing of income tax returns corresponding to the 2020 fiscal year.
Taxpayers will have until Ma...
ARIAS RECOGNIZED AS A LEGAL INFLUENCER BY LEXOLOGY IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2021
Lexology Legal Influencers recognises the thought leaders in the legal industry every quarter. Individuals experts and firms are chosen through their proprietary scoring system that takes into account the number of reads and the LexScore of each article per quarter. These measure...
ALERT: DATA PRIVACY LAW IS EFFECTIVE AS OF TODAY IN PANAMA
Today Monday March 29, 2021, Law 81/2019 for the Protection of Personal Data is entering into force in the Republic of Panama. This Law applies to all individuals and legal entities from public or private sector, profitable or non-profitable, handling sensitive dat...
PANAMA RULES TELEMEDICINE
Aiming to reduce the primary attention health system’s congestion and monitor patients remotely, the Government recently enacted the Law No. 203, which establishes guidelines for the development of Telehealth in Panama, coming into effect next June 18, 2021.
T...
NICARAGUA - LAW NO. 1068 “LAW FOR THE CREATION OF THE NATIONAL AUTHORITY FOR SANITARY REGULATION”
On March 24, 2021, the Law No. 1068 “Law for the Creation of the National Authority for Sanitary Regulation” came into force in Nicaragua, by its publication in the edition No. 58 of La Gaceta-Diario Oficial. The purpose of the Law is the creation of the National Auth...
ARIAS, ONE OF CENTRAL AMERICA'S GIANTS
Summa magazine in its most recent edition “GIGANTES DE AMÉRICA CENTRAL Y REPÚBLICA DOMINICANA” (Giants of Central America and Dominican Republic) named Arias El Salvador as one of the GIANT companies in Central America. According to Summa, more than a co...
GUATEMALA - CENTRAL AMERICAN COMPETITION REGULATION
Ministerial Agreement 099-2021 of the Ministry of Economy published on March 19 of this year in the Official Journal, released Resolution No. 441-2020 (COMIECO-XCIII) dated December 10, 2020, which approved the Central American Competition Regulation, which entered into force on ...
NICARAGUA - LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVE FOR THE CREATION OF THE NATIONAL AUTHORITY FOR SANITARY REGULATION
On March 18, 2021, the Legislative Initiative for the Creation of the National Authority for Sanitary Regulation was approved by the plenary of the National Assembly of Nicaragua, the purpose of which is the creation of the National Authority for Sanitary Regulation (NASR), legal...
HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY TO ALL OUR CLIENTS AND FRIENDS! YOU INSPIRE US EVERY DAY TO OFFER THE BEST QUALITY IN OUR SERVICES
Congratulations to all women who generate positive changes and impact society in outstanding ways from withing their own area. With great respect and admiration, we want to acknowledge that they encourage us and move us to be better at what we do and the way we pro...
EL SALVADOR - LILIAN ARIAS, RECOGNIZED AS AN EMBLEMATIC WOMAN 2021
Lilian Arias, Co-Managing Partner at Arias El Salvador, was awarded as “Emblematic Woman 2021” in the Business Leader Category by the company ConnectaB2B.
Lili has more than 30 years of experience working with some of the largest national and international co...
EL SALVADOR - INCREASE IN OFFICIAL FEES OF THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH
Last February, the Ministry of Health of El Salvador informed the users of food and beverage sanitary registration procedures about the increase in the official fees for the provision of services of the Special Activities Fund of said entity, as well as the incorporation of other...
GUATEMALA ENACTS THE LAW ON LEASING
On 2 March 2021, the Law on Leasing, Decree 2-2021, (hereinafter, “the Law”) was published in the Official Gazette of Guatemala after being enacted and promulgated by the President. This law establishes the general legal framework to regulate leasing operations as wel...
ARIAS STANDS OUT FOR THE IP WORK IN THE WTR1000 RANKING 2020-2021
Last February, the WTR1000 ranking for 2020-2021 was announced and in Arias we are pleased to announce that our firm was recognized in 4 countries (Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Costa Rica) as one of the leading firms in the Central American region to w...
ARIAS,PART OF THE “LEADING LIGHT 2020” IN CENTRAL AMERICA FOR ITS PRO-BONO WORK
Our firm was recognized as one of the "Leading Lights" law firms of Central America, due to Pro Bono work activities and social responsibility carried out during the year of 2020. The recognition granted by Latin Lawyer and The Vance Center reflects the commit...
GUATEMALA - INSTRUCTIONS FOR ISSUING THE ELECTRONICALLY CERTIFICATE OF GOOD WORKING PRACTICES "BPL"
On February 26th this year, Ministerial Agreement 64-2021 of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security was published in the Official Gazette, which establishes the Instruction for obtaining the electronically certificate of good labor practices,, which indicate the good lab...
NICARAGUA - MINIMUM WAGES INCREASE IN NICARAGUA
In accordance with agreements reached by National Minimum Wage Commission on February 25th, 2021, minimum wages will be increased by three percent (3%) annually starting on March 1, with the exception of (a) minimum wages for workers from artisanal and tourism small enterprises, ...
GUATEMALA - AUTHORIZATION OF THE NORM OF EXCEPTION OF LIABILITY AND COMPENSATION FOR SERIOUS ADVERSE REACTIONS ATTRIBUTED TO COVID-19 VACCINES
Ministerial Agreement 40-2021 of the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance authorized the Norm of Exception of Liability and Compensation for Serious Adverse Reactions Attributable to Covid-19 Vaccines. This Agreement was published in the Official Journal this year, on ...
COVID-19 LEGAL TASK FORCE COSTA RICA – UPDATE 48
Arias created an interdisciplinary task force with the participation of different practice areas to monitor and inform about measures taken by the Government to mitigate the impact of COVID-19.
The Government of Costa Rica announced today the new measures effective from March 1s...
EL SALVADOR - LOCAL SALES TO FREE ZONES IN VAT MATTERS
By Legislative Decree No. 791 dated December 10, 2020 published in Official Journal No. 20 Volume 430 of January 28, 2021, was reformed the first paragraph of Article 25 of the Law on Industrial and Marketing Free Zones, which establishes is applicable the zero per cent (0%)...
EL SALVADOR - A LOAN AGREEMENT TO FINANCE THE ACQUISITION, MODIFICATION, COMMISSIONING, AND OPERATION OF A FLOATING LNG REGASIFICATION AND STORAGE UNIT TO BE LOCATED OFF THE COAST OF ACAJUTLA IN EL SALVADOR HAS BEEN EXECUTED
Arias provided advice to FSRU, Limitada de Capital Variable on the negotiation and execution of a syndicated loan and its local collaterals, granted by IDB and IDB Invest as creditors. The funds from the Loan Agreement will finance the acquisition, modification, commissioning, an...
ARIAS HIGHLIGHTS IN CHAMBERS AND PARTNERS GLOBAL 2021
Chambers and Partners announced its latest release of Chambers and Partners Global 2021, a guide covering more than 190 countries around the world, including regional sections.
Arias once again stands out in the ranking as a leading firm in Central America, positioned in...
GUATEMALA - DEADLINE TO SUBMIT THE EMPLOYER´S ANNUAL REPORT
The deadline to comply with the obligation to submit the Employer's Annual Report before Ministry of Labor will soon expire, per the dates indicated below:
On paper (physical document delivered to the Ministry of Labor): February 26, 2021.
Electronic format -...
NICARAGUA - TELCOR ISSUES REGULATION REQUIRING OPERATORS TO PRESERVE DATA GENERATED FROM TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES
Within the framework of the regulation of Law 1042, the Cybercrime Law (the "Law"), which entered into force on October 30, 2020, the Nicaraguan Institute of Telecommunications and Postal Services (TELCOR) published on Friday, January 29, 2021, the Administrative Agreem...
GUATEMALA - THE CONGRESS OF GUATEMALA APPROVES, BY DECREE NUMBER 2-2021, THE BILL WITH THE LAW ON LEASING
On 10 February 2021, the Congress of the Republic of Guatemala approved, in third reading, the final draft of bill 4896 which establishes the general legal framework to regulate leasing operations as well as the rights and obligations of the parties engaged in this type of operat...
The casino cooperates with law firms.
The casino's legal team will cooperate with law firms in several areas, including gaming and gambling. The firm will act as a special counsel to the gaming industry's compliance committees and provide proactive advice and support. The law firm will also represent its cli...
NICARAGUA - AMENDMENTS TO THE LAW FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE RIGHTS OF CONSUMERS AND USERS
On February 9, 2021, Law Number 1,061 Law of Amendments and Addition to Law No. 842, Law for the Protection of the Rights of Consumers and Users, was published in The Gazette Official Daily No. 27.
Among its amendments are: i) the expansion of the concept of "Consum...
27 RANKED LAWYERS BY WHO'S WHO LEGAL 2021
Over the past 23 years, Who's Who Legal has earned a reputation as one of the most trusted resources for lawyers, governments, agencies, and other legal professionals looking to find a high-quality professional in a particular area of practice or jurisdiction. In their study ...
GUATEMALA - LEGAL COMPLIANCE IN PREVENTION OF MONEY OR OTHER ASSETS LAUNDERING AND TERRORIST FINANCING
Guatemala has signed international conventions and treaties that require the country to have up-to-date legislation to strengthen the prevention and suppression of criminal activities such as money laundering and terrorist financing.
The update seeks to homogenize the cu...
COVID-19 LEGAL TASK FORCE COSTA RICA – UPDATE 47
Arias created an interdisciplinary task force with the participation of different practice areas, that is monitoring and informing about measures taken by the Government to mitigate the impact of COVID-19.
The Government of Costa Rica announced today some modifications to the me...
COVID-19 LEGAL TASK FORCE COSTA RICA – UPDATE 46
Arias created an interdisciplinary task force with the participation of different practice areas, that is monitoring and informing about measures taken by the Government to mitigate the impact of COVID 19.
The Government of Costa Rica announced measures that will be in p...
EL SALVADOR - ENFORCEMENT OF THE SPECIAL TRANSITORY LAW TO CONTAIN THE PANDEMIC DUE TO COVID-19 DISEASE
On January 23, 2020, the President of the Congress of El Salvador, based on his constitutional powers, published in “La Prensa Gráfica” newspaper, the Legislative Decree No. 757, which contains the "Special Transitory Law to Contain The Pandemic due to Cov...
ARIAS RECEIVED AN AWARD FOR ITS PRO-BONO WORK IN THE VANCE CENTER INITIATIVE KEEP FAMILIES TOGETHER
On January 19, 2021, our firm was recognized for our collaboration in The Vance Center's Pro-Bono Work Initiative, called Keep Families Together.
13 of our attorneys participated in this program launched in September 2018 in response to the U.S. government's &quo...
GUATEMALA - REPEAL OF PROVISIONS TO PROCEDURES IN THE DEPARTMENT OF REGULATION AND CONTROL OF PHARMACEUTICAL AND RELATED PRODUCTS DURING THE STATE OF PUBLIC CALAMITY BY COVID-19
On January 13, in the Official Journal was published the Agreement 264-2020 of the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance that repeals Ministerial Agreement No. 172-2020 and its reform contained in Ministerial Agreement No. 190-2020, through which it could submit a copy ...
COVID-19 LEGAL TASK FORCE COSTA RICA – UPDATE 45
Arias created an interdisciplinary task force with the participation of different practice areas, that is monitoring and informing about measures taken by the Government to mitigate the impact of COVID 19.
The Government of Costa Rica announced the extension of the perio...
PANAMA LEGAL TASK FORCE COVID-19 UPDATE #26 - PANAMA ORDERS NEW MEASURES FOR COVID-19
The National Government modified mobility restrictions in the country, authorizing a progressive opening from Thursday, January 14, 2021, as follow:
Daily curfew is established from 9:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.
Mandatory lockdown on weekends from Friday, January ...
HONDURAS - ADMINISTRATIVE TERMS ARE REINSTATED
The Servicio de Administración de Rentas (SAR) has determined that the administrative deadlines that were suspended due to the declaration of the State of Emergency of February 10, 2020 through PCM-05-2020, amended March 21, 2020 through PCM-023-2020, expired December 31, ...
WE CONTINUE TO GROW REGIONALLY
"I feel very proud and grateful to Arias for allowing me to achieve this career milestone. Arias is the firm where I have developed professionally for more than ten years and returning to the firm after my experience in the United States was one of the best decisions I hav...
COSTA RICA - PAYMENT OF CORPORATE TAX
We remind you that the annual Corporate Tax for 2021 fiscal year must be paid on January 31st at the latest.
The Corporate Tax must be paid by any company, assigned identification number or branch of a foreign company, as well as any individual limited liability company,...
GUATEMALA - MINIMUM WAGE 2021
Today, December 30, 2020 was published in the Official Gazette of the Government Agreement No. 250-2020 of the Ministry of Labor, which establishes the minimum wage to be paid in Guatemala to employees dedicated to agricultural, nonagricultural activities and export and maquila a...
PANAMA LEGAL TASK FORCE COVID-19 UPDATE #25 - PANAMA ORDERS A NEW LOCKDOWN
The Panamanian authorities decided to tighten health measures in an attempt to control the escalation of daily COVID-19 contagions that weekly adds up to 20,000 new cases.
Thus, total lockdown is decreed, without labor, from 7:00 pm from 31 December 2020 to 4 January 202...
COVID-19 LEGAL TASK FORCE COSTA RICA – UPDATE 44
Arias created an interdisciplinary task force with the participation of different practice areas, that is monitoring and informing about measures taken by the Government to mitigate the impact of COVID 19.
The Government of Costa Rica announced today the following measur...
ARIAS EL SALVADOR ADDS KEY TALENT FOR THE REGION
At our firm we focus on promoting our human talent and even in moments of crisis we make growth and quality our priority to offer the best to our clients.
2020 has been a year full of challenges, but we continue to move forward by working hand in hand with our ...
EL SALVADOR - TRANSITORY PROVISION THAT PROTECTS WORKERS WITH VULNERABLE MEDICAL CONDITIONS AGAINST COVID-19
On November 19, 2020, the Legislative Assembly of El Salvador approved Legislative Decree No. 774, which contains the “Transitory Provision that protects workers with vulnerable medical conditions against COVID-19”, which was sanctioned by the President of the Republi...
PANAMA CREATES ENTREPRENEURSHIP COMPANIES
For entrepreneurship supporting, the Republic of Panama through Law 186 of December 2, 2020 creates a new legal entity called Entrepreneurship Company.
This new vehicle is intended for those starting a business under less complex corporate structures. Also, benefici...
GUATEMALA - EXTENSION OF THE TERM FOR THE NEW RATES FOR FOOD REGULATION AND CONTROL SERVICES, PHARMACEUTICALS, RELATED PRODUCTS AND HEALTH ESTABLISHMENTS
We inform you that through the Government Agreement 193-2020 of the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance, published on December 3 of the present year in the Official Journal, the term for the entry into force of the Government Agreement 179-2020 which creates the new r...
PANAMÁ ENACTS LAW FOR THE REDUCTION OF SINGLE-USE PLASTICS
As of today, the Law Nº 187 of December 2, 2020 comes into effect, establishing the reduction and progressive replacement of single-use plastics, placing Panama as a regional pioneer in the environmental protection field.
This Law is applicable to all individuals an...
MELANIA DITTEL, PARTNER AT ARIAS COSTA RICA, EXCELLED AT CHAMBERS DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
The Chambers Diversity & Inclusion Awards reward lawyers and law firms that are driving the advancement of diversity, inclusion, and pro bono work throughout Latin America through diverse and extensive research.
On December 3, 2020, the winners were ...
NICARAGUA - OPERATION OF THE REGISTRY OF THE FINAL BENEFICIARY
On November 26th, the Regulations for the Operation of the Registry of the Final Beneficiary of Corporations (the "Regulations") came into force. The Regulations were issued by the Supreme Court of Justice with the purpose to regulate the procedure for registration...
GUATEMALA - NEW RATES FOR FOOD REGULATION AND CONTROL SERVICES, PHARMACEUTICALS, RELATED PRODUCTS AND HEALTH ESTABLISHMENTS
We inform you that through the Government Agreement 179-2020 of the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance, published on November 30 of the present year in the Official Journal, new rates are established for technical services provided by the Departments: a) Department o...
EL SALVADOR - TRANSITORY PROVISIONS FOR THE RENEWAL OF THE BUSINESS LICENSE AND OFFICE REGISTRATIONS, DUE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC
On November 20, 2020, the Congress of El Salvador approved the Legislative Decree No. 770 that contains the “Transitory provisions for the renewal of the business license and office registrations, due to covid-19 pandemic”, which establish that individual and social m...
ARIAS RECOGNIZED ONCE AGAIN IN THE DERECHO Y NEGOCIOS AWARDS 2020
We are honored to announce that once again Arias excelled in the 2020 edition of the Derecho y Negocios Awards, by being recognized in the following categories:
Firm of the Year
Firm in Litigation Law
Firm in Banking and Financial Law
Derecho y Negocios, is...
ARIAS PARTNERS RECOGNIZED IN LAW EXPERT GUIDE 2020
Legal Media Group's Law Expert Guide series has been an invaluable and indispensable source of guidance for in-house counsel in large corporations worldwide, since its inception in 1994. Their nominations run in four stages: general nomination, independent research, cand...
COSTA RICA - SALARY INCREASE IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR
The National Wages Board-hereinafter CNS for its acronym in spanish- approved an increase in minimum wages for private sector employees. The increase is 0.30% for all categories of the decree of Minimum Wages and a 2.33%. for domestic employees.
The increase in mini...
EL SALVADOR - SPECIAL TRANSITORY LAW TO CONTAIN THE PANDEMIC DUE TO COVID-19 DISEASE
On October 29, 2020, the Congress of El Salvador approved Legislative Decree No. 757, which contains the "SPECIAL TRANSITORY LAW TO CONTAIN THE PANDEMIC DUE TO COVID-19 DISEASE", in order to establish the provisions for the comprehensive care, management and control of ...
COVID-19 LEGAL TASK FORCE COSTA RICA – UPDATE 43
Arias created an interdisciplinary task force with the participation of different practice areas, that is monitoring and informing about measures taken by the Government to mitigate the impact of COVID 19.
Following up on the migratory measures emitted by the Costa Rican...
Consult a law firm before going to the casino.
If you're unsure of your rights when you're at a casino, consult a law firm. If you're being questioned by security, call a lawyer before speaking to them. It's never a good idea to say anything that may come back to haunt you later. Your attorney will be able to ...
ARIAS EL SALVADOR RECOGNIZED AS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR AT CHAMBERS LATIN AMERICA AWARDS 2020
Today, Friday, October 30, 2020, the Chambers Latin America 2020 awards were held and ARIAS EL SALVADOR was awarded as LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR.
The awards recognize pre-eminence in key practice areas, impressive strategic growth and excellence in client service...
COVID-19 LEGAL TASK FORCE COSTA RICA – UPDATE 42
Arias created an interdisciplinary task force with the participation of different practice areas, that is monitoring and informing about measures taken by the Government to mitigate the impact of COVID 19.
Following up on the migratory measures emitted by the Costa Rican...
COVID-19 LEGAL TASK FORCE COSTA RICA – UPDATE 41
Arias created an interdisciplinary task force with the participation of different practice areas, that is monitoring and informing about measures taken by the Government to mitigate the impact of COVID 19.
The Immigration Authorities announced that through the website&nb...
