Guatemalan import duties?

[Dymaxion]

Hi all. Considering a boat in Guatemala, on the hard there since 2015. Noonsite says that after 2 years in country import duty of 30% comes due. Extensions can be asked for apparently.

My question is when/where would import duties be paid? If ownership changes hands? Upon departure from Guatemala? Seller is a bit vague on specifics of duty paid status, he may truly not know as the boat was in Guatemala when he purchased it.

If I followed through on the sale, and obtained exit permits etc, am I liable for any duty if the previous owner(s) in fact should have paid them years earlier but somehow avoided doing so? Time for a chat with a local broker? Tx

[gaucho]

I suggest you contact Raul at Servamar (raul.morales@servamar.com). He might be your best bet at a better more concise and realistic answer to your question.

[belizesailor]

+1 on contacting Raul. He will know the current official position and can likely find a solution for you. Great guy and he speaks English if needed.

Link to ServaMar ad:

http://riodulcechisme.com/index.php?...=539&Itemid=35

Ask seller for a copy of registration and last SAT (Guate Customs) paperwork.

Note that without resolving the issue the boat cannot legally leave the country.