On May 7, 2019, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama implemented a new format for Customs Declarations.

The Single Central American Declaration (or DUCA by its Spanish acronym) replaces the Central American Customs Form (FAUCA) and the Single Declaration of Goods for Ground Customs Transit (DUT) according to the decision adopted by the Council of Ministers of Economic Integration, Resolution 409-2018 (COMIECO-EX).

DUCA is an electronic customs declaration that must be used by the Central American countries. There are three DUCA types: (1) DUCA T for the international transit of goods; (2) DUCA F for the trade of merchandise within the Central America region; and (3) DUCA D for foreign trade with other regions, except for Costa Rica, where the customs authorities will maintain the Single Customs Document (DUA by its Spanish acronym) for the goods not originating or coming from Central America.

This measure responds to the commitment assumed by the Central American countries within the framework of the Association Agreement between Central America and the European Union. It will allow greater agility and integration in the region, to bolster a market of 90 million dollars in the trade of goods and 47 million citizens.

The Customs and Foreign Trade team in Dentons Muñoz can advise you and give you the necessary legal support to your customs operations in Central America. Do not hesitate to contact our International Trade Department to obtain more information about the scope and implications of this new opportunity.