COVID-19 LEGAL TASK FORCE COSTA RICA – UPDATE 40
Arias created an interdisciplinary task force with the participation of different practice areas, that is monitoring and informing about measures taken by the Government to mitigate the impact of COVID 19.
The Government of Costa Rica announced modifications in the weeke...
COVID-19 LEGAL TASK FORCE COSTA RICA – UPDATE 39
Arias created an interdisciplinary task force with the participation of different practice areas, that is monitoring and informing about measures taken by the Government to mitigate the impact of COVID 19.
The Government of Costa Rica has been gradually opening the econo...
PUBLIC CONSULTATION TO THE REGULATIONS TO LAW NO. 9736 "STRENGTHENING THE COMPETITION AUTHORITIES OF COSTA RICA"
The Antitrust Authority (“COPROCOM”) has initiated the public consultation on the Regulations to Antitrust Law No. 9736. The term to file comments expires on October 14th, 2020.
The Regulations revolve around the new instruments that seek preventing anti-comp...
EL SALVADOR - EXTENSION OF THE TAX AND CUSTOMS AMNESTY IN EL SALVADOR
The Legislative Assembly of El Salvador through the Decree number 734 dated Septiembre 24th 2020 extended until December 31th, 2020, the Special and Transitory Law that grant Facilities for the Voluntary Compliances of Tax and Customs Obligations.
The referred Legis...
GUATEMALA - REFORMS TO THE ELECTRONIC REGISTY INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE INTERNAL LABOR REGULATIONS
On 1 October, 2020, was published in the Official Gazette of the Government Agreement No. 333-2020 of the Ministry of Labor, which establishes reforms to the Electronic Registry Instruction of the Internal Labor Regulations, as regards establishing the 30-business-day p...
GUATEMALA - DEROGATION OF THE GOVERNMENT AGREEMENT NO. 140-2020 OF THE MINISTRY OF LABOR AGREEING TO THE ELECTRONIC PROCEDURE FOR THE REGISTRATION, CONTROL AND AUTHORIZATION OF SUSPENSIONS OF LABOR CONTRACTS BY COVID-19
Today, October 1, 2020 was published in the Official Gazette of the Government Agreement No.338-2020 of the Ministry of Labor, repealing the electronic procedure for registration, control and authorization of work suspensions in order to qualify for the benefit of employment...
HEMP PRODUCTION IN COSTA RICA
In recent months, hemp production has been a subject of analysis in our country. There are many opportunities that the project could generate, for example: the insertion in global value chains or the economic benefits that could provide to a series of economies of scale. For thes...
PANAMA LEGAL TASK FORCE COVID-19 - UPDATE #23 -- RESTAURANTS OPEN IN PANAMA
The National Government enacted the Resolution Nº 902 of September 24, 2020, to authorize the recovery, operation, and mobilization of the following economic activities, as of today Monday, September 28:
Restaurants and kiosks
Shopping malls and face-to-face reta...
COVID-19 LEGAL TASK FORCE COSTA RICA – UPDATE 38
Arias created an interdisciplinary task force with the participation of different practice areas, that is monitoring and informing about measures taken by the Government to mitigate the impact of COVID 19.
The Government of Costa Rica has been gradually opening the ...
EL SALVADOR - TRANSITORY PROVISION FOR THE PROTECTION OF WORKERS UNDER VULNERABLE MEDICAL CONDITION (COVID-19)
Through Legislative Decree Number 724 dated September 3, 2020, Congress of the Republic of El Salvador approved the "Transitory Provision to Protect Workers under Vulnerable Medical Condition due to COVID-19". Vulnerable workers from public and private sector are t...
PANAMA LEGAL TASK FORCE COVID-19 - UPDATE #22 -- SANITARY MEASURES TO ENTER PANAMA
By means of the Executive Decree Nº1089 of September 23, 2020, new measures for the entry of nationals, residents and foreigners in the Republic of Panama have been established for the duration of the State of Emergency.
From today, the mandatory 14 days isolation a...
ARIAS REPRESENTS DELIVERY HERO IN THE PURCHASE OF GLOVO'S OPERATIONS IN COSTA RICA, HONDURAS AND GUATEMALA
Arias represented Delivery Hero in the acquisition of Glovo’s operations in Latin America. The firm was responsible for the representation in Costa Rica, Honduras and Guatemala, working together in the transaction with Cuatrecasas in Madrid, leading as international counsel...
EL SALVADOR - TRANSITORY PROVISIONS TO THE INTERNATIONAL SERVICES LAW
On August 13, 2020, the Congress of El Salvador approved the Legislative Decree No. 705 that contains the “Transitory Provisions to the International Services Law”, in order to temporarily adapt the conditions of direct users of service parks and centers, to protect t...
NICARAGUA - REFORMS IN THE ENERGY INDUSTRY LEGISLATION
On September 11, 2020, Law No. 1037, Law for the Reform and Addition of Law No. 532, Law for the Promotion of Electricity Generation with Renewable Sources and its reforms was published in The Gazette Official Daily No. 171, incorporating important transformations to the energy s...
EL SALVADOR - REMINDER FOR OWNERS OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS
On November 2, 2019, the Salvadoran Technical Regulation: Wastewater, Wastewater Quality Parameters for Discharge and Waste Sludge Management (RTS 13.05.01: 18) came into effect. Subsequently, on November 6, 2019, the Special Regulation on Wastewater and Waste Sludge Management c...
GUATEMALA - EXTENSION OF THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING THE REQUIREMENTS FOR UPDATING THE LABEL AND PAMPHLET OF AGRICULTURAL INPUTS
The Ministerial Agreement 802-2020 of the Ministry of the Economy published on September 4 of this year in the Official Journal, issued resolution No. 424-2020 (COMIECO-XC), which adopted changing the first paragraph of Transitory I of the RTCA 65.05.67:18 AGRICULTURAL INPUTS.
&...
THE PANAMA CANAL BIDS THE WATER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT
The Panama Canal has announced the start of the prequalification process for those interested in participating as proponents in the tender for the design, construction, and execution of the water management system. This process aims to ensure water supply for both Canal operation...
Fundamentals of Legal Law and Australia
The Australian government has taken a number of technical steps to ensure that online casino sites do not operate illegally. Some of these measures, such as geo-blocking, do not allow Australians to access gambling sites and services offered by offshore operators. The laws govern...
GUATEMALA - NEW GOVERNMENT PROVISIONS ON DRUG PRICE CONTROL DURING THE STATE OF PUBLIC CALAMITY BY COVID-19
We inform you that through the Government Agreement 130-2020 of the Ministry of Economy, published on the first of September of this year in the Official Journal, the Government of Guatemala in accordance with the State of Public Calamity establishes maximum sales prices to the c...
GUATEMALA - REGISTRATION AND CANCELLATION PROCEDURE AT THE REGISTRY OF AGENTS AND MAJOR USERS OF THE WHOLESALE ELECTRICITY MARKET - MINISTRY OF ENERGY AND MINES Governmental Agreement 129-2020
On August 31, 2020, the Governmental Agreement number 129-2020 containing the new Procedure for the Registration and Cancellation at the Registry of Agents and Large Users of the Wholesale Electricity Market before the Ministry of Energy and Mines was published in the Official Ga...
COSTA RICA - COSTA RICA: REGLAMENTO AL TÍTULO II DE LA LEY DE RESPONSABILIDAD DE LAS PERSONAS JURÍDICAS SOBRE COHECHOS DOMÉSTICOS, SOBORNO TRANSNACIONAL Y OTROS DELITOS, LEY N. 9699
On June 04, 2020, the President Costa Rica, Carlos Alvarado, signed the Regulation to Title II of the Corporate Criminal Liability Act, No. 9699 of June 10 of 2019, called "Optional Model of Organization, Crime Prevention, Management and Control".
This became o...
PANAMA SEEKS TO CREATE A SPECIAL REGIME FOR MANUFACTURING COMPANIES
Panama has enacted Law 159 of August 31, 2020, which created a new special regime for attracting investment by promoting the establishment and operation of multinational enterprises for the provision of manufacture-related services (“EMMA”, as per its acronym in ...
PANAMA LEGAL TASK FORCE COVID-19 - UPDATE #21 -- PANAMA REOPENING MORE ACTIVITIES
The Government of Panama launched a calendar for the gradual release of restrictions for commercial, sports and social activities, as follows:
Reopening is pending with no schedule date for: Schools, Universities, Nurseries and Day Care centres, Gyms, Cinemas, Casinos, Museums...
COVID-19 LEGAL TASK FORCE COSTA RICA – UPDATE 37
Arias created an interdisciplinary task force with the participation of different practice areas, that is monitoring and informing about measures taken by the Government to mitigate the impact of COVID 19.
The Government of Costa Rica announced today the following measur...
NICARAGUA - CREATION OF THE CORPORATIONS´ FINAL BENEFICIARY PUBLIC REGISTRY
Last August 20th, 2020 Congress passed Law Number 1035, Law of Amendments and Additions to the "General Law of Public Registries" and the "Code of Commerce", resulting in major transformations to the Nicaraguan business law.
Amongst its main modi...
MIGRATION PROVISIONS IN HONDURAS
The Secretary of State in the Offices of the Interior, Justice and Decentralization issued a Ministerial Agreement, which contains important provisions for foreigners living in Honduras:
Tourism, officials, businesses and other non-resident foreigners:
The permit o...
HONDURAS - REOPENING OF AIRPORTS
The Government of the Republic of Honduras within the framework of the National Risk Management System (SINAGER) in relation to the first phase of airport piloting established the following:
The activation of international air transport has been projected as of August ...
PANAMA LEGAL TASK FORCE COVID-19 - UPDATE #20
The National Government, by means of the Executive Decree Nº 314/August/2020, has modified regulations regarding leases and eviction procedures during the State of Emergency. The official mandate is summarized as follow:
Rental payments could be deferred until two mont...
COSTA RICA - NEW ANTITRUST RULES DURING COVID-19 CRISIS
The Costa Rican Antitrust Authority (“COPROCOM”), with the purpose of supporting the economic reactivation of the country, issued new provisional rules for the treatment of agreements among competitors to collaborate or coordinate certain actions. These rules establis...
OUR PARTNER CAROLINA FLORES, SHORTLISTED FOR THE ITR AMERICAS TAX AWARDS
On August 13, 2020, the shortlist for the ITR Americas Tax Awards was announced and it is an honor for our firm to have 3 nominations (click here to read the article) and 1 nomination at the Latin American level for one of our partners in Costa Rica.
Carolina Flores&...
ARIAS, NOMINATED FOR THE ITR AMERICAS TAX AWARDS
On August 13, 2020, the shortlist for the ITR (International Tax Review) Americas Tax Awards was announced, and we are pleased that our firm was nominated in the following categories:
Central American Tax Firm of the Year
Central America Transfer Pricing Signature
Latin Amer...
COSTA RICA - ULTIMATE BENEFICIARY OWNERS (UBO) REPORT SUBMISSION DATE WILL BE APRIL 2021
Today the official newspaper La Gaceta published resolution N° DGT-ICD-R-19-2020 that changes the date to submit the Ultimate Beneficiary Owner report from September 2020 to April 2021.
Main changes introduced by this guideline:
Entities that submitted the UBO report for ...
NEW FEES FOR IMMIGRATION SERVICES IN NICARAGUA
On August 6, 2020, Law No. 1033 Law of reform and addition to Law No. 761 General Law of Immigration (“Law No. 1033”) came into force by which it was amended articles 121,122 and 123 of Law No. 761 (“Law No. 761”), related to fees for immigration services....
PANAMA LEGAL TASK FORCE COVID-19 - UPDATE #19
By means of the Law Nº157 of August 3, 2020, temporary measures for the preservation of employments were enacted by the Ministry of Labor to support employees that were suspended during the State of Emergency.
This Law is applicable to companies which have totally or partia...
HONDURAS - UPDATE ECONOMIC REOPENING: PHASE 1. AIRPORTS OPENING
The resumption of local or national flights was determined as of August 10, 2020 and of international flights as of August 17, 2020, within the framework of the economic reactivation.
It was decided to extend the Curfew throughout the Honduran territory, from Sunday, August 9 ...
GUATEMALA - ESSENTIAL MEDICINES FOR COVID-19 PATIENT CARE
We inform you that through Ministerial Agreement No. 190-2020 of the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance published on August 10 in the Official Journal, Article 8 "Post-commercialization Analysis of Essential Medicines" of Ministerial Agreement No. 172-2020 ...
GUATEMALA - PROVISIONS TO BE TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION FOR THE OPENING OF WORK CENTERS
The Government of the Republic of Guatemala has issued a series of legal provisions, derived from the health crisis as a result of the Covid-19 Pandemic, which must be taken into consideration for the opening of work centers.
Are you aware of the mandatory provisions for the ope...
GUATEMALA - NEW CENTRAL AMERICAN TECHNICAL REGULATIONS (RTCA) FOR PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS
NEW CENTRAL AMERICAN TECHNICAL REGULATIONS (RTCA) FOR PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS. NATURAL MEDICINAL PRODUCTS FOR HUMAN USE. GOOD MANUFACTURING PRACTICES AND ITS VERIFICATION GUIDE
The Ministerial Agreement 745-2020 of the Ministry of Economy published on July 30, 2020 i...
HONDURAS - ECONOMIC REOPENING: PHASE 1
The Government of the Republic of Honduras through the Council of Secretaries of State, regarding the economic reopening in its Phase 1, determined:
As of Monday, August 1, 2020, pilots are being carried out for public transport, to be reopened through the Honduran Institute o...
HONDURAS - FISCAL AUTHORITY ENABLES PROCEDURE TO RECTIFY PAYMENTS ON ACCOUNT
The tax authority has enabled the process to rectify the generated payments on account. Due to the economic effects of the COVID 19 pandemic, the generated payments on account may not reflect the current income of the companies. Consequently, a procedure has been set up to be abl...
PANAMA - FISCAL PROVISIONS ENACTED IN JULY 2020
In the past few weeks several fiscal provisions have been enacted in Panama. We hereby list these provisions and what each of them establishes:
Executive Decree No. 343 of July 7: publishes the list of reportable jurisdictions for the Exchange of financial information under th...
COVID-19 LEGAL TASK FORCE COSTA RICA – UPDATE 36
Arias created an interdisciplinary task force with the participation of different practice areas, that is monitoring and informing about measures taken by the Government to mitigate the impact of COVID 19.
The Government of Costa Rica announced today the following measures:
Ope...
ARIAS COSTA RICA, RECOGNIZED IN THE THIRTIETH EDITION OF THE IFLR1000 LEGAL FIRMS RANKING
We are proud to announce that our offices in Costa Rica were recognized as TIER 1 in the 30th edition of the IFLR1000 Law Firms Ranking.
The IFLR1000 is the guide to the world's leading financial and corporate law firms and lawyers.
This guide has been producing legal marke...
OUR WOMEN LAWYERS SHORTLISTED AMONG INTERNATIONAL COLLEAGUES AT THE IFLR WOMEN BUSINESS LAW 2020
On July 23, 2020 the shortlist for the IFLR Women in Business Law Americas Awards 2020 was published and is a real pride for Arias to be the only Central American law firm with 3 partners nominated under the categories Best corporate lawyer in Latin Ameri...
GUATEMALA - NEW REQUIREMENT EMPLOYERS MUST PRESENT TO THE MINISTRY OF LABOR
NEW REQUIREMENT THAT EMPLOYERS MUST PRESENT TO THE MINISTRY OF LABOR FOR SUSPENDED EMPLOYEES TO RECEIVE THE EMPLOYMENT PROTECTION BONUS
On July 23, the Ministry of Labor and Social Security has announced a new requirement for suspended workers to receive the economic ben...
COVID-19 LEGAL TASK FORCE COSTA RICA – UPDATE 35
Arias created an interdisciplinary task force with the participation of different practice areas, that is monitoring and informing about measures taken by the Government to mitigate the impact of COVID 19.
The Government of Costa Rica announced today the following measures:
Upd...
PANAMA LEGAL TASK FORCE COVID-19 - UPDATE #18 NEW MEASURES ESTABLISHED DUE TO COVID-19
As a result of the increase in infection rates, confinement measures for 5 of the country's 10 provinces have been tightened. Thus, for Panama, Panama West, Colón, Chiriquí and Bocas del Toro has been decreed total quarantine, that is, absolute prohibition to ...
COVID-19 LEGAL TASK FORCE COSTA RICA – UPDATE 34
Arias created an interdisciplinary task force with the participation of different practice areas, that is monitoring and informing about measures taken by the Government to mitigate the impact of COVID 19.
The Government of the Republic announced new measures to contain the spr...
GUATEMALA - NEW PROVISIONS TO PROCEDURES IN THE DEPARTMENT OF REGULATION AND CONTROL OF PHARMACEUTICAL AND RELATED PRODUCTS
On July 6 was published in the Official Gazette the Agreement 172-2020 of the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance, which establishes the requirements of documents from abroad that require law passes or apostille during the period of the State of Public Calamity establ...
NEW MEASURES IMPLEMENTED AT THE BORDER POSTS FOR ENTERING NICARAGUA
Through Ministerial Resolution number 346-2020 emitted by the Ministry of Health (MINSA), it was decided to adopt new measures for the entry into the country to strengthen the epidemiological control of the Covid-19 Pandemic, which began to take effect on July 13, 2020.
The meas...
COVID-19 LEGAL TASK FORCE COSTA RICA – UPDATE 33
Arias created an interdisciplinary task force with the participation of different practice areas, that is monitoring and informing about measures taken by the Government to mitigate the impact of COVID 19.
Due to the restrictions established last Friday, July 10th by the Govern...
COVID-19 LEGAL TASK FORCE COSTA RICA – UPDATE 32
Arias created an interdisciplinary task force with the participation of different practice areas, that is monitoring and informing about measures taken by the Government to mitigate the impact of COVID 19.
The Government of the Republic announced new measures to contain the spr...
EL SALVADOR - EXTENSION TO THE ENTERY INTO FORCE OF THE “SPECIAL LAW FOR THE REGULATION AND INSTALLATION OF CARE ROOMS AND PLACES OF CUSTODY FOR THE CHILDREN OF EMPLOYEES”
The Legislative Assembly decreed the Special Law for the Regulation and Installation of Care Rooms and Places of Custody for the Children of Employees (the “Law”), published in the Official Gazette number 112, volume 419, of June 19, 2019, and which has the objective ...
COVID-19 LEGAL TASK FORCE COSTA RICA – UPDATE 31
Arias created an interdisciplinary task force with the participation of different practice areas, that is monitoring and informing about measures taken by the Government to mitigate the impact of COVID 19.
Following up on the migratory measures applied by the Government of Cost...
EL SALVADOR: EXTENSION PHASE 1 FOR THE GRADUAL REOPENING OF THE ECONOMY
On July 5, 2020, the Government of El Salvador announced an official statement in which, due to the accelerated increase on infections and deaths resulting from COVID-19 virus, the Phase I of the Economic Reactivation is extended for 15 days, postponing the start of the Phase II ...
GUATEMALA: VEHICLE CIRCULATION TAX (ISCV) PAYMENT TERM’S EXTENSION
Decree 24-2020 of the Guatemalan Congress was published on July 6th, 2020. This decree establishes that, as result of the economic impact of COVID-19, the payment term of the Vehicle Circulation Tax (ISCV) will be extended from July 31st, 2020 to October 31st, 2020.
For question...
