Official DIGECAM procedure: access the procedures portal at digecam.mil.gt/tramites or consult the directory at digecam.mil.gt/web/tramites.php. DIGECAM headquarters are at Avenida La Reforma 1-45, zone 10, Guatemala City.

Quick checklist before starting:

  • Valid DIGECAM carry or possession license
  • Pro-forma invoice from foreign supplier (FFL if US-based)
  • Make, model, caliber and serial number of the firearm
  • Estimate of customs duties + IVA + ISR
  • SAT customs broker identified for the Guatemala side
  • For US: ATF Form 9 (export permit) underway

TL;DR: The DIGECAM individual import license allows a Guatemalan with a valid carry license to legally bring a firearm or ammunition from abroad for personal use. It costs Q10 in stamp duty, but the real costs (SAT duties, IVA, ISR, customs broker fees) add USD 200-500 more. The DIGECAM license is issued in 15-30 business days and must be approved BEFORE the firearm ships. For diaspora returning with a firearm purchased in the US, the ATF Form 9 from the US side is also required. Importing without prior license = seizure + 4-8 years prison (LAM Art. 122).

What is the Individual Import License?

It is the official authorization issued by the General Directorate of Arms and Ammunition Control (DIGECAM) to an individual person (not to companies) to legally introduce into Guatemalan territory a firearm, ammunition, or specific components originating abroad, intended for personal use.

This license is governed by Decree 15-2009 (Firearms and Ammunition Law), articles 50 through 58, and Government Agreement 85-2011 (Regulations). Importing a firearm without this prior license constitutes the crime of illegal arms import (LAM Art. 122): 4 to 8 years imprisonment plus definitive seizure of the firearm.

This license is distinct from the dealer license held by armories: this one is for individual use (not resale), per unit or specific small batch, and only covers the import. The imported firearm must subsequently be registered with DIGECAM under the possession regime or added to the carry license.

Requirements for the individual import license

Regarding the applicant (individual person)

  • Valid DPI of the applicant.
  • Valid DIGECAM carry license or, at minimum, a valid possession license (without prior license, no import is granted).
  • Criminal record in force (see MINGOB Criminal Records).
  • Police record in force (see MINGOB Police Records).
  • Active NIT (for SAT declaration purposes at the moment of import).
  • Recent proof of address (utility bill).
  • Notarized sworn declaration about personal use of the firearm (not for resale).

Regarding the firearm or ammunition to import

  • Pro-forma invoice from the foreign supplier (FFL in the US, authorized armory in Europe, etc.) with:
    • Seller data.
    • Buyer data (the applicant).
    • Make, model, caliber and serial number of the firearm.
    • Country of origin.
    • Declared value.
  • Technical specifications that allow DIGECAM to verify the firearm is within the permitted catalog (not full-auto, permitted caliber, etc.).
  • If ammunition: type, caliber, brand, lot, quantity. Quantities are subject to monthly limits per caliber.
  • If components (barrel, chamber, trigger mechanism): detailed specification and use justification (maintenance, replacement).

Regarding the customs and tax operation

  • SAT customs broker identified (not mandatory in all cases but highly recommended).
  • Estimate of duties + IVA 12% + ISR per personal declaration (DIGECAM may request evidence of payment capacity).
  • Receipt of Q10 stamp duty payment.

Step-by-step to obtain the license and import

  1. Verify valid carry or possession license. If expired or never held, first process the DIGECAM First Firearm Carry License or the Carry License Renewal.

  2. Obtain pro-forma invoice from the foreign supplier. For the US, an FFL (Federal Firearms License holder) issues the invoice. Make sure the firearm is within the permitted catalog in Guatemala before proceeding further.

  3. Gather personal documents. DPI, criminal and police records in force (renewed within the last 6 months), NIT, proof of address, notarized sworn declaration.

  4. Submit application at DIGECAM. File the dossier at headquarters (Avenida La Reforma 1-45, zone 10) or via the online portal. Pay the Q10 stamp duty. DIGECAM verifies:

    • That the firearm is in the permitted catalog.
    • That the carry/possession license is in force.
    • That background checks are clean.

  5. Wait for DIGECAM resolution (15-30 business days). If favorable, the import license is issued, typically valid for 6 months to execute the import (verify deadline in the resolution).

  6. Coordinate export permit from country of origin. For the US, the seller (FFL) initiates the ATF Form 9 (Application and Permit for Permanent Exportation of Firearms). This US procedure takes 30-45 days.

  7. Ship the firearm. Only via international courier authorized for restricted merchandise or specialized cargo agency. It is NOT permitted to bring the firearm as personal luggage on a commercial flight without prior coordination with the airline, DIGECAM and SAT customs (a very rare process).

  8. Arrival at SAT customs. The customs broker:

    • Presents the DIGECAM import license.
    • Declares the firearm with its value.
    • Liquidates duties, 12% IVA, ISR as applicable.
    • Pays the liquidation at an authorized SAT bank.

  9. Physical DIGECAM-SAT inspection at customs. DIGECAM personnel verify that the physical firearm matches the license (make, model, serial number). If everything matches, the firearm is released.

  10. Register possession with DIGECAM after pickup. Once in possession of the firearm, it must be registered under possession regime (DIGECAM Possession Registration) and/or added to the carry license (Add Firearm to License).

Cost and timeline

ItemApproximate cost
DIGECAM license stamp dutyQ10
Professional fees (optional manager)Q1,500 - Q5,000
ATF Form 9 (US side, FFL exporter fees)USD 150 - USD 400
International freight (restricted courier)USD 200 - USD 600
SAT customs duties (5-15% of declared value)Variable
IVA 12% on value + dutiesVariable
ISR (per importer’s tax declaration)Variable
SAT customs broker feesQ1,500 - Q4,000
Customs storage (if pickup is delayed)Q200 - Q1,000

Realistic total time from US: 60 to 90 days.

