Guatemala Beauty Industry

In December 2020, the Ministry of Health issued the Regulation No. 179-2020 in which it announced fee increases in services for licenses, registrations, import certifications, and other procedures for medicines, laboratories, food products, cosmetics, and others.  As a result, it is expected that the consumer prices for these products will rise significantly –  anywhere from 1,000% to 4,000%.   

Due to the concern expressed by several business associations and chambers, such as the Chamber of Industry of Guatemala (CIG), the Guatemalan Association of Exporters (AGEXPORT), the Chamber of Commerce of Guatemala (CCG), and others, the Ministry of Health decided to postpone the implementation date of the new fees until June 1, 2021. 

In the meantime, several entities affected by these proposed increases are collectively working to reach an agreement with the Ministry of Health through different technical working sessions in an effort to impose the fee increases gradually. In addition, the groups are seeking to improve the quality of services provided by the Ministry. 

For more information about cosmetic products, please contact Karla Salas at karla.salas@trade.gov.  For more information about pharmaceutical products, please contact Antonio Prieto at antonio.prieto@trade.gov