COSTA RICA: ULTIMATE BENEFICIARY OWNER REPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020 MUST BE SUBMITTED IN SEPTEMBER
The Ultimate Beneficiary Owner (UBO) report for fiscal year 2020 must be submitted during September 2020.
Based on guideline DGT-ICD-R-06-2020 “Joint regulation for the Ultimate Beneficiary Owner report” , UBO report must be submitted by legal entities and branches i...
DECEMBER 1st AS THE DAY OF THE ABOLITION OF THE ARMY IN COSTA RICA
On May 19, 2020, the President Costa Rica, Carlos Alvarado, signed Law N.9803, which establishes an amendment to Article 148 of the Labor Code, which incorporates December 1st as a non-binding holiday in celebration of the Abolition of the Army in Costa Rica.
This was made offic...
COVID-19 LEGAL TASK FORCE COSTA RICA – UPDATE 30
Arias created an interdisciplinary task force with the participation of different practice areas, that is monitoring and informing about measures taken by the Government to mitigate the impact of COVID 19.
The Government of the Republic expands the restrictive measures, due to ...
ARIAS COSTA RICA, TALENT AND LEADERSHIP
Being recognized as a “Tier 1” firm in Baking and Finance, M&A and Project Development in Costa Rica fills us with pride and motivates us to continue encouraging our legal talent and serving our clients the best possible way.
The International Financial Law Revie...
ARIAS PARTICIPATED IN IDB FINANCING STRUCTURE FOR SMES
Our office in Costa Rica advised the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) in the original structuring of the transaction to promote liquidity of small suppliers in Latin America and the Caribbean, which IDB may use in the future.
The transaction was a loan from IDB Invest to E-...
COVID-19 LEGAL TASK FORCE COSTA RICA – UPDATE 29
Arias created an interdisciplinary task force with the participation of different practice areas, that is monitoring and informing about measures taken by the Government to mitigate the impact of COVID 19.
As an update on the migratory measures adopted by the Costa Rican G...
EXTENSION OF MEASURES IN HONDURAS
The National Risk Management System (SINAGER) in relation to the National Sanitary Emergency decreed in Honduras has informed the following measures:
It was determined to continue with Phase I of the Intelligent Opening Process throughout the Honduran territory, from Sunday, J...
EL SALVADOR: VENCIMIENTO DE PRÓRROGA IMPUESTO SOBRE LA RENTA (Available only in Spanish)
Infórmate de todas las implicaciones legales ante la pandemia en la región en nuestro Whatsapp Regional haciendo clic aquí
...
MIGRATION PROVISIONS IN HONDURAS
The Secretary of State in the Offices of the Interior, Justice and Decentralization issued a Ministerial Agreement published on June 24, 2020 in the Diario Oficial La Gaceta, which contains important provisions for foreigners living in Honduras:
Tourism, officials, businesses ...
COVID-19 LEGAL TASK FORCE COSTA RICA – UPDATE 28
Arias created an interdisciplinary task force with the participation of different practice areas, that is monitoring and informing about measures taken by the Government to mitigate the impact of COVID 19.
Orange Alert
The following cantons and districts remain on Orange...
HONDURAS - EXTENSION OF CURFEW. PROGRESSIVE REOPENING
The National Risk Management System (SINAGER) in relation to the National Sanitary Emergency decreed in Honduras has informed the following measures:
The progressive reopening for the national territory is maintained in Phase I, with the exception of the Central District for w...
COVID-19 LEGAL TASK FORCE COSTA RICA – UPDATE 27
Arias created an interdisciplinary task force with the participation of different practice areas, that is monitoring and informing about measures taken by the Government to mitigate the impact of COVID 19.
The Government of the Republic suspendes the third phase of economi...
HONDURAS: EXTENSION OF CURFEW. SECOND PHASE PROGRESSIVE REOPENING
The National Risk Management System (SINAGER) in relation to the National Sanitary Emergency decreed in Honduras has informed the following measures:
Extension of the absolute curfew at the national level, which is effective until Sunday, June 28, 2020, at 11:00 PM. Notwi...
GUATEMALA: EXTENSION AND AMENDMENT OF THE PRESIDENTIAL PROVISIONS ISSUED DUE TO COVID-19
Today, June 15, 2020, the Extension, Addition and Amendment to the Presidential Provisions during the state of Public Calamity and Mandatory Orders (hereinafter, "Presidential Provisions") was published in the Official Gazette, which will be effective until Monday...
HONDURAS - EXTENSION OF CURFEW IN HONDURAS AND PROGRESSIVE REOPENING
The National Risk Management System (SINAGER) in relation to the National Sanitary Emergency decreed in Honduras has informed the following measures:
Extension of the absolute curfew (nationwide), which is effective until Sunday, June 14, 2020, at 11:00 PM. Notwithstanding the...
PANAMA LEGAL TASK FORCE COVID-19 - UPDATE #17 BACK TO CURFEW
The Panamanian Government has resumed mandatory quarantine in the two main provinces of Panama with the aim of reducing mobility to 50%; thus, from today Monday, June 8, women and men will move on different days, only 2 hours per day, prohibiting absolute circulation on we...
NICARAGUA: TELCOR EXPANDS THE OBLIGATION OF TELECOM OPERATORS TO INFORM APPOINTMENTS RELATED TO MANAGEMENT POSITIONS
On May 18 of 2020, through the Official Gazette number 88, the new Administrative Agreement number 004-2020 came into force by which it was amended the article number 1 of the previous Administrative Agreement number 006-2013, both issued by the Nicaraguan Telecommunication Regul...
EL SALVADOR: EXTRAORDINARY MEASURES OF PREVENTION AND CONTAINMENT TO DECLARE THE NATIONAL TERRITORY AS AN AREA SUBJECT TO SANITARY CONTROL IN ORDER TO CONTAIN THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
On June 2, 2020, the Executive Decree in the Health Branch No. 29 was issued, through which extraordinary prevention and containment measures are established to declare the national territory as an area subject to sanitary control, in order to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. The p...
COVID-19 LEGAL TASK FORCE COSTA RICA – UPDATE 26
Arias created an interdisciplinary task force with the participation of different practice areas, that is monitoring and informing about measures taken by the Government to mitigate the impact of COVID 19.
Due to the increase of confirmed cases regarding COVID-19 in some s...
HONDURAS: EXTENSION OF CURFEW AND PROGRESSIVE REOPENING
The National Risk Management System (SINAGER) in relation to the National Sanitary Emergency decreed in Honduras has informed the following measures:
Extension of the absolute curfew (nationwide), which is effective until Sunday, June 07, 2020, at 11:00 PM. Notwithstanding the...
GUATEMALA: EXTENSION AND AMENDMENTS OF THE PRESIDENTIAL PROVISIONS IN THE EVENT OF PUBLIC CALAMITY AND ORDERS FOR STRICT COMPLIANCE
Today, June 1, 2020, the Extension and Amendments of the Presidential Provisions in the event of Public Calamity and Orders for Strict Compliance were published in the Official Journal. First, it establishes that the temporary restrictions indicated in the Presidential Provisions...
EL SALVADOR: DECREES ISSUED TO ATTEND THE EMERGENCY CAUSED DUE TO THE TROPICAL STORM AMANDA
Legislative Decree No. 649
On May 31, 2020 the Legislative Assembly issued legislative decree No. 649, to attend the current climate emergency caused by the Tropical Storm Amanda, which has caused several damages in the infrastructure of houses, offices, schools, roads, bridg...
KICK OFF “WIPO PROOF” FOR THE SAFEGUARD OF DIGITAL ASSETS
On May 27, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) announced the kick-off of a new digital service directed to innovators and creators called “WIPO PROOF”.
This service has as objective the safeguard of digital assets, as it generates proof free of altera...
COVID19 LEGAL TASK FORCE COSTA RICA – UPDATE 25
Arias created an interdisciplinary task force with the participation of different practice areas, that is monitoring and informing about measures taken by the Government to mitigate the impact of COVID 19.
The Government of Costa Rica announced measures to reopen the count...
ARIAS COSTA RICA CONTRIBUTED TO THE FIRST DISBURSEMENT FOR GREEN LOANS AND SUPPORT FOR SMEs
Arias Costa Rica advised the Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank (FMO) in structuring the guarantee for the first disbursement of the US$30 million credit for green loans and financing of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the country, granted to Banco Promerica de C...
COVID19 LEGAL TASK FORCE COSTA RICA – UPDATE 24
Arias created an interdisciplinary task force with the participation of different practice areas, that is monitoring and informing about measures taken by the Government to mitigate the impact of COVID 19.
Today two executive decrees come into force (42351-H and 42350-MGP-...
NICARAGUA: TAX AUTHORITY ENABLES ONLINE SOLUTIONS APPLICATION
On May 8, 2020 the Tax Authority enabled a “new application called “Online Solutions (SELIN due to its acronym in Spanish), which may be accessed through the Electronic Tax System (VET due to its acronym in Spanish) of every taxpayer.
SELIN is the new method imp...
PANAMA: DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF REVENUE EXTENDS FILING TERM FOR CERTAIN REPORTS
By means of Resolution 201-2722 of May 20, 2020, the directorate General of Revenue of the Ministry of Economy and Finance of Panama extended for an additional month, until July 31st, 2020 the term for filing the report of non-declaring taxpayers, the credit card sales report and...
HONDURAS - EXTENSION OF CURFEW AND SPECIAL MEASURES UPDATE (COVID-19)
The National Risk Management System (SINAGER) in relation to the National Sanitary Emergency decreed in Honduras has informed the following measures:
Extension of the absolute curfew (nationwide), which is effective until Sunday, May 31, 2020, at 11:00 PM. Notwithstanding the ...
GUATEMALA: ADDITIONAL MEASURES TO PROTECT THE POPULATION FROM ECONOMIC EFFECTS CAUSE BY THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Decree 15- 2020 of the Congress of the Republic of Guatemala
These economic-financial measures are intended to enable families, as well as micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, to cope with the economic consequences of the emergency generated by COVID-19, allo...
GUATEMALA: CALENDARIO DE DISPOSICIONES LEGALES DURANTE LA EMERGENCIA DE COVID-19 (Available only in Spanish)
Available only in Spanish
...
HONDURAS: REGULATION FOR THE IMPORT OF BIOSECURITY EQUIPMENT
The Sanitary Regulation Agency (ARSA) has established the guidelines for the importation of medical devices and other products of sanitary interest (masks, antibacterial gel and biosafety equipment).
Considering that the Honduran government has authorized the reopening of some w...
COSTA RICA INVITED TO JOIN THE OECD
On May 15th the Government of Costa Rica announced an invitation by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to become its 38th member.
This invitation concludes a process started on July 8th, 2015 when the OECD Council approved the Costa Rican Acces...
EL SALVADOR: EXTENSION OF THE DEADLINE FOR THE FILING OF THE INCOME TAX STATEMENT AND THE PAYMENT OF THE INCOME TAX AND OTHER TAX OBLIGATIONS
On May 14, 2020, through the Legislative Decree No. 643 the Congress approved the Temporary Law to Facilitate Voluntary Compliance with Tax Obligations due to the National Emergency caused by the Pandemic by COVID-19. Such legislative decree was published in the Official Gazette ...
GUATEMALA: AUTHORIZATION FOR THE TRANSPORT OF STAFF DURING THE STATE OF PUBLIC CALAMITY
In accordance with the PRESIDENTIAL PROVISIONS DURING THE STATE OF PUBLIC CALAMITY AND MANDATORY ORDERS issued on May 14 as amended on May 17 (hereinafter the "Provisions"), entities that must continue with their activities without closure option (FOURTH provision), as ...
EXTENSION OF CURFEW IN HONDURAS AND SPECIAL MEASURES (COVID-19)
The National Risk Management System (SINAGER) in relation to the National Sanitary Emergency decreed in Honduras has informed the following measures:
Extension of the absolute curfew (nationwide), which is effective until Sunday, May 24, 2020, at 11:00 PM. Notwithstanding the ...
GUATEMALA - NEW PRESIDENTIAL PROVISIONS
The presidential provisions of April 12 and subsequent ones that were applicable until May 14, 2020 at 24:00 are abrogated.
1. Stay-at-Home order.
i. Strict Stay-at-Home order.
ii. Restriction of freedom of movement, including the transit and circulation of people, crew, passe...
COVID-19 LEGAL TASK FORCE COSTA RICA – UPDATE 23
Arias created an interdisciplinary task force with the participation of different practice areas, that is monitoring and informing about measures taken by the Government to mitigate the impact of COVID 19.
UPDATE ON THE MIGRATORY MEASURES
As an update on the migra...
HONDURAS: CALENDARIO DE DISPOSICIONES LEGALES DURANTE LA EMERGENCIA DE COVID-19 (Available only in Spanish)
(Only available in Spanish)
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PANAMÁ: CALENDARIO DE DISPOSICIONES LEGALES DURANTE LA EMERGENCIA DE COVID-19 (Only available in Spanish)
(Only available in Spanish)
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EXECUTIVE DECREE No. 24 - PROVISIONS SET FORTH IN ARTICLE 8 OF THE LAW FOR THE REGULATION FOR THE ISOLATION, QUARANTINE, OBSERVATION AND VIGILANCE DUE TO COVID-19 IN El Salvador
On May 9, 2020, the Government of El Salvador, in the Health Branch issued and published Executive Decree No. 24, through which additional causes to those provided for in Article 8 of the Law for the Regulation for the Isolation, Quarantine, Observation and Vigilance due to Covid...
COVID-19 LEGAL TASK FORCE COSTA RICA – UPDATE 22
Arias created an interdisciplinary task force with the participation of different practice areas, that is monitoring and informing about measures taken by the Government to mitigate the impact of COVID 19.
The Government of Costa Rica announced the following measures for t...
COVID-19 LEGAL TASK FORCE COSTA RICA – UPDATE 21
Arias created an interdisciplinary task force with the participation of different practice areas, that is monitoring and informing about measures taken by the Government to mitigate the impact of COVID 19.
The Government of Costa Rica announced the following measures to re...
COSTA RICA: NEW GUIDELINES AND PROTOCOLS TO ABIDE BY FOR THE REOPENING OF OFFICES AND COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENTS DURING THE COVID-19 EMERGENCY
The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Economy, Industry and Commerce, together with representatives of the private and public sectors, have developed national guidelines for the surveillance of the Coronavirus infection (2019-nCoV) and specific protocols with prevention and ...
EL SALVADOR: SPECIAL PERMIT TO OPERATE AS AN ESSENTIAL PRODUCT OR SERVICE DURING THE EMERGENCY
Due to the increase in the number of cases of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), El Salvador continues in a state of national emergency. Therefore, on May 7th, was approved the Legislative Decree number 639, named “Law for Regulation of Isolation, Quarantine, Observation and S...
COVID-19 LEGAL TASK FORCE COSTA RICA – UPDATE 20
Arias created an interdisciplinary task force with the participation of different practice areas, that is monitoring and informing about measures taken by the Government to mitigate the impact of COVID 19.
The Government of the Republic of Costa Rica announced new migrator...
EXECUTIVE DECREE No. 22 - PROVISIONS SET FORTH IN ARTICLE 8 OF THE LAW FOR THE REGULATION FOR THE ISOLATION, QUARANTINE, OBSERVATION AND VIGILANCE DUE TO COVID-19
On May 6, 2020, the Executive Body in the Health Branch established with the issuance of Executive Decree No. 22, additional causes to those provided for in Article 8 of the Law for the Regulation for the Isolation, Quarantine, Observation and Vigilance due to Covid-19, as justif...
EL SALVADOR: REGULATION LAW FOR ISOLATION, QUARANTINE, OBSERVATION, AND VIGILANCE DUE TO COVID-19
On May 5th, 2020, the Legislative Assembly agreed on a Regulation Law for isolation, quarantine, observation, and vigilance for COVID-19 placed by an initiative of the President of the Republic through the Ministry of Health.
Due to the epidemiologic situation of COVID-19 to dat...
EL SALVADOR: APPROVAL TO OBTAIN ADDITIONAL $1000 MILLION DOLLARS TO ATTEND THE COVID-19 EMERGENCY
On May 5th the Legislative Assembly authorized the Executive branch to manage and allocate credit securities for up to $1 billion, in addition to the $2 billion for the COVID-19 emergency.
This new debt package will serve to finance and launch an economic plan to rescue micro, s...
PANAMA LEGAL TASK FORCE COVID-19 - UPDATE #16 RELIEF MEASURES GRANTED
By means of Executive Decree No. 145 of May 1st, 2020 is ordered:
Suspension of the processes of launch and eviction of properties intended for housing, professional, commercial, and industrial use, without distinction of the rental fee, for the duration of the State of Nation...
EL SALVADOR: SALVADORAN EMPLOYMENT PROTECTION LAW
On May 5th the Legislative Assembly by the initiative of the President of the Republic through the Ministry of Economy decreed the Salvadoran Employment Protection Law aimed to establish measures to mitigate the economic impact and its effect on Salvadoran employees caused by the...
COVID-19 LEGAL TASK FORCE COSTA RICA – UPDATE 19
Arias created an interdisciplinary task force with the participation of different practice areas, that is monitoring and informing about measures taken by the Government to mitigate the impact of COVID 19.
Costa Rican government announces new measures in face of COVID-19 c...
COSTA RICA: BILL 20861 - ESTABLISHMENT OF USURIOUS INTEREST RATES
The Legislative Assembly approved in first debate the bill 20861 that seeks to establish the definition of usurious interest rates in the country by establishing a ceiling to the maximum rates that can be charged in the market. The bill, which has yet to pass a consultation ...
HONDURAS: EXTENSION OF CURFEW AND SPECIAL MEASURES
The National Risk Management System (SINAGER) in relation to the National Sanitary Emergency decreed in Honduras has informed the following measures:
Extension of the curfew (nationwide), which will remain in effect until Sunday May 17, 2020, at 3:00 PM. Notwithstanding ...
HONDURAS: EXTENSION OF CURFEW IN HONDURAS AND SPECIAL MEASURES (COVID-19)
The National Risk Management System (SINAGER) in relation to the National Sanitary Emergency decreed in Honduras has informed the following measures:
Extension of the curfew (nationwide), which will remain in effect until Sunday May 03, 2020, at 3:00 PM. Notwithstanding ...
EL SALVADOR: THE CONGRESS EXTENDS THE DEADLINE FOR THE FILING OF THE INCOME TAX STATEMENT AND THE PAYMENT OF THE INCOME TAX
On April 30, 2020, though the Legislative Decree No. 635 the Congress approved the granting of an extension for the filing and payment of the income tax for the tax year of two thousand and nineteen, which term expired on April 30, 2020.
By virtue of such extension, the term for...
EL SALVADOR: TRANSITORY LEGISLATIVE DECREE N°635
This April 30, 2020, the Salvadoran Congress approved the transitory decree No. 635, by means of which, among other things, authorizes all legal entities to hold General Meetings and Assemblies by means of videoconference, for which, the regulations established in the second and ...
GUATEMALA: SUMMARY OF THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL
Today, the following was published in the Official Journal:
Government Decree No. 8-2020 of the Presidency of the Republic, through which the term of the State of Public Calamity contained in the Government Decree No. 5-2020, which was approved by Decree No. 8-2020 of the...
GUATEMALA: APPROVAL FOR THE DEFERRED PAYMENT OF EMPLOYMENT FEES TO THE GUATEMALAN INSTITUTE OF SOCIAL SECURITY AND THE INSTITUTE OF RECREATION OF WORKERS BY COVID-19
By Agreement 1472 of the Board of Directors of the Guatemalan Social Security Institute –IGSS-, published in the Official Gazette on April 20 of this year, the deferred payment of the private sector employer contributions was agreed for the months of March, April and May 20...
