Security, trust, and competitiveness are the three pillars on which Guatemala is building a new logistics narrative. And the Authorized Economic Operator Qualification Workshop OEA-GT, organized by the “Santo Tomás de Castilla” Free Trade and Industrial Zone (ZOLIC) and the Superintendency of Tax Administration (SAT), with support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, was a clear demonstration of this joint effort, which has evolved into a comprehensive model that combines security, efficiency, trust, and traceability in international trade and in the operations carried out by each actor in the logistics chain.
A country strategy, not just an empowerment
Becoming an OEA means being part of a comprehensive national vision that aims to make Guatemala a safer and more attractive destination for investment, with streamlined customs processes and operations protected against any risks or delays.
Photos: Courtesy SAT
Víctor Pérez, head of the Trade Facilitation and OAS Unit at the SAT, explained it clearly: “The OAS is a model for national governance that promotes transparency and efficiency in international trade”. Guatemala is already a leader in the region, with more than 115 certified entities, ranging from importers and exporters to bonded warehouses and economic zones such as ZOLIC and the ZDEEP Puerta del Istmo Free Trade Zone.
In Guatemala, the OAS-GT program is voluntary and free of charge. It recognizes companies as “secure and reliable” provided they meet the strict international standards established by the World Customs Organization (WCO). “This is a strategic partnership between the public and private sectors, in which both work to ensure the legitimate flow of goods without compromising necessary controls,”, said Víctor Pérez.
The OAS GT is based on four key pillars aimed at strengthening security and facilitating international trade: Customs-Business Cooperation, Secure Logistics Chains, Risk Management, and Mutual Recognition.
The first pillar, Customs–Business, promotes a relationship of trust and collaboration between the SAT and certified companies, recognizing them as strategic partners in protecting the logistics chain. The second pillar, Secure Logistics Chain, establishes measures to ensure the integrity of goods from origin to destination, minimizing risks and ensuring traceability at every stage of the process.
The third pillar, Risk Management, involves the implementation of systems that enable both companies and customs authorities to identify, assess, and mitigate potential threats in commercial operations. Finally, the fourth pillar, Mutual Recognition, seeks to establish international agreements that allow Guatemalan AEO companies to be recognized as trustworthy in other jurisdictions, thereby facilitating cross-border trade and strengthening the country’s competitiveness on the global stage.
In addition, the OAS program collaborates with other ministries, such as the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Agriculture, particularly in coordinating inspections of goods in primary areas or customs operations, thereby helping to reduce clearance times.
Companies designated as Authorized Economic Operators (AEOs) enjoy benefits that enhance their competitiveness, such as expedited customs clearance, fewer inspections, priority in controls, and personalized assistance. They also receive preferential treatment in emergencies and international recognition, which facilitates their operations and strengthens their reputation in global trade.
All of this not only streamlines your logistics operations, but also enhances your reputation and opens up new business opportunities worldwide.
The process for becoming an OEA-GT is divided into four main stages
Throughout the process, the SAT provides free technical support, guiding applicants step by step to ensure they meet the required standards. This management model not only improves companies’ competitiveness but also strengthens the logistics ecosystem
the country as a whole.
Chevron, a success story
Photos: Courtesy SAT
During the workshop, Francisco Galindo, Operations Manager at Chevron Guatemala—one of the users of ZOLIC at its fiscal property—shared how becoming an AEO transformed his operations: “We were the first OEA-certified fuel company in Guatemala. We grew from 75 to more than 400 gas stations, in part thanks to the confidence this certification instills,”, he assured.
Chevron has implemented a management system that ensures traceability, ongoing training, compliance with audits and safety standards, from the refinery to the end customer. The result: a more efficient and secure supply chain, with more satisfied customers, based on a comprehensive process.
Panel Discussion: When Theory Meets Practice
One of the most rewarding moments of the workshop was the panel discussion, moderated by Héctor Ruano of the SAT, with representatives from ZOLIC, the ZDEEP Puerta del Istmo Free Trade Zone, and Combex-Im. Drawing on their different perspectives, they all agreed on one central idea: The OEA program not only streamlines processes, but also builds trust, speeds up procedures, and translates security into tangible savings for businesses.
Photos: Courtesy SAT
Fredy Palma, from Zona Libre Puerta del Istmo, shared some clear figures: “Our users save up to $7,000 a month thanks to more streamlined processes”
Jorge Gómez of Combex-Im highlighted how AEO certification enabled them to streamline the flow of goods at an airport terminal that had traditionally been hampered by complex bureaucratic processes.
The case of ZOLIC is particularly significant. It was the first public institution in Guatemala to obtain AEO certification, a strategic decision that not only reflects internal order and transparency but also marks the beginning of a new era for the country’s public logistics sector.
“No one thought a government agency could pull it off,” recalled Erick Tobar, director of ZOLIC, “but we did.”. Thanks to its OAS accreditation, the institution moved toward obtaining additional certifications, such as BASC, thereby establishing an organizational culture based on best practices and international standards.
Being an Authorized Economic Operator is a strategic tool for attracting foreign investment, building confidence in international markets, and positioning Guatemala as a modern, secure, and competitive logistics hub.
The presence and support of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, as the workshop’s organizer, is a testament to the value this model holds for international trade and to how Guatemala is being positioned as a safe country for attracting and developing investment.
This workshop marked a significant step toward the future Guatemala envisions: a country where trade flows smoothly, and where public and private sector stakeholders work side by side to achieve safer, more efficient, and more integrated logistics.
Today, Guatemala is not only meeting international standards—it is helping to set them. And this commitment is supported by the active participation of officials from ZOLIC’s Management, Deputy Management, and Board of Directors, reaffirming the institution’s conviction that logistics security and trade facilitation are key pillars for the country’s economic development