SUPERVISION OF CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR) IN BOLIVIA
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SUPERVISION OF CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR) IN BOLIVIA

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has become a formal legal obligation for commercial companies in Bolivia. The Authority for the Supervision of Companies (AEMP) plays a central role in monitoring and ensuring compliance with CSR implementation, guaranteeing that businesses contribute effectively to social well-being and sustainable development in the country. In this article, we explain how CSR is supervised in Bolivia, which companies are required to comply, and the consequences of non-compliance.

CSR AS A LEGAL OBLIGATION FOR COMMERCIAL COMPANIES IN BOLIVIA

In the Plurinational State of Bolivia, CSR is no longer a voluntary practice—it is a binding legal responsibility for commercial companies. This shift was reinforced through regulations granting the AEMP the authority to oversee and control CSR practices, with the exception of entities already regulated under other sector-specific frameworks.
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Under current regulations, companies must report their CSR programs, projects, or activities. This information allows the AEMP to verify the scope, impact, and compliance of CSR efforts. These reports may be subject to inspections, documentary audits, and official publication.

SUPERVISION PROCEDURE: HOW THE AEMP MONITORS CSR

The AEMP follows a standardized procedure to supervise CSR practices. It issues formal requests to companies, requiring them to submit detailed reports of their CSR activities from the previous fiscal year.

The required information must include:

  • General and specific objectives of the CSR project or program
  • Target group, such as individuals with disabilities, children, adolescents, or women in vulnerable situations
  • Execution area, such as environmental protection, labor inclusion, or community health
  • Activities carried out, achieved outcomes, and measurable indicators
  • Executed budget, expressed in Bolivianos

The report must be submitted in both digital and physical formats, limited to 10 pages, within 10 business days from the date of notification.

CSR OBLIGATIONS BY ECONOMIC SECTOR IN BOLIVIA

Specific laws reinforce the mandatory nature of CSR for certain sectors:

  • Companies must support individuals with disabilities, in accordance with laws on inclusion and equality.
  • Media outlets must allocate free airtime for campaigns against gender-based violence.
  • Social programs for children and adolescents are also expected CSR efforts in some sectors.

These sector-specific obligations must be considered when designing and implementing corporate social responsibility strategies.

WHAT HAPPENS IF A COMPANY DOES NOT RESPOND TO THE AEMP’S REQUEST?

Failure to respond to a formal request from the AEMP may result in administrative warnings that harm the company’s public image and increase future oversight.

Late submissions, non-responses, or incomplete information can trigger stricter monitoring measures, including on-site inspections or monetary sanctions.

WHICH COMPANIES MUST COMPLY WITH CSR IN BOLIVIA?

CSR compliance is mandatory for commercial companies regulated by the AEMP. However, a recent administrative resolution established a voluntary framework for sole proprietorships, associations, foundations, and other legal entities. This promotes the gradual adoption of CSR without imposing regulatory burdens on these entities.

HOW TO LEGALLY RESPOND TO A CSR REQUEST FROM THE AEMP

If your company has received a CSR request from the AEMP, it is crucial to respond promptly and correctly. Even if no CSR activities were carried out, you must formally inform the regulator. If you need to develop or formalize low-cost, high-impact CSR projects, professional guidance is recommended to ensure compliance and maximize reputational benefits.

Our legal team in Bolivia has extensive experience in preparing CSR reports, developing tailored programs, and representing clients in administrative procedures. We can guide your company through every step to ensure full legal compliance and a positive social contribution.

Need assistance complying with CSR regulations in Bolivia? Contact our legal experts for strategic guidance and regulatory compliance support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is CSR mandatory for all companies in Bolivia?

No. CSR is mandatory only for commercial companies regulated by the AEMP. For other entities like sole proprietorships or foundations, participation is voluntary.

What if a company didn’t carry out any CSR activities?

The company must still formally notify the AEMP in response to the request.

How much time do I have to respond to the AEMP?

You must respond within 10 business days from receiving the formal request.

What information should a CSR report include?

The report should include objectives, target beneficiaries, activities carried out, results obtained, and the executed budget.

What are the consequences of not responding?

Possible consequences include administrative observations, increased supervision, damage to corporate reputation, and financial penalties.

Bibliography

  • Autoridad de Fiscalización de Empresas (AEMP). (2021). Procedimiento de Control y Supervisión del Ejercicio de la RSE
  • Resolución Administrativa Interna RAI/AEMP/DJ/N° 29/2021
  • Ley N° 685
  • Ley N° 223, Ley N° 348 and the Children and Adolescents Code
  • Resolución Administrativa RA/AEMP/N° 46/2024

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.

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Víctor Martín
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Samuel Pita
Associate Attorney
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