COVID-19 LEGAL TASK FORCE COSTA RICA – UPDATE 18
Arias created an interdisciplinary task force with the participation of different practice areas, that is monitoring and informing about measures taken by the Government to mitigate the impact of COVID 19.
Costa Rican government announces concession of important infrastruc...
NICARAGUA: NEW PROVISION ON THE REGISTRATION OF AMENDMENTS TO THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
On April 21, 2020, through Circular Letter No. 210420, the National Directorate of Registries of the Supreme Court of Justice notified that as of that date the Commercial Registry would not require judicial approval in cases of Amendments to the Articles of Incorporation of Limit...
GUATEMALA: COVID-19 DEPARTMENT OF REGULATION AND CONTROL OF PHARMACEUTICALS AND RELATED PRODUCTS DISPOSITIONS
On April 24 of the present year, the Department of Regulation and Control of Pharmaceuticals and Related Products of the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance, issued the Jef.DRCPFA-01-2020 statement about documents from abroad that require law passes or apostille for t...
COVID-19 LEGAL TASK FORCE COSTA RICA – UPDATE 17
Arias created an interdisciplinary task force with the participation of different practice areas, that is monitoring and informing about measures taken by the Government to mitigate the impact of COVID 19.
The Government of the Republic of Costa Rica established new guidel...
COVID-19 LEGAL TASK FORCE COSTA RICA – UPDATE 16
Arias created an interdisciplinary task force with the participation of different practice areas, that is monitoring and informing about measures taken by the Government to mitigate the impact of COVID 19.
The Government of the Republic of Costa Rica announced new migrator...
PANAMA LEGAL TASK FORCE COVID-19 - UPDATE #15 - EXTRAORDINARY PROCEDURES TO IMPORT MEDICINES HAVE BEEN DECREED
The National Directorate of Pharmacy and Drugs of the Ministry of Health have adopted temporary procedures for the duration of the Estate of Emergency, summarized as follow:
Documents required for importation of pharmaceutical products could be presented without respective ...
GUATEMALA: GOVERNMENT AGREEMENT 58-2020 - EMPLOYMENT PROTECTION
Through Government Agreement 58-2020 of the Ministry of Economy, the Regulation for the Granting of the Benefit of the Employment Protection Fund was issued, which entered into force on April 17, 2020.
The benefit regulated in said Regulations will be granted to workers in the p...
EL SALVADOR: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF COVID-19
The entire world is currently facing one of the worst pandemics in human history. The spread of the COVID-19 virus does not only have an impact on the health systems and economies of all nations, but also on the environment. There are some positive and negative environmental repe...
HONDURAS: NEW PROVISIONS REGARDING CUSTOMS MATTERS
The Honduran Customs Administration, by virtue of the state of emergency and considering that all legal terms are suspended, has issued provisions in order to:
Not apply the suspension of legal deadlines to the notification of resolutions, notifIcation of the opening of eviden...
PANAMA: GENERAL DIRECTORATE OF REVENUE ENABLES NOTIFICATIONS BY E-MAIL
Putting in practice what is established in Article 6 of Law No. 134 of 2020, which modified Article 101 of the Tax Procedure Code (“TPC”), the Directorate General of Revenue of the Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Panama (“DGI”, as per it...
PANAMA LEGAL TASK FORCE COVID-19 - UPDATE #14 - EXTENSION FOR LABOR CONTRACTS INTERRUPTION
The Ministry of Labor has automatically extended for a 30 days period, the suspension of labor contracts of companies which have been shut down by the National Government.
On the contrary, companies that have closed due to the shutting down of other businesses shall request ...
GUATEMALA: HOLIDAYS OF MAY 1ST AND OCTOBER 20TH EXCLUSION FROM THE LAW THAT PROMOTES INTERNAL TOURISM
On April 17th of this year, the Judgement dated March 17th, 2020 of the Constitutional Court was published on the Official Gazette, which declared Partial General Unconstitutionality of Decree 19-2018 of the Congress of the Republic, Reforms to the Law that Promotes Internal Tour...
EL SALVADOR: RENEWAL OF FOOD AND BEVERAGE HEALTH PERMITS
In relation to the emergency that we are experiencing worldwide due to COVID-19, the Ministry of Health of El Salvador informed that for all those imported foods and beverages products, which health permits must be renewed but in their countries of origin the issuance of Free Sal...
HONDURAS: EXTENSION OF CURFEW IN HONDURAS AND SPECIAL MEASURES (COVID-19)
The National Risk Management System (SINAGER) in relation to the National Sanitary Emergency decreed in Honduras has informed the following measures:
Extension of the curfew (nationwide), which will remain in effect until Sunday April 26, 2020, at 3:00 PM. Notwithstandin...
EL SALVADOR: LEGISLATIVE DECREE NO. 631 - EXTENSION OF THE NATIONAL STATE OF EMERGENCY DUE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC
On April 16, 2020, Congress approved Legislative Decree No. 631, with the purpose of extending for fifteen (15) more days the term of Legislative Decree No. 593 dated March 14, 2020, and its subsequent reforms. In Decree No. 593, the Congress declared State of National Emergency,...
COVID-19 LEGAL TASK FORCE COSTA RICA – UPDATE 15
Arias created an interdisciplinary task force with the participation of different practice areas, that is monitoring and informing about measures taken by the Government to mitigate the impact of COVID 19.
The Government of the Republic announced new vehicle restrictions m...
PANAMA LEGAL TASK FORCE COVID-19 - UPDATE #13: NEW EXTRAORDINARY MEASURES
The Social Security Agency has extended the suspension of the judicial terms of the coercive jurisdiction and the legal terms of all administrative proceedings until May 15, 2020.
The Colon Free Zone has announced the suspension of the payment for the leases of April, May and ...
LEXOLOGY LEGAL INFLUENCERS (Q1/2020)
In Arias we feel proud to have been recognized as a Legal Influencer by Lexology in the first quarter of 2020.Lexology Legal Influencers recognizes the thought leaders in the legal industry every quarter. In Arias, we received such an acknowledgment for consistently providing the...
EL SALVADOR: EXECUTIVE DECREE NO. 19 - EXTRAORDINARY MEASURES OF PREVENTION AND CONTAINMENT TO DECLARE THE NATIONAL TERRITORY AS AN AREA SUBJECT TO SANITARY CONTROL, IN ORDER TO CONTAIN THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
On April 13, 2020, Executive Decree No. 19 in the Health Branch was issued, abolishing Executive Decrees No. 14 and 15, and aiming to declare the national territory as an area subject to sanitary control and to reiterate household quarantine.
Such Decree includes the following a...
EL SALVADOR: LEGISLATIVE DECREE NO. 622 - EXTENSION OF THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY STATE DUE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC
On April 12, 2020, Congress approved Legislative Decree No. 622, with the purpose of extending for four more days, from the publication of said decree, the term of Legislative Decree No. 593, dated March 14, 2020, and its subsequent reforms, and by which the Congress declared Sta...
EL SALVADOR: EXECUTIVE DECREE IN THE BRANCH OF HEALTH NO. 18 - EXTRAORDINARY MEASURES OF PREVENTION AND CONTAINMENT TO RESTRICT THE CIRCULATION OF ALL INDIVIDUALS IN BEACHES, SEASIDE RESORTS AND TOURIST CENTERS
On April 3rd, 2020, Executive Decree No. 18 in the Health Branch was issued, which establishes as a containment measure that no individual is allowed to stay on beaches, rivers, lakes, seaside resorts or tourist centers throughout the national territory, for recreational purposes...
EL SALVADOR: EXECUTIVE DECREE IN THE BRANCH OF HEALTH NO. 17 - GUIDELINES FOR THE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SECTOR OF PASSENGERS IN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY BY COVID-19
On April 3rd, 2020, Executive Decree in the Branch of Health No. 17, was issued. Such decree aims to establish guidelines for all those who provide passenger public transportation services with the purpose of preventing or reducing the negative impact on the population's heal...
EL SALVADOR: EXECUTIVE DECREE IN THE BRANCH OF HEALTH NO. 16 - MEASURES TO CONTROL IMPORTATION AND USE OF DETECTION TESTS FOR COVID-19
On April 03, 2020, Executive Decree No. 16 in the Health Branch was issued, as a consequence of Legislative Decree No. 593, dated March 14, 2020, by which the Congress declared a State of National Emergency, a State of Public Calamity and Natural Disasters following the pandemic ...
PANAMA LEGAL TASK FORCE COVID-19 - UPDATE #12 : EXTENSION FOR ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
Panamanian authorities extend the duration of Operation Licenses issued by the General Dictatorate of Medical Devices of the Ministry of Health which have expired from January 1, 2020.
A term extension until July 15, 2020 is granted to present Transfer of Movables and Provisio...
COVID-19 LEGAL TASK FORCE COSTA RICA – UPDATE 14
Arias created an interdisciplinary task force with the participation of different practice areas, that is monitoring and informing about measures taken by the Government to mitigate the impact of COVID 19.
The Government of the Republic announced new vehicle restrictions m...
HONDURAS: EXTENSION OF CURFEW IN HONDURAS AND SPECIAL MEASURES (COVID-19)
The National Risk Management System (SINAGER) in relation to the National Sanitary Emergency decreed in Honduras has informed the following measures:
Extension of the curfew (nationwide), which will remain in effect until Sunday April 19, 2020, at 3:00 PM. Notwithstandin...
GUATEMALA: AGREEMENT NO. 1473 OF THE GUATEMALAN SOCIAL SECURITY INSTITUTE. WORK CERTIFICATE REMOVAL
On April 6, 2020, the Guatemalan Social Security Institute issued Agreement No. 1473 which eliminates the physical and electronic "Work Certificate", as an instrument to prove rights to the Social Security regime and for this purpose authorizes the use of the "Soci...
HONDURAS: TAX PRINTERS ENABLED DURING THE STATE OF EMERGENCY
For taxpayers who need to acquire tax documents during the permanent curfew, you'll find here a list of printers enabled during the state of emergency.
Arias Honduras team
contact.honduras@ariaslaw.com
...
HONDURAS: ARSA ENABLES NEW ONLINE APPLICATIONS
The Sanitary Regulatory Agency (ARSA) has developed new applications to be requested and issued online.
Considering the mobility limitations of users during Covid-19 pandemic, and, in order to support the economy, ARSA has enabled processes that will be electronically substantia...
GUATEMALA - SUMMARY OF THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL 13/04/2020
Today, it was published in the Official Journal, the Presidential Provisions in the event of Public Calamity and Orders for Strict Compliance, dictated by the Presidency of the Republic, which repeal the provisions dictated on March 28 and April 3, 2020, and that will be applicab...
HONDURAS: MEASURES APPLICABLE BY COURTS IN HONDURAS DUE TO COVID-19 (JUDICIAL DEADLINES) - Update 13
The government has decreed the suspension of labor for the public and private sectors via decrees (PCM-021-2020, PCM-022-2020 and PCM-026-2020), so the Supreme Court of Justice initially determined and through (CSJ agreement 1-2020), the suspension of work of the judicial offices...
COVID-19 LEGAL TASK FORCE COSTA RICA – UPDATE 13
Arias created an interdisciplinary task force with the participation of different practice areas, that is monitoring and informing about measures taken by the Government to mitigate the impact of COVID 19.
The Government of the Republic announced new vehicle restrictions m...
EL SALVADOR: LEGISLATIVE DECREE NUMBER 611- TEMPORARY RESTRICTIONS OF SPECIFIC CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS IN ORDER TO ATTEND THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
On March 29 in plenary session with 57 favorable votes, the Salvadoran Congress approved a new Temporary Restriction of Specific Constitutional Rights in Order to address COVID-19 Pandemic, through Legislative Decree number 611, published on the same date, in the Official Gazette...
CONTACTOS DE EMERGENCIA EN TIEMPOS DE COVID-19 PARA LA REGIÓN CENTROAMERICANA Y PANAMÁ
Available only in Spanish
GUATEMALA
Consultas sobre Covid 19: 1517 y 1540.
Denuncias por alza y especulación de precios: 1544
Denuncias por situación laborales: 1511
Policía Nacional Civil: 110
Cruz Roja: 125 / 2381-6565
CONRED: 119
EL SALVA...
HONDURAS: ARSA PROHIBITS ORAL MEDICATIONS CONTAINING RANITIDINE
The Sanitary Regulatory Agency (ARSA) banned the use of ranitidine in oral medications through the release C-005-ARSA-2020 due to a health alert issued by The FDA dated April 01, 2020, which determines that the impurity of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in some ranitidine products...
GUATEMALA: ECONOMIC RESCUE ACT FOR FAMILIES AFFECTED BY COVID-19
The Congress of the Republic of Guatemala, in use of its legislative ability approved in a single hearing the Economic Rescue Act for Families Affected by COVID-19, Decree 13-2020 (the “Decree”) declared urgent (pending de sanction, publication and validity), observin...
EL SALVADOR: EXECUTIVE DECREE NO. 14 - EXTRAORDINARY MEASURES OF PREVENTION AND CONTAINMENT TO DECLARE THE NATIONAL TERRITORY AS AN AREA SUBJECT TO SANITARY CONTROL, IN ORDER TO CONTAIN THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
On March 30, 2020, Executive Decree No. 14 in the Health Branch was issued, which abolishes Executive Decrees No. 12 and 13 and which aims to declare the national territory as an area subject to sanitary control and to reiterate the household quarantine.
Such Decree includes the...
NICARAGUA: LAWS OF AMENDMENTS AND ADDITIONS TO LAW
On Friday, April 03, 2020, Laws No. 1024 “Law of Amendments and Additions to Law No. 380, Trademark Law and Other Distinctive Signs ” and Law No. 1025 “Law of Amendments and Additions to Law No. 354, Law on Invention Patents, Utility Models and Industrial Design...
HONDURAS: MEASURES FOR PRIVATE ENTITIES TO HOLD MEETINGS BY ELECTRONIC MEANS
By Decree 33-2020 published on April 3, 2020 in the Official Newspaper La Gaceta, the following measures were approved for private entities to hold meetings by electronic means in order to mitigate the risk caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic and thus avoid causing unnecessary exposu...
GUATEMALA: ELECTRONIC PROCEDURE FOR REGISTRATION, CONTROL AND AUTHORIZATION OF TOTAL SUSPENSION OF LABOR AGREEMENTS (WITHOUT PAYMENT OF SALARIES)
On April 7, 2020, Ministerial Agreement 140-2020 of the Ministry of Labor and Social Provision (hereinafter the “Agreement”) was published in the Official Gazette, acknowledging that the state of Public Calamity due to the COVID-19 Pandemic constitutes a cas...
HONDURAS: MEASURES TO RELIEVE THE PRODUCTIVE SECTOR AND WORKERS IN HONDURAS
To face the challenges derived from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of the Republic of Honduras established by Decree Law number 33-2020 the following relief measures for the productive sector in Honduras:
Workers who are subject to a suspension of contracts due to force...
COVID-19 LEGAL TASK FORCE COSTA RICA – UPDATE 12
Arias created an interdisciplinary task force with the participation of different practice areas, that is monitoring and informing about measures taken by the Government to mitigate the impact of COVID 19.
The Government of the Republic announced new migratory measures to ...
EL SALVADOR: EXECUTIVE DECREE NO. 15 – SPECIAL AUTHORIZATION TO THE MEDIA TO EXERCISE FREELY
On March 31, 2020, the Executive Decree in the Health Branch No. 15 was issued, as part of the exceptions to the Law of Temporary Restriction of specific Constitutional Rights to attend the Pandemic COVID-19, which temporarily restricts the free transit right, the right to meet p...
ARIAS, RECOMMENDED IN THE 2020 EDITION OF LATION LAWYER 250
Once again, Arias is a law firm recommended by Latin Lawyer 250 in the 2020 edition.
Latin Lawyer 250 is a guide with 20 years in the market of analyzing and researching the Latin American legal industry, where within a click readers can view our descriptions and assessments of ...
GUATEMALA: AMENDMENT AND EXTENSION OF THE PRESIDENTIAL RULINGS FOR PUBLIC CALAMITY SITUATION AND MEASURES FOR ITS COMPLIANCE
These rulings were issued by the President of the Republic of Guatemala on April 3rd, 2020 and published in the Official Gazette on April 5th, 2020. These rulings amend the rulings issued on march 28th, 2020 and published on March 29th, 2020.
Extension of Restriction and...
GUATEMALA: GUIDANCE FOR TAX EXEMPTIONS APPLIED TO DONATIONS SUBJECT TO IMPORTATION DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC RESOLUTION DG-IAD-DNO-ADU-GDE-54
The Customs Authority of the Guatemalan Tax Administration Office has issued the resolution DG-IAD-DNO-ADU-GDE-54. Such resolution is an administrative guidance for importers of record in connection with the merchandise subject to be imported into national customs territory relat...
COSTA RICA: IS YOUR COMPANY PREPARED TO HOST VIRTUAL MEETINGS?
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the governments to implement measures such as borders closures, flights cancellations, closings of establishments, quarantine and recommendations of social distancing, to avoid the spread and seek the population well-being. The estrangement is cau...
PANAMA LEGAL TASK FORCE COVID-19 - UPDATE #11 TAX INCENTIVES PER DONATIONS
The Government of Panama offers a tax incentive to individuals and companies for their donations to the monetary fund “Panama Solidario”, which will be 100% deductible as expenses for next year’s income statement.
No fines, surcharges or interest shall be imp...
HONDURAS: REFORMS TO THE ELECTRONIC SIGNATURE LAW
The Law to Aid the Productive Sector and Workers in the Face of the Effects of the Pandemic Caused by Covid-19, published on April 3, 2020, has amended articles 7 and 27 of the Electronic Signature Law. To this end, state institutions may approve additional methods to the advance...
HONDURAS: RELIEF TAX MEASURES HAVE BEEN PUBLISHED
By Decree 33-2020 published on April 3, 2020 in the Official Gazette, the following tax relief measures have been approved in order to mitigate the economic impact of the crisis caused by COVID-19:
Extension for small and medium taxpayers (including individuals and independent...
GUATEMALA: SUMMARY OF THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL
Today, it was published in the Official Journal the Resolution number 3-2020 of the Congress of the Republic, through which it decided to recommend to the Executive Body the following:
(a) Convene and install a working table with the multilateral banks to analyze and resolv...
ARIAS: RECOMMENDED FIRM IN LATIN LAWYER ELITE 2020
Once again, Arias is a law firm recommended by Latin Lawyer Elite, in its most recent edition (2020).
Each year, Latin Lawyer identifies a group of leading Latin American firms - the Latin Lawyer Elite - based on how well they rank and compare not only on client work, but also o...
PANAMÁ - MEMORANDUM ON THE LAW THAT CREATES A PRIVATE AND UNIQUE SYSTEM OF REGISTRATION OF FINAL BENEFICIARIES OF LEGAL ENTITIES
On March 20, 2020, Law No. 129 of March 17, 2020 was published, which creates a Private and Unique System of Registry of Final Beneficiaries of Legal Entities (hereinafter the “Registry of Final Beneficiaries”).
Here is a summary of the most relevant aspects of the a...
PANAMA LEGAL TASK FORCE COVID-19 - UPDATE #10 MORE MONEY FOR PROCUREMENT
The Government of Panama, by Cabinet Resolution No.18 of April 2, 2020, expanded the National Declaration of Emergency increasing extraordinary procurement from US$50 million to nearly US$428 million, to reinforce the fight against COVID-19 and allow social assistance as per th...
