RESTRICTED  
  
WT/TPR/S/363  
26 September  2017 
(17-5075) Page: 1/178 
Trade Policy Review Body   
 
TRADE POLICY REVIEW  
REPORT BY THE SECRET ARIAT  
PLURINATIONAL STATE OF BOLIVIA  
This report, prepared for the fourth Trade Policy Review of the Plurinational State of Bolivia, has 
been drawn up by the WTO Secretariat on its own responsibility. The Secretariat has, as required 
by the Agreement establishing the Trade Policy Review Mechanism (Annex 3 of the Marrakesh 
Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization), sought clarification from the Plurinational 
State of Bolivia on its trade policies and practices.  
 
Any technical questions arising from this report may be addr essed to Mr Angelo Silvy 
(tel.: 022/739/  5249), Ms Eugenia Lizano (tel.: 022 /739 6578) and Mr Rica rdo Barba 
(tel.: 022/739 5088).  
 
Document WT/TPR/G/ 363 contains the policy statement submitted by the Plurinational State 
of Bolivia.  
 
 
Note: This report is subject to restricted circulation and press emb argo until  the end of the 
first session of the meeting of the Trade Policy Review Body on the Plurinational State of Bolivia. 
This report was drafted in Spanish.  
  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
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  CONTENTS  
SUMMARY  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................  8 
1   ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT  ................................ ................................ ........................  14 
1.1   Main features of the economy  ................................ ................................ ...................... 14 
1.1.1    Economic policy, objectives and structural reform  ................................ ........................ 14 
1.1.2    Sectoral structure of the economy  ................................ ................................ ............. 17 
1.2   Recent economic developments  ................................ ................................ .................... 18 
1.2.1    Real sector  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............. 18 
1.2.2    Fiscal policy  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............ 20 
1.2.3    Monetary and exchange -rate policy  ................................ ................................ ............ 22 
1.2.4    Balance of payments  ................................ ................................ ................................ 27 
1.3   Trade and investment developments  ................................ ................................ ............. 28 
1.3.1    Trends and patterns in merchandise and services trade  ................................ ................ 28 
1.3.1.1    Merchandise trade  ................................ ................................ ................................ .28 
1.3.1.2    Trade in services  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...32 
1.3.2    Trends and patterns in foreign direct investment  ................................ ......................... 33 
2   TRADE AND INVESTMENT  REGIMES ................................ ................................ ...........  35 
2.1   Overview  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................... 35 
2.2   Trade policy formulation and objectives  ................................ ................................ ......... 37 
2.3   Trade agreements and arrangements  ................................ ................................ ............ 40 
2.3.1    WTO ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................... 40 
2.3.2    Regional and preferential agreements  ................................ ................................ ........ 42 
2.3.2.1    Andean Community  ................................ ................................ ............................... 42 
2.3.2.2    LAIA ................................ ................................ ................................ .................... 43 
2.3.3    Other agreements and arrangements  ................................ ................................ ......... 44 
2.4   Investment regime  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....45 
3   TRADE POLICIES AND P RACTICES BY MEASURE  ................................ ........................  52 
3.1   Measures directly affecting imports  ................................ ................................ ............... 52 
3.1.1    Customs procedures and requirements, and customs valuation  ................................ .....52 
3.1.2    Rules of origin  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......... 55 
3.1.3    Tariffs ................................ ................................ ................................ .................... 56 
3.1.3.1    Structure and levels  ................................ ................................ .............................. 56 
3.1.3.2    Tariff quotas  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......... 57 
3.1.3.3    Preferential tariffs  ................................ ................................ ................................ .57 
3.1.3.4    Tariff concessions  ................................ ................................ ................................ .58 
3.1.4    Other charges affecting imports  ................................ ................................ ................. 58 
3.1.5    Import prohibitions, restrictions and licensing  ................................ ............................. 61 
3.1.6    Anti-dumping, countervailing and safeguard measures  ................................ ................. 64 
3.1.6.1    Anti-dumping and counterva iling measures  ................................ .............................. 64 
3.1.6.2    Safeguard measures  ................................ ................................ ............................. 65 WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
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  3.2   Measures directly affecting exports  ................................ ................................ ............... 65 
3.2.1    Customs procedures and requirements  ................................ ................................ .......65 
3.2.2    Taxes, charges and levies  ................................ ................................ ......................... 68 
3.2.3    Export prohibitions, restrictions and licensing  ................................ .............................. 69 
3.2.4    Export support and promotion  ................................ ................................ ................... 73 
3.2.5    Export financing, insurance and guarantees  ................................ ................................ 73 
3.3   Measures affecting production and tr ade ................................ ................................ .......74 
3.3.1    Incentives  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............... 74 
3.3.1.1    General incentives  ................................ ................................ ................................ 74 
3.3.1.2    Free zones  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........... 75 
3.3.2    Standards and other technical regulations  ................................ ................................ ...76 
3.3.3    Sanitary and phytosanitary measures  ................................ ................................ ......... 80 
3.3.4    Competition policy and price controls  ................................ ................................ ......... 83 
3.3.4.1    Competition policy  ................................ ................................ ................................ 83 
3.3.4.2    Price control  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......... 85 
3.3.5    State trading, public en terprises and privatization  ................................ ........................ 87 
3.3.6    Government procurement  ................................ ................................ ......................... 90 
3.3.7    Intellectual property rights  ................................ ................................ ........................ 93 
3.3.7.1    Industrial property  ................................ ................................ ................................ 93 
3.3.7.2    Copyright and related rights  ................................ ................................ ................... 95 
3.3.7.3    New varieties of plants  ................................ ................................ .......................... 95 
3.3.7.4    Provisions for enforcement of intellectual property rights  ................................ ........... 95 
4   TRADE POLICIES BY SE CTOR  ................................ ................................ .....................  97 
4.1   Agriculture  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................. 97 
4.1.1    Measures affecting imports and exports  ................................ ................................ .... 100 
4.1.1.1    Measures affecting imports  ................................ ................................ ..................  100 
4.1.1.2    Measures affecting exports  ................................ ................................ ...................  101 
4.1.2    Rural sector support programmes  ................................ ................................ ............  102 
4.2   Mining and energy  ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 107 
4.2.1    Mining  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  107 
4.2.2    Hydrocarbons  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........  111 
4.2.3    Electricity  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  119 
4.3   Manufacturing  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  123 
4.4   Services  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  125 
4.4.1    Financial services  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 125 
4.4.1.1    Banks  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................  126 
4.4.1.2    Insurance  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  129 
4.4.1.3    Securities  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  131 
4.4.2    Telecommunications  ................................ ................................ ...............................  132 
4.4.3    Transport  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  138 WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
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  4.4.3.1    General features  ................................ ................................ ................................ . 138 
4.4.3.2    Air transport  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 140 
5  APPENDIX TABLES  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 142  
 
CHARTS  
 
Chart 1.1 Functioning of the economic, social, communitarian and productive model  .................. 14 
Chart 1.2 Executed public investment, 2006 -2016 ................................ ................................ .21 
Chart 1.3 Monetary regulation rates, 2006 -2016 ................................ ................................ ....24 
Chart 1.4 Merchandise trade by main HS section, 2006 and 2016  ................................ ............ 30 
Chart 1.5 Merchandise trade by trading partner, 20 06 and 2016  ................................ .............. 31 
Chart 3.1 Importation for consumption: procedures  ................................ ............................... 54 
Chart 3.2 Frequency distribution of tariff rates, 2017  ................................ .............................. 57 
Chart 3.3 Products subject to prior authorization or a certificate according to HS  heading, 
2017  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................... 62 
Chart 3.4 Export procedures  ................................ ................................ ................................ 67 
Chart 3.5 Institutions of the Bolivian Standardization, Metrology, Accreditation and 
Certification System  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........... 76 
Chart 3.6 Example of preparation of a technical regulation in the Ministry of Production 
Development and the Plural Economy  ................................ ................................ ................... 77 
Chart 3.7 Procedure for preparing a Bolivian standard (NB)  ................................ ..................... 78 
Chart 3.8 Procedure for certifying goods with the IBNORCA stamp  ................................ ........... 79 
Chart 3.9 Procedure for accreditation by IBMETRO  ................................ ................................ .80 
Chart 3.10 Preparation of a phytosanitary or animal health measure  ................................ ........ 82 
Chart 4.1 Main agricultural sector indicators, 2006 -2016 ................................ ........................ 97 
Chart 4.2 Agricultural output 2006 -2016 ................................ ................................ ............... 97 
Chart 4.3 Exports and imports of agricultural products, 2006 -2015 ................................ .......... 98 
Chart 4.4 Main mining sector indicators, 2006 -2016 ................................ .............................  107 
Chart 4.5 Mining output, 2006 -2016 ................................ ................................ ...................  108 
Chart 4.6 Exports and imports of mineral products, 2006 -2015 ................................ .............  108 
Chart 4.7 System of remuneration for hydrocarbons sales  ................................ .....................  114 
Chart 4.8 Main indicators of the hydrocarbons sector, 2006 -2016 ................................ ..........  117 
Chart 4.9 Audited daily production  of hydrocarbons, 2006 -2016 ................................ ............  118 
Chart 4.10 Hydrocarbon exports and imports, 2006 -2015 ................................ .....................  118 
Chart 4.11 Principal manufacturing sector indicators, 2006 -2016 ................................ ...........  123 
Chart 4.12 Real manufacturing sector growth rates, 2006 -2016................................ .............  124 
Chart 4.13 Penetration of telecommunications services and number of lines, 2006 -2016 ..........  137 
Chart 4.14 Growth of transport, by mode, 2006 -2016 ................................ ..........................  139 
Chart 4.15 Annual variation in transport, according to type of service or market , 
2006-2015 ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................  140 
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  TABLES  
 
Table 1.1 Structure of GDP, 2006 and 2011 -2016 ................................ ................................ ..17 
Table 1.2 Characteristics of employment, 2011 –2016 ................................ ............................. 18 
Table 1.3 Basic economic indicators, 2006 and 2011 -2016 ................................ ...................... 18 
Table 1.4 Consolidated accounts of the non -financial public sector (NFPS), 2010 -2016 ............... 20 
Table 1.5 Main industrial investment projects, executed and under way in 2006 -2016 ................ 22 
Table 1.6 Monetary indicators, 2006 and 2011 -2016 ................................ .............................. 24 
Table 1.7 Balance of payments, 2010 -2016 ................................ ................................ ........... 27 
Table 1.8 Services trade, 2006 and 2011 -2016 ................................ ................................ ......32 
Table 1.9 Foreign direct investment, 2006 and 2011 -2016 ................................ ...................... 33 
Table 1.10 Gross foreign direct investment, by origin, 2006 and 2011 -2016 .............................. 33 
Table 2.1 Main trade leg islation, 2017  ................................ ................................ .................. 36 
Table 2.2 Institutions involved in trade policy  ................................ ................................ ........ 38 
Table 2.3 Notifications submitted to the WTO, 2006 -2017 ................................ ....................... 41 
Table 2.4 Trade agreements in force, 2017  ................................ ................................ ........... 42 
Table 2.5 Legislation governing the foreign investment r egime  ................................ ................ 45 
Table 2.6 Nationalized enterprises, 2006 -2017 ................................ ................................ ......49 
Table 2.7 APPRIs terminated, 2006 -2017 ................................ ................................ .............. 51 
Table 3.1 Structure of MFN tariffs, 2017  ................................ ................................ ............... 56 
Table 3.2 Analysis of the tariffs applied to countries with which trade agreements have 
been signed, 2017  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............. 57 
Table 3. 3 Other taxes, 2017  ................................ ................................ ................................ 59 
Table 3.4 Fees for services provided  ................................ ................................ ..................... 60 
Table 3.5 Import prohibitions, 2017  ................................ ................................ ..................... 61 
Table 3.6 Imports subject to prior authorization  ................................ ................................ .....63 
Table 3.7 Various export restrictions  ................................ ................................ .................... 69 
Table 3.8 Products subject to the CAIPJ, 2017  ................................ ................................ .......70 
Table 3.9 Products subject to export licences, 2017  ................................ ............................... 72 
Table 3.10 Export permit: liquid hydrocarbon s ................................ ................................ .......72 
Table 3.11 Trust funds to finance exports, 2006 -2016 ................................ ............................ 74 
Table 3.12 Minimum portfolio levels  ................................ ................................ ..................... 75 
Table 3.13 Authorities responsible for preparing technical regulations  ................................ .......77 
Table 3.14 Plant and animal health legislation  ................................ ................................ .......81 
Table 3.15 SENASAG's main spheres of competence  ................................ ............................... 81 
Table 3.16 Regulations on competition  ................................ ................................ ................. 83 
Table 3.17 Anti -competitive conduct  ................................ ................................ ..................... 84 
Table 3.18 Protection of competition, 2013 -2016 ................................ ................................ ...85 
Table 3.19 Products subject to price bands  ................................ ................................ ............ 86 
Table 3.20 Products subject to price bands and domestic supply quotas  ................................ ....87 
Table 3.21 Types of public enterprise, 201 7 ................................ ................................ .......... 88 WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
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  Table 3.22 Share of public enterprises in production, imports and exports, 2006 -2016 ............... 89 
Table 3.23 Government procurement procedures  ................................ ................................ ...91 
Table 3.24 Preference margins for domestic producers or suppliers  ................................ .......... 92 
Table 3.25 Government procurement statistics , 2006 and 2010 -2016 ................................ .......92 
Table 4.1 Summary of the overall guidelines of rural development policy  ................................ ..99 
Table 4.2 Institutions responsible for designing/implementing agricultural policy  .....................  100 
Table 4.3 Some agricultural sector support programmes, 2016  ................................ ..............  103 
Table 4.4 Rates of the beer marketing withholding tax and imported alcoholic beverage 
withholding tax  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................  105 
Table 4.5 Rates of the sugar production withholding tax and the withholding tax on direct 
sugar -cane alcohol production  ................................ ................................ ...........................  106 
Table 4.6 Nationalization of shares of hydrocarbons sector enterprises  ................................ ... 113 
Table 4.7 Regulated hydr ocarbons tariffs  ................................ ................................ ............  115 
Table 4.8 Tariffs and IEHD -specific levy  ................................ ................................ ..............  115 
Table 4.9 Incentives for hydrocarbon production  ................................ ................................ .. 116 
Table 4.10 Tax  benefits for hydrocarbon industrialization investment ................................ ...... 117 
Table 4.11 Electricity sector indicators, 2006 and 2011 -2016 ................................ ................  120 
Table 4.12 Nationalizations in the electricity subsector, 2006 -2016 ................................ ........  121 
Table 4.13 Financial entities, June  2017 ................................ ................................ ..............  126 
Table 4.14 P roduction -sector portfolio and proportion of non -performing loans of the 
financial system, May  2017 ................................ ................................ ...............................  129 
Table 4.15 Legal framework  of the telecommunications sector  ................................ ...............  132 
Table 4.16 Main changes introduced in Law No.  164 of 2011  ................................ .................  133 
 
