Ingresar
Single Window for Foreign Trade in Nicaragua
By Guy José Bendaña-Guerrero & Asociados
The National Assembly of Nicaragua approved on March 28, 2023, Law No. 1,147., which creates the Single Window for Foreign Trade in Nicaragua (VUCEN) to facilitate and simplify port procedures, pre-customs permits, and other required documents for export or import.
VUCEN, as a decentralized entity under the authority of the Ministry of Development, Industry, and Commerce (MIFIC), will be responsible for the administration of the technological platform where the issuance and processing of permits and documentation for authorized imports and exports will be centralized.
The new system will consolidate permits and document issuance from at least 11 institutions involved in imports and exports, as well as port procedures. This tool will reduce processing times from 7 to one or two days for business sectors and agricultural exporters.
The Single Window for Foreign Trade (VUCE) is a common computer tool used in several countries for the electronic processing of prior authorizations, permits, certifications or approval required by various public bodies to carry out import and export operations. The software developed for the VUCE ensures that the various procedures are technically and legally secure by providing for digital signature and online payment.
The decision was taken in order to put an end to the existing system, under which the various bodies involved in foreign trade formalities operated without any coordination, limitations or common approach, following different lines of procedure. This situation gave rise to duplication of requirements which, owing to the absence of interaction, data management and coding of languages, could not be pinpointed except from within a given body. This led to periods of inactivity in the processing of formalities and detracted from the transparency and efficiency of government action.
The main reasons for implementing the Single Window for Foreign Trade were security, costs, transparency, control and evaluation.
Guy José Bendaña-Guerrero & Asociados
GUY JOSE BENDAÑA GUERRERO & ASOCIADOS has a long and prosperous tradition in the field of intellectual property (IP) in Nicaragua, with roots that go back to more than 100 years, resulting on long-term relationships with renowned clients and attorneys worldwide.
The firm has its origins in the law firm Henry Caldera & Henry Caldera-Pallais, founded in 1907 by Mr. Henry Caldera. That same year of 1907, through the efforts of Mr. Caldera, Nicaragua had its first Trademark Law. In the late 1930’s, Mr. Caldera’s oldest son, Dr. Henry Caldera-Pallais, after studying law in Nicaragua, attended the University of Michigan, where he graduated as a Registered U.S. Patent Attorney. Dr. Caldera-Pallais in 1964 was a founding member of the Interamerican Association of Intellectual Property (ASIPI), the first regional intellectual property organization in the Americas. The firm continued to grow during the administration of Dr. Franklin Caldera, son of Dr. Caldera-Pallais, who obtained his doctoral degree in law from the Universidad Centroamericana in 1973.
Since 1985 the current partners, Dr. Guy José Bendaña Guerrero and Mrs. Blanca Aragón de Bendaña, took over the management of the firm. Dr. Bendaña Guerrero, Director of the firm, has distinguished himself as one of the most respected authorities in Central America in the field of intellectual property and law in general, being the author of several books such as “Course of Industrial Property Law”, “Study of the new Laws of Industrial Property” and “New Study of Contracts “, among others. Mrs. Aragón de Bendaña has served as the firm’s general manager and, thanks to her excellent management, the firm has been in constant growth, with a highly qualified staff committed to excellence. Since 1996, partner Julián José Bendaña Aragón joined the firm, and has been standing out as one of the most recognized attorneys in the field of intellectual property.
We have adapted to the constant change of the business world, supporting our clients in finding the most appropriate legal solutions for each moment. The firm distinguishes itself by understanding the needs of its clients, offering personalized service and adding value to its activities.
Nowadays we continue to be the leading firm in Nicaragua in the area of intellectual property, and at the same time, we have been consolidating other areas of service within the civil, commercial and labor fields, as well as litigation and consulting in general. The firm is well positioned to guarantee a pragmatic service that meets the requirements of the most demanding clients.