COVID-19 LEGAL TASK FORCE COSTA RICA – UPDATE 11
Arias created an interdisciplinary task force with the participation of different practice areas, that is monitoring and informing about measures taken by the Government to mitigate the impact of COVID 19.
The Government of the Republic announced new measures to contain th...
GUATEMALA: TAX IMPLICATIONS OF THE EMERGENCY LAW TO PROTECT GUATEMALANS FROM THE EFFECTS OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC DECREE 12-2020 OF THE CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF GUATEMALA
The Emergency Law to Protect Guatemalans from the Effects Caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic, Decree 12-2020 issued by the Congress of the Republic of Guatemala was published in the official gazette on April 1st, 2020 and will come into force from April 2nd. The mentioned Decre...
GUATEMALA: SUMMARY OF THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL
Decree 9-2020 of the Congress of the Republic, through which the Government Decrees 6-2020 and 7-2020 are ratified, in which the state of public calamity is declared for 30 days and extended for 30 additional days. Likewise, it reforms numeral 1, literal c) of article 1 of the ...
COVID-19 LEGAL TASK FORCE COSTA RICA – UPDATE 10
Arias created an interdisciplinary task force with the participation of different practice areas, that is monitoring and informing about measures taken by the Government to mitigate the impact of COVID 19.
The Government of Costa Rica announced measures to mitigate the effects o...
HONDURAS: THE MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT PROMOTES THE USE OF DIGITAL GOVERNMENT (COVID-19)
The Government of the Republic of Honduras, through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, in compliance with the General Law on the Environment and its Regulations, established the following measures:
Due to the declaration of the National Health Emergency caused ...
MEASURES APPLICABLE BY COURTS IN HONDURAS DUE TO COVID-19 (JUDICIAL DEADLINES)
The government has decreed the suspension of labor for the public and private sectors via decree (PCM-021-2020), so the Supreme Court of Justice has determined (CSJ 1-2020 agreement):
Suspend work in all judicial venues in the country from Monday, March 16 to Sunday...
EL SALVADOR - EXECUTIVE DECREE IN THE BRANCH OF PUBLIC HEALTH NO. 06 – PROVISIONS TO ORDER EMPLOYEES TO RETURN TO THEIR HOMES TO PROTECT THEMSELVES AGAINST THE CONTAGION OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, AND TO GUARANTEE THE PAYMENT OF THEIR SALARIES
On March 16, 2020, the Executive Decree in the Health Branch No.06 was issued, which aims to ensure that all public and private sector employees who are over sixty years of age, women in gestation, and people with certain diseases (Chronic Kidney Failure or Transplanted kidneys; ...
PANAMA IMPLEMENTS SYSTEM TO PROTECT THE PRIVATE INFORMATION OF FINAL BENEFICIARIES OF LEGAL ENTITIES
Through Law No. 129 of March 17, 2020, (hereinafter “the Law”) it has been approved the transfer of the custody of the information on the identity of the Final Beneficiaries of legal entities (hereinafter “the Law”) to the Superintendence of Non-Financial ...
EL SALVADOR: LEGISLATIVE DECREE N° 606 - REFORMS TO THE LEGISLATIVE DECREE N° 593 THAT DECLARED THE STATE OF NATIONAL EMERGENCY OF THE PANDEMIC COVID-19
On March 23, 2020, Legislative Decree No. 606 was issued, through which Legislative Decree No. 593, dated March 14, 2020, was amended, which declared the state of National Emergency of the Pandemic COVID-19.
Through said reform, Legislative Decree No. 593, article 11-A is includ...
PANAMA LEGAL TASK FORCE COVID-19 - UPDATE #9
The Panamanian Government has tightened mandatory quarantine throughout the national territory to reduce mobility by 50%; thus, from Wednesday, April 1, women and men will move on different days, prohibiting absolute mobilization on Sunday. We summarize the official mandat...
HONDURAS: EXTENSION OF CURFEW IN HONDURAS (COVID-19)
The National Risk Management System (SINAGER) in relation to the National Sanitary Emergency decreed in Honduras has communicated the following measures:
Extension of the Curfew (nationwide), which remains in effect from Monday, March 30 to Sunday, April 12, 2020.
Regarding t...
GUATEMALA - NEW PRESIDENTIAL DISPOSITIONS FOR THE STATE OF PUBLIC CALAMITY AND ORDERS FOR ITS STRICT COMPLIANCE
On March 29th, 2020, the President of the Republic of Guatemala derogated the presidential provisions which had been issued in the context of Government Decrees numbers 5-2020 and 6-2020, that regulates the state of public calamity, extended through Government Decree number 7-202...
EL SALVADOR - LEGISLATIVE DECREE NO. 608 - APPROVAL TO OBTAIN RESOURCES UP TO THE SUM OF US $ 2,000,000,000.00. DUE THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.
On March 26, 2020, the Salvadoran Congress, at the initiative of the President of the Republic through the Ministry of Treasury, approved the Legislative Decree No. 608, which purpose is intended to authorize the obtention of resources up to the sum of TWO BILLION DOLLARS OF THE ...
EL SALVADOR - MEASURES TAKEN BY THE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY REGISTRY IN EL SALVADOR.
As the world faces a public health crisis due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), in El Salvador it has been decreed a national State of Emergency. By Executive Decree number 12 of the Health Branch issued and published on March 21, 2020, the President ordered thirty days of home quar...
EL SALVADOR - EXECUTIVE DECREE IN THE HEALTH BRANCH NO. 11 - CONTAINMENT MEASURES IN THE FIELD OF COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES OF SHOPPING CENTERS OR PUBLIC SQUARES REGARDLESS OF THEIR NAME, RELATED TO THE ATTENTION OF THE SANITARY EMERGENCY COVID-19
On March 19, 2020, Executive Decree No. 11 in the Health Branch was issued, as a consequence of Legislative Decree No. 593, dated March 14, 2020, by which the Congress declared a State of National Emergency, a State of Public Calamity and Natural Disasters following the pandemic ...
HONDURAS - UPDATE OF MIGRATORY MEASURES: OPENING OF AIRPORTS FOR THE RETURN OF HONDURANS TO THE COUNTRY
The National Risk System (SINAGER) communicated the following measures for the entry of Hondurans to the country:
As of Sunday, March 29, 2020, all kinds of flights are enabled temporarily for the entry of Hondurans who wish to return to the country through the Toncontí...
EL SALVADOR - EXECUTIVE DECREE IN THE BRANCH OF HEALTH NO. 07 - CONTAINMENT MEASURES IN THE FIELD OF COMMERCIAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES RELATED TO THE CARE OF THE SANITARY EMERGENCY COVID-19
On March 16, 2020, Executive Decree No. 07 in the Health Branch was issued, as a consequence of Legislative Decree No. 593, dated March 14, 2020, by which the Congress declared a State of National Emergency, a State of Public Calamity and Natural Disasters following the pandemic ...
GUATEMALA - STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE MINISTRY OF ECONOMY DATED MARCH 25, 2020
Through the statement issued by the Ministry of Economy dated as of March 25, 2020, the following has been informed:
The activities included under the exception of the prohibitions, such as the energy, pharmaceutical, food, health and personal hygiene industries, may circulate...
GUATEMALA - CLOSING DATE TO SUBMIT THE MANDATORY FORM EXPIRES TODAY MINISTRY OF ECONOMY
On March 25, 2020, the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Guatemala requested all private entities that requested authorization to operate in the country during the period in which the President of the Republic of Guatemala suspended work and activities of private entities, a...
EL SALVADOR - ONLINE SERVICES OF THE PUBLIC REGISTRY
Due to the compulsory domiciliary quarantine decreed by the Government of El Salvador, the Public Registry (“Centro Nacional de Registros (CNR)”) will remain closed to the public in general during the term of the quarantine period, and it will only be receiving proced...
HONDURAS - OBTAINING EXPEDITED APPROVALS FOR SANITARY REGISTRATIONS OF FOOD PRODUCTS BEFORE ARSA
Faced with the crisis that many companies will experience in obtaining health records, renewals and modification approvals of food products, users may request an expedited resolution that will allow them to obtain approval in as little as five business days counted from the date ...
EL SALVADOR - DECREE NO. 8 SPECIFIC GUIDELINES FOR THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT SECTOR RELATED TO THE CARE OF THE SANITARY EMERGENCY BY COVID-19.
On March 16, 2020, Executive Decree No. 08 in the Health Branch was approved, which includes the Specific Guidelines for the Public Passenger Transport Sector related to the attention of the pandemic by COVID-19.
These guidelines are intended to protect the health of the populat...
EL SALVADOR - EXECUTIVE DECREE IN THE BRANCH OF HEALTH NO. 09 - CONTAINMENT MEASURES IN THE FIELD OF FOOD ACTIVITY IN RESTAURANTS AND OTHER SIMILARS RELATED TO THE CARE OF THE SANITARY EMERGENCY COVID-19
On March 17, 2020, Executive Decree No. 12 in the Health Branch was issued, as a consequence of Legislative Decree No. 593, dated March 14, 2020, by which the Congress declared a State of National Emergency, a State of Public Calamity and Natural Disasters following the pandemic ...
COSTA RICA - NEWSLETTER ON HEALTH MINISTRY 'S CONDOMINIUM GUIDELINES
On March 20th, 2020, the Ministry of Health issued the General Guidelines for Commercial Condominiums, condominiums with commercial and residential spaces, and Residential Condominiums due to the health alert for Coronavirus (COVID-19). The application of these measures is mandat...
EL SALVADOR - CONTAINMENT MEASURE IN THE FIELD OF COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITY ATTENDING THE SANITARY EMERGENCY COVID-19 AND ACTIVITIES EXCEPTED FROM THE NATIONAL QUARANTINE
Executive Decree No. 10 in the Health Branch, called "CONTAINMENT MEASURE IN THE FIELD OF COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITY ATTENDING OF THE SANITARY EMERGENCY COVID-19", was published in the Official Gazette on March 18 of this year, at number 56 of volume 426, and is...
COVID-19 LEGAL TASK FORCE COSTA RICA – UPDATE 9
Arias created an interdisciplinary task force with the participation of different practice areas, that is monitoring and informing about measures taken by the Government to mitigate the impact of COVID 19.
The Government of Costa Rica announced measures to mitigate the effects o...
EL SALVADOR - UPDATE OF LABOR MEASURES: MINISTRY OF LABOR AND SOCIAL SECURITY STATEMENT
The Secretary of State in the Labor and Social Security Offices, in order to guarantee the maintenance of jobs and the productive sustainability of companies despite the crisis generated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has communicated on March 26, 2020, the following:
Authorizes empl...
COVID-19: MEASURES ON INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MATTERS IN HONDURAS
Please be informed that the Intellectual Property Office in Honduras has been closed since March 16, 2020 as a measure to prevent the spreading of Coronavirus (COVID-19), without the opportunity of on-line filing. In this sense, all terms are suspended up to the next immediate bu...
EL SALVADOR - EXTRAORDINARY MEASURES OF PREVENTION AND CONTAINMENT TO DECLARE THE NATIONAL TERRITORY AS AN AREA SUBJECT TO SANITARY CONTROL IN ORDER TO CONTAIN THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.
On March 21, 2020, the Executive Decree in the Health Branch No. 12 was issued, through which extraordinary prevention and containment measures are established to declare the national territory as an area subject to sanitary control, in order to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, whi...
EL SALVADOR - EXECUTIVE DECREE IN THE BRANCH OF HEALTH NO. 09 - CONTAINMENT MEASURES IN THE FIELD OF FOOD ACTIVITY IN RESTAURANTS AND OTHER SIMILARS RELATED TO THE CARE OF THE SANITARY EMERGENCY COVID-19
On March 17, 2020, Executive Decree No. 12 in the Health Branch was issued, as a consequence of Legislative Decree No. 593, dated March 14, 2020, by which the Congress declared a State of National Emergency, a State of Public Calamity and Natural Disasters following the pandemic ...
TAX UPDATE IN HONDURAS: COVID-19
The Tax Authority is providing telephone assistance to inquiries regarding omissions, contract of numbers of adherence, changes of fiscal password and acceptance of the contract of adherence;
The period for presentation of the Monthly Statement of Purchases (DMC, in Spanish) h...
GUATEMALA: TAX ADMINISTRATION OFFICE’S ACTIVITIES SUSPENSION DUE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC RESOLUTION SAT-DSI-280-2020
The resolution SAT-DSI-280-2020 issued by the Superintendent of the Tax Administration Office -SAT- was published in the official gazette on March 24, 2020. In said resolution, SAT defers the terms prescribed by Guatemalan tax law related to the compliance of tax obligations such...
PANAMA ADOPTS TAX MEASURES DUE TO COVID-19
In relation to the state of emergency declared by the Government of Panama, Law No. 134 of 2020 (“Law 134”) was enacted, bringing forward the entry into force of two articles of the Tax Procedure Code, allowing the Executive Branch to suspend totally or partially the ...
PANAMA LEGAL TASK FORCE COVID19 - UPDATE #8
At Arias Panama we have created an interdisciplinary task force that is monitoring and informing about measures taken by the Government to mitigate the impact of COVID-19.
By means of Letter No. 001 / DNDM / 2020 of March 23, the Directorate of Medical Devices of the Ministry of...
PANAMA DECLARES TOTAL QUARANTINE COVID19 - UPDATE #7
Tonight, the Government of the Republic of Panama has ordered mandatory quarantine throughout the Panamanian territory. In other words, movement restriction is applicable to the entire population, who may circulate exclusively to purchase food and / or medicines for a maximum per...
GUATEMALA: AMENDMENTS TO THE COMMERCIAL CODE, DECREE 2-70 OF CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC
On March 23rd, 2020, the Decree 6-2020 of the Congress of the Republic of Guatemala was published in the Official Gazette which contains amendments to the Guatemalan Commerce Code. With these amendments, the implementation of the digitalized check in the context of negotiable ins...
GUATEMALA: SPECIAL TEMPORARY MEASURES FOR INSTITUTIONS SUBJECT TO SUPERVISION OF THE SUPERINTENDENCE OF BANKS
On March 23rd, 2020 the Resolution JM-32-2020 of the Monetary Board was published in the Official Gazette. This resolution contains certain special temporary measures in view of the circumstances derived from the COVID-19.
By means of these measures, the Monetary Board is instru...
MEASURES TO USERS OF BANKING SERVICES IN GUATEMALA DUE TO THE COVID-19 EMERGENCY
Following up to the resolutions by the Monetary Board on March 19, 2020, by means of the Resolution JM-32-2020 on the temporary flexibility of various provisions of the Regulation for the Administration of Credit Risk so that debtors can meet their credit obligations, on March 20...
GUATEMALA: PROJECT OF REGULATIONS FOR THE COMPREHENSIVE RISK MANAGEMENT OF INSURERS AND REINSURERS
The purpose of the Regulations is to rule the aspects that insurers and reinsurers must observe regarding risk management. The system to be implemented on comprehensive risk management must include the following essential items:
Strategy for comprehensive risk management, esta...
EL SALVADOR: DECREE NO. 601 - TRANSITORY LAW TO DIFFER THE PAYMENT OF BILLS FOR WATER, ELECTRIC ENERGY AND TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES
As part of the measures considered in Legislative Decree No. 593, State of National Emergency of the Pandemic by COVID -19, the Congress enacted the Transitional Law to defer the Payment of Bills for Water, Electric Power and Telecommunications Services in order to mitigate the e...
EL SALVADOR: EXEMPTION FROM THE PAYMENT OF THE SPECIAL TAX FOR THE PROMOTION OF TOURISM AND EXTENSION FOR THE PAYMENT OF THE INCOME TAX AND THE ADVANCE OF ACCOUNT OF SUCH TAX APPROVED BY THE SALVADORAN CONGRESS
Through Legislative Decree No. 598 dated March 20, 2020, the Salvadoran Congress issued the ¨Special and Transitory Law applicable to Small Taxpayers, Tourism, Electric Power, Television, Internet and Telephone Services and for the Special Tax for the Promotion of Tourism¨...
PANAMA LEGAL TASK FORCE COVID19 -UPDATE #6
At Arias Panama we have created an interdisciplinary task force that is monitoring and informing about measures taken by the Government to mitigate the impact of COVID-19.
The Government of Panama by Decree N° 505 has extended the national curfew so, as of today, March 24, t...
COVID-19 LEGAL TASK FORCE COSTA RICA – UPDATE 8
Arias created an interdisciplinary task force with the participation of different practice areas, that is monitoring and informing about measures taken by the Government to mitigate the impact of COVID 19.
The Government of Costa Rica announced measures to mitigate the effects o...
UPDATE OF MIGRATORY MEASURES ADOPTED IN HONDURAS DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
The National Institute of Migration following the provisions of the Government of Honduras establishes the following measures:
The Land Migration Control Points are kept operating for:
The entry into the country of Hondurans, residents, and diplomats, who must compu...
DECREE NO. 605 – LAW OF FACILITATION OF ONLINE PURCHASING APPROVED BY THE CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF EL SALVADOR
On March 20, 2020, the Congress of El Salvador, as per the initiative of the President of the Republic, through the Lady Minister of Economy, approved the Legislative Decree Number 605, which contains the LAW OF FACILITATION OF ONLINE PURCHASING.
Such decree establishes that the...
DECREE NO. 602 - REFORMS TO THE CONSUMER PROTECTION LAW APPROVED BY THE SALVADORAN CONGRESS
On March 20, 2020, the Congress of El Salvador, approved the Legislative Decree No. 602, which contains certain reforms to the Consumer Protection Law.
The foregoing, as a consequence of Legislative Decree No. 593, dated March 14, 2020, by which the Congress declared a State of ...
HONDURAS - IMPORTATION PROCEDURES BEFORE SENASA
The National Service of Food Safety, Animal and Plant health (SENASA) is receiving import requests electronically to allow importation of goods of agri-food interest.
To obtain an import permit, companies must send the import request along with the usual documentation an...
HONDURAS - OBTAINING EXPEDITED APPROVALS FOR SANITARY REGISTRATIONS OF FOOD PRODUCTS BEFORE ARSA
Faced with the crisis that many companies will experience in obtaining health records, renewals and modification approvals of food products, users may request an expedited resolution that will allow them to obtain approval in as little as five business days counted from the date ...
UPDATE ON CURFEW IN GUATEMALA
On March 21st, 2020, the President of the Republic of Guatemala, in Cabinet of Ministers, issued the Governmental Decree number 6-2020, published today March 22nd, 2020 (“Governmental Decree 6-2020”).
The Governmental Decree 6-2020 amends article 5 of the Gov...
EL SALVADOR - MODIFICATION TO THE CENTRAL AMERICAN IMPORT TARIFF
On March 20, 2020 the Legislative Assembly issued decree 604 for the Modification of the Central American Import Tariff, within the framework of the state of emergency declared in El Salvador due to the pandemic by COVID-19. Through this decree, urgent and temporary measures are ...
EL SALVADOR - REFORM TO THE LEGISLATIVE DECREE NUMBER 593 OF DECLARATION OF EMERGENCY STATE DUE TO THE PANDEMIC FOR COVID-19
On March 20, 2020, the Salvadoran Assembly issued the Favorable Resolution of the project of reform to the Legislative Decree 593 submitted by the President of the Republic. This reform is in respect to article 9 of the legislative decree 593 whereby the National Emergency State ...
