The fuel transport certification authorization is the specialized MEM permit that technically validates each tanker moving gasoline, diesel, bunker, jet fuel, kerosene or liquid asphalt in Guatemala. It is different from the general commercial hydrocarbon transport umbrella — this authorization technically certifies each unit so it can legally operate.
Quick summary: MEM-DGH authorization that certifies each fuel tanker. 5-year validity. Initial cost Q6,000-Q30,000+. Applies to service stations with own fleets, wholesale distributors and transporters. Tankers require DIPROEC calibration, current insurance, UN signage and certified drivers.
Who It Applies To
This authorization is mandatory for:
- Service stations with own fleets moving product from terminals to their points of sale (Puma, Texaco/Chevron, Shell, Esso, Uno, etc., and independent operators).
- Wholesale distributors supplying multiple stations or industry.
- Third-party transporters specialized in refined-fuel logistics.
- Aviation companies operating jet-fuel tankers at airports (with additional DGAC regulation).
- Industrial operators with own fleets to supply plants, power generators or heavy fleets.
Audience: B2B procedure for the fuel sector. It does not apply to retail consumers — only commercial transport.
Requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Formal application | Addressed to the Director General of Hydrocarbons, signed by legal representative |
| Commercial registration | Company registered in the Mercantile Registry with corporate purpose covering fuel transport/distribution |
| Active NIT | Current NIT and updated SAT tax solvency |
| Tanker inventory | List with plates, year, gallon capacity, brand, model and number of compartments per unit |
| Calibration certificate | DIPROEC or another COGUANOR-accredited entity — typical 1-year validity |
| Technical specifications | Tank, safety valves, grounding system, anti-overfill devices, emergency valves |
| UN signage | Corresponding UN plates (1203 gasoline, 1202 diesel, 1863 jet fuel, etc.) and NFPA diamonds |
| Insurance policies | Mandatory civil liability with coverage adequate to product and capacity |
| Safety and emergency plan | Protocols for spills, fires, traffic accidents and victim care |
| Driver training | Current hazardous-materials transport course endorsed by MEM |
| Driver license | Type C-Primera or A current |
| MARN environmental license | If volume and routes require — B1 or A MARN license |
| Origin ID | DGH-authorized terminal or plant from which product will be loaded |
Steps
- DGH meeting. Request a preliminary meeting to validate scope: number of tankers, products to transport, departmental or national routes and existence of a prior general license.
- Legal incorporation and NIT. Verify Mercantile Registry registration with the proper corporate purpose. If new, complete company incorporation first.
- Tanker technical adaptation. Each unit must comply with DGH regulation: standards-compliant metal tank, grounding system, load/discharge valves, anti-overfill devices and operable emergency valves.
- DIPROEC calibration. Calibrate each tanker with DIPROEC or another COGUANOR entity. The calibration certificate confirms that the volume on the plate corresponds to actual capacity — critical for SAT and commercial billing.
- Signage and paint. Apply UN plates corresponding to the product (UN 1203 gasoline, UN 1202 diesel, etc.), NFPA diamonds, transporter ID and, if applicable, service-station brand.
- Insurance policies. Contract civil liability with a Superintendency-of-Banks-authorized insurer. Common coverage: gasoline/diesel from US$500K to US$5M depending on risk.
- Driver training. Each driver with a current hazardous-materials transport course. Renew before expiration.
- Safety plan. Document protocols for spills (containment kits onboard), fires (10+ lb extinguisher), traffic accidents, leaks. Train staff and keep the plan accessible in each unit.
- File submission. Submit the complete package at DGH (24 Calle 21-12 zone 12, Guatemala City). A case number is assigned.
- DGH inspections. DGH physically inspects each tanker. Address observations quickly to avoid delays.
- Resolution and issuance. After approval, pay the administrative fee and receive the authorization. Each tanker carries a visible plate or seal.
Cost & Time
- Cost: Q6,000-Q30,000+ initial. MEM administrative fee + DIPROEC calibration + technical adaptation + insurance + training + signage. Companies with larger fleets must budget more — the authorization includes each tanker.
- Time: 30-75 business days from a complete file. DIPROEC calibration and technical observations are the main delay factors.
- Validity: 5 years, renewable. Tank calibration, however, must be renewed annually (independent of the authorization validity).
How to Apply
The procedure is not online. Everything is in person:
Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH) — MEM 24 Calle 21-12, zone 12, Guatemala City Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00-16:30 Phone: (502) 2419-1717 Service portal: tramites.gob.gt/servicio/1445/
Tip: Keep a calendar with calibration (annual), insurance, training and authorization (5-year) expirations. DIPROEC has waiting times — schedule calibration 60 days before the prior certificate expires.
Key Tanker Technical Specs
| Aspect | Specification |
|---|---|
| Tank | Carbon steel or aluminum per product, certified welds, current hydrostatic test |
| Compartments | Each compartment independent with own valve and venting |
| Grounding | Grounding cable mandatory at loading and unloading |
| Valves | Loading (top or bottom), discharge, emergency, pressure relief |
| Anti-overfill | Automatic system that stops flow at 95-97% capacity |
| Signage | UN plate corresponding to product, NFPA diamonds, transporter ID |
| Calibration | DIPROEC or another accredited entity — 1-year validity |
| Extinguisher | Dry chemical, minimum capacity per regulation |
Difference vs Other MEM Authorizations
| Procedure | Applies to | Service |
|---|---|---|
| Petroleum, petroleum products and natural gas transport license | Commercial umbrella — transporter company | 1444 |
| Hydrocarbon transport license renewal | Renewal of the commercial umbrella | 2392 |
| LPG cylinder transport authorization | Packaged propane cylinders | 1446 |
| Fuel transport certification authorization (this one) | Refined-fuel tankers | 1445 |
Penalties
- Fines Q10,000-Q500,000+ for operating an unauthorized tanker
- Seizure of product and tanker in joint National Civil Police operations with MEM and SAT
- Permanent suspension for repeat offenses
- Civil/criminal liability in case of incidents (spill, fire, explosion, injuries)
- Additionally: SAT penalties if calibration does not match the invoiced volume
Renewal
The authorization renews every 5 years. DIPROEC calibration renews annually. Driver training typically renews every 1-2 years. Begin the authorization renewal at least 90 days before expiration.
Related Procedures
- Petroleum, petroleum products and natural gas transport license
- Hydrocarbon transport license renewal
- Authorization to certify LPG cylinder transport
- MARN Environmental License
- Type C-Primera driver license (MAYCOM)
- Register a company in the Mercantile Registry