  • 15-30 days DIGECAM (Guatemala).
  • 30-45 days ATF Form 9 (US, parallel to DIGECAM).
  • 7-21 days transport + SAT customs (Guatemala).

DIGECAM license validity: generally 6 months to execute the import. If it expires without importing, must be renewed.

Common errors that lead to firearm seizure

Shipping before having the DIGECAM license issued

If the firearm arrives at SAT customs without a prior DIGECAM import license, automatic seizure occurs plus initiation of criminal proceedings for illegal import (LAM Art. 122). Even if the application is in process, you must wait for the firm resolution before shipping.

Trying to bring the firearm as personal luggage on a commercial flight

Commercial airlines require prior coordination with DIGECAM, SAT customs, and the airline itself to transport firearms. Without that coordination, the firearm is seized upon airport arrival. The standard route is international courier or specialized cargo.

Importing prohibited caliber or type

Military weapons, full-auto firearms, calibers larger than .50, suppressors, grenade launchers, and military-use explosive or armor-piercing ammunition are PROHIBITED. Importing them constitutes the crime of importing a prohibited firearm (LAM Art. 116): 8 to 12 years imprisonment.

Serial number does not match the license

The DIGECAM license is issued for a specific firearm with a unique serial number. If at customs the physical firearm’s serial number does not exactly match that of the license, it is not released. Confirm the serial number with the FFL before shipping.

Not having a customs broker and underestimating duties

Although some importers attempt to liquidate personally, the complexity of the customs regime for restricted goods almost always makes hiring a SAT customs broker faster and cheaper. Underestimating the cost of duties + IVA + ISR is the most common surprise.

Expired background checks at the moment of physical import

DIGECAM may request updated background checks at the time of physical pickup at customs, especially if several months have passed between the application and the firearm’s arrival.

  • Import only firearms within the permitted catalog under the LAM. Verify before purchasing abroad.
  • Pay all customs taxes (duties + IVA + ISR) without underdeclaring the value. Underdeclaring is the crime of customs fraud.
  • Present physically the applicant or authorized representative during the DIGECAM-SAT inspection at customs.
  • Register the firearm with DIGECAM within the established deadline after import (possession regime or add to carry license).
  • Do not resell the imported firearm under the individual import regime without going through an armory with a dealer license. Individual import is for personal use.
  • Keep a copy of the DIGECAM license, invoice, customs declaration and payment receipts for at least 5 years.

Penalties for non-compliance

InfractionLegal sanction
Importing firearm without prior DIGECAM license (LAM Art. 122)Seizure + 4 to 8 years imprisonment + fine
Importing firearm from prohibited catalog (LAM Art. 116)Seizure + 8 to 12 years imprisonment + fine
Underdeclaring value at customs (customs fraud)Fine equivalent to evaded tax + possible criminal proceedings
Altered or missing serial numberSeizure + criminal proceedings (LAM Art. 116)
Resale of firearm imported under individual regimeFine + license cancellation + possible criminal proceedings for illegal trade
Failing to register firearm after importingFine + possible carry license suspension
Falsehood in applicant data or pro-forma invoiceLicense cancellation + criminal complaint for falsehood

For the diaspora: importing a firearm purchased in the US

This is the most common situation: a Guatemalan residing in the United States legally purchases a firearm in US territory (through an FFL) and wishes to bring it to Guatemala upon returning to live or for an extended visit.

What you need on the US side

  • ATF Form 4473 (Firearms Transaction Record) that the FFL completed at the time of purchase. It is the legal proof of acquisition.
  • Purchase receipt with make, model, caliber and serial number.
  • ATF Form 9 (Application and Permit for Permanent Exportation of Firearms): the exporting FFL (not you directly) submits it to the ATF. The procedure takes 30-45 days.
  • State Department licensing if applicable (some items on the US Munitions List require additional licensing from the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls).

What you need on the Guatemalan side

  • Valid DIGECAM carry or possession license IN GUATEMALA before initiating the import. You cannot process everything from the US without first obtaining the base license in Guatemala (requires DPI, background checks and in-person DIGECAM exam).
  • DIGECAM import license (this procedure), processed in parallel with ATF Form 9.
  • SAT customs broker identified to receive the shipment at cargo airport or border.

Typical diaspora errors

  • Trying to bring the firearm in luggage when returning to Guatemala. Airlines do not transport without prior DIGECAM coordination, and SAT customs will seize it even if you declared it when boarding in the US.
  • Magazine capacity. Verify the magazine limits permitted in Guatemala. Magazines exceeding the limit do not enter and may invalidate the import.
  • Suppressor or silencer. PROHIBITED in Guatemala under any civilian regime. Although they may be legal in your US state (with NFA tax stamp), they cannot be brought to Guatemala. Importing one is a serious crime (LAM Art. 116).
  • Not having a Guatemalan carry license yet. The DIGECAM carry license process requires in-person exam, Guatemalan background checks, and inspection. Initiating the import before having the base license is wasted time.

Standard recommendation for the diaspora

  1. Before the definitive return, travel to Guatemala and process the DIGECAM carry license (may take 30-60 days).
  2. Once with valid carry license, process the DIGECAM import license from Guatemala.
  3. In parallel, your FFL in the US initiates the ATF Form 9.
  4. When both permits are issued, ship the firearm with authorized international courier.
  5. Your SAT customs broker in Guatemala receives, liquidates and releases the firearm with DIGECAM presence.

Realistic total: 4-6 months of planning. This is not an improvisable procedure.