DECREE NO. 603 - TRANSITORY MEASURES ON TARIFF AND FISCAL PROVISIONS APPROVED BY THE SALVADORAN CONGRESS
In the framework of the Legislative Decree No. 593, dated March 14, 2020, by which the Salvadoran Congress declared a State of National Emergency, a State of Public Calamity and Natural Disasters following the pandemic by COVID-29, last March 20, the Congress approved the Legisla...
CONTRACTUAL IMPLICATIONS ON LIABILITIES, DEADLINES AND COMPLIANCE IN HONDURAS DUE TO THE CRISIS CAUSED BY COVID-19
The government has decreed the suspension of labor for the public and private sectors via decree (PCM-021-2020).
Due to this situation, and in direct connection with the suspension of constitutional guarantees and the quarantine decree in the main cities of the coun...
UPDATE OF MEASURES IN HONDURAS DUE TO THE COVID-19 OUTBREAK
The Secretary of State in the Security Offices through the National Police within the framework of SINAGER, by means of a Press Release on Friday March 20, 2020, declared a Curfew (Quarantine) nationwide until Sunday, March 29, 2020 until 3:00 pm pursuant to Decree PCM-021-2020.
...
IMPORTANCE OF THE INSTITUTIONAL LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR WATER MANAGEMENT
Water is a precious and scarce resource, necessary for people's daily lives and for the operation of industries. For this reason, and for many other reasons, it is very important to have a legal and institutional framework, as well as governance to ensure its protection.
As ...
GOVERNMENT OF PANAMA EXTENDS TERM OF TAX AMNESTY
Law 99 of 2019 (“Law 99”), which granted a general amnesty for the payment of taxes administered by the Directorate General of Revenue of the Ministry of Economy and Finance (“DGI), was modified by means of Law 134 of March 20, 2020 (“Law 134”), exte...
CURFEW IN GUATEMALA
The President of the Republic of Guatemala has announced as an additional measure, curfew for the entire national territory.
According to his declarations, the curfew will be in force from this Sunday, March 22nd, 2020 and it will last for 8 days, from 16:00 hours to 4:00 hours ...
GOVERNMENT ACTIONS TO MITIGATE THE COVID-19 IMPACT - UPDATE 7
The Government of Costa Rica announced new labor and social security measures to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on the workplace. Please find below the details of the actions taken so far:
Temporary relief from social security contributions: The Costa Rican Social Security Ad...
EL SALVADOR - APPROVAL OF THE TELEWORK REGULATION LAW
On March 20, 2020, the Congress approved the Legislative Decree Number 600, which contains the TELEWORK REGULATION LAW that will be applicable to the public sector and private companies.
Telework is understood as the mean to carry out non-presential labor relationships, whether ...
PANAMA ALLOWS BUSINESSES TO SUSPEND EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS COVID-19 - UPDATE #5
By Decree No. 81 of 20 March, the Government of Panama issued extraordinary measures to allow for labour contracts to be suspended due to force majeure as a result of the COVID-19 health crisis.
The suspension may be applied by already shut-down businesses, after obtaining...
COVID-19 LEGAL TASK FORCE LEGAL COSTA RICA – UPDATE 6
Arias created an interdisciplinary task force with the participation of different practice areas, that is monitoring and informing about measures taken by the Government to mitigate the impact of COVID 19.
The Government of Costa Rica announced measures to mitigate the eff...
MEASURES APPLICABLE BY COURTS IN HONDURAS DUE TO COVID-19 (JUDICIAL DEADLINES)
The government has decreed the suspension of labor for the public and private sectors via decree (PCM-021-2020), so the Supreme Court of Justice has determined (CSJ 1-2020 agreement):
Suspend work in all judicial venues in the country from Monday, March 16 to Sunday, Marc...
CUSTOMS AND TAX UPDATE IN HONDURAS (COVID-19)
TAX OBLIGATIONS (SAR)
Attention by telephone of inquiries of omissions, contract of adherence numbers, changes of tax password and acceptance of the contract of adherence;
Extended until March 23 for presentation of DMC;
Expansion of tax documents that expired between March ...
PANAMA CLOSES ALL BUSINESSES COVID-19 - UPDATE 4
A few hours ago, Panamanian national authorities by decree No 500 ordered shutting down all private companies and shops saved those industries and services of health or national priority.
This will be in forced at 11:59 pm today.
It is added to the curfew that prohibits circula...
COVID-19: IMPLICATIONS IN CUSTOMS MATTERS IN HONDURAS
The different customs points of the country (customs areas, maritime, internal, and terrestrial or border, are operating in a normal way in the activities of Foreign Trade of export and import of merchandise.
Currently, there is no restriction for the entry or exit of merchand...
ALCOHOL GEL MANUFACTURING IN EL SALVADOR
Considering the lack of hygiene and cleaning products, the National Medicines Bureau (“DNM” for its initials in Spanish), held a meeting on March 19, 2020, whereby it established the necessary measures for all unauthorized establishments wishing to manufacture alcohol...
POSSIBLE IMPACTS OF COVID-19 ON THE GUATEMALAN FINANCIAL SYSTEM
On March 18, 2020, the President of the Republic of Guatemala presented the National Program for Emergency and Economic Recovery to Congress. In it presentation, the President of the Republic has proposed certain actions that aim to reduce the negative impact that could be genera...
COVID19 LEGAL TASK FORCE COSTA RICA – UPDATE 5
Arias created an interdisciplinary task force with the participation of different practice areas, that is monitoring and informing about measures taken by the Government to mitigate the impact of COVID 19.
Breach of contract obligations in times of COVID-19
COVID-19 is im...
IMPLICATIONS IN LABOR MATTERS IN HONDURAS DUE TO COVID-19 CRISIS
The government has decreed the suspension of labor for the public and private sectors via decree (PCM-021-2020), without this implying suspension of employer obligations.
Our labor legislation establishes the possibility of the total or partial suspension of emp...
HONDURAS: RESTRICTION OF CONSTITUTIONAL GUARANTEES IN HONDURAS (COVID-19)
The constitutional guarantee of free movement of persons (established in articles 69, 71, 72, 78, 81, 84, 93, 99, and 103 of the Constitution of the Republic) have been restricted, for a period of seven (7) days from the approval and publication of Executive Decree PCM-021-2020 (...
AUTHORIZATION FOR OPERATION OR SUSPENSION OF ACTIVITIES IN HONDURAS BECAUSE OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
The Secretary of State of the Office of Economic Development, based on the production system, can authorize the operation of a company or agree on the mechanism to suspend its operations, as in the case of the Maquila and the manufacturing sector.
Application / Operation Requir...
EL SALVADOR: CLOSURE OF CALL CENTERS AND APPAREL FACILITIES (MAQUILAS)
The President of the Republic of El Salvador, through a press conference held on March 18, 2020, decreed the closure of call centers and apparel facilities (maquilas) for 15 days, term which can be extended.
This measure is in addition to those previously taken in labor and heal...
PANAMA INCREASES MEASURES TO PREVENT COVID-19 CONTAGION UPDATE 3
Panamanian national authorities yesterday decreed mandatory measures for all companies with the aim of mitigating and controlling the spread of COVID-19:
A curfew is decreed throughout the country from 9:00 pm to 5:00 am.
Workers aged 60 years and over, those who suffer from ...
SUPERINTENDENCE OF BANKS OF PANAMA CREATES MODIFIED CREDITS DUE TO COVID-19
Through Banking Agreement 002-2020 of March 16, 2020 (the “Agreement”), Panamanian Superintendence of Banks (“SBP”) establishes additional, exceptional and temporary measures for compliance with the provisions contained in Agreement 4-2013 (“Agreemen...
ACTIONS OF THE GOVERNMENT OF COSTA RICA TO MITIGATE THE COVID-19 IMPACT - UPDATE 4
On March 17, 2020, the Congress of Costa Rica approved in a first debate an amendment to the Bill of Law “Tax Relief against Covid-19”. The following provisions are being approved in the bill:
VAT moratorium: Taxpayers must file the VAT returns corresponding to Mar...
ACTIONS OF THE GOVERNMENT OF COSTA RICA TO MITIGATE THE COVID-19 IMPACT - UPDATE 3
The Government of Costa Rica announced new labor and social security measures to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 on the workplace. Please find below the detail of the actions taken so far:
Health recommendations for employees in non-teleworking positions: The Ministry of...
ACTIONS OF THE GOVERNMENT OF COSTA RICA TO MITIGATE THE COVID-19 IMPACT - UPDATE 2
The Government of Costa Rica has announced new public policy measures to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 in the following areas:
1. Monetary Policy: The Central Bank, the National Council on Economic Supervision (CONASSIF) and the Banking Supervision Authority (SUGEF) e...
ALERT COVID-19: ADDITIONAL MEASURES IN GUATEMALA DUE TO STATE OF PUBLIC CALAMITY
On March 16, 2020, the President of the Republic of Guatemala ordered the following provisions that come into effect from March 17 at 00:00 hours until March 31 at 24 hours.
Prohibitions:
Work and activities are suspended in the Private and Public sector.
Exceptions:
...
ACTIONS OF GOVERNMENT OF COSTA RICA TO MITIGATE THE COVID-19 IMPACT
The Government of Costa Rica has announced public policy measures to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 in the following areas: labor, taxes, education and economy.
Please find below a list of the measures taken so far:
Employment protection: The Government has reque...
EL SALVADOR - NEW LAW ON INTEGRAL WASTE MANAGEMENT AND PROMOTION OF RECYCLING
On February 24th, the President approved the Law on Integral Waste Management and Promotion of Recycling, published in the Official Journal No. 40, volume 426 on February 27th, 2020[1]. This law aims to promote the use of waste and ensure a sanitary and environmentally safe final...
ALERT COVID-19: UPDATE OF MEASURES IMPLEMENTED IN GUATEMALA
The government authorities of Guatemala have implemented the following health measures to prevent the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19):
Migratory:
Entry restriction: to all nationalities. From 0:00 on March 17, 2020, the country's borders are closed for 15 days. Thi...
SALVADORAN CONGRESS APPROVED THE EMERGENCY DECREE DUE TO COVID-19
The Salvadoran Congress approved the Legislative Decree number 593 on March 14, 2020, which is called NATIONAL STATE OF EMERGY OF THE PANDEMIC DUE TO COVID-19. This decree was submitted by the President of the Republic through the Minister of Governance and Territorial Developmen...
EMERGENCY MEASURES ADOPTED BY THE GOVERNMENT OF HONDURAS FOR COVID-19
PROHIBITIONS
Work in Public and Private sector is suspended.
Events of all kinds and number of people are prohibited.
All sports, cultural and social activities are canceled.
The operation of public transport is prohibited.
In-person religious celebrations are suspended.
...
THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF HONDURAS HAS ANNOUNCED MEASURES FOR THE PREVENTION OF THE SPREAD OF COVID-19
The Government of the Republic of Honduras has issued new measures to help in the prevention of the spread of COVID-19 as of this date, March 15, 2020. Among the measures that were adopted with a duration of 7 days from 11:59 PM of this night of March 15:
Suspension of all kin...
THE GOVERNMENT OF PANAMA DECREES STATE OF NATIONAL EMERGENCY DUE TO THE CORONAVIRUS
As a result of the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus and in line with global measures, the government of Panama decreed a State of National Emergency to adopt actions that facilitate resource against the spread of the virus in Panamanian territory, impacting the following:
&nbs...
EL SALVADOR: LABOUR IMPLICATIONS REGARDING THE POSSIBLE IMPACT OF COVID-19
Regarding the possible impact of an epidemic such as COVID-19, the health of employees must be the primary objective of every employer, as well as the normal continuity of their business when the circumstances allow it.
This compels employers to act with pre...
MIGRATORY POINT OF VIEW FOR QUARANTINE IN EL SALVADOR
Yesterday, following Executive Decree No. 13, a period of 21 days of quarantine was ordered due to COVID-19.
From the migratory point of view, and with the aim of preventing any threat of massive contagion and violation of the health of the inhabitants, the following measures we...
NICARAGUA: GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS ON OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY AGAINST CORONAVIRUS
Following the outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19) and despite the fact that each of the countries in the Central American region has special regulations on occupational health and safety, it has been seen that there are still various challenges and issues in both the public and pr...
MIGRATORY MEASURES ADOPTED BY THE REPUBLIC OF HONDURAS
As a health measure to prevent the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19), the Government of the Republic of Honduras, through the National Institute of Migration based on the public interest in the face of international contingency, establishes the following:
Any national or foreig...
MIGRATORY ALERT: NATIONALITIES WITH RESTRICTIONS TO ENTER GUATEMALA
As a health measure to prevent Coronavirus (COVID19), the country´s health and immigrations authorities have announced the measure to restrict the entry to Guatemalan territory for nationals or citizens from:
Travelers from Panama will be screened at La Aurora Inte...
EL SALVADOR - ON THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON CONTRACT AND PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION
The outbreak of disease by the new Coronavirus (COVID-19), first reported in the city of Wuhan, China, on December 31, 2019, has negatively impacted the world´s economy. Fundamentally, the crisis caused by the COVID-19 outbreak has interrupted the production, supply, distri...
HOW CAN COSTA RICAN COMPANIES FACE THE LABOR CHALLENGES OF A POSSIBLE CORONAVIRUS INFECTION?
In order to strengthen the containment of the spread of COVID-19 virus, the Executive has issued several guidelines for the public sector by which it declares, among other things, the preventive measures that must be applied at the workplace to avoid a further spread of the Coron...
NEW INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC INVITATION FOR THE ELABORATION OF THE FEASIBILITY STUDY OF PROJECT 7241: “CONSTRUCTION OF PACIFIC AIRPORT, IN THE EASTERN AREA OF EL SALVADOR”
The Government of El Salvador, through the Ministerio de Obras Públicas y de Transporte (“MOP”), Comisión Ejecutiva Portuaria Autónoma (“CEPA”) and the Fondo Salvadoreño Para Estudios de Preinversión (“FOS...
NAYIB BUKELE DECLARES IN QUARANTINE TO SALVADORAN TERRITORY
On march 11th, the President of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele in a press conference, quarantined the Salvadoran territory for 30 days to prevent possible infections of Coronavirus COVID-19.
El Salvador, at the moment, does not present any confirmed cases of the disease, however, thi...
GUATEMALA: STATE OF CALAMITY DUE TO CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)
GUATEMALA DECREES STATE OF PUBLIC CALAMITY AS A PREVENTION PLAN FOR CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)
Government Decree 5-2020 of the Presidency of the Republic, which declares State of Public Calamity throughout the Guatemalan territory, was published this Friday, March 6, in ...
NEW INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC INVITATION FOR THE ELABORATION OF THE FEASIBILITY STUDY OF PROJECT 7290: “MASS PASSENGER TRANSPORT SYSTEM IN THE METROPOLITAN AREA OF SAN SALVADOR”
The Government of El Salvador, through the Ministerio de Obras Públicas y de Transporte (“MOP”) and the Fondo Salvadoreño Para Estudios de Preinversión (“FOSEP”), published the invitation to consulting companies, national and internati...
GUATEMALA - PROPOSAL FOR AMENDMENTS TO THE COMMERCIAL CODE, DECREE 2-70
On February 25th, 2020, the Congress of the Republic of Guatemala approved, in third reading, the final drafting of the bill number 5411 which contains amendments to the Guatemalan Commerce Code. As part of those amendments, it consolidates the implementation of the digitalized c...
PANAMA APPROVES REMOTE WORKING LAW
By Law No. 126 of February 18, 2020, the Republic of Panama approves the remote working Law.
The teleworking contract implies the development of the usual tasks to be carried outside the company's facilities and must contain the minimum requirements established in the Labor ...
GUATEMALA - PROPOSAL TO AMENDMENTS TO THE LAW OF NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS FOR DEVELOPMENT, DECREE 2-2003 AND THE CIVIL CODE, DECREE 106
On February 11th, 2020, the Congress of the Republic of Guatemala approved, in third reading, the final drafting of the bill number 5257 which intends to reform the regulatory framework to which Non-Governmental Organizations -NGOs- are subject in Guatemala. The bill includes ame...
COSTA RICA - OUR LABOR LAW DEPARTMENT GROWS
San Jose, Monday, February 17th, 2020. Labor and social security law attorney, Carolina Soto, is joining as partner to our firm, Arias, starting today, February 17th.
Carolina will become the head leader of the labor law department, after 18 years of experience in company shutdo...
COSTA RICA IS NOW PART OF THE OECD COMPETITION COMMITTEE
On February 12th, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) approved Costa Rica into the OECD Competition Committee, as a result of the country's competition policies assessment, and due to the accomplishment of the recommendations regarding the standa...
GUATEMALA - NEW CENTRAL AMERICAN TECHNICAL REGULATIONS (RTCA) FOR PROCESSED FOOD AND BEVERAGES. FOOD ADDITIVES
On December 5, 2019, the Council of Ministers for Economic Integration (COMIECO) adopted resolution No. 419-2019 (COMIECO-LXXXIX) which approves the Central American Technical Regulation RTCA 67.04.54:18 Processed Foods and Beverages. Food Additives, which will come into fo...
ARIAS LAWYERS RANKED IN CHAMBERS GLOBAL
Chambers and Partners recently published their 2020 edition of Chambers Global, a guide covering over 190 countries across the globe and including region-wide sections.
“Chambers and Partners is an editorial house that publishes guides for the legal profession. They...
NICARAGUA - ANNUAL INCOME TAX 2019 ORDINARY PERIOD FILING AND PAYMENT
Prior to the enforcement of Law No. 987, Law of amendments and additions to Law N° 822 Nicaraguan Tax Law (hereinafter “Amendments to the Tax Law”) the taxpayers (individuals or legal entities) that were incorporated under the ordinary fiscal regime were required ...
EL SALVADOR: RELIGIOUS WEDDINGS, TACUBA 2020 | SEVENTEENTH EDITION
On January 25th, the Arias team visited Ahuachapán to celebrate the traditional collective religious weddings at the municipality of Tacuba. With support of the local Parish Santa María Magdalena, the firm year after year shares a celebration which transmi...
PANAMA MODIFIES INCENTIVES FOR TOURISM ACTIVITIES
By means of Official Gazette No. 28,932-A, Law 122 of 2019 (“Law 122”) was enacted, modifying Law 80 of 2012 (“Law 80”), which sets out incentive provisions for the promotion of touristic activities in Panama.
Law 122 modifies article 9 of Law 80, b...
GUATEMALA - EMPLOYER´S ANNUAL REPORT
The deadline to comply with the obligation to submit the Employer's Annual Report before Ministry of Labor expires on February 28, 2020.
To facilitate compliance with this obligation, the Ministry of Labor on its website makes available to all employers a manual and ...
GUATEMALA - AMMENDMENT TO DECREE 10-2012
EXPENSES MADE BY THE HEADQUARTERS OF AIRLINES OPERATING IN GUATEMALA WILL BE DEDUCTIBLE
Decree 02-2020 of the Congress of the Republic of Guatemala
Dear clients and friends,
On February 10th2020, Decree 02-2020 was published in the Official Gazette, which amends Decree...
EL SALVADOR - MUNICIPAL SOLVENCY REQUIREMENT
According to legislative decree No. 542, dated January 9, 2020, published on the Official Gazette on January 29, 2020, which amended Article 100 of the Municipal Code, since February 7, 2020, it will be necessary to present solvency of municipal taxes, fees or special contributio...
