PENALTY FOR OPERATING WITHOUT COMMERCIAL REGISTRATION
The current regulation mandates that every natural or legal person must obtain a valid commercial registration before initiating any business activity. Failure to comply with this obligation is classified as a serious offense and is subject to a fine of 8,000 Housing Promotion Units (UFV), in addition to a mandatory regularization within 10 business days.
DIFFERENTIATED FINES FOR FAILURE TO UPDATE COMMERCIAL REGISTRATION
The regulation also penalizes failure to comply with the annual obligation to update the commercial registration. Even companies already registered are subject to penalties if they do not renew their registration according to current laws. The fines vary depending on the legal type of the business entity, reflecting a proportional approach:
| Type of Business Entity | Fine (UFV) |
|---|---|
| Sole Proprietorship | 1,200 |
| Limited Liability Company | 2,100 |
| General or Simple Limited Partnership | 2,100 |
| Corporation, Partnership by Shares, Mixed, and Foreign Companies | 2,700 |
This tiered sanctioning scheme is designed to align with the economic capacity and legal structure of each type of company. It also reinforces the importance of regular compliance to maintain legal standing in business operations.
LEGAL CERTAINTY AND INSTITUTIONAL OVERSIGHT
In summary, failure to register or update a commercial registration carries clear legal consequences that directly impact a company’s ability to operate. The sanctions are part of a broader institutional control policy aimed at increasing the formalization of commercial activity and ensuring equitable market conditions for all business actors.
For comprehensive legal advice on commercial matters in Bolivia, our legal team is here to assist you. If you have received a notification regarding a commercial registration infraction, contact us today for effective guidance in compliance with current regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the commercial registration?
It is the official registration that legally authorizes a natural or legal person to engage in commercial activities in Bolivia.
When must the commercial registration be updated?
It must be renewed annually in accordance with current regulations.
What happens if I do not update my registration on time?
A fine will be applied based on the type of company, ranging from 1,200 to 2,700 UFV.
Can I operate without a commercial registration?
No. The law requires registration before initiating any business activity.
How do I pay the fine if I’ve already been sanctioned?
Payment must be made according to instructions provided by the National Commercial Registry and completed within the deadline set by the authority.
- Bolivian Commercial Code.
- Corporate Oversight Authority (AEMP). (2025). Regulation on Commercial and Accounting Offenses and Sanctions.
- Law No. 2341 on Administrative Procedure.
The content of this article does not reflect the technical opinion of Rigoberto Paredes & Associates and should not be considered a substitute for legal advice. The information presented herein corresponds to the date of publication and may be outdated at the time of reading. Rigoberto Paredes & Associates assumes no responsibility for keeping the information in this article up to date, as legal regulations may change over time.
