Export to Guatemala: a 2026 guide for US manufacturers

CAFTA-DR: duty-free access to Guatemala

The Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) entered into force between the United States and Guatemala on July 1, 2006. According to USTR, it eliminated tariffs on more than 80 percent of US exports of consumer and industrial products immediately, phasing out the rest over 10 years.

The preference only applies to originating goods. According to CBP, the producer, exporter or importer may support the claim with a certification, using a template or a free-form document. Give your buyer the origin information they need before the goods ship.

The 2026 Agreement on Reciprocal Trade

The United States and Guatemala signed the agreement on January 30, 2026. In the November 2025 framework, according to USTR, Guatemala committed to accept vehicles and automotive parts built to US safety and emissions standards, FDA certificates and prior marketing authorizations for medical devices and pharmaceuticals, and remanufactured goods from the United States. Confirm entry into force before relying on these commitments.

Documents and registrations

• According to the International Trade Administration, a certificate of origin is not mandatory under CAFTA-DR, but Guatemala requires one with the shipment to grant tariff benefits.
• Food and agricultural products: certificate of origin for sanitary purposes, APHIS phytosanitary certificates, FSIS sanitary certificates, and a state or FDA certificate of free sale, plus invoice and bill of lading.
• All cosmetic products need sanitary registration, and the registration holder must be a Guatemalan entity, so you will need a local representative.
• Imported food is sold with a Spanish-language label; stickers must not cover ingredient information.

US-side steps for every shipment

• Classify the product with its 10-digit Schedule B number (Census Bureau search tool); the first 6 digits are the Harmonized System code your buyer uses for their own tariff.
• File Electronic Export Information (EEI) in AES, through ACE AESDirect or a direct connection, when the value under an individual Schedule B number is over $2,500 or an export license is required. The USPPI or its authorized agent files it.
• Check your export classification. According to BIS, items subject to the EAR that are not listed on the Commerce Control List are EAR99 and, in most situations, need no license, unless they go to a restricted end user, end use or destination.
• Screen your buyer, consignee and end user against the Consolidated Screening List, which combines export screening lists of the Departments of Commerce, State and the Treasury.

Frequently asked questions