BOXES  
 
Box 4.1 Policy for the energy sector  ................................ ................................ ...................  120 
 
APPENDIX TABLES  
 
Table A1. 1 Balance of payments, 2006 -2016 ................................ ................................ ...... 142 
Table A1. 2 Merchandise exports by HS section and main HS chapter, 2006 -2016 ....................  143 
Table A1. 3 Merchandise imports by HS section and main HS chapter, 2006 -2016 ...................  146 
Table A1. 4 Merchandise exports by trading partner, 2006 -2016 ................................ ............  150 
Table A1. 5 Merchandise imports by trading partner, 2006 -2016................................ ............  151 
 
Table A3. 1 Customs procedures for imports, 2017  ................................ ..............................  152 
Table A3. 2 Summary of the MFN tariff, 2017  ................................ ................................ ...... 153 
Table A3. 3 Drawback procedure, 2014 -2016 ................................ ................................ ...... 154 
Table A3. 4 Tariff subheadings requiring form M -03 for export clearance  ................................ . 160 
Table A3. 5 Various support programmes, 2017 ................................ ................................ ... 166 
Table A3. 6 State enterprises in 2017  ................................ ................................ .................  169 
Table A3. 7 Protection of intellectual property rights  ................................ .............................  171 WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
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Table A4. 1 Agricultural products subject to the drawback  procedure, 2014 -2016 ....................  173 
Table A4. 2 Mining royalties  ................................ ................................ ..............................  176 
Table A4. 3 Main provisions of bilateral air transport agreements  ................................ ...........  178 
 