THE POTENTIAL OF INVESTMENT COMPANIES IN GUATEMALA
The importance of investments for the economic growth of developing countries such as Guatemala is considerable. In this context, investment companies can play an elementary role as they allow the reduction or distribution of investors' risks by diversifying their investments...
COSTA RICA - PAYMENT OF CORPORATE TAX
We remind you that the annual Corporate Tax for 2020 fiscal year must be paid on January 31st at the latest.
The Corporate Tax must be paid by any company, branch of a foreign company, as well as any individual limited liability company, currently registered at the Public Regist...
PANAMA FURTHER EXTENDS FILING DEADLINE FOR COUNTRY BY COUNTRY REPORT
On January 31st, 2020, Official Gazette No. 28952-A enacted Resolution No. 201-1035, issued by the Directorate General of Revenue of the Ministry of Economy and Finance ("DGI" as per its abbreviation in Spanish), which extends until February 15th, 2020 the deadline for ...
EL SALVADOR - INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC TENDER PROCESS FOR THE "PRIVATE PUBLIC PARTNERSHIP FOR ROAD ILLUMINATION AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE"
The Government of El Salvador, through the Ministerio de Obras Públicas y de Transporte (MOP by its acronym in Spanish) and the Organismo Promotor de Exportaciones e Inversiones de El Salvador (PROESA by its acronym in Spanish), published the invi...
GUATEMALA - NEW REGULATION FOR CLINICAL TRIALS IN HUMANS
The Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance through Ministerial Agreement 299-2019 approves the new Regulations for Clinical Trials in Humans, which are effective from December 31, 2019.
This Regulation aims to unify the procedures that allow the promotion of policies a...
EL SALVADOR - THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY APPROVES A SPECIAL AND TRANSITORY LAW TO FACILITATE THE VOLUNTARY COMPLIANCE OF TAX AND CUSTOM OBLIGATIONS
On Friday, December 13th, 2019, the Salvadorian Congress approved a Special and Transitional "Law to facilitate the voluntary compliance of tax and customs obligations". Taxpayers have 8 months to pay to the Salvadorian Tax Authority all overdue original and supplementa...
GUATEMALA: MIGRATORY NEWSLETTER
The National Migration Authority issued new regulations of the Migratory Code, Decree Number 44-2016 of the Congress of the Republic, as detailed below:
National Migration Authority Agreement No. 7-2019 - General Regulation of Migration.
National Migration Authority Agre...
GUATEMALA - INVITATION TO TENDER FOR A CABLE-CAR TRANSPORTATION SERVICE HAS BEEN OPEN IN GUATEMALA
Guatemala is betting on a cable-car, a public transportation service by air cable, to streamline urban mobility the mobility of people and traffic flow.
On January 9, 2020, an invitation to participate in a public procurement process for the granting of a concession for the imp...
PANAMA - CONSUMERS MAY PAY CASH TO RIDESHARING COMPANIES
Recently, the Supreme Court of Justice of the Republic of Panama issued a ruling in which it declared void for illegal the prohibition of the payment in cash for the transport services offered through ridesharing companies. This prohibition had been established in 2017 through Ex...
ANTICIPATED DECLARATION IN EL SALVADOR
El Salvador along with Guatemala will implement on January 23 of this year, the Anticipated Declaration of Goods. This is the first system of Anticipated declaration that is implemented in Central America and it is expected that in the short term it will be integrated with the ot...
NON-OPERATIVE COMPANIES IN COSTA RICA
In 2020, entities incorporated in the country having no income of Costa Rican source must register before the Tax Authorities and submit a yearly equity statement to the Tax Authorities.
Regulation number DGT-075-2019, published in The Gazzete on December 20, 2019, establishes ...
PANAMA INCREASES NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGE
Today December 31st, the Panamanian Government set the new Minimum Wage, which will take effect beginning on Wednesday, January 15, 2020.
This represents an increase of 3.3% (average) resulting in US$ 3.38, US$ 3.58 and US$ 4.67 per hour for the more costly activities. Thus...
THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF EL SALVADOR APPROVES THE LAW ON INTEGRAL MANAGEMENT OF WASTE AND PROMOTION OF RECYCLING
On December 19th, the Legislative Assembly approved the Law on Integral Management of Waste and Promotion of Recycling, after the analysis carried out by the Committee on Environment and Climate Change. The decree has been sent to the President of the Republic for sanction.
This...
GUATEMALA - MINIMUM WAGE 2020
Today, December 30, 2019 was published in the Official Gazette of the Government Agreement No. 320-2019 of the Ministry of Labor, which establishes the minimum wage to be paid in Guatemala to employees dedicated to agricultural, nonagricultural activities and export and maquila a...
PANAMA EXTENDS FILING DEADLINE FOR THE COUNTRY BY COUNTRY REPORT
On December 27th, Official Gazette No. 28929 enacted two Resolutions issued by the Directorate General of Revenue of the Ministry of Economy and Finance ("DGI" as per its abbreviation in Spanish), both dated December 19th, 2019. Resolution No. 201-9116 extends the filin...
PANAMA REGULATES LAW TO PROVIDE EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
In recent days, the Executive Decree N°333 of December 5, 2019 was enacted to regulate the Law N°15 of May 31, 2016, which provide equal opportunities to people with disabilities in the Republic of Panama. This regulation aims for the accessibility in public and private a...
BEST LAWYERS RECOGNIZES ARIAS TEAM
In Arias we are honored to have Andrey Dorado in our team. Our partner at Costa Rica, who has been recognized by Best Lawyers® as the BEST LAWYER OF THE YEAR 2020 for his practice areas in the Competition and Antitrust practice. In addition, throughout the region, our firm ha...
CHAMBERS AND PARTNERS LATIN AMERICA AWARDS 2019 RECOGNIZES ARIAS
In a ceremony held on November 22nd in Miami Beach, Florida; Chambers and Partners awarded Arias for the "El Salvador Law Firm of the Year" for its ninth occasion and "Nicaragua Law Firm of the Year" for its second occasion. These awards reflect the profession...
THE ELECTRONIC COMMERCE LAW IS APPROVED IN EL SALVADOR
On October 31st, 2019 the Salvadoran Legislative Assembly approved the Electronic Commerce Law, which establishes the legal framework of electronic commercial relations and the validity of contracts electronically executed.
The approval of this law implies that in El Salvador, a...
LATIN AMERICAN ENERGY AND INFRASTRUCTURE AWARDS
The first edition of the Latin American Energy and Infrastructure Awards, which took place the 24th of October in Mexico City, aimed to highlight experts in this sector and reward their excellence and achievement through the presentation of emblematic cases from different legal f...
GOVERNMENT OF PANAMA DECREES TAX AMNESTY
By means of Law 99 of October 11th, 2019, a general tax amnesty for the payment of taxes administered by the General Directorate of Revenue (“DGI” by its acronym in Spanish) was approved in Panama until February 29th, 2020.
According to the supporting documents for...
GUATEMALA - AGREEMENT FOR THE PROHIBITION TO USE AND DISTRIBUTE SINGLE-USE PLASTIC BAGS
SUMMARY OF THE GOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT 189-2019
Name: agreement for the prohibition to use and distribute single-use plastic bags in their different presentations, shapes and designs, plastic straws in their different presentations, shapes and designs, including disposable plasti...
EL SALVADOR: NEW TENDER PROCESS FOR THE SUPPLY OF 189.3 MW OF POWER AND ITS ASSOCIATED ENERGY
New Tender Process for the supply of 189.3 MW of power and its associated energy to be provided as of January 1st, 2020
The electricity distributor company CAESS, S.A. DE C.V. DELSUR, S.A. DE C.V., on its behalf and on behalf of the electricity distributor companies DELSUR, S....
PANAMA RULES THE PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP (PPP)
Finally, Panama has created the Public-Private Partnership Regime as a mechanism to encourage private investment and employment, following the steps of most of the countries in the region.
Public-Private Partnership known as PPPs, is a modality that adds up private capital, ho...
COSTA RICAN CONGRESS PASSED A NEW ANTITRUST LAW (NO 9739)
The Costa Rican Congress passed a new Antitrust Law (No 9739) to strengthen the legal capabilities and role of the Commission to Promote Competition ("COPROCOM") (as the general Antitrust Authority) and the Superintendence of Telecommunications ("SUTEL"...
EL SALVADOR - NEW INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC TENDER PROCESS FOR THE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT OF EL SALVADOR "SAN ÓSCAR ARNULFO ROMERO Y GALDÁMEZ"
New international public tender process for the financing, design, expansion, construction, equipment, improvement of maintenance and operation of the cargo terminal of the International Airport of El Salvador "San Óscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdámez"
The G...
PANAMA - SUPERINTENDENCE OF BANKS UPDATES PROVISIONS ON CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
On August 13th, 2019, the Superintendence of Banks of Panama issued Agreement 008-2019, by means of which the provisions on Corporate Governance are updated, hereinafter the Agreement.
The Agreement establishes that the general license Banks must designate at least 30% of wome...
GUATEMALA - RESOLUTION OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL COURT REGARDING THE BANKING SECRECY
RESOLUTION OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL COURT REGARDING THE BANKING SECRECY
File 3267-2018
On August 5, 2019, the Constitutional Court issued the ruling that unfavorably resolves the partial general unconstitutionality against article 30 "C" of the Tax Code.
In that...
COSTA RICA - FINAL BENEFICIARIES REPORT WILL BEGIN IN SEPTEMBER
The obligation to submit the report of the Final Beneficiaries of legal entities in Costa Rica, will begin in September 2019. This obligation was established by the Law Against Tax Fraud regulated in Executive Decree No. 41040-H and through the resolution issued by the Central ...
ARIAS NICARAGUA ADVISES BANCO LAFISE BANCENTRO ON A DPR TRANSACTION
Arias acted as Nicaraguan counsel to Banco Lafise Bancentro in the sale, assignment, transfer, and conveyance of all the bank´s Diversified Payment Rights and all collections thereunder to a Cayman Islands entity, as well as an issuance of bonds with the participation of ...
COSTA RICA - BILL NO. 21.292 INTENDS TO ALLOW NON-RESIDENT BANKS TO OPEN A LOCAL BRANCH IN COSTA RICA
As part of the process of entering the OECD and with the aim of guaranteeing financial stability, the Costa Rican congress recently approved a Bill of Law allowing branches of foreign banks to operate in Costa Rica and form part of the National Banking System.
Currently, only ...
ARIAS HAS BEEN NOMINATED AT THE LATIN AMERICAN ENERGY AND INFRASTRUCTURE AWARDS
Over the years, we have seen how the economy in Latin America has had positive and negative changes, some countries achieve economic expansion and others with lack of growth and negative development indicators due to either internal or external factors. For the firm - ARIAS &ndas...
PANAMA - NEW BIDDING RULES FOR THE SHORT-TERM PURCHASE OF POWER AND ENERGY
By means of the Resolution AN N°15540 of July 17, 2019, The National Authority of Public Services-ASEP compelled The National Electricity Transmission Company, ETESA, to recalculate the requirements for a neutral contracting level of 95% in the first two years and 90% in th...
EL SALVADOR - NEW TECHNICAL REGULATIONS ON WASTEWATER AND SLUDGE MANAGEMENT
On May 2nd, 2019, the “Reglamento Técnico Salvadoreño: Aguas Residuales. Parámetros de Calidad de Aguas Residuales para descarga y Manejo de Lodos Residuales” (Salvadoran Technical Regulations: Wastewater. Parameters of Residual Water Quali...
EL SALVADOR - LA CONSTANCIA IS AUTHORIZED TO SELL ITS WATER TRADEMARKS "CRISTAL" AND "OASIS" TO THE COCA-COLA COMPANY
On July 3rd, 2019 the Board of Directors of the Superintendence of Competition issued a final resolution in the authorization process of economic concentration promoted by La Constancia, Ltda. de C.V. and The Coca-Cola Company, authorizing said economic agents to carry out the ...
GUATEMALA - LABOR BULLETIN
By Governmental Agreement 89-2019 was issued the Regulation of the International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention No. 175 which regulates Part-Time Work.
This Regulation comes into force today 5 of July and regulates, inter alia:
The rights of those workers who are h...
COSTA RICA - UPDATE OF SALARY TAX BRACKETS COME IN TO FORCE FROM TODAY JULY 1ST TO SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2019
As of today, July 1st 2019, the new brackets of income tax will be applicable to the salary, retirement payments and pensions.
The updated brackets and rates were published in Executive Decree No. 41799-H, in the national newspaper La Gaceta on June 25th, 2019.
The monthly wi...
PANAMA BIDS NEW ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION LINE
The Panamanian Official Transmission Company (ETESA) is calling for a Public Bid for the Supply, Assembly, Management and Operation of a 230 Kw Electricity Transmission Line from Sabanitas to Panama III. This infrastructure has an estimated budget of 98 million dollars, approxi...
EL SALVADOR - LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY DECREES AN EXEMPTION OF PAYMENT OF SPECIAL TAX TO LARGE TAXPAYERS FOR BENEFICIARIES OF SPECIAL TAX REGIMES
Legislative Assembly (Congress in El Salvador) decrees an exemption of payment of special tax
to large taxpayers for beneficiaries of special tax regimes
At plenary session on Thursday, May 16th, 2019, the Legislative Assembly approved the amendment to Art...
COSTA RICA - NEW LAW IMPOSES CRIMINAL LIABILITY ON LEGAL PERSONS
In Costa Rica, only natural persons could be considered as authors of a crime and sanctioned accordingly. This changed with the approval of the Bill of Law "Law on Criminal Liability of Legal Entities on Domestic Bonds, Transnational Bribery and Other Crimes", on June...
NICARAGUA - GRACE PERIOD FOR THE PAYMENT OF CAPITAL GAIN TAX FOR THE TRANSFER OF ASSETS SUBJECT TO REGISTRY
Pursuant to Law 987 Law of Amendments and Additions to Law 822, "Nicaraguan Tax Law" (hereinafter "Law 987"), the tax rate for the transfer of assets subject to registry assets was increased. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the sixth Article of the Ordin...
ARIAS HAS BEEN NOMINATED IN THE AMERICAS WOMEN IN BUSINESS LAW AWARDS 2019
The percentage of women in the legal market is getting stronger, and Euromoney Legal Media Group recognizes that women play an important role in the legal profession; therefore, year-on-year, it carries out the Americas Women in Business Law to recognize the best lawyers in each ...
PANAMA - BANNING THE USE OF PLASTIC
In order to fight pollution of the oceans, Panama adopted the UN recommendations by passing, last year, Act 1 of 2018, becoming the first country in the region to approve measures against the use of plastic bags.
This law granted a year and a half for the necessary adjustments...
HONDURAS - THE NEW CRIMINAL LAW CODE HAS BEEN PUBLISHED
The new Criminal Law Code contained in Legislative Decree 130-2017 has been published, which will come into force on November 10th, 2019.
In addition to regulating criminal behaviors that in the past were not punishable, this legal body contains a series of important implicati...
LEADING LAWYERS IN DIFFERENT PRACTICE AREAS HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED BY WHO’S WHO LEGAL
Every year Who's Who Legal develop in-depth research and evaluation, where they identify attorneys in different practice areas and leading firms in more than 70 jurisdictions. Since 1996, Who's Who Legal has recognized and raised awareness of leaders in the legal market a...
PANAMA - NEW TRANSMISSION LINE IN PANAMA
New opportunity for the new Transmission Line in Panama
The disqualification of the two proponents due to failure in complying with the minimum mandatory requirements, added to the lack of proposals from the other three prequalified companies, has opened to new investors, the ...
PANAMA - NEW DUE DILIGENCE RULES FOR BANKS AND FIDUCIARY COMPANIES ARE ESTABLISHED
By means of Agreement No. 0002-2019, the Banking Superintendence of Panama modified Agreement No. 10-2015 on the prevention of improper use of banking and fiduciary services. The new Agreement includes certain additional requisites which banks and fiduciary companies must take ...
PANAMA - BIDDING FOR THE PURCHASE OF ENERGY AND POWER
By means of the Resolution N° 4257 of April 8th, 2019, the National Secretary of Energy made strong recommendations to the National Electricity Transmission Company (ETESA), regarding the preparation and submission of the Bidding Papers for a short-term purchase of energy a...
EL SALVADOR - AN ACTION CHALLENGING THE CONSTITUTIONALITY OF THE LAW FOR THE SPECIAL CONTRIBUTION BY LARGE TAXPAYERS FOR THE CITIZEN SAFETY PLAN (LAW) IS ADMITTED
The Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice, through resolution issued on January 11th, 2019 in the unconstitutionality process identified with reference 156-2015, admitted an action challenging the constitutionality of the following provisions: (i) Article 5 of ...
DECREE 4-2019 ISSUED BY THE GUATEMALAN CONGRESS
On April 30th, 2019, Decree 4-2019 was published in the Official Gazette in order to reinvigorate the coffee sector and other exportation businesses by modifying the following laws:
Decree 12-2013: The term of the Trust for the Support of the Guatemalan Coffee Producers was ...
PRE-FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR AN UNDERGROUND METRO SYSTEM IN GUATEMALA CITY
We inform you that since April 25th, the Agencia Nacional de Alianzas para el Desarrollo de Infraestructura Económica (ANADIE by its acronym in Spanish) has announced the opening to elaborate observations to the project´s bidding bases to contract the pre-feasibili...
FIRST INTERNAL CSR CONTEST IN ARIAS EL SALVADOR
The first internal Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contest developed in the offices of El Salvador was named Arias Gives Back. Every year CSR actively seeks to be present in corporate strategies with the aim of generating a positive impact and translate it into greater comp...
EL SALVADOR - THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY MODIFIED THE ANNUAL REVENUE THRESHOLD REQUIRED TO BE FISCALLY AUDITED
On April 10th, 2019, the Legislative Assembly approved an amendment to Article 131 of the Tax Code, by which the annual revenue threshold that triggers a person's obligation to appoint a fiscal auditor to conduct a fiscal audit is increased. The new annual revenue threshold...
PANAMA RULES PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION
The protection of personal data is considered a fundamental right of the human being and his dignity. This right protected by article 29 of the Politic Constitution of the Republic of Panama. Also, the American Convention on Human Rights-ratified by Panama-establishes in Articl...
GUATEMALA - MIGRATORY NEWSLETTER
On March 21st, 2019 the National Migration Authority issued various regulations of the Migration Code, Decree Number 44-2016 of the Congress of the Republic, as detailed below:
National Migration Authority Agreement No. 2-2019 - Regulation of the procedure for the protection...
EL SALVADOR - COMIECO POSTPONES THE ENTRY INTO FORCE OF THE CENTRAL AMERICAN SINGLE DECLARATION ("DUCA")
On March 28th, 2019 the Council of Ministers of Economic Integration ("COMIECO") through resolution No. 410-2019 dated March 28th, 2019, agreed to postpone the entry into force of the Central American Single Declaration (DUCA) until May 7th, 2019.
Pursuant to COMIECO&#...
EL SALVADOR - THE CENTRAL AMERICAN SINGLE DECLARATION FORM (DUCA PER ITS ACRONYM IN SPANISH) WILL REPLACE THE FAUCAAND BE APPLICABLE FORALL CENTRAL AMERICA TRADE OPERATIONS STARTING ON APRIL 1ST, 2019
According to resolution No. 409-2018 of the Council of Ministers of the Economic Integration issued on December 7, 2018 (COMIECO-LXXXV) and published in the Official Gazette No. 238, Volume No. 421, on December 19, 2018:
The Central American Single Declaration (DUCA) will re...
