Quick summary: Guatemala’s Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM) authorizes private companies to certify bulk LPG transport units. Free filing (Q0), 53 business days, online channel available. The authorization lets the company issue the official certificate that tankers and trucks meet operating standards for transporting liquefied petroleum gas.
What the LPG Transport Unit Certification Authorization Is
MEM grants this authorization to private companies so they can run functionality tests and issue the official certificate showing that the bulk LPG transport unit is in optimal condition for operation.
Without this certificate, a tanker or truck cannot legally transport bulk LPG in Guatemala. Only MEM-authorized companies (listed in the official directory) can issue the document.
- Issued by: Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM), General Hydrocarbons Directorate
- Output: Authorization to issue certifications
- Validity: subject to renewal per the hydrocarbons regulation
- MEM filing fee: Q0 (free)
- Timeline: 53 business days
Requirements for the Authorization
Per the official catalog at tramites.gob.gt, the applicant must submit legalized legible copies of all documentation. Requirements split into three blocks:
For an individual applicant
- Valid DPI (Guatemalan ID card)
- Sole proprietorship business permit (patente de comercio)
- Active SAT taxpayer registration — verify with the CUI/NIT lookup
- Recent proof of address
For a legal entity (company)
- Public deed of incorporation
- Company business permit and trading patent
- Legal representative appointment with registration record
- DPI of the legal representative
- Company NIT (tax ID)
Technical documentation (individual and entity)
- Physical address of the facility where tests will be conducted
- Inventory and specs of test equipment (calibrated pressure gauges, hydrostatic test rigs, leak detection, purging systems)
- Resumes of technical personnel running certifications (training in hydrocarbons, LPG or industrial safety)
- Procedures manual for the tests
- Civil liability insurance policies
- Current equipment calibration certificates
Tip: Because of the technical scope, review the current list of certifying companies at mem.gob.gt before applying — MEM updates requirements and formats without prior notice.
Steps to Obtain the Authorization
- Gather all legal and technical documentation — legalized legible copy of every document. Foreign-language documents must be translated by a sworn translator.
- Prepare the technical file — facility description, equipment list, procedures manual and personnel resumes.
- File the application at MEM’s General Hydrocarbons Directorate, in person or via the electronic channel at mem.gob.gt/empresas-certificadoras-2/.
- Site inspection — MEM schedules a technical visit to the declared facility to verify equipment, safety conditions and operating capacity.
- Corrections — if MEM issues observations, the applicant has a defined window to fix and resubmit.
- Authorization issued — MEM publishes the resolution and registers the company in the official certifying-company directory.
The total 53 business days runs from the moment the file is complete and accepted. Incomplete files or open corrections do not count toward the timeline.
Cost and Time
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| MEM filing fee | Q0 (free) |
| Official timeline | 53 business days |
| Channel | In person + online |
| Output | Authorization to issue certifications |
| Validity | Per the hydrocarbons regulation |
The filing is free at MEM. The real spend is the prep work: notarial acts (Q150-Q500 each), legalizations, equipment calibration, civil liability policies and the test-equipment investment the rule requires.
How to Apply
- Visit the official page: mem.gob.gt/empresas-certificadoras-2/
- Download the form and the current requirements list
- Gather legal and technical documents in legalized copy
- File the package in person at MEM’s General Hydrocarbons Directorate or through the electronic channel
- Attend the technical inspection MEM schedules
- Address corrections (if any) and wait for the resolution
If your company will also haul LPG, also review the petroleum and gas transport license — these are separate but related filings.
Related Filings
- Petroleum, petroleum products and gas transport license (MEM)
- Authorization to certify combustible transport (MEM)
- Emergency import or export authorization (MEM)
- SAT CUI-NIT lookup
Official Links
Last verified: May 2026. Cost and timeline per the official catalog at tramites.gob.gt (service 1449). MEM can update requirements without prior notice — confirm at the official portal before starting.