  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
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  SUMMARY  
1. Since 2006, the Plurinational State of Bolivia (Bolivia) has pursued an economic policy 
whose objective is the structural transformation of the country. The policy is based on the 
so-called economic, social, communitarian and productive model (MESCP) in which the State plays 
a vital role by steering and controlling the strategic sectors and participating directly in the 
economy. According to the authorities, this model seeks to redistribute income and reduce poverty 
by transferring resour ces from the strategic sectors that generate surpluses (above all mining and 
hydrocarbons) to other sectors that promote income and employment. The measures adopted to 
implement the MESCP include the nationalization of hydrocarbons in 2006 and the consolid ation of 
the role of State enterprises in the Bolivian economy. The model aims to satisfy domestic 
consumption first, followed by exports, and this priority is reflected in a number of policies adopted 
(see below). Bolivia's trade policy has developed in t he light of these objectives, adapting to an 
increased presence of the State in economic activities and the prioritization of the domestic 
market.  
2. Real GDP grew at an average annual rate of 5% between 2006 and 2016 as a result of a 
favourable international  environment and an increase in domestic demand, particularly investment 
and public consumption. Although net exports initially contributed to GDP growth, their 
contribution has been negative since 2011 owing to the fact that for most of the period, import  
growth outpaced export growth. During the period from 2006 to 2016, per capita GDP increased 
from US$1,227 to US$3,100. Alongside the rise in income and the social welfare policies that were 
implemented, there was a significant reduction in the poverty an d extreme poverty rates, and 
income redistribution was improved. However, despite the progress achieved during the period, 
further efforts are needed in these areas.  
3. Since the launching of the MESCP, the government has been introducing measures to 
increase  tax revenues, including expanding the tax base, creating new taxes, and applying 
additional rates for corporate profits tax. According to the authorities, the nationalization of natural 
resources and the reform of public enterprises also contributed to re venue growth. The increase in 
tax revenue improved the public sector accounts, and in the period 2006 -2013 the average fiscal 
surplus of the non -financial public sector (NFPS) amounted to 1.8% of GDP. However, the 
consolidated fiscal outturn recorded a def icit as from 2014. The fiscal deficit came in at 6.9% of 
GDP in 2015, and 6.6% of GPD in 2016. These performances are partly the result of the lower tax 
revenues following the fall in the prices of minerals and oil, while the decrease in spending was 
less pronounced. The total public debt dropped during the review period from 73.6% of GDP to 
30.2% in 2016 thanks to the cancellation of the debt, GDP growth , and public finance results up to 
2014. However, keeping the public debt at reasonable levels will requ ire a more vigorous fiscal 
consolidation, particularly in view of the recent decline in public sector accounts (in 2015 and 
2016).  
4. Bolivia's monetary policy is countercyclically oriented, and has been supported by the high 
level of international reserves. Since mid -2014, monetary policy has adopted an expansionary 
stance, injecting significant amounts of liquidity into the financial system and bringing interest 
rates close to zero. Bolivia operates a crawling -peg exchange rate regime with respect to the 
US dollar. In practice, in order to anchor inflationary expectations, the national currency (the 
boliviano) has been stabilized against the US dollar since November 2011, and only slight 
fluctuations have been permitted.  
5. The balance -of-payments current accoun t was in surplus for most of 2006 -2016, registering 
an average positive balance of US$617 million per year, a trend which largely reflects the 
significant surpluses in merchandise trade reported up to 2014 when the trade balance turned 
negative. This was d ue to a sharp contraction in the value of exports following the fall in 
international raw materials prices, accompanied by a smaller reduction in the value of imports. 
Reflecting this, the current account balance deteriorated and began to report deficits, which 
reached 5.7% of GDP in 2015 and 5.6% of GDP in 2016.  
6. Bolivian exports continue to be relatively concentrated. Mineral products and hydrocarbons 
still lead the way, although their share in the total value of exports fell from 69.8% in 2006 to 
57% in 2 016. The main export product is natural gas, which in 2016 accounted for 31.6% of the 
total value of exports. Zinc and silver are among the main mineral exports. Bolivia also exports 
soya beans and soya products as well as other agricultural products. The main export markets are WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
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  on the American continent, and, to a lesser extent, in Asia and Europe. Brazil is the leading 
destination, followed by Argentina and the United States. The composition of imports has remained 
relatively stable since 2006, and consis ts mainly of raw materials and capital goods. In 2014, 
China became Bolivia's main supplier, relegating Brazil to second place, followed by Argentina and 
the United States.  
7. Bolivia's legal and institutional framework has changed radically since its last re view, 
particularly with the entry into force on 7 February 2009 of the new Political Constitution of the 
State. Under the Constitution, the State recognizes, respects and protects private initiative that 
contributes to economic development, strengthens the  country's economic independence and plays 
a social role. At the same time, however, the Constitution gives the State the right and duty to 
spearhead the process of economic and social planning; to manage and control the strategic 
sectors of the economy (h ydrocarbons, mining/metalworking, electricity and environmental 
resources); to regulate the processes of production, distribution, marketing and consumption of 
goods and services; to play a direct role in the economy by producing economic and social goods 
and services in order to promote economic and social equity and stimulate development; to 
promote food sovereignty for the population; and to control production and commercial activities 
on the grounds of public utility.  
8. Bolivia is a founding Member of the  WTO; this is its fourth Trade Policy Review. It has 
submitted a number of proposals under the Doha Development Agenda (DDA), some of them 
jointly with other small economies and/or landlocked countries. Bolivia did not take part in any 
dispute under the WT O dispute settlement mechanism during the review period. Although it has 
regularly submitted notifications to the WTO, at the end of 2016 it had many outstanding 
notifications, mainly concerning agriculture, import licensing, sanitary and phytosanitary 
measures, and subsidies and countervailing measures. As of July 2017, Bolivia had yet to ratify 
the Trade Facilitation Agreement and the Amendment to the TRIPS Agreement. It is not a party to 
the Agreement on Trade in Civil Aircraft or the Agreement on Govern ment Procurement, and it 
does not have observer status in either of the two Committees; nor is it a signatory to the 
Information Technology Agreement. A more active role in the WTO would provide Bolivia with 
opportunities to improve its integration in worl d trade.  
9. Bolivia has signed nine trade agreements with 12 countries, one of which was concluded 
during the review period. It is a founding member of the Andean Community of Nations (CAN), 
and participates in the Latin American Integration Association (LAIA ), where it has signed a 
number of partial scope agreements. Bolivia enjoys unilateral preferences under the Generalized 
System of Preferences (GSP) and is a member of the Global System of Trade Preferences Among 
Developing Countries (GSTP).  
10. Since the prec eding review in 2005, the investment regime has undergone significant 
changes owing to the fact that the Constitution provides that the State should play a leading role 
in the production process. For example, the Constitution provides the State enterprise Yacimientos 
Petrolíferos Fiscales Bolivianos (YPFB)  with the authority to conduct any type of activity relating to 
the production and marketing of hydrocarbons, and to sign service contracts with Bolivian or 
foreign public, mixed or private enterprises for  the performance against payment of particular 
activities. At the same time, starting in 2005, efforts were made to create and strengthen public 
enterprises in strategic or social sectors as a driver of the new economic model. Thus, since 2006, 
12 enterpri ses deemed strategic have been nationalized. Public enterprises may be 100% 
State -owned, or mixed  State enterprises (between 70% and 100% central State -owned) or mixed 
enterprises (between 51% and 70% central State -owned).  
11. Bolivia has denounced 22 bilatera l reciprocal investment promotion and protection 
agreements (APPRI) that were deemed contrary to the Constitution. However, foreign investors 
continue to be protected under the APPRIs for a period of ten years. In the current legal 
framework, Bolivian or f oreign investors must submit any dispute with the State to national 
arbitration, unless the parties agree that the arbitration should take place elsewhere, in which case 
it is deemed to be an international arbitration subject to the rules agreed among the parties, 
provided that they do not infringe the Constitution and Bolivian law.  
12. In recent years, investment policy has sought to open up to private investment. 2014 saw 
the enactment of a new investment law establishing the system of generally applicable in centives 
for investment promotion. These incentives run for one to 20 years depending on the economic WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
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  activity and investment recovery time. In 2015, a law on conciliation and arbitration was also 
adopted in order to increase legal certainty for investors.  However, improving investor confidence 
will involve a number of challenges, such as further increasing legal certainty and improving the 
business climate. To meet these objectives a number of structural reforms are needed: for 
example, reduction in the nu mber of administrative formalities and the time required to complete 
them, better training of human capital, and consolidation of the progress achieved in the fight 
against corruption.  
13. Under the Constitution, trade policy, as well as industrial and product ion policy, must be 
applied in such a way as to ensure that domestic demand for products considered essential and for 
the inputs required for the production of strategic goods can be met. To meet that objective, 
imports may be regulated, if necessary, thro ugh changes in tariffs or the use of quotas or prior 
licencing. Similarly, the export of certain products may be made subject to prior verification of the 
domestic market supply. In other words, the use of various trade policy instruments depends on 
domest ic market conditions, and this can lessen the predictability of the trade regime.  
14. Although Bolivia has not ratified the Trade Facilitation Agreement, it did implement a 
number of measures to facilitate trade during the review period. Imports have been faci litated by 
permitting the single import declaration (DUI) to be submitted before the goods reach Bolivian 
customs territory. Moreover, the use of a customs clearing agent is now optional, and in the case 
of some easily recognizable products in large quanti ties, clearance may take place outside the 
customs area. Similarly, in 2015 the authorized economic operator (AEO) programme started to be 
implemented both for importers and exporters, and by the middle of 2017, the single window for 
foreign trade was bein g set up.  
15. Bolivia bound all its tariffs during the Uruguay Round. The majority were bound at 40% with 
19 lines bound at 30%. As in the case of the bound tariffs, all of the applied tariffs are ad valorem . 
The simple average of applied MFN tariffs in 2017 is 11.1% (8.2% in 2005). The average tariff on 
agricultural products is higher (13.3%) than on non -agricultural products (10.8%). The products 
with the highest average tariff are clothing, with a tariff of 40%, and alcoholic beverages and 
tobacco (25.2%). The most common tariff rates are 5% and 10%; a rate of 10% or less applies to 
70.9% of tariff lines.  
16. As mentioned earlier, there are instances in which tariffs on certain products have been 
reduced temporarily to meet sectoral policy objectives, for exampl e to guarantee food security or 
energy supply. In 2009, for example, tariffs were temporarily cut to 0% for imports of live bovine 
animals, fresh and frozen bovine meat, wheat and meslin, wheat flour, and fats and oils. Likewise, 
in order to increase the a rea under agricultural production, in 2011 and 2016 tariffs were reduced 
to 0%, for periods of five years, on imports of certain agricultural machinery and equipment and 
some agricultural inputs, such as seeds, cattle feed, vaccines and veterinary medicine s. On more 
than one occasion, the tariff on the import of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and fuel oils was 
temporarily reduced from 10% to 0%. Tariff concessions are also granted under various schemes 
such as the industrial free zones regime and the tempora ry admission for inward processing 
(RITEX) procedure.  
17. Both imported and domestic products are subject to a value added tax (VAT) of 13%, except 
for books, newspapers and publications, on which the rate is 0%. The specific consumption tax 
(ICE), which may b e ad valorem  or compound, applies to cigarettes and tobacco, alcoholic and 
non-alcoholic beverages, and vehicles, whether domestically produced or imported. A compound or 
specific tax applies to beverages, depending on their nature. In the case of vehicles , the ICE is 
ad valorem , and ranges from 0% to 50% according to the type of fuel used and the age of the 
vehicle. The ICE is ad valorem  for tobacco products and has two rates: 50% and 55%. 
Hydrocarbons, whether imported or domestically produced, are subjec t to a special tax on 
hydrocarbons and hydrocarbon derivatives (IEHD). This is a specific tax which varies depending on 
the product, and each year a maximum rate is fixed.  
18. The General Customs Law prohibits the importation of goods which affect human and an imal 
life or health, or are prejudicial to the protection of plants, morality, the environment, the security 
of the State and the country's financial system. Currently, in 2017, prohibitions apply to 
33 ten-digit HS tariff lines, and include the importatio n of radioactive residues; halogenated 
derivatives of hydrocarbons; worn clothing; and some types of used vehicle and motor vehicle s 
and those using liquefied gas. Furthermore, imports of goods of 719 ten -digit HS tariff lines WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
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  require prior authorization, which may be automatic or non -automatic. Although prior 
authorization is customarily used to protect human and animal health or life, or to protect plants 
and conserve exhaustible natural resources, or to protect security, it is also used to monitor the 
volume of imports and, in line with the Economic and Social Development Plan 2016 -2020, to 
protect industry.  
19. Bolivia did not adopt any anti -dumping or countervailing measures during the review period. 
It has no domestic legislation providing for the impositi on of such measures, which are considered 
to belong to competition policy. In 2012 an exceptional temporary safeguard was imposed for a 
period of 90 days on imports of fresh or chilled potatoes and prepared or preserved potatoes. 
Bolivia has not reserved t he right to use special safeguards for agricultural products.  
20. Generally speaking, the free export of goods is guaranteed, but when the domestic 
production of a staple product is considered insufficient to meet domestic demand, the export of 
that product ma y be prohibited or suspended temporarily, or quotas or other requirements prior to 
export may be imposed. During the review period, this type of measure was used in respect of 
certain agricultural and agro -industrial products. The goods subject to export q uotas require an 
authorization before they can be exported. The type of permit varies according to the product. 
Basic food products considered sensitive from the point of view of food security require a domestic 
supply and fair price certificate (CAIPJ) wh ich is issued once it has been established that there is 
an exportable surplus.  
21. Although measures are applied to regulate certain exports, instruments such as drawback 
are also applied. This customs procedure allows certain exporters to obtain a refund of all or part 
of the customs duty and other taxes, such as VAT and ICE, paid for the import of inputs and other 
materials incorporated into the exported goods. The percentage of taxes refunded varies according 
to the goods exported and the value of the expor ts. The procedure promotes the export of value 
added goods, and is designed to give new exporters and small -scale exporters larger refunds.  
22. Bolivia has a number of support programmes to boost exports, attract investment and 
create jobs, some of them direct ed at micro, small and medium -sized enterprises (MSMEs) and/or 
less developed areas. They provide financial assistance and grant tax concessions. In addition to 
these general programmes, Bolivia also has sectoral programmes, mainly in support of the 
hydroc arbons and agricultural sectors, as well as programmes with specific objectives such as the 
agricultural insurance scheme introduced in 2013, and other single -product programmes such as 
the Dairy Production Complex Support Fund (PROLECHE).  
23. The development of standards is entrusted to the Bolivian Standardization and Quality 
Institute (IBNORCA) which, together with other institutions and ministries, forms part of the 
Bolivian Standardization, Metrology, Accreditation and Certification System (SNMAC). The 
development of standards chiefly involves the adoption or adaptation of international standards. 
Bolivia does not have any national legislation on the development of technical regulations which, 
as notified to the WTO, is governed by the Code of Good Practice  in the WTO Agreement on 
Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT). Since 2006, Bolivia has notified the adoption of only 
three  technical regulations to the WTO Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade, concerning 
protection of the environment, health, and consume rs. Two technical regulations implemented 
within the Andean Community (CAN) framework were also notified.  
24. Agricultural health and food safety are national priorities, as stated in the 2011 Agricultural 
Health and Food Safety Policy. In drawing up sanitary measures, the Bolivian authorities refer to 
the rules of international organizations. The National Agricultural Health and Food Safety Service 
(SENASAG) is responsible for certifying the health -safety status of products for domestic 
consumption, as well as  imports and exports where necessary, and for issuing sanitary and 
phytosanitary import permits. Bolivia has submitted only four notifications to the Committee on 
Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures since 2006.  
25. Competition policy is regulated by the Constitution and by Supreme Decree No. 29519, 
which defines practices considered to be anti -competitive. The Business Control Authority (AEMP) 
is responsible for protecting competition. State enterprises, however, as well as those operating in 
strategic sectors which have their own regulations, are not under the responsibility of the AEMP. 
Most of the cases relating to anti -competitive practices dealt with by the AEMP in recent years WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
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  were initiated ex officio , for the most part concerned price discrimination, and applied in particular 
to products such as almonds, sugar, beer and milk. In the majority of cases, monetary sanctions 
were imposed and/or those responsible were prohibited from engaging in business.  
26. To prevent supply shortages and price speculation on the domestic market the authorities, 
when deemed necessary, may regulate the trade flows, domestic marketing and prices of the main 
products in the family shopping basket or of the inputs needed to guarantee that t he domestic 
demand for food is met. A price monitoring policy is therefore applied to determine whether it is 
necessary to adopt measures to mitigate the rise in prices of sensitive products. These measures 
could include the imposition of a permit and/or e xport quota, a reduction in tariffs, direct imports 
by the State or price regulation. Thus, price bands were established for certain staple agricultural 
products, in particular rice, maize, soya beans and wheat, which are marketed by the Food 
Production Su pport Enterprise (EMAPA), a State enterprise responsible for helping to ensure food 
security and combatting food price speculation.  
27. According to current legislation in Bolivia, public enterprises must play a social role and 
contribute towards economic and social growth by creating jobs, providing services, meeting 
demand and intervening in order to prevent market distortions. There are currently 62 public 
enterprises operating in various sectors of the economy. In each case, the State has a majority 
holding  and in most of the enterprises its share is 100%. The largest public enterprises include 
Yacimientos Petrolíferos Fiscales Bolivianos (YPFB)  and the Bolivian Mining Company ( COMIBOL ). 
Public enterprises' share of trade remains significant: their exports n ow account for 57% of total 
exports, owing chiefly to the fact that YPFB is responsible for marketing hydrocarbons.  
28. Bolivia is neither party to the WTO Plurilateral Agreement on Government Procurement nor 
an observ er at the Committee. All public sector ent ities, including State public enterprises, are 
governed by the same legislation when it comes to procurement procedures. There are 
six government procurement methods, mostly used according to the amount of the contract. The 
method used most often between 2 006 and 2015 was public invitation to tender, while in 2016 it 
was direct procurement of goods and services. Greater recourse to the public tendering system 
would provide the Bolivian government procurement regime with greater transparency. According 
to th e authorities, government procurement is used as a mechanism to support domestic 
production by seeking to ensure that MSMEs, small farmers' economic organizations and small 
producers' associations play a larger part in procurement. Public entities must, th erefore, first 
consider the options on the domestic market when procuring goods or contracting services and 
may import or award contracts abroad only when the goods and/or services are not produced in 
the country. Bolivian suppliers or producers are also o ffered preference margins ranging from 5% 
to 35%, margins which in most cases depend on national content. MSMEs also receive an 
additional preference margin of 20% in all government procurement procedures.  
29. The intellectual property regime is governed by do mestic legislation and by the CAN 
provisions. The National Intellectual Property Service (SENAPI) is responsible for administering the 
industrial property and copyright and related rights regimes. SENAPI processes patent applications 
within an average peri od of four years from the date of receipt, while the average time needed to 
complete registration of an industrial design is six months, and for a trademark five months. The 
protection of new plant varieties is the responsibility of the National Agricultur al and Forestry 
Innovation Institute (INIAF). During the review period, in addition to the general campaigns, 
specific measures were taken to promote the protection of intellectual property. For example, to 
encourage artisans and MSMEs to register trademar ks, they were granted a 30% reduction in the 
registration fee. At the same time, the VAT on Bolivian -produced and imported books was reduced 
to 0% in order to discourage piracy.  
30. Bolivia's current rural development policy is framed by the Constitution, the Law on the 
Communitarian Agricultural Production Revolution (2011) and the Economic and Social 
Development Plan 2016 -2020. It's fundamental objective is to guarantee the production of food 
and its supply at "fair prices", to which end the State may take wh atever measures it justifies as 
necessary: regulation of imports and exports through tariffs, permits, quotas or prohibitions; price 
monitoring; and production and marketing support measures.  The policies of subsidizing the 
production and marketing of agri cultural products are chiefly designed to support small and 
medium -sized indigenous and aboriginal farming communities' production. During the period under 
review, the agricultural sector grew at an average annual rate of 2.8%. The Bolivian agricultural 
sector is relatively concentrated. Oilseeds, especially soya, and cereals represented 71.8% of WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
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  agricultural output in 2016 (69.3% in 2006). Bolivia is a net exporter of agricultural products; its 
main export product is soya bean residues.  
31. Historically, minin g has been the main pillar of Bolivia's economy and is one of the leading 
sources of foreign exchange. During the period under review, growth in the sector fluctuated with 
the swings in international prices and the opening up of a new mine. Mining is conce ntrated 
primarily on the extraction of zinc and lead, followed by tin. Together these three minerals 
accounted for more than 95% of production in 2016. Mineral exports, chiefly zinc, represented 
28.2% of total exports of goods in 2015. Bolivia possesses on e of the largest lithium reserves in 
the world, in the Salar de Uyuni. During the review period, there were substantial changes in the 
legal framework for the mining sector resulting in a restructuring of mining activities. The Law on 
mining and metallurgy  gives the State the authority to direct mining policy and to grant mining 
rights (not concessions) through contracts and licences. The State also has the authority to 
participate in the mining production chain through the State mining companies (COMIBOL a nd its 
subsidiaries).  
32. The hydrocarbons sector continues to be of primary importance to the Bolivian economy, in 
spite of the fact that its share in nominal GDP declined between 2006 and 2016, and the sector's 
annual growth has fluctuated with the swings in  international prices. Hydrocarbons, led by natural 
gas, are the country's main export product. The sector is governed chiefly by the Constitution 
(2009), the Hydrocarbons Law (2005) , and the Supreme Decree on nationalization of 
hydrocarbons (2006). The Constitution modified the hydrocarbons ownership regime and stipulates 
that "they are the inalienable and imprescriptible property of the Bolivian people". The State 
exercises rights of  ownership on behalf of the people and is alone empowered to market 
hydrocarbons. Among its general objectives, the national hydrocarbons policy stipulates that 
energy security must be guaranteed and domestic demand met, and provides for the promotion of 
the processing and marketing of value -added products. The State implements a number of 
programmes to promote hydrocarbons production, most of which provide monetary compensation 
that varies according to the extraction area and world crude prices, or a tax i ncentive.  
33. The Financial Services Law of 2013 and Supreme Decree No. 1842 of 2013 regulate the 
sector and provide for a high degree of State intervention. For example, the Executive Branch may 
establish minimum interest rates for deposits and maximum  intere st rates for loans of social 
interest, and requires commercial  banks to hold at least 60% of their total portfolio in loans to the 
production and social housing sectors; and the production sector portfolio must be at least 25% of 
the total. The Financial S ystem Supervisory Authority (ASFI) is responsible for monitoring and 
supervising compliance of the finance entities with the targets fixed. The geographical coverage 
targets which financial intermediation entities are obliged to meet are set out in the Eco nomic and 
Social Development Plan 2016 -2020 and in the Patriotic Agenda 2 025. The Plan provides that, 
by 2020, 75% of municipalities will have financial services , and the Agenda indicates that 100% of 
municipalities should have financial coverage by 2025 ( currently approximately 50%).  
34. During the period under review, a new law was promulgated to regulate the provision of 
telecommunication services and adapt the sector's legal framework to the Constitution. The new 
law introduced changes to the regulatory fra mework, including: the creation of a new type of 
authorization (titulo habilitante) to provide services; limitation on foreign participation in the 
provision of broadcasting services; inclusion of consumer protection provisions; and design of a 
programme t o promote universal access.  
35. The General Transport Law allows foreign companies to provide international transport 
services in accordance with the international agreements in force or, failing that, by means of an 
authorization issued by the competent autho rity. Cabotage is prohibited in all modes of transport. 
As regards air transport services, operating permits are granted to foreign airlines if there is an air 
transport agreement between the country/territory of origin and Bolivia. If there is no air tran sport 
agreement, an authorization can be granted as long as  the service is found to be necessary and 
useful. Operating permits and authorization s are granted for a maximum period of five years, with 
the possibility  of renewal.  
 
 WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
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  1  ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT  
1.1  Main features of the economy  
1.1.1   Economic policy, objectives and structural reform  
1.1.  Since 2006, the Plurinational State of Bolivia has been implementing an economic policy that 
seeks to transform the country's economic, social and political structures. Each year, the Ministry 
of the Economy and Public Finance (MEFP) and the Central Bank of Bolivia (BCB) jointly endorse a 
Fiscal -Financial Programme for the conduct of short -term economic policy. This programme 
specifies annual macroeconomic targets for fiscal, monetary and exchange -rate policies, which, 
according to the authorities, aim to maintain stabilit y and economic growth, and contribute to 
poverty reduction, wealth redistribution and exchange -rate stability. The policies in question are 
set in an economic, social, communitarian and productive model (MESCP), which is based on four 
guiding principles: ( a) promotion of growth and development based on the exploitation of natural 
resources; (b) appropriation of the surplus earned in strategic sectors; (c) income redistribution, 
through conditional transfers (vouchers ( bonos ), the Renta Dignidad  pension prog ramme (see 
below), increased public investment, inversely proportional wage increases, cross -subsidies and 
other measures; and (d) reduction of social inequality and poverty, and the generation of greater 
social mobility.  
1.2.  The authorities describe the MESCP  as an income -redistribution model that seeks to foster 
domestic demand and strengthen the productive role of the State as regulator, producer and 
redistributor rather than merely as a regulator (Chart 1.1). This model requires the State to direct 
and plan  social and economic policies, steer and control strategic sectors, and participate directly 
in the economy and in wealth creation with a view to its distribution and redistribution. The MESCP 
seeks to broaden and diversify the production matrix, with the goal of breaking free from the 
commodity export model to achieve a productive economy based on industrial processing of its 
own natural resources and higher value added.1 It aims to satisfy domestic consumption first, 
exporting once this primary goal has b een met; and to promote the transfer of economic resources 
from the strategic sector that generates surpluses to the sector that promotes income and 
employment, as well as the direct redistribution of surpluses to the population and promotion of 
the Vivir Bien (Living Well) paradigm.2 
Chart 1.1 Functioning of the economic, social, communitarian and productive model  
 
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
1.3.  The MESCP has been implemented on the basis of four national strategies: (i) Bolivia Digna  
(Bolivia with Dignity) – a socio -communitarian strategy; (ii) Bolivia Democrática  (Democratic 
Bolivia) – a social power strategy); (iii) Bolivia Productiva (Productive Bolivia) – an economic 
production strategy; and (iv) Bolivia Soberana  (Sovereign Bolivia) – an international relations 
                                                
1 Ministry of Develop ment Planning (2016), Plan de Desarrollo Económico y Social 2016 -2020, p. 7.  
2 Ministry of Development Planning (2016), Plan de Desarrollo Económico y Social 2016 -2020, p. 23.  
Redistributive State  
Income redistribution and 
poverty reduction  
Strategic 
sectors: 
generators of 
surpluses  
Income -and 
employment - 
generating 
sectors  
Industrialization  
Surpluses  
Conditional transfers (Bono Juancito Pinto, Renta 
Dignidad,  Bono Juana Azurduy)  
Cross -subsidies  
Social policies  
Hydrocarbons  
Mining  
Electri city 
Manufacturing and crafts, 
tourism, agricultural 
development, housing, trade, 
transport and other services  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
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  strategy. The measures adopted by the Bolivian Government to implement the MESCP include the 
nationalization of hydrocarbons on 1  May 2006 and consolidation of the presence and activities of 
State enterpris es.3 
1.4.  In the hydrocarbons sector, in addition to the 2006 nationalization, the State oil and gas 
company Yacimientos Petrolíferos Fiscales Bolivianos (YPFB) underwent corporate restructuring to 
enable it to act on behalf of the State throughout the hydrocar bons production chain. In addition, 
industrialization processes in the sector were prioritized, e.g. by promoting the construction of 
liquid separation and petrochemical plants (section 4.2.2). To enable the State to play a strategic 
role in the electricit y sector, ENDE Andina was created, and the Corani, Valle Hermoso and 
Guaracachi generating firms were nationalized, as were the energy transportation firm 
Transportadora de Electricidad S.A. (TDE) and the distribution companies Electricidad de La Paz 
S.A. (ELECTROPAZ), Empresa de Luz, Fuerza Eléctrica de Cochabamba S.A. (ELFEC) and Fuerza 
Eléctrica de Oruro S.A. (ELFEO). The electricity service company EDESER (now ENDE Servicios y 
Construcciones) and CADE (now ENDE Tecnología) were also brought into the pub lic domain. In 
the mining sector, a model was introduced for the development of State activity based on the 
strengthening of the Bolivian Mining Company (COMIBOL) and the lithium mining enterprise 
Yacimientos de Litio Bolivianos (YLB), with a view to incre asing their participation in extractive and 
primary processing activities, alongside medium -scale private mining enterprises and cooperatives 
in the primary production sector.  
1.5.  In the agricultural sector, the ownership structure was altered to promote commu nity lands 
and smallholdings; and the use of technology was encouraged to strengthen food production 
capacity and food security. In manufacturing, the State has resumed its producer role since 2006, 
with the key aim of invigorating the sector and creating and consolidating "national strategic 
production enterprises".  
1.6.  Greater State participation has also been pursued in the services area. An example of this is 
the nationalization of the National Telecommunications Company (ENTEL), which consolidated the 
telecommunications sector in State hands; and the passing of General Law No.  164 on 
telecommunications and information and communication technologies (section 4.4.2). In air 
transport, State participation has also increased with the creation of the national ai rline, Boliviana 
de Aviación (BoA), in 2007.  
1.7.  Bolivia's Economic and Social Development Plan (PDES, 2016 -2020) represents the strategic 
framework and prioritization of goals, outcomes and actions to be developed in the period in 
question.4 The PDES is to be  implemented pursuant to the Patriotic Agenda 2025 and the 
Government Programme 2015 -2020. The PDES includes an extensive public investment 
programme, which is expected to be financed 55% from domestic sources, mainly credits from the 
BCB and funds from th e General Treasury of the Nation; 39% with funding from international 
organizations, bilateral loans and other sources; and 6% with funding from firms acting as 
counterparts of projects in the production and infrastructure sectors. It also envisages invest ment 
in production complexes, in the agricultural and agro -industrial sector, in infrastructure, 
exploration for raw materials (mining and hydrocarbons), industrial processing of natural 
resources, and both thermal and hydroelectric power generation. The P lan also calls for 
invigoration of the private sector and foreign direct investment (FDI). The Patriotic Agenda 2025 
defines 13 development pillars pursuing the general objective of "Living Well", which include: 
eradication of extreme poverty; universaliza tion of basic services; promotion of health and 
education; transparency in public management; and scientific, technological, financial and 
productive sovereignty over food and natural resources.5 
                                                
3 According to the Bolivian authorities, the consolidation of State enterprises aimed to expand the 
country's productive capacity, generate income for redistribution in new production processes and social 
programmes, create jobs, and finance the social policies implemented. Within the MESCP, State enterprises are 
organized into three groups: (i) enterprises that generate an economic surplus; (ii) enterprises that generate 
jobs and income; and (iii) enterprises in cross -cutting sectors (production support and production services).  
4 Article 8 of the Political Constitution of the State e stablishes that the State is underpinned by the 
values of unity, equality, inclusion, dignity, liberty, solidarity, reciprocity, respect, complementarity, harmony, 
transparency, balance, equality of opportunity, social and gender equity in participation, c ommon well -being, 
responsibility, social justice, distribution and redistribution of social wealth and assets, for living well . 
5 Government of the Plurinational State of Bolivia, 13 Pilares de la Bolivia Digna y Soberana, Agenda 
Patriótica del Bicentenari o 2025.  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
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  1.8.  The economy's strong performance, combined with specific pol icies to eradicate poverty, such 
as the rise in the national minimum wage, the Bono Juancito Pinto  voucher programme6, the Bono 
Juana Azurduy  incentive7, Renta Dignidad  (Dignity Pension Programme)8 and Tarifa Dignidad  
(Dignity Tariff), among others, helped  to raise household income levels during the period under 
review and made it possible to reduce the number of people living below the poverty line. The 
National Institute of Statistics reports that the extreme poverty rate fell from 38.2% in 2005 to 
16.8% in 2015. Rates in the urban area fell from 24.3% to 9.3% between 2005 and 2015, while in 
the rural area they decreased from 62.9% to 33.3%.9 According to World Bank data, poverty 
incidence was reduced from 59.6% in 2005 to 39.6% in 2015.10 Progress in incom e redistribution 
was also achieved during the review period, with the Gini coefficient dropping from 0.60 in 2005 to 
0.49 in 2014.11 Despite the reduction achieved during the period however, further efforts are 
needed to reduce poverty, extreme poverty and inequality.  
1.9.  In the Article IV Consultation with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), concluded on 
9 December  2016, the Fund's Executive Board noted that, thanks to the commodity boom, Bolivia 
had experienced substantial economic and social progress, and that poverty had been reduced by 
one-third. The Fund's Executive Directors commended the Bolivian authorities for their sound 
macroeconomic management but concurred that the outlook appeared increasingly challenging, 
with risks tilted to the downside, owin g to low commodity prices and growing fiscal and external 
imbalances. They encouraged the authorities to adopt measures to adapt to a less favourable 
external environment, to accelerate structural reforms, to improve incentives for hydrocarbons 
exploration  and to continue the fight against poverty.12 
1.10.   The Bolivian authorities reported that a decision had been made to maintain the 
countercyclical orientation of economic policies in 2016 and 2017, to sustain the buoyancy of 
economic activity and social protecti on programmes. The authorities consider that countercyclical 
policies have made it possible to cope successfully with adverse exogenous shocks, as shown by 
the relatively high growth rate recorded in 2016. They also emphasized that the sectors driving 
this dynamic were those most closely linked to the fiscal and monetary stimulus measures that 
had been adopted.  
                                                