HONDURAS - IMPORTATION PROCEDURES BEFORE SENASA
The National Service of Food Safety, Animal and Plant health (SENASA) is receiving import requests electronically to allow importation of goods of agri-food interest.
To obtain an import permit, companies must send the import request along with the usual documentation and the el...
PANAMA - TERM FOR REAL ESTATE PROPERTY TAX MORATORIUM IS EXTENDED
By means of Law 79 of March 20th, 2019 (Law 79), the National Assembly approved an extension of six months to the term for applying the Real Estate Property Tax moratorium that was originally established by article 15 of Law 66 of 2017, extending it until June 30th, 2019. Said ...
GUATEMALA - OBLIGACIÓN DE AFILIACIÓN AL RÉGIMEN DE FACTURA ELECTRÓNICA (FEL) PARA PROVEEDORES DEL ESTADO
Resolution SAT-DSI-243-2019 was published in the Official Gazette on March 13, 2019. This resolution intends to incorporate the suppliers of the State into the Electronic Invoice Regime (Régimen de Factura Electrónica -FEL-).
The resolution SAT-DSI-243-2019 enter...
ARIAS ACCOMPANIES EUROFARMA IN ITS GROWTH IN LATIN AMERICA
In recent days, Eurofarma Laboratórios S.A. (originally from Brazil) made public the acquisition of a part of Stein S.A Laboratories in Costa Rica, in a deal whose value was not disclosed.
The Brazilian Multinational acquired various important trademark portfolio and prod...
GUATEMALA - REGULATION FOR AUTHORIZATION OF SALARY BOOK, BY USING ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION
On March 15th, 2019, was published in the Official Gazette, the Ministerial Agreement number 124-2019 of the Ministry of Labor, by means of which the unique and obligatory salary book format is created, which is obliged to everything employer who permanently occupies ten or mor...
ARIAS COSTA RICA STRENGTHENS PARTNERS’ TEAM
As of February 2019, Melania Dittel from Arias Costa Rica has been promoted to partner, recognizing her professional path, dedication, human quality and commitment to both the Firm and her clients.
Melania has a Degree in Law from Universidad Escuela Libre de Derecho, specialize...
NICARAGUA - NO INCREASE TO MINIMUM WAGES
Minimum wages are reviewed every six months, in accordance with applicable legislation. Nevertheless, according to Resolution CNSM-07/03/19of the National Minimum Wage Commission, dated March 7th, the Commission will remain in permanent session and will meet monthly, during a s...
EL SALVADOR - REFORMS TO THE LABOR CODE
Through Legislative Decree Number 244 dated February 14th, 2019, the Legislative Assembly of the Republic of El Salvador amended the Labor Code in order to grant employment stability to people suffering from chronic disabling diseases that require frequent medical checks and re...
ARIAS, A RECOMMENDED LAW FIRM BY LATIN LAWYER 250 - 2019
Latin Lawyer 250 is a guide with 20 years in the market of analyzing and researching the Latin American legal industry, where within a click, readers can view descriptions and assessments of the practice of every firm recommended in their research.
Latin Lawyer highlights each o...
ARIAS ADVISED BANCO LA HIPOTECARIA – PANAMA AND LA HIPOTECARIA EL SALVADOR IN STRUCTURING AND ISSUING MORTGAGE LOANS BONDS
Arias successfully assisted Banco La Hipotecaria - Panama and La Hipotecaria El Salvador in the structuring and issuing of mortgage loans bonds, placing this issue on the Stock Exchange of Panama.
Among the relevant tasks that Arias carried out, was to provide advice under the S...
ARIAS WITHIN THE LAW FIRMS THAT REPRESENT LATIN AMERICA’S BIGGEST COMPANIES
Recently LACCA surveyed the law firms that have advised the 100 largest companies in Latin America, with the aim of knowing the preferred firms according to the region and those taking a more proactive approach, those who focus on client service and above all, those who remain at...
ARIAS ADVISED TELEFÓNICA IN THE SALE OF ITS OPERATIONS IN COSTA RICA, NICARAGUA AND PANAMA TO MILLICOM
Arias advised Telefónica, S.A. and Telefónica Centroamérica Inversiones, S.L., as selling companies, in the execution of the sale agreements of 100% of its operations in Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Panama in favor of Millicom International Cellular, S.A., sale ...
ARIAS DEMONSTRATING CENTRAL AMERICAN STRONG LEADERSHIP IN CHAMBERS GLOBAL 2019
Chambers and Partners recently published their 2019 edition of Chambers Global, a guide covering over 190 countries across the globe and including region-wide sections.
“Chambers and Partners is an editorial house that publishes guides for the legal profession. They rank b...
ARIAS AND CASTRO & PAL MERGE THEIR OPERATIONS
Law firms Arias and Castro & Pal have merged its operations; with this merger, Arias strengthens its Intellectual Property area, Castro & Pal is a recognized expert due to its successful and long-standing track record of more than 25 years.
Castro & Pal is the go to ...
ARIAS EL SALVADOR, LEGAL COUNSEL IN THE SALE OF BANCO SCOTIABANK AND SCOTIA SEGUROS IN EL SALVADOR
Arias El Salvador successfully advised the bank of Canadian origin (Bank of Nova Scotia) in the sale of 100% of its operations in favor of the buyer Imperia Intercontinental, the main shareholder of Banco Cuscatlán, S.A. and Seguros e Inversiones, S.A. (SISA), reaching an ...
ARIAS EL SALVADOR STRENGTHENS ITS TAX TEAM WITH THE HIRING OF A TAX EXPERT
Arias strengthened its tax team in El Salvador with the recent hiring of Luis Emilio Rivera, a professional, with over 19 years of experience in this practice area.
Luis Emilio is a specialist in tax advice and litigation, including planning, restructuring, administrative and ju...
GUATEMALA - EMPLOYER'S ANNUAL REPORT
The deadline to comply with the obligation to submit the Employer's Annual Report before Ministry of Labor expires on February 2819.
To simplify compliance with this obligation, the Ministry of Labor makes available on its t link so that it can be completed directly online...
PANAMA INTENTS TO RAISE TAX ON SUGARY DRINKS
Last Wednesday, Panamanian Congress approved Bill #570 that would create a tax applicable to local and foreign manufactured sugar beverages at a rate of 8%; and 10% for syrups and concentrates used in the production thereof.
Likewise, it is established that the earnings from t...
NEW LEGAL PRACTICE IN ARIAS PANAMA
Arias Panama, a Panamanian office of the leading Central American Law Firm Arias, due to a newly approved bill, announced that has opened a data protection and privacy practice, led by Managing Partner Siaska SSS Lorenzo.
The firm announced on Feb. 1st that the incoming Panama...
DOING BUSINESS 2019: TRAINING FOR REFORM
Beyond being strategic partners for companies in the legal market, our regional team actively supports the development of the region, providing every year input for the “Doing Business” report; a publication of the World Bank Group that investigates the regulations th...
PANAMA - CRIMINALIZES TAX EVASION BEHAVIORS
On January 31st, 2019 the President of the Republic of Panama sanctioned the Law 70 that adds Chapter number twelve "Crimes against the National Treasury" to Title number seven of the Criminal Code (the "Law"), which grants the Panama Tax Authority the faculti...
NICARAGUA - NEW CHANGES TO SOCIAL SECURITY
Today´s resolution from the Directive Council of the Nicaraguan Social Security Institute (INSS, in Spanish) approved the following changes to the social security system:
Increase to employer and worker´s contributions to the Integral Regime.
Contributions of...
PANAMA - INSURANCE BROKERS FEES WILL BE DISCLOSED
By means of various Resolutions issued in 2018 by the Superintendency of Insurance and Reinsurance of Panama, it is ordered to insurance companies in Panama to include in individual and group insurance policies the percentage of fees or commissions, the refunds, as well as any ...
HONDURAS - INCREASE IN CONTRIBUTION CEILING FOR THE FINANCING OF THE REGIMES OF THE SOCIAL PROTECTION SYSTEM
According to the STSS-390-2015 agreement, this year an increase must be applied to the contribution ceiling of the Social Security Insurance Scheme (IVM) and the Health Care Insurance Scheme (EM). In 2019, the contribution ceiling of the Social Security Insurance Scheme (IVM) i...
HONDURAS - INCREASE IN THE BASE EXEMPT FROM INCOME TAX
The structure of the progressive scale chart for the calculation of Income Tax for the year 2019 had an increase of 4.22%, in accordance with the inflation observed by the Central Bank of Honduras (BCH).
To the above amount L. 40,000.00 of medical expenses are added, as allowed...
NICARAGUAN INSTITUTE OF SOCIAL SECURITY INCREASES THE MAXIMUM SALARY OF CONTRIBUTION
A resolution from the executive president of the Nicaraguan Social Security Institute (INSS, in Spanish) approved a 10.04% increase to the maximum amount subject to affiliates' contributions, therefore, effective January 1st, 2019 the maximum salary subject to social securi...
COSTA RICA - PAYMENT OF THE LUXURY TAX
The deadline to submit the Luxury Tax return and to pay this Tax is on January 15th, 2019. The luxury tax applies to real estate used for housing whose construction value exceeds 131 million colones (approximately US$218,000).
The luxury tax return must be submitted every thre...
COSTA RICA - REGISTER OF TRANSPARENCY AND FINAL BENEFICIARIES
We inform you that in compliance with the implementation of the Registry of Transparency and Final Beneficiaries, an obligation established by the Law Against Tax Fraud and which is regulated in Executive Decree N 41040-H named Registry of Transparency and Final Beneficiaries; ...
HONDURAS - INCREASE OF MINIMUM WAGE
By means of EXECUTIVE AGREEMENT No. STSS-00-2019, the increase to the Minimum Wage in Honduras was approved, effective as of January 1st of the current year (2019).
The percentages of increase to the minimum wage for the industries in the country were established in the follow...
PANAMA OPENS A PRE-QUALIFICATION PROCESS FOR A TRANSPORT BY CABLE CAR
One of the most populous districts of the country has made a call to tender a massive passenger service through aerial cable.
The operation will be given by concession and the call is for the prequalification of the interested parties.
Among the details of the project, it is ...
ARIAS PROMOTES NEW PARTNER IN PANAMA
As of January 2019, María Cristina Fábrega from Arias Panama has been promoted to Partner, recognizing her professionalism, experience, knowledge and commitment to both the Firm and her clients.
María Cristina has a Degree in Law and Political Science from S...
COSTA RICA - PAYMENT OF CORPORATE TAX
The annual Corporate Tax for 2019 fiscal year must be paid during this month of January and should be done on January 31st at the latest.
The Corporate Tax must be paid by any company, branch of a foreign company or its representative, as well as any individual limited liabili...
PANAMA LAUNCHES A TENDER PROCESS TO INCREASE CAPACITY OF THE EXISTING 230 KV TRANSMISSION LINE "PANAMÁ II-CHEPO-BAYANO"
Given the increase of energy demand in the metropolitan area of Panama, that concentrates the vast majority of energy consumption in the country, and to increase the reliability of the existing 230KV transmission facilities of the line Panamá II-Bayano, the Panamanian go...
ESTABLISHMENT OF CHINESE MULTINATIONAL COMPANIES IN PANAMA
Given the recent bilateral relations between the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the Republic of Panama, which has led to four rounds of negotiation aiming to a Free Trade Agreement, and to visits of the Presidents to each other's countries, we believe it is import...
EL SALVADOR - APPROVAL OF NEW LAWS TO IMPROVE PROCEDURES
On December 12th, 2018, the Legislative Assembly approved the bills for the Elimination of Bureaucratic Barriers and for Regulatory Improvement. These laws are intended to complement the Law of Administrative Procedures aiming to expedite the procedures before the public admini...
EL SALVADOR - BILL FOR THE INTEGRAL MANAGEMENT OF WASTE AND PROMOTION OF RECYCLING
Bill for the Integral Management of Waste and Promotion of Recycling
The final disposition of solid waste has been a problem that affects all the country's municipalities. In order to solve this problem, on October 15th of the current year the Council of Mayors of the Metr...
COSTA RICA - LAW FOR STRENGTHENING OF PUBLIC FINANCES
Law for Strengthening of Public Finances
Last Tuesday, December 4th, 2018, a new bill was published in the Official Journal La Gaceta, No. 202 N ° 9635 STRENGTHENING OF PUBLIC FINANCES, which introduces several amendments to the Income Tax Law and creates a Value Adde...
EL SALVADOR - CONGRESS REFORMS ARTICLE 119 OF THE TAX CODE AND ISSUES AN INTERPRETATION OF ARTICLE 30 OF THE INCOME TAX LAW
Congress reforms article 119 of The Tax code and issues an interpretation of article 30 of The Income Tax Law
On November 28th, 2018, the Legislative Assembly of El Salvador approved a reform to article 119 of the Tax Code which refers to the documentation supporting transacti...
CHAMBERS LATIN AMERICA AWARDS FOR OUR FIRM
In a ceremony held on November 30th in Miami Beach, Florida; Chambers and Partners awarded Arias the “Law Firm in El Salvador” award. This reflect the professionalism and expertise of our legal talent in the market, given that their effort, dynamism and high-quality s...
EL SALVADOR - NEW BILLS IN MATTERS OF MONEY LAUNDERING
New bills in matters of Money Laundering
The Bill of the "SPECIAL LAW FOR THE PREVENTION, CONTROL AND SANCTION OF MONEY LAUNDERING", proposed by the Attorney General of the Republic, is currently being studied by the Public Security and Anti-Drug Trafficking Commissi...
ARIAS DEMONSTRATING TALENT AND STRONG LEADERSHIP IN THE IFLR1000 GUIDE
Being recognized as a "Tier One" firm throughout Latin America fills us with pride and motivates us to continue encouraging the legal talent that today belongs to our Arias family. The IFLR1000 is the guide to the world's leading financial and corporate law firms an...
ARIAS, A SURNAME TRANSFORMED INTO A LEGACY OF SERVICE
A story that began in a small office, deeply rooted in the humanistic vision and values of our founder Dr. Armando Arias senior and his vision to transcend generations in the legal world, explains how our law firm became a family. On October 23rd, 2018 we celebrated 76 years of b...
GUATEMALA - REFORMS TO THE LAW THAT PROMOTES INTERNAL TOURISM
Reforms to the law that promotes internal tourism
On October 10th, Decree Number 19-2018 of the Congress of the Republic of Guatemala was published in the Official Gazette, through which reforms to Decree 42-2010, Law that Promotes Internal Tourism, were approved.
Accordingly...
EL SALVADOR - CELEBRATING CHILDREN´S DAY WITH PATIENTS AT HOSPITAL BENJAMIN BLOOM
Every year, the firm and our staff carry out activities to collect different donations such as sweets, cookies, personal hygiene items and more to celebrate Children's Day with children undergoing treatment at Hospital Benjamin Bloom. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is ...
LEADING LAWYERS IN DIFFERENT PRACTICE AREAS IN LACCA APPROVED 2019
Year by year, The Latin American Corporate Counsel Association brings together leading in-house counsel working in the region (LACCA) affording them the opportunity to interact, share ideas and best practices; and network with peers across Latin America. At the same time, they an...
ARIAS, BEST CENTRAL AMERICA TAX FIRM OF THE YEAR
Every year, the International Tax Review carries out a competition among the most outstanding law firms in the Americas. In order to choose the leading firms of the year, ITR's judging panel examined each submission according to size, innovation, complexity, and impact.
At A...
ARIAS, A SOLID AND SPECIALIZED TEAM MAKING THE DIFFERENCE WITH OUR LEGAL TALENT IN WHO'S WHO LEGAL 2018
Arias, a solid and specialized team making the difference with our legal talent in Who's Who Legal 2018 with the largest number of recognized lawyers
The excellence and experience of our legal talent position us as a leading firm in global trade, the extensive e...
EL SALVADOR - NEW TENDER PROCESS FOR THE SUPPLY OF 28 MW OF DISTRIBUTED GENERATION WITH PHOTOVOLTAIC TECHNOLOGY BIOGAS
The electricity distributor company DELSUR, S.A. DE C.V., on its behalf and on behalf of the electricity distributor companies CAESS, S.A. DE C.V., AES CLESA Y CIA., S. EN C. DE C.V., EEO, S.A. DE C.V., DEUSEM, S.A. DE C.V., EDESAL, S.A. DE C.V., B & D SERVICIOS TÉCN...
ARIAS REMAINS "BAND 1" IN CHAMBERS LATIN AMERICA 2019
To remain in the highest position and with the highest Band given to a firm by this well-known and respected institution in the legal world is a result of effort, dedication, capacity and excellence in customer service that each of our lawyers puts into their activities. The priv...
NICARAGUA - ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES ONLINE
Administrative procedure for online registration of taxpayers and closing of tax obligations.
On July thirty-first of the current year, the General Administrative Provision Nº 01-2018 "Online registry of taxpayers" and the General Administrative Provision Nº...
NICARAGUA - APPROVAL OF THE ML/TF/FP
Approval of the Financial Analysis Unit Law and the Anti-Money Laundering Law, the Financing of Terrorism and the Financing of the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction.
Recently, the National Assembly approved the Law No. 977 on Anti-Money Laundering, Financing T...
ARIAS CONTINUES ITS EXPANSION ABROAD
Since January 2018, The Firm laid out a clear strategy of innovation and growth, with its sights set on expansion by opening new markets and acquiring new business opportunities outside Central America.
This expansion project began in Canada, given its enormous potential to lega...
EL SALVADOR - CREATING SPACES FOR EDUCATION OF THE CHILDREN
A few weeks ago, two young people knocked on the doors of Arias El Salvador to tell us about a project that seeks to change lives and impact society from early childhood, they are IMPCT Coffee, a project that consists of meeting women entrepreneurs of the educational area to inve...
METRORIEL PROJECT IN GUATEMALA CITY
Railways of Guatemala -FEGUA-, and The National Agency for the Development of Economic Infrastructure - ANADIE- Informs to all corporations and persons about the:
"Metroriel project in Guatemala City"
This is a project which main purpose is to build a passenger rail...
GUATEMALA - MODERNIZATION, EFFICIENCY AND SECURITY OF THE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT LA AURORA
The International Airport La Aurora Project
The Ministry of Communication, infrastructure and Housing of Guatemala, The General Authority of Civil Aviation and The National Agency for the Development of Economic Infrastructure - ANADIE-
Invite to all corporations and persons,...
EL SALVADOR - AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSUMER PROTECTION LAW
In session dated July 5th, 2018 of El Salvador Congress, amendments to the Consumer Protection Law were approved, with the objective of incorporating several matters disperse in other laws, such as those aimed to: a) Regulate abusive practices in collection services; b) Prohibi...
PREQUALIFICATION OF THE 4TH ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION LINE IN PANAMA
Panama opens the prequalification proceedings for the Construction of the 4th Electric Transmission Line
Panamanian project Chiriquí Grande - Panama III 500kV aims to increase the capacity of the transmission of high voltage electric power, that originates in the p...
EL SALVADOR - FINANCING FOR INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT-PHOTOVOLTAIC PLANT GRANTED TO REAL INFRASTRUCTURE CAPITAL PARTNERS
Arias successfully advised to Real Infrastructure Capital Partners during all stages of the financing and at the same time in all the topics related to it, giving way to being able to fulfill its objective as a company focusing on investing in commercial power generation from cos...
