Oct 6, 2025
According to the regulation, the sanction applies when irregularities are detected such as keeping foreign goods without the corresponding customs documents, submitting false declarations, omitting information, or reoffending in infractions within a period of four years. In all these cases, the authority may impose the closure of the establishment for up to fifteen days, in addition to economic penalties and possible criminal charges if the crime of smuggling is established.
In practice, the main sectors under surveillance are outlets and stores that sell imported products at low cost, often without documentary support. If an establishment displays clothing, footwear, appliances, or any merchandise without an import invoice or valid local purchase receipt, it could be sanctioned with temporary closure. Warehouses with undeclared foreign inventory or stores that block inspectors’ access during an inspection also fall within this scope.
The following table shows examples of the most common infractions in our country:
Establishment | Possible violation | Sanction | How to fix it |
Clothing outlets | Merchandise without invoice or support | 15-day closure + fine; smuggling if > USD 5,000 | Keep invoices and inventory control |
Electronics stores | Products without customs documentation | 15-day closure + fine; criminal risk | Declarations and invoices with serial number |
Warehouses / storage | Undeclared inventory | 15-day closure + confiscation + fine | Audit and updated filing |
Repeat offenders | Repeat infraction within 4 years | Immediate closure + aggravated sanction | Review history and train staff |
Businesses that obstruct | Refuse inspection or fail to provide info | 15-day closure + additional fine | Cooperate and have documentation ready |
Businesses that violate closure | Tamper with official seals | Criminal offense + prolonged closure | Respect closure and coordinate with Treasury |
Small businesses | Foreign merchandise < USD 5,000 without support | 15-day closure + administrative fine | Demand invoices and documents from suppliers |
Recidivism worsens the situation: a business that has been sanctioned in the past and repeats the conduct may face a faster closure. The policy even contemplates additional sanctions for those who tamper with or violate the official seals placed during a closure.
The Director of Customs explained that the measure responds to the need to modernize customs processes, protect legitimate trade, and combat unfair competition. He also clarified that the power to close businesses is not limited to border areas but may be applied anywhere in the country, which exposes urban stores, distribution centers, and retail outlets to risk.
The announced operations include physical verification of goods, cross-checking of invoices, and review of serial numbers and product models. After these inspections, Treasury may conclude in three scenarios: absence of infraction; administrative sanction with fine and closure; or, in more serious cases, referral to the Public Prosecutor’s Office for smuggling, when the merchandise without legal backing exceeds USD 5,000.
The Illicit Trade Observatory has publicly supported this measure, calling it essential to curb irregular trade and tax evasion. However, business sectors have warned about the risk of discretionary criteria and the importance of ensuring that closures are carried out with due process, to avoid penalizing formal businesses for minor documentation errors.
Conclusion
The closure of businesses for customs infractions marks a change in the relationship between Treasury and the private sector. It is not enough to pay taxes; it is also essential to have documentation that supports the legal origin of the merchandise. For businesses, a fifteen-day closure not only implies significant economic losses but also a “bad reputation” that is difficult to erase.
In light of this situation, the recommendation is to review inventories, verify that each product has documentary support, train staff in customs procedures, and strengthen internal controls.
Official and press references
· Ministry of Finance – Official statement, “Treasury will apply 15-day business closures to those who violate customs regulations,” August 27, 2025.
· Resolution MH-DGA-RES-1211-2025 and policy MH-DGA-PRO08-POL-001, available on the Ministry of Finance website.
· El Financiero: “Treasury may now temporarily close your business for merchandise without customs documentation.”
· CRHoy: “Treasury will close businesses for 15 days for those who violate this regulation.”
· El Observador: “Treasury will intensify inspections and may close businesses that fail to comply with customs regulations.”