6 The Bono Juancito Pinto  programme has been implemented since 2006, with the aim of increasing 
school enrolment. Its objective is to alleviate the indirect costs of public education, such as transport and 
school supplies. The programme, implemente d by the Ministry of Education, consists of the delivery of a 
voucher of Bs  200 (US$29) per year (Supreme Decree No.  2899 of 15 September  2016). See also online 
information from the Ministry of Education, Bono Juancito Pinto 2016 . Viewed at: 
http://www.minedu.gob.bo/index.php/pages/documentos -normativos -minedu/90 -resoluciones -ministeriales/80
6-bono-juancito -pinto-2016; and online information from the Food and Nutrition Security Platform  (PSAN), 
Bono Juancito Pinto . Viewed at: http://plataformacelac.org/en/programa/173 ). The amounts granted under the 
Bono Juancito Pinto programme totalled Bs  438.3  million in 2016 (US$63  million).  
7 The Bono Juana Azurduy is a financial incentive established in 2009, providing for health checks for 
pregnant women and children under two years of age who do not have short -term social health insurance. The 
total amount per pregnant woman and child is Bs  1,820. The incentive is managed by the Ministry of Health 
(online informat ion from the Ministry of Health.  Viewed at: 
http://www.bja.gob.bo/index.php/el -bono/que -es-el-bono), and the amounts granted amounted to 
Bs 148.8  million in 2014 (US$21.7  million).  
8 Renta Dignidad  is a non -inheritable life -long benefit, starting at age 60, for all Bolivians living in the 
country. The amount paid is Bs  2,400 per year (online information from the Pensions and Insurance Oversight 
and Control Authority . Viewed at: 
http://www.aps.gob.bo/Comunicacion/Publicaciones/La%20Renta%20Dignidad%20y  % 20Fails  % 
20Funerales/files/cartilla.pd f). Renta Dignidad  payments between 2008 and 2017 (30 April) totalled 
Bs 19,988.3 (US$2,894  million).  
9 Online information from the World Bank . Viewed at: 
http://www.bancomundial.org/en/country/bolivia/overview . 
10 Online information from the World Bank, Bolivia Data (2017).  Viewed at: 
http://datos.bancomundial.org/pais/bolivia . 
11 Ministry of Developm ent Planning (2016), Plan de Desarrollo Económico y Social 2016 –2020. 
12 IMF Press Release No.  16/577, IMF Executive Board Concludes 2016 Article IV Consultation with 
Bolivia , 22 December 2016.  Viewed at: 
http://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2016/12/22/PR16577 -Bolivia -IMF-Executive -Board -Concludes -2016-Artic
le-IV-Consultation ; and IM F (2016), Bolivia: 2016 Article IV Consultation -Press Release; Staff Report; and 
Statement by the Executive Director for Bolivia , IMF Country Report No.  16/387.  Viewed at: 
http://www.imf.org/~/media/Websites/IMF/imported -full-text-pdf/external/pubs/ft/scr/2016/_cr16387.ashx . WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
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  1.1.2   Sectoral structure of the economy  
1.11.   The sectors that contributed most to nominal GDP in 2016 were public administration 
services; agriculture; manufac turing; financial services; transport, storage and communications, 
and mining (Table 1.1). The sectoral composition of the economy experienced changes during 
2006-2016: the mining and quarrying sector saw its GDP share decline, particularly in the 
producti on of crude oil and natural gas, while the contributions of the agricultural sector and 
manufacturing industry remained broadly stable. In contrast, services, in particular public 
administration services, increased their contribution to GDP, reflecting the  greater State 
participation in the economy promoted during the period. The share of financial establishments 
and commerce also increased, along with that of construction.  
Table 1.1 Structure of GDP, 2006 and 2011 -2016  
(Bs million at current prices and %)  
 2006  2011  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  
Structure of GDP (%)         
Agriculture, forestry, hunting and 
fishing  13.9 12.5 12.9 13.3 13.0 13.2 13.7 
Mining and quarrying  14.7 19.8 19.2 18.8 17.7 12.9 10.9 
Crude oil and natural gas  8.1 7.6 9.6 10.5 9.6 6.2 3.8 
Metallic and non -metallic minerals  6.6 12.2 9.6 7.7 8.1 6.7 7.1 
Manufacturing  14.4 13.2 13.4 13.2 13.0 13.2 13.4 
Electricity, gas and water  2.9 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.6 2.7 
Construction  3.0 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.7 3.8 3.9 
Services  51.0 48.6 48.5 48.7 50.2 54.2 55.4 
Commerce  8.1 9.1 8.8 8.6 8.3 8.3 8.6 
Transport, storage and 
communications  12.9 10.8 10.5 10.5 10.8 11.3 11.8 
Financial servicesa 10.8 10.1 11.3 11.4 11.8 12.4 12.9 
Community, social, personal and 
household services  5.7 4.8 4.8 4.7 4.7 5.0 5.1 
Restaurants and hotels  3.2 2.9 2.9 2.8 2.8 2.9 3.0 
Government services  13.9 14.9 15.0 15.6 16.8 19.5 19.6 
Imputed bank services  -3.7 -4.0 -4.8 -4.9 -5.1 -5.3 -5.6 
Total 100.0  100.0  100.0  100.0  100.0  100.0  100.0  
GDP (at basic prices)  72,318  129,772  142,180  158,962  171,006  176,391  190,871  
Import duties, VAT, transaction tax (IT) 
and other indirect taxes  19.430  36.460  44.974  52.894  56.997  51.641  42.731  
GDP (at market prices)  91.748  166.232  187.154  211.856  228.004  228.031  233.602  
Real GDP growth rate (%)  4.8 5.2 5.1 6.8 5.5 4.9 4.3 
Agriculture, forestry, hunting and 
fishing  4.3 3.1 4.1 4.7 3.8 5.1 3.1 
Mining and quarrying  5.4 5.2 4.9 9.0 5.9 -1.4 -0.5 
Manufacturing  8.1 3.7 4.7 6.1 4.0 4.6 6.2 
Electricity, gas and water  4.0 7.3 5.8 5.1 6.4 6.3 5.3 
Construction  8.2 8.0 8.0 10.6 7.8 5.4 7.8 
Services  3.2 4.4 3.8 5.8 5.1 5.8 4.8 
Commerce  3.8 3.6 3.8 3.9 3.9 4.4 4.4 
Transport, storage and 
communications  3.9 6.1 2.7 6.7 5.0 5.3 5.7 
Financial servicesa 5.4 3.5 9.9 6.8 6.0 6.1 7.9 
Community, social, personal and 
household services  2.5 2.6 3.5 3.2 4.1 3.8 4.3 
Restaurants and hotels  2.2 3.0 3.4 3.3 3.8 4.2 4.3 
Public administration  3.7 6.1 5.9 9.5 6.9 9.4 4.3 
Imputed bank services  16.3 5.8 24.0 11.7 7.1 7.8 12.4 
a Includes financial establishments, insurance, real estate and business services.  
Source:  National Institute of Statistics (INE) and BCB.  
1.12.   In real terms, the sectors contributing most to GDP in 2016 were manufacturing (16.5%); 
financial services (12.5%); agriculture (11.7%); transport, storage and communications (11.2%); 
and mining (11.2%). In 2006 -2016, the construction and financial services sectors increased their 
shares of real GDP, as did mining to a lesser extent, while th e share of the agricultural sector 
declined.  
1.13.   In terms of employment, the agricultural sector remains a major employer, accounting for 
31.8% of all jobs in 2016, followed by commerce with 16%, manufacturing with 9.4% and 
construction, with 8.8% (Table 1.2).  The unemployment rate was 4.9% in that year.  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
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  Table 1.2 Characteristics of employment, 2011 –2016  
(Number of persons and %)  
Indicator  2011  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  
Economically active population 
(EAP)  5,285,784  5,023,471  5,374,336  5,550,576  5,271,314  5,718,539  
Employed  5,145,679  4,907,360  5,220,916  5,420,658  5,086,135  5,526,376  
Unemployed  140,105  116,111  153,420  129,918  185,179  192,163  
Percentage distribution of the employed population, by economic activity (main occupation)  
Total  100.0  100.0  100.0  100.0  100.0  100.0  
Agriculture, livestock, hunting, 
fishing and forestry  32.5 29.6 31.7 33.6 29.4 31.8 
Mining and quarrying  2.0 2.2 2.1 1.9 2.0 1.5 
Manufacturing  10.3 9.8 10.2 9.2 10.3 9.4 
Electricity, gas, steam and air 
conditioning supply  0.2 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 
Water supply, evacuation of 
wastewater  0.2 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.2 9.1 
Construction  7.4 7.3 6.6 8.3 9.3 8.8 
Wholesale and retail sales, 
repair  of motor  vehicles  16.3 16.8 15.6 16.4 15.9 16.0 
Transport and storage  5.5 6.0 5.4 5.5 6.3 5.7 
Hotel and restaurant services  5.0 5.6 5.1 5.2 6.1 5.9 
Information and 
communications  1.2 1.2 1.2 1.1 1.0 1.0 
Financial intermediation and 
insurance  0.7 0.8 1.2 0.9 1.0 1.1 
Real estate activities  0.2 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.2 
Professional and technical 
services  2.1 2.5 2.5 2.0 2.2 1.9 
Administrative and support 
service activities  0.9 1.2 1.1 1.1 1.3 1.3 
Public administration, defence 
and social security  3.2 3.0 3.5 3.0 3.3 2.8 
Educational services  4.8 5.0 5.2 4.5 4.1 4.7 
Health and social welfare 
services  2.5 2.6 3.1 2.3 2.5 2.6 
Artistic, entertainment and 
recreational activities  0.8 0.8 0.8 0.6 0.7 0.7 
Other service activities  2.2 2.0 2.0 1.9 2.2 2.0 
Activities of private households  2.0 2.5 2.2 1.9 1.7 2.2 
Services of extraterritorial 
organizations  0.0 0.1 0.01 0.01 0.1 0.0 
Unspecified  0.03 0.0 0.04 0.03 0.1 0.1 
Unemployment rate  3.8 3.2 4.0 3.5 4.4 4.9 
Note:  The data for the indicator of unemployment refer to the urban area.  
Source:  INE, Encuesta de Hogares 2005 –2015; and information provided by the authorities.  
1.2  Recent economic developments  
1.2.1   Real sector  
1.14.   Since the previous review in 2005, the Bolivian economy has been expanding rapidly, as a 
result of a favourable international environment a nd the implementation of prudent 
macroeconomic policies. Real GDP grew at an average annual rate of 5% between 2006 and 2016, 
peaking at 6.8% for the review period in 2013. Since then, rates have been slightly lower, but 
always above 4% (Table 1.3). Real G DP growth in 2016 was estimated at 4.3%. In 2006 -2016, 
per capita GDP in dollar terms increased by 153%, from US$1,227 to US$3,100.  
Table 1.3 Basic economic indicators, 2006 and 2011 -2016  
 2006  2011  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  
GDP at market prices (Bs  million at 
current prices)  91,748  166,232  187,154  211,856  228,004  228,031  233,602  
GDP at market prices (US$  million)  11,452  23,963  27,084  30,659  32,996  33,000  33,806  
GDP at market prices(constant 1990 
Bs million)  27,279  34,281  36,037  38,487  40,588  42,560  44,374  
Per capita GDP (current US$)  1,227  2,389  2,658  2,962  3,140  3,094  3,100  
Real GDP (annual percentage variation)  4.8 5.2 5.1 6.8 5.5 4.9 4.3 WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
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   2006  2011  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  
GDP by type of expenditure (real growth rates)  
Total consumption  4.0 5.5 4.6 6.4 5.6 5.8 3.1 
Private consumption  4.1 5.2 4.6 5.9 5.4 5.2 3.4 
Public consumption  3.3 7.2 4.9 9.3 6.7 9.2 1.6 
Gross capital formation  -5.1 25.9 -6.6 16.0 12.5 0.8 9.9 
Variation in inventories  -162.9  112.4  -222.0  -69.5 -176.4  -435.8  -200.8  
Gross fixed capital formation  9.3 23.7 2.5 11.7 9.9 5.0 3.4 
Exports of goods and services  11.3 4.6 13.3 4.1 10.9 -5.9 -5.7 
Imports of goods and services  5.2 17.0 4.3 8.2 15.1 -5.4 -4.2 
Other economic indicators         
Current account balance (% of GDP) 11.2 0.3 7.2 2.4 1.7 -5.7 -5.5 
Total external debt (% of GDP)  28.2 15.9 16.6 18.1 18.2 19.9 21.3 
Total external debt (US$  million)  3,248  3,837  4,525  5,584  6,036  6,613  7,268  
Net international reserves (US$  million)  3,178  12,019  13,927  14,430  15,123  13,056  10,081  
Population (million)  9.4 10.2 10.4 10.5 10.7 10.8 11.0 
Source:  INE and BCB.  
1.15.   During the period under review, real GDP growth was driven by domestic demand, 
particularly gross fixed capital formation and public consumption. The share of investment in real 
GDP increased from 13.9% in 2009 to 21.8% in 2016 (of which 12.3 percentage points correspond 
to public investment, 8.8 points to private investment and 0.6 of a percentage point to variation in 
inventories). Consumption expenditure by p ublic administration also gained GDP share in the same 
period, from 11.3% in 2006 to 11.7% in 2016. In contrast, the share of private consumption 
slipped from 71.6% to 69.6% although its share of nominal GDP rose from 62.6% in 2006 to 
69.1% in 2016.13 Despi te strong export growth until 2014, the contribution of net exports to GDP 
growth has been negative since 2011 — either because import growth, fuelled by higher domestic 
demand, has outpaced exports (except in 2013), or because exports have contracted more  sharply 
(in 2010 and 2016).  
1.16.   The PDES 2016 -2020 envisages GDP growth averaging 5.8% in 2015 -202014, up from 3.6% 
in 1990 -2005 and 5.1% in 2006 -2014; and it projects per capita GDP rising to US$5,000 by 2020. 
To achieve these goals, the Plan proposes measure s to ensure a sustainable growth of economic 
activity and to preserve macroeconomic stability and fiscal sustainability, through higher incomes. 
To move towards these objectives, public investment of US$48,574  million is deemed necessary in 
2015-2020, toge ther with a change in the production mix, with a smaller share of mining and 
hydrocarbons and a larger share for sectors such as manufacturing, electricity, construction and 
agriculture.15 Specifically, it is planned to devote 56% of estimated public invest ment funds to 
industrialization processes and value -added creation in the hydrocarbons, mining, agricultural, 
tourism, energy, and manufacturing sectors and industrial complexes; 23% is to be invested in 
infrastructure, particularly roads, railways, ports,  airports and waterways; 11% will go to social 
sectors; and 10% to the environment and water.  
1.17.   The IMF is projecting real GDP growth of 4% by 2017 and 3.7% by 2018.16 This level of 
growth is underpinned by the substantial public investment programme and vigo rous credit 
expansion. Growth is expected to converge to 3.5% in the medium term, reflecting lower 
commodity prices. The IMF believes that there are certain downside risks and potential for 
additional weaknesses in the key emerging markets and that the dol lar will continue to 
strengthen.17 The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) expects 
economic activity to remain robust in 2017, forecasting GDP growth of 4%; but it estimates that 
growth might be hindered by budget constraints tha t could to some extent curb public 
                                                
13 Ministry of the Economy and Public Finance (2017), Memoria de la Economía Boliviana 2016 , 
pp. 281-285. 
14 GDP grew by 4 .9% in 2015 and by 4.3% in 2016.  
15 Ministry of Development Planning (2016), Plan de Desarrollo Económico y Social 2016 –2020, 
pp. 192-193. 
16 Online information from the IMF.  Viewed at: http:/ /www.imf.org/external/country/BOL/index.htm . 
17 IMF Press Release No.  16/577, IMF Executive Board Concludes 2016 Article IV Consultation with 
Bolivia , 22 December  2016. Viewed at: 
http://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2016/12/22/PR16577 -Bolivia -IMF-Executive -Board -Concludes -2016-Artic
le-IV-Consultation . WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
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  consumption and investment, which have been the twin pillars of the Bolivian economy.18 The 
2017 Fiscal -Financial Programme, prepared by the Bolivian authorities, defines GDP growth of 
around 4.7% for 2017 as one of the ma croeconomic objectives.  
1.2.2   Fiscal policy  
1.18.   The Ministry of the Economy and Public Finance is responsible for framing and implementing 
fiscal policy in Bolivia. During the period under review, the chief fiscal policy objective has been to 
reduce and ultimately e liminate the fiscal deficit and then generate surpluses, while prioritizing 
social and investment spending. Since the launching of the MESCP in 2006, the Government has 
been implementing measures to increase tax revenues, including expanding the tax base, creating 
new taxes, and applying additional rates for corporate profits tax (IUE).19 According to the 
authorities, the nationalization of natural resources, combined with the reform and improved 
performance of public enterprises, have also contributed to re venue growth. On the expenditure 
side, measures have been adopted to control public spending, including: the prioritization of 
capital expenditures over current spending; wage cuts for government workers; the elimination of 
representation expenses; and the  elimination of earmarked spending.  
1.19.   The growth in tax revenue improved the public accounts as from 2006. From then until 
2013, the average fiscal surplus of the non -financial public sector (NFPS) amounted to 1.8% of 
GDP. However, the consolidated fiscal ou tturn slipped from a surplus in both 2012 and 2013 to a 
deficit in 2014, partly because revenues declined as a result of deteriorating terms of trade (lower 
mineral and oil prices). The fiscal deficit came in at 6.9% of GDP in 2015, before easing slightly to 
6.6% of GDP in 2016 (Table 1.4). The reasons underlying the deficit include falling prices of oil, 
minerals and other commodities, which eroded current tax revenues, particularly those related to 
hydrocarbon sales. At the same time, public spending shra nk by less than income, since public 
investment programmes, social programmes and social transfers to the private sector were 
maintained to keep economic activity afloat.20 
Table 1.4 Consolidated accounts of the non -financial public sector (NFPS), 2010 -2016  
(Bs million)  
 2010  2011  2012  2013  2014a 2015a 2016a 
Total income  61,572.4  75,614.6  87,990.0  103,738.8  117,277.5  109,041.4  100,773.7  
Current income  59,994.9  74,240.1  86,736.8  103,026.5  116,530.6  108,180.9  100,342.6  
Tax revenue  23,018.5  29,433.5  34,198.1  39,974.0  45,279.4  47,130.0  46,339.9  
Internal revenue  20,678.6  26,144.2  30,914.1  36,221.3  41,024.4  43,022.9  42,444.8  
Customs revenue  1,544.9  2,095.9  2,317.0  2,710.2  2,952.4  3,119.3  2,833.3  
Mining royalties  795.0  1,193.4  967.0  1,042.6  1,302.5  987.8  1,061.7  
Hydrocarbon taxes  2,252.8  2,475.1  2,525.4  2,891.3  3,024.4  3,076.8  3,438.9  
Hydrocarbon sales  26,392.9  30,830.1  39,560.6  47,035.8  52,174.3  39,332.5  28,911.2  
Sales of other firms  3,465.6  5,248.6  5,393.3  6,397.6  7,519.9  7,280.4  7,524.9  
Current transfers  1,312.6  1,514.9  1,770.6  2,174.5  2,698.0  3,294.8  3,624.1  
Other current income  3,552.5  4,738.0  3,288.9  4,553.3  5,834.6  8,066.4  10,503.5  
Capital income  1,577.5  1,374.5  1,253.2  712,3  746.9  860,5  431.1  
Total expenditure  59,256.6  74,232.5  84,702.0  102,362.7  124,946.7  124,774.1  116,138.0  
Current expenditure  44,519.4  52,119.2  59,446.2  67,907.7  80,670.1  84,528.1  76,036.3  
Personal services  14,050.0  16,726.4  18,082.6  20,775.8  25,382.1  30,400.3  27,936.3  
Goods and services  19,272.8  22,764.1  25,785.4  29,529.3  36,842.7  33,364.4  31,003.7  
External debt interest and 
commissions  482.0  734.2  573.9  774.4  996.4  1,120.6  1,252.3  
Domestic debt interest and 
commissions  1,739.1  1,257.2  1,313.5  699.1  892.4  1,067.8  368.6  
Current transfers  8,011.0  9,519.4  11,497.6  12,704.7  13,660.1  13,778.7  13,240.9  
Of which: pensions  4,543.5  5,101.0  5,374.4  5,173.5  6,037.4  6,956.1  6,313.0  
Other current expenditure  964.5  1,117.9  2,193.2  3,424.4  2,896.4  4,796.2  2,234.6  
Capital spending  14,737.2  22,113.3  25,255.8  34,455.0  44,276.6  40,245.9  40,101.7  
Current surplus or deficit  15,475.5  22,120.9  27,290.6  35,118.8  35,860.5  23,652.8  24,306.2  
                                                
