INFRACTIONS AND SANCTIONS IN THE COMMERCIALIZATION OF COCA LEAF IN BOLIVIA

WHAT IS CONSIDERED AN INFRACTION IN THE COCA LEAF TRADE?

An infraction refers to any breach or violation committed during the transport, purchase, or sale of coca leaf—even when these activities are carried out by authorized individuals or entities such as licensed producers, retailers, industrialization companies, or research centers.

MINOR INFRACTIONS IN LEGAL COCA LEAF TRADE

Minor infractions are common errors that do not significantly affect product control but do breach administrative procedures.

Examples:

• Altering or erasing data on packaging bags (e.g., manually changing the recipient’s name)
• Missing stamps on the route sheet (e.g., omitting an intermediate checkpoint stamp)
• Loss or theft of the route sheet without proper justification
• Failing to collect coca within the permitted time (e.g., leaving bundles at the authorized market beyond one business day)
• Operating a sales post without the required documentation (e.g., selling without a commercial license or route sheet)

Sanctions:

• Fines ranging from 50 to 400 Bolivianos, depending on repeat offenses
• Companies pay fines per bundle, and after the fifth offense, permanently lose their right to industrialize coca

MAJOR INFRACTIONS IN COCA LEAF COMMERCIALIZATION IN BOLIVIA

These infractions compromise state control and the legal destination of coca, potentially leading to diversion or stockpiling.

Examples:

• Selling excessive amounts to a single buyer (exceeding legal purchase limits)
• Purchasing or accumulating more coca than allowed under the monthly quota
• Storing coca in unauthorized locations (e.g., in a private residence)
• Delegating sales to someone else without written authorization
• Using expired authorizations to transport coca
• Obstructing inspections at an industrialization facility
• Transporting coca without documentation or outside authorized routes—considered diversion

Sanctions:

• Suspension of commercialization rights for 2 to 6 months, depending on recurrence
• Progressive confiscation of retained coca (from 20% to 100%)
• Permanent suspension after the fourth major infraction

VERY SERIOUS INFRACTIONS IN COCA LEAF TRADE IN BOLIVIA

These violations represent a complete breach of the legal regime and systematic misuse or diversion of coca from its authorized purpose.

Examples:

• Not commercializing coca for over 12 months without justified cause
• Using coca for unauthorized purposes in industrial or research projects
• Halting industrialization activities for more than 6 months

Sanctions:

• Permanent suspension of the right to commercialize or use coca
• Total confiscation, as applicable

HOW THE SANCTIONING PROCEDURE WORKS FOR COCA LEAF INFRACTIONS

Sanctions are imposed through an administrative procedure carried out by the Vice Ministry of Coca and Integral Development, in accordance with Bolivia’s general administrative procedures. If multiple infractions are detected, only the most severe sanction is applied; however, all violations are recorded in the SISCOCA system.