The National Association of Herrera Companies and Industries (ANEIH) advocated that the Government take specific and rapid measures to mitigate the effects of international increases in oil and raw materials on internal costs and prices.
ANEIH urged that the modification of the Hydrocarbons Law deposited in the National Congress aim mainly at reducing taxes, to seek a balance and protect those who have the least.
In addition, he asked the General Directorate of Customs (DGA) not to continue incorporating all the abrupt increase that maritime freights have registered to the final cost of the merchandise.
The president of the ANEIH, Noel Ureña Ceballos, recognized that the Government needs the taxes to invest in goods and service works.
However, he argues that at a time of crisis, such as the one we are experiencing now due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and which is reflected in the rise in oil prices, the State must also make sacrifices and reduce its income.
Another measure suggested by Herrera’s businessmen is to correct changes that have occurred in the classification in the DGA of some imported merchandise, which from raw materials have come to be considered final consumer goods, paying higher taxes.
He explained that in some cases the tariff items have been moved, and now raw materials that nowhere in the world pay taxes, such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, used to manufacture personal hygiene products, is now taxed.
Ureña Ceballos explained that although the ANEIH and other business organizations have notified the DGA, they have not made any changes. He expressed that the Labor and Tax codes, as well as the reforms that affect the development of the country, should have more attention and try to be approved at the right time and with the consensus of the national sectors.