18 Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (2017), Preliminary Ove rview of the 
Economies of Latin America and the Caribbean 2016, Plurinational State of Bolivia . Viewed at: 
http://repositorio.cepal.org/bitstream/handle/1 1362/40825/85/1601260BP_Bolivia_en.pdf . 
19 The main Bolivian taxes are: value -added tax (VAT), applied at a general rate of 13%; the 
complementary value -added tax regime  (RC-IVA), which applies exclusively to natural persons for their work 
or capital invest ments made; corporate profits tax (IUE), with a 25% rate on profits, whether assessed or 
presumed; and the transaction tax (IT), which is levied at a 3% rate on economic activities in national 
territory. The corporate profits surtax (AA -IUE) applies to the  mining and financial sectors with the aim of 
taxing the exceptional profits made by these sectors.  
20 Central Bank of Bolivia (2016), Memoria Anual 2015 , p. 28.  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
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   2010  2011  2012  2013  2014a 2015a 2016a 
Overall surplus or deficit  2,315.7  1,382.0  3,288.0  1,376.1  -7,669.2  -15,732.7  -15,364.4  
Pensions  4,543.5  5,101.0  5,374.4  5,173.5  6,037.4  6,956.1  6,313.0  
Overall surplus or deficit excl. 
pensions  6,859.2  6,483.0  8,662.3  6,549.6  -1,631.8  -8,776.6  -9,051.3  
Total financing  -2,315.7  -1,382.0  -3,288.0  -1,376.1  7,669.2  15,732.7  15,364.4  
External financing  1,414.6  2,965.3  4,342.7  5,268.5  3,072.3  3,889.4  4,565.5  
Disbursementsb 5,609.0  7,759.9  10,384.6  8,525.4  5,204.9  7,078.3  6,860.3  
Amortizations  -4,159.5  -4,685.9  -5,949.2  -2,256.3  -1,947.2  -2,853.2  -1,908.1  
Foreign bank deposits  -34.8 -108.7  -92.7 -1,000.5  -185.4  -335.7  -386.8  
Domestic financing  -3,730.4  -4,347.3  -7,630.6  -6,644.6  4,596.9  11,843.2  10,798.9  
Central Bank of Bolivia (BCB)  -6,749.3  -4,415.9  -6,259.9  -5,039.6  4,203.7  13,314.5  9,744.3  
BCB quasi -fiscal operations  177.2  -405.8  -229.7  -686.8  -464.0  -305.6  -934.4  
Net credit  -6,926.6  -4,010.0  -6,030.2  -4,352.8  4,667.6  13,620.1  10,678.7  
Net credit to the financial 
systemc 2,994.6  -600.4  -987.5  -2,040.5  -1,760.1  -1,142.8  244.7  
Other domestic financingd 24.4 669.0  -383.2  435.5  2,153.4  -328.4  809.8  
a Preliminary figures.  
b Includes sovereign bonds issued by the National Treasury since 29 October  2012.  
c Includes the remainder of the banking system, non -current deposits and bond sales to mutual funds 
and the National Housing Fund.  
d Includes floating debt, fiscal certificates and other instruments.  
Note:  Foreign currency accounts were converted at the fixed exchange rate of each year.  
Source:  BCB. 
1.20.   Total NFPS income remained above 40% of GDP during the review period, compared to the 
25% of GDP reported in the previous report covering 1998 -2004. In 2016, total revenues 
represented 43% of GDP, down from their 2014 peak of 49.7%. In particular, revenues from 
hydrocarbon sales slumped from 22.9% of GDP in 2014 to 1 2.4% in 2016. Total expenditure 
increased from 44.7% of GDP in 2011 to 54.8% in 2014, before slipping back to 50.9% of GDP in 
2016. Expenditure growth in the period was driven mainly by a significant expansion in capital 
expenditure, which doubled between 2011 and 2014, and an increase in current transfers. Capital 
spending grew steadily from 2010 to reach a peak of 19.4% of GDP in 2014, before increasing 
more slowly in the next two years, representing 17.2% of GDP in 2016.  
1.21.   As can be inferred from the robus t increase in capital spending, public investment was one 
of the drivers of economic growth during the review period. Chart 1.2 shows a nearly sixfold 
increase between 2006 and 2016, when it totalled US$5,065  million.  
Chart 1.2 Executed public investment, 2006 -2016  
 
Source:  Ministry of the Economy and Public Finance, Evolución de la Economía Boliviana . 
1.22.   This investment reflected the greater presence of the State in the economy and was 
embodied in a series of projects in different areas of the economy, such as hydrocarbons, 
electricity, food security, mining and transport , among others (Table 1.5).  
8791,0051,3511,4391,5212,1822,8973,7814,5074,8925,065
06001,2001,8002,4003,0003,6004,2004,8005,400
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016(US$ million)
Average 2006 -2016: US$2,684 millionWT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
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  Table 1.5 Main industrial investment projects, executed a nd under way in 2006 -2016  
(US$ million)  
Sector  Project  Investment  
Food  Empresa de Lácteos de Bolivia (LACTEOSBOL), 4 dairy processors, 3 citrus fruit 
processors and 1 fruit freeze -drying plant)  18 
Empresa Azucarera San Buenaventura (EASBA, industrial plant)  270 
Empresa Estratégica de Producción de Abonos y Fertilizantes (EEPAF)  7 
Electric energy  9 thermoelectric power plants (Santa Cruz, Cochabamba, La Paz, Beni, Tarija)  703 
1 wind farm (Phases I and II) (Cochabamba); 1 solar power plant (Pando)  4 
Hydrocarbons  Rio Grande liquid separation plant  160 
Gran Chaco liquid separation plant  650 
Ammonia and urea plant  895 
1 propylene and polypropylene plant and 1 ethylene and polyethylene plant  2,100  
Liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant "virtual gas pipeline"  219 
New catalytic reforming and isomerization units  221 
Mining  Lithium industrialization and potassium chloride production (Phases I, II and III)  940 
Ausmelt oven construction  40 
2 zinc smelting and refining plants (Oruro and Potosí)  500 
Other  Tupac Katari Satellite  302 
"Mi Teleférico" cable car transport system (Phase I) (La Paz and El Alto)  235 
"QUIPUS" computer equipment assembly plant  61 
Source : Information provided by the authorities.  
1.23.   The larger fiscal deficits recorded in  2015 and 2016 called for greater domestic and external 
financing. The former reached 5.2% of GDP in 2015 before slackening slightly to 4.6% in the 
following year, mainly sourced from the BCB (Table 1.4). Also noteworthy were the loans granted 
to the publi c enterprises YPFB, COMIBOL, ENDE (National Electricity Company), EASBA and 
Mi Teleférico, to complete a number of industrialization, value -added generating, energy and food 
security projects; and a cable -car transport system.21 
1.24.   The total public debt droppe d sharply during the period under review. The domestic portion 
represented 8.9% of GDP in 2016, compared to 22% in 2005, while the nominal value of the 
external public debt reached US$7,268  million in 2016. The external public debt/GDP ratio fell 
from 51.6 % in 2005 to 21.3% in 2016, due to the relief received on the debt, GDP growth and 
public finance results.  
1.25.   Keeping the public debt at low levels will require a more vigorous fiscal consolidation drive 
to reduce the deficit. In the context of the Article IV  consultations in 2016, the IMF Executive 
Directors encouraged the authorities to improve the non -hydrocarbons primary balance through 
streamlining expenditures while increasing their efficiency. The Directors recommended an early 
transition to a credible medium -term fiscal framework to continue to assure debt sustainability, 
while also accounting for the state of the business cycle and building cushions to absorb volatility 
in hydrocarbon prices. They advised the Bolivian authorities to ensure the financia l health of 
State -owned enterprises, exercise greater oversight of their activities, and strengthen the 
evaluation and transparency of their investments.22 The authorities are confident that the debt will 
remain at low levels since it is intended primarily for public investment and production projects.  
1.2.3   Monetary and exchange -rate policy  
1.26.   Since 2006, the Ministry of the Economy and Public Finance and the BCB have jointly 
endorsed an annual Fiscal -Financial Programme, which coordinates the main monetary, foreign  
exchange, fiscal, foreign trade and balance of payments policy targets. In this context, and in 
accordance with the Political Constitution of the State of February  2009, the State, through the 
Government, determines the objectives of the country's monetar y and exchange -rate policy, in 
coordination with the BCB, since one of the latter's functions is to maintain the stability of the 
                                                
21 Central Bank of Bolivia (2016), Memoria Anual 2015 , pp. 33 -34. 
22 IMF Press Release No.  16/577, IMF Executive Board Concludes 2016 Article IV Consultation with 
Bolivia , 22 December  2016. Viewed at: 
http://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2016/12/22/PR16577 -Bolivia -IMF-Executive -Board -Concludes -2016-Artic
le-IV-Consultation ; and IMF (2016), Bolivia: 2016 Article IV Consultation -Press Release; Staff Report; and 
Statement by the Executive Director for Bolivia , IMF Country Report No.  16/387 . Viewed at: 
http://www.imf.org/~/media/Websites/IMF/imported -full-text-pdf/external/pubs/ft/scr/2016/ _cr16387.ashx . WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
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  domestic purchasing power of the currency, to contribute to economic and social development.23 
The BCB is recognized in the Con stitution as an institution of public law with legal status and its 
own capital. Its functions, in coordination with the State's economic policy as determined by the 
Government, are to: establish and implement monetary policy; implement exchange -rate polic y; 
regulate the payment system; authorize currency issuance and manage the country's international 
reserves. The BCB keeps track of public and private external debt, as well as foreign direct 
investment.  
1.27.   In fulfilment of its responsibility for framing and implementing monetary policy, the BCB 
coordinates with the Government to regulate the amount of money in circulation in the economy. 
Pursuant to the Fiscal -Financial Programme subscribed each year with the MEFP, the central bank 
regulates the volume of dom estic credit. To that end, the MEFP and the BCB set intermediate 
targets for the maximum expansion or minimum contraction of net domestic credit (total and 
NFPS) and benchmark targets for the minimum gain or maximum loss of net international 
reserves. The authorities indicated that monetary policy is countercyclically oriented and 
heterodox, the latter term referring to the use of various monetary policy instruments, the most 
frequent being open -market operations (BCB bond auctions), legal reserve requireme nts and 
liquidity credits (guarantees of each financial institution's liquid assets requirement fund). Bolivia's 
foreign exchange policy aims to mitigate external inflationary pressures, intensify the 
"bolivianization" process and preserve the stability of  the financial system.  
1.28.   Since 2006, when the economy was highly dollarized, a process of remonetization has been 
implemented through measures such as increasing the exchange -rate differential, the 
bolivianization of open -market operations (issuance of bonds  in domestic currency) and 
currency -differentiated legal reserve requirements, among other measures. The authorities 
reported that monetary policy has a countercyclical orientation; in other words, it helps to mitigate 
the negative effects of the business cycle, controlling the level of liquidity in the economy and the 
trend of domestic prices. The orientation of monetary policy has been supported by the high level 
of international reserves. Since mid -2014, monetary policy has adopted an expansionary stance , 
injecting significant amounts of liquidity into the financial system and bringing interest rates close 
to zero (Chart 1.3 and Table 1.6). The authorities took this decision against a backdrop of price 
stability and the need to help underpin economic acti vity in the face of an adverse international 
context of lower raw material prices. This policy has also aimed at injecting the large liquidity 
surpluses accumulated by the banks into the financial system (Table 1.6).24 
                                                
23 Online information f rom the Central Bank of Bolivia.  Viewed at: 
https://www.bcb.gob.bo/?q=Funciones%20del%20Banco%20Central . 
24 A commercial bank is considered to h ave excess liquidity when it holds reserves at the central bank 
above the level needed to finance its minimum reserve requirement, sudden deposit outflows and short -term 
obligations.  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
- 24 - 
 
  Chart 1.3 Monetary regulation rates, 2006 -2016  
 
Note:  In the case of the 273 -day rate, the data start in October  2011.  
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
Table 1.6 Monetary indicators, 2006 and 2011 -2016  
  2006  2011  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  
Money supply and credit (annual variation)  
Monetary base  42.4 28.2 16.5 6.0 18.7 16.8 -11.8 
Monetary issuance  42.0 16.3 14.3 13.3 11.8 3.8 0.5 
M1a 29.7 15.0 19.1 13.7 13.3 7.2 -0.5 
M2b 28.9 17.9 17.3 16.0 14.8 15.1 -3.9 
M3c 18.1 17.7 20.2 16.2 15.6 16.2 2.6 
M4d 17.7 18.3 18.5 16.9 25.5  16.6 1.9 
Domestic credite n.a. 20.3 7.3 26.7 69.0 49.2 30.2 
Prices and rates of interest         
Consumer price index (annual 
average, 2007=100)  n.a. 130.2  136.1  143.9  152.2  158.4  164.1  
Inflation (percentage variation)  5.0 6.9 4.5 6.5 5.2 3.0 4.0 
Commercial bank interest rates, end -period  
National currency         
Lending rates  10.8 10.1 9.9 10.6 7.5 6.9 7.3 
Deposit rates  3.6 1.8 1.4 2.8 2.5 1.4 1.3 
Foreign currency         
Lending rate  10.3 7.5 7.3 7.4 6.9 7.5 8.8 
Deposit rate  2.8 0.8 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.1 
Monetary rates         
National currency bills (13 -week 
maturity)  4.97 0.75 0.35 1.99 0.42 0.00 0.25 
National currency bills (26 -week 
maturity)  6.04 1.00 0.73 3.20 0.49 0.00 0.30 
National currency bills (52 -week 
maturity)  6.92 2.62 0.74 3.99 0.74 0.00 0.50 
Required reserve ratio         
Legal reserve ratio, national currency 
deposits  n.a. 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 
Legal reserve ratio, foreign currency 
deposits  n.a. 66.5 66.5 66.5 66.5 66.5 66.5 
Liquidity surplus         
Total liquidity surplus (Bs  billion)  1,109  8,777  11,064  8,701  9,667  18,848  10,469  
Liquidity surplus in national currency 
(Bs billion)  916 6,786  9,441  6,504  8,152  16,175  7,862  
0%2%4%6%8%10%12%14%
Jan-06
Apr-06
Jul-06
Oct-06
Jan-07
Apr-07
Jul-07
Oct-07
Jan-08
Apr-08
Jul-08
Oct-08
Jan-09
Apr-09
Jul-09
Oct-09
Jan-10
Apr-10
Jul-10
Oct-10
Jan-11
Apr-11
Jul-11
Oct-11
Jan-12
Apr-12
Jul-12
Oct-12
Jan-13
Apr-13
Jul-13
Oct-13
Jan-14
Apr-14
Jul-14
Oct-14
Jan-15
Apr-15
Jul-15
Oct-15
Jan-16
Apr-16
Jul-16
Oct-16
Dec-1691 days
182 days
273 days
364 daysWT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
- 25 - 
 
    2006  2011  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  
Exchange rate         
Exchange rate (Bs per US$, annual 
average)  8.01 6.94 6.91 6.91 6.91 6.91 6.91 
Real effective exchange rate, index 
(2010=100)  84.16  101.87  107.16  113.14  122.11  141.75  150.24  
Real effective exchange rate, annual 
variation  -0.95 1.87 5.19 5.58 7.93 16.08  5.99 
n.a. Not available.  
a M1 includes current plus demand deposits in domestic and foreign currency.  
b M2 = M1 plus savings deposits in domestic and foreign currency.  
c M3 = M2 plus time deposits and other  obligations in domestic and foreign currency.  
d M4 = M3 plus government bonds held by the non -financial private sector in domestic and foreign 
currency.  
e Financing granted by the banking system (including the BCB) for the private and public sectors in 
domestic and foreign currency.  
Source:  Central Bank of Bolivia.  
1.29.   The rapid credit growth can be explained by the increase in loans to the production and 
social housing sectors, pursuant to the goals defined in the Financial Services Law25, which 
generated inc reased demand for credit in activities boosted by this Law. This was further aided by 
lower interest rates and greater liquidity.  
1.30.   The Financial Services Law (Article 66) authorizes the State to issue a Supreme Decree 
defining minimum portfolio levels to be  met by financial intermediaries, in order to prioritize 
certain sectors of the economy pursuant to government policy. To protect the stability of the 
financial system the Financial System Supervisory Authority (ASFI) may also set maximum 
portfolio levels.  Loan portfolio levels are to be reviewed at least once a year and calculated on the 
basis of the direct loan portfolio or other forms of direct or indirect financing, provided that the 
object of the loan can be verified. These provisions were implemented by means of Supreme 
Decree No.  1842 of 18  December  2013 (see below).  
1.31.   The Financial Services Law also provides for interest rates on loans to be regulated by the 
Central Government through a Supreme Decree, setting rate ceilings on loans to the production 
and social housing sectors, under which financial entities may negotiate rates with their clients. 
The interest rate regime may also set minimum deposit rates.26 
1.32.   To implement the foregoing, Supreme Decree No. 1842 introduced the regime governing 
interest rat es and minimum portfolio levels. This Decree sets the maximum annual interest rates 
on loans for social housing, to be granted by all regulated financial entities, at 5.5%, 6% or 6.5% 
depending on the value of the housing in question (up to a maximum of 46 0,000 Housing 
Promotion Units (UFV)). For cases in which variable interest rates are set, these may not exceed 
the maximum regulated rate. Article 4 of the Supreme Decree requires commercial banks to hold 
at least 60% of their total portfolio in loans to t he production and social housing sectors; and the 
production sector portfolio must be at least 25% of the total. Financial institutions that lend for 
housing must keep at least 50% of the total of their loan portfolio for social housing. Moreover, 
banks se rving small and medium -sized enterprises (SMEs) must keep at least 50% of their total 
loan portfolio in credits to SMEs in the production sector. Only loans granted in local currency are 
considered for the purpose of complying with the minimum loan portfol io levels. MEFP Ministerial 
Resolution No.  031 of January  2015 set intermediate annual loan portfolio targets for the 
production and social housing sectors, which the aforementioned institutions must satisfy 
successively until they reach the minimum levels  specified in Supreme Decree No.  1842. 
1.33.   With a view to promoting access to financing and given the decision to continue with an 
expansionary monetary policy, regulatory provisions under the Financial Services Law have 
                                                
25 Law No.  393 of 21  August  2013, which repealed Law No. 1488 on Banks and  Financial Institutions of 
14 April 1993.  
26 Within these limits, financial institutions determine the interest rates to be charged, which vary by 
financial institution and type of credit. For example, according to information provided by the authorities, i n 
2016 Banco Unión charged average rates of 11.47% for microcredits, 5.88% for loans to SMEs and 4.38% in 
the case of general business credit.  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
- 26 - 
 
  generated a large supply of loanable funds that influenced lending by financial intermediaries. The 
net portfolio flow disbursed in 2015 and 2016 is the highest on record.27 
1.34.   Reflecting the expansionary monetary policy and consequent increase in liquidity, nominal 
(non-regulated) loan and depos it interest rates in domestic and foreign currency have fallen 
steeply in recent years, as have intermediation costs. Current legal reserve ratios have remained 
unchanged since 2011, at 12% for deposits in local currency and 66.5% for those in foreign 
currency.  
1.35.   Inflation has remained relatively controlled during the period under review, with rates 
ranging from a low of 0.3% in 2009 to a high of 7%. In 2016, the increase in the consumer price 
index (CPI) accelerated somewhat to 4% per annum, owing mainly to an increase in the price of a 
food group.28 
1.36.   Bolivia operates a crawling -peg exchange -rate regime with respect to the US dollar. 
According to Annex II of BCB Resolution No.  063/2013, exchange -rate policy aims to consolidate 
the process of stabilizing inflation, promoting the remonetization of the national economy in order 
to preserve the stability of the financial system and cushion external shocks. The MEPF is 
responsible for determining exchange -rate policy in coordination with the BCB. Foreign excha nge 
transactions take place in an auction ( Bolsín ) run by the central bank. US dollars are allotted in 
descending order of bids, subject to a floor price, until the auction is fully subscribed. The official 
selling exchange rate is determined as the lowest  bid price when the US dollars are fully taken up. 
If any dollars remain, the official exchange rate will be the base rate, which is determined by the 
BCB. The buying rate is obtained by subtracting from the official exchange rate a certain amount in 
bolivianos, called the " diferencial ", which is set by the BCB. The minimum participation in the 
"Bolsín" is US$100,000. Institutions supervised by ASFI and exchange bureaus can sell dollars to 
the public at an exchange rate within one boliviano -cent of the offi cial BCB rate prevailing on the 
date of each operation.  
1.37.   In practice, to anchor inflationary expectations among the public, the boliviano has been 
stabilized against the dollar since November  2011, although slight fluctuations have been 
permitted. Nonethele ss, the real effective exchange rate has appreciated, since inflation has 
outpaced the percentage change in the nominal rate. The exchange -rate regime is free of 
restrictions and multiple exchange practices.29 The authorities consider that exchange -rate sta bility 
has played a decisive role in anchoring agents' expectations and avoiding the emergence of 
external inflationary pressures, thereby supporting the expansionary orientation of monetary 
policy, which has helped to deepen the process of bolivianization  and stabilization of the financial 
system, without generating real exchange -rate misalignments.30 
1.38.   In the Article IV consultations held in 2016, the IMF Executive Directors stressed the merits 
of enhancing central bank independence, and advised phasing out the central bank's exposures to 
the State -owned enterprises to avoid potential conflicts with the commitment to price stability. 
They also recommended gradually permitting exchange -rate easing and revising the lending quota 
regulations and interest caps se t under the Financial Services Law, which, in inducing rapid credit 
expansion, could lead to greater risks.31 Nonetheless, the authorities consider that the Financial 
Services Law has had positive effects by making large amounts of funding available to the private 
sector, thereby laying the foundations for sustained economic growth.32 
                                                
27 Central Bank of Bolivia (2017), Informe de Política Monetaria , January. Viewed at: 
https://www.bcb.gob.bo/webdocs/ipm16/enero2017/IPM%20Enero%202017.pdf . 
28 Central Bank of Bolivia (2016), Informe de Política Monetaria , July, p. 20. Viewed at: 
https://www.bcb.gob.bo/webdocs/ipm16/julio2016/IPM%20Julio%202016.pdf . 
29 IMF (2016), Bolivia: 2016 Article IV Consultation -Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the 
Executive Director for Bolivia , IMF Country Report No.  16/387. Viewed at: 
http://www.imf.org/~/media/Websites/IMF/imported -full-text-pdf/external/pubs/ft/scr/2016/_cr16387.ash x. 
30 Central Bank of Bolivia (2017), Informe de Política Monetaria , January. Viewed at: 
https://www.bcb.gob.bo/webdocs/ipm16/enero2017/IPM%20Enero%202017.pdf . 
31 IMF (2016), Bolivia: 2016 Article IV Consultation -Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the 
Executive Director for Bolivia , IMF Country Report No.  16/387. Viewed at: 
http://www.imf.org/~/media/Websites/IMF/imported -full-text-pdf/external/pubs/ft/scr/2016/_cr16387.ashx . 
32 Central Bank of Bolivia (2016), Informe de Política Monetaria , July, p. 20. Viewed at: 
https://www.bcb.gob.bo/webdocs/ipm16/julio2016/IPM%20Julio%202016.pdf . WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
- 27 - 
 
  1.2.4   Balance of payments  
1.39.   The balance of payments current account was in surplus for most of 2006 -2016, registering 
an average positive balance of US$617  million per year.33 This large ly reflects the large surpluses 
in merchandise trade recorded up to 2014, which reached a maximum of 7.3% of GDP in 2012. 
Then, as from 2014, the current account balance turned negative as a result of a sharp contraction 
in product value exported following  a fall in international raw materials prices; and this was 
accompanied by a smaller reduction in imports. Reflecting this, both the trade balance and the 
current account reported deficits in 2015 and 2016 (5.7% and 5.6% of GDP, respectively, in the 
case o f the current account) (Tables 1.7 and A1.1).34 
Table 1.7 Balance of payments, 2010 -2016a 
(US$ million)  
 2010  2011  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016b 
Current account  874 537 1,970  1,054  571 -1,879  -1,876  
 Goods and services  681 346 2,339  1,692  1,088  -1,923  -2,415  
  Exports  7,174  9,572  12,870  13,387  14,006  9,916  8,194  
  Imports  6,493  9,227  10,531  11,695  12,918  11,839  10,609  
  Goods  1,460  1,498  3,748  3,444  2,916  -331 -817 
  Exports  6,466  8,624  11,745  12,173  12,810  8,673  6,986  
  Imports  5,007  7,126  7,997  8,729  9,894  9,004  7,803  
  Services  -778 -1,152  -1,409  -1,752  -1,829  -1,592  -1,598  
  Exports  708 948 1,125  1,214  1,196  1,243  1,208  
  Imports  1,486  2,100  2,534  2,966  3,025  2,835  2,806  
 Primary income  -889 -986 -1,629  -1,908  -1,698  -1,127  -661 
  Credit  82 137 141 171 99 111 135 
  Debit  971 1,123  1,771  2,078  1,797  1,238  796 
 Secondary income  1,081  1,177  1,260  1,270  1,181  1,171  1,201  
  Credit  1,188  1,299  1,411  1,442  1,367  1,384  1,434  
  Debit  106 122 151 172 186 214 234 
Capital account  0 0 0 0 5 5 5 
Financing capacity (+) or need ( -) 874 537 1,970  1,054  576 -1,874  -1,870  
Financial account (net lending (+)/net 
borrowing ( -)) 64 525 175 -921 767 -2,851  -2,271  
 Direct investment  -651 -859 -1,013  -1,521  -690 -556 -395 
  Net acquisition of financial assets  -29 0 47 228 -33 -2 15 
   Debt instruments  -29 0 47 228 -33 -2 15 
  Net liabilities incurred  622 859 1,060  1,750  657 555 410 
   Capital shares and reinvestment of profits  774 902 1,224  1,699  626 371 274 
   Debt instruments  -152 -43 -164 50 31 183 136 
 Portfolio investment  -90 -156 55 1,343  734 603 834 
  Net acquisition of financial assets  -90 -156 555 1,843  754 622 863 
   Capital shares and investment funds  0 0 0 0 74 73 201 
   Debt securities  -90 -156 555 1,843  681 549 662 
  Net liabilities incurred  0 0 500 500 21 19 29 
   Capital shares and investment funds  0 0 0 0 21 19 29 
   Debt securities  0 0 500 500 0 0 0 
 Other investment  -119 -621 -579 -1,866  -210 -1,278  336 
  Net acquisition of financial assets  32 15 1,093  767 666 -527 868 
   Other capital  0 0 0 0 48 50 3 
   Currency and deposits  7 133 686 1,016  565 -570 179 
   Loans  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
   Insurance, pensions and other  0 0 0 0 18 11 33 
   Commercial credits  0 0 0 0 25 -14 652 
   Other accounts receivable  26 -118 407 -249 10 -4 1 
  Net liabilities incurred  151 636 1,671  2,633  876 752 532 
   Other capital  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
   Currency and deposits  0 0 0 0 8 68 14 
   Loans  151 636 1,414  2,376  842 671 617 
   Insurance, pensions and other  0 0 0 0 26 12 -99 
   Commercial credits  0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
                                                
33 The Bolivian authorities adopted the sixth edition of the Balance of Payments and International 
Investment Position Manual (B PM6) in the second quarter of 2016, having recalculated the statistics only since 
2010 (see Central Bank of Bolivia (2016),  Implementación del VI Manual de Balanza de Pagos y Posición de 
Inversión Internacional . Viewed at: 
https://www.bcb.gob.bo/webdocs/balanza_pagos/Documento_explicativo_Migracion_21_11_16.pdf . Pursuant 
to the fifth edition of the Manual (BPM5), Table A1.1 presents the data for the per iod between 2006 and the 
second quarter of 2016, after which the statistics were no longer compiled on the basis of BPM5. These data 
differ from those presented in Table 1.7, which uses BPM6. The figure reported results from the sum of the 
balances recorde d between 2006 and 2009 following BPM5 and those recorded from 2010 using BPM6.  
34 Central Bank of Bolivia (2017),  Reporte de Balanza de Pagos y Posición de Inversión Internacional, 
Primer semestre 2016, compilado según la Sexta edición del Manual de Balanz a de Pagos (MBP6) . Viewed at: 
https://www.bcb.gob.bo/webdocs/publicacionesbcb/2017/04/07/Reporte%20de%20balanza%20I -2016.pdf . WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
- 28 - 
 
   2010  2011  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016b 
   Other accounts receivable  0 0 257 257 0 0 0 
 Reserve assets  924 2,161  1,712  1,124  932 -1,620  -3,046  
Errors and omissions  -810 -13 -1,795  -1,975  185 -977 -400 
Memorandum items         
Current account (% of GDP)  4.4 2.2 7.3 3.4 1.8 -5.7 -5.6 
Financial account (% of GDP)  0.3 2.2 0.6 -3.0 2.3 -8.6 -6.8 
Net BCB reserves  9,730  12,019  13,927  14,430  15,123  13,056  10,081  
Monthly imports of goods and services  541 769 878 975 1,077  987 884 
Reserves in months of imports  18.0 15.6 15.9 14.8 14.0 13.2 11.4 
a This series follows the sixth edition of the Balance of Payments and International Investment 
Position Manual (BPM6), which has been used by the Bolivian authorities since the second quarter of 
2016, with recalculations of the series only since 2010. See C entral Bank of Bolivia (2016), 
Implementación del VI Manual de Banana de Pagos y Posición de Inversión Internacional . Viewed a t: 
https://www.bcb.gob.b o/webdocs/balanza_pagos/Documento_explicativo_Migracion_21_11_16.pdf . 
b Preliminary.  
Source:  BCB. 
1.40.   The balance of Bolivia's services trade was in deficit in 2006 -2016, posting a shortfall of 
1.9% of GDP in the latter year. The primary income account was al so in deficit owing to higher 
income payments on foreign investment. Secondary income (current transfers), the main 
component of which is workers' remittances, reports a surplus in the period analysed, representing 
3.5% of GDP in 2016.  
1.41.   The financial accoun t recorded average net borrowing of US$645  million between 2010 and 
2016. This mainly reflects deficits in the period 2013 -2016 (with the exception of 2014), chiefly 
caused by short -term capital outflows. The deficit reached 6.8% of GDP in 2016. Bolivia's status as 
a net liability issuer is mainly explained by a draw -down of reserve assets, reflecting a smaller 
balance of net direct investment due to an increase in liabilities35 and net disbursements of 
external public debt, compounded by capital withdrawals  and loan repayments.36 In contrast, 
portfolio investment has been in positive territory since 2012, which implies greater acquisition of 
assets than liabilities. The balance of "Other investment" represents loans incurred by the 
Government, mainly for impo rtant public investment projects.  
1.42.   Between 2006 and 2014, net international reserves (NIR) grew strongly from 
US$3,178  million to US$15,123  million, before declining in the next two years to reach 
US$10,080  million by the end of 2016. Covering 11.4 months o f goods and services imports, this 
is still a very comfortable level according to international parameters (between 3 and 4 months), 
albeit less coverage than in previous years.  
1.43.   As of 31  December  2016, the balance of external public debt stood at US$7,268  million, 
equivalent to 21.3% of GDP. Although the monetary value of the debt is higher than in 2005, its 
GDP share is smaller at 51.6% in that year. According to the authorities, 30% of the external debt 
is concessional and 70% non -concessional.37 
1.3  Trade and  investment developments  
1.3.1   Trends and patterns in merchandise and services trade  
1.3.1.1   Merchandise trade  
1.44.   Between 2006 and 2016 the value of Bolivia's exports increased each year, except in 2009, 
2015 and 2016 owing mainly to the adverse external environment (Table A1.2). Whereas, in 2009, 
                                                
35 In 2006 -2016, liab ilities associated with direct investment averaged US$680  million per year.  
36 The capital withdrawals correspond to the financial intermediation, mining and hydrocarbons sectors. 
In the first case, a holding company bought shares in a foreign investment co mpany; and in the mining and 
hydrocarbons sectors special dividend payments were made, which are recorded as reductions in share capital. 
Central Bank of Bolivia (2017), Reporte de Balanza de Pagos y Posición de Inversión Internacional, Primer 
semestre 201 6, compilado según la Sexta edición del Manual de Balanza de Pagos (MBP6) . March. Viewed at: 
https://www.bcb.gob.bo/webdocs/publicacionesbcb/2017/ 04/07/Reporte%20de%20balanza%20I -2016.pdf . 
37 Central Bank of Bolivia (2017), Reporte de Balanza de Pagos y Posición de Inversión Internacional, 
Primer semestre 2016, compilado según la Sexta edición del Manual de Balanza de Pagos (MBP6) . Viewed at: 
https://www.bcb.gob.bo/webdocs/publicacionesbcb/2017/04/07/Reporte%20de%20balanza%20I -2016.pdf . WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
- 29 - 
 
  Bolivia's foreign trade was affected by the international crisis, the d ownturn in 2015 and 2016 
mainly reflected lower international commodity prices, weaker demand for gas from Brazil and 
Argentina, and adverse weather conditions. Bolivian exports peaked in 2014 at US$12,899  million. 
The authorities indicated that the result s are different in terms of volume exported, since the 
unfavourable international context did not significantly affect the quantities exported in 2015 and 
2016; and that in the latter year some products even achieved record export volumes.38 
1.45.   Mineral product s continue to be the largest export category, mainly hydrocarbons and then 
minerals, although exports from these sectors have lost ground in value terms. They are followed 
by exports from manufacturing industry and, to a lesser extent, from the agricultura l sector. The 
share of mineral products in the total value of exports fell from 69.8% in 2006 to 57% in 2016 
(Chart 1.4). The main export product was natural gas, which in 2016 generated 31.6% of total 
export earnings. Mineral exports included zinc and sil ver; exports of manufactures were led by 
soya beans and soya products, while chestnut and quinoa generated the largest share of 
agricultural exports in value terms.  
                                                
38 Bolivian Institute of Foreign Trade (2016). Cifras del Comercio Exterior Bolivia , Gestión 2016 . Viewed 
at: http://ibce.org.bo/images/publicaciones/ce -239-Cifras -Comercio -Exterior -Bolivia -2015.pdf ; and Power Point 
presentation of the Bolivian Institute of Foreign Trade, "Comportamiento del comercio exterior de Bolivia – 
Gestión 2015", December  2015. Viewed at: http://ibce.org.bo/userfiles/file/notas -archivos/COMERCIO -
EXTERIOR -BOLIVIA -INFORME -ANUAL -22-DIC-2015.pdf . WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
- 30 - 
 
  Chart 1.4 Merchandise trade by main HS secti on, 2006 and 2016  
 
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat estimates, based on data provided by the authorities.  
1.46.   Bolivian exports are sold mainly on the American continent, and, to a lesser extent, in Asia 
and Europe (Chart 1.5 and Table A1.4). Brazil is the leading destination, followed by Argentina, 
with sales in the two markets, mainly natural gas (section 4.2.2), accounting for 30.7% of the 
total value exported in 2016. Other export markets include the United States, which absorbed 
13.6% of Bolivia's total export value in 2016, and the member countries of the Andean Community 
(Colombia, Peru and Ecuador), which took a 14.6% share.  
2006 2016
(a)  Total exports
Total: US$4,088 million
(b)  Total imports
Textile 
materials
3.7%Textile 
materials
2.5%
Total: US$2,926 million Total: US$8,515 millionTotal: US$7,096 millionFoodstuffs
6.8%Other
6.6%Other
3.7%
Chemicals
12.7%Foodstuffs
9.5%Precious stones
and metals
14.2%
Base metals 
11.4%
Mineral 
products, incl. 
hydrocarbons
9.9%
Electrical 
machinery
and appliances
22.1%Other
7.9%
Plastics and rubber
7.0%Chemicals
11.4%Base 
metals
9.9%
Electrical 
machinery and 
appliances
23.4%Other
10.3%
Foodstuffs
3.9%Wood products
3.6%
Mineral 
products, incl. 
hydrocarbons
10.2%
Foodstuffs
5.1%Vegetable 
products
4.3%
Vegetable 
products
6.6%
Mineral products, incl. 
hydrocarbons
57.0%Animal or 
vegetable fats 
and oils
4.5%
Mineral products, incl. 
hydrocarbons
69.8%
Wood products
2.3%
Plastics and rubber
7.8%Transport 
equipment
12.5%Transport 
equipment
15.0%Base metals
3.3%
Base metals
4.5%Precious stones
and metals
5.2%
Animal or 
vegetable 
fats and oils
4.0%
Vegetable 
products
4.5%Vegetable 
products
2.9%WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
- 31 - 
 
  Chart 1.5 Merchandise trade by trading partner, 2006 and 2016  
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat estimates, based on data provided by the authorities.  
1.47.   Between 2006 and 2016, imports trended similarly to exports, registering growth year by 
year except in 2009, 2015 and 2016 (Table A1.3). The slackening of imports in 2009 can be 
explained by weaker econ omic activity in the wake of the international crisis.39 The contraction of 
imports in 2015 and 2016 is partly explained by a fall in the price of raw materials that eroded the 
value imported. As in the case of exports, the value of imports was highest in 2 014 
(US$10,674  million).  
                                                
39 Bolivian Institute of Foreign Trade (2010). Cifras del Comercio Exterior Boliviano – Gestión  2009. 
Viewed at: http://ibce.org.bo/images/publicaciones/comext179.pdf . 
2006 2016
(a)    Total exports
Total: US$4,088 million
(b)    Total imports
Total: US$2,926 million Total: US$8,515 million Total: US$7,096 millionUnited States
8.8%Other
0.3%
Argentina
9.1%EU-28
10.6%Other  
America
20.5%
Peru
6.5%America
62.8%Argentina
11.4%
Other 
America
18.5%China
6.7%Other
5.2%
Other Asia
8.6%
America
76.6%Other Asia
1.8%
Brazil
20.1%
Other 
America
16.6%Japan
8.4%
EU-28
9.5%
United States
11.8%China
7.8%Other 
Asia
2.8%Other
0.6%
Brazil
17.5%
Peru
6.9%Other 
America
11.7%EU-28
10.7%Japan
4.9%
China
19.9%Other 
Asia
6.2%Other
0.9%
America
70.5%America
56.4%Other Europe
0.4%
Other Europe
1.0%Asia
19.0% Asia
31.0%Argentina
10.5%Other Europe
5.2%
EU-28
6.0%
Argentina
15,5%Brazil
38.2%Brazil
19.3%
United States
9.8%China
0.9%
Other Europe
0.2%Europe
11.2%Asia
11.9%
Europe
10.8%Asia
21.2%
Europe
11.7%Europe
9.9%United States
13.6%Japan
9.2%
Japan
5.9%WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
- 32 - 
 
  1.48.   The composition of imports has remained relatively stable since 2006 — 77% on average 
consisting of raw materials and capital goods chiefly for industry and agriculture. Bolivia's main 
imports are electrical machinery and appliance s, chemical products, transport equipment and 
mineral products (Chart 1.4). Although a large proportion of imports come from the Americas, 
Asia's share has increased substantially since 2006, while China became Bolivia's main supplier in 
2014, relegating B razil to second place, followed by Argentina and the United States 
(Chart  1.5 and Table A1.5).  
1.3.1.2   Trade in services  
1.49.   Bolivia is a net importer of services, owing partly to the rapid growth of investment in 
recent years. Credit items amounted to US$1,208  millio n in 2016, while debits totalled 
US$2,806  million, resulting in a deficit of US$1,598  million. Net trade in telecommunications 
services was positive until 2015; and the travel category recorded surpluses in some years 
(Table  1.8). The other categories were  generally in deficit, particularly in areas such as transport, 
insurance and construction.  
Table 1.8 Services trade, 2006 and 2011 -2016  
(US$ million)  
  2006  2011  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  
Credit  687.4  948.0  1,125.2  1,214.0  1,196.2  1,243.4  1,208.3  
Manufacturing services on 
physical inputs owned by others  187.9  156.3  123.8  115.9  81.1 88.2 70.1 
Maintenance and repairs  22.9 0.0 0.0 0.0 n.a. n.a. n.a. 
Transport  112.6  220.4  159.2  251.6  295.9  303.6  295.9  
Travel  244.1  379.6  594.3  573.8  662.4  699.5  687.0  
Construction  0.4 0.6 0.5 0.6 0.7 1.4 0.7 
Insurance services and pensions  40.0 65.9 97.1 107.6  0.0 0.0 4.1 
Financial services  9.2 2.3 3.6 4.3 2.4 2.8 3.2 
Charges for the use of intellectual 
property  1.8 7.2 15.2 17.9 18.9 22.3 24.2 
Telecommunications, information 
technology and information 
services  42.1 83.0 90.8 100.4  88.8 80.2 67.4 
Other business services  10.3 10.2 18.4 22.8 26.4 21.6 29.4 
Personal, cultural and 
recreational services  1.2 1.5 1.7 1.7 1.7 1.4 1.7 
Government services n.e.s.  14.9 21.0 20.6 17.4 17.9 22.4 24.6 
Debit  824.8  1,650.7  1,921.4  2,331.5  3,024.8  2,835.3  2,805.9  
Manufacturing services on 
physical inputs owned by others  n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. 451.7  480.4  510.7  
Maintenance and repairs  n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. 5.7 12.3 14.9 
Transport  274.4  735.1  811.8  707.5  824.4  770.5  688.7  
Travel  272.6  298.0  360.7  520.6  806.0  711.0  818.8  
Construction  10.0 25.2 73.5 233.3  149.7  53.4 43.1 
Insurance services and pensions  120.0  189.7  229.4  280.6  212.5  164.6  108.0  
Financial services  2.0 10.7 18.6 25.1 34.3 31.8 33.1 
Charges for the use of intellectual 
property  14.4 20.8 42.4 50.4 68.3 83.6 97.5 
Telecommunications, information 
technology and information 
services  26.1 53.3 56.3 78.0 75.3 77.9 98.6 
Other business services  79.6 278.7  287.2  390.4  335.3  391.3  331.8  
Personal, cultural and 
recreational services  7.6 13.7 15.4 15.9 15.4 14.9 17.4 
Government services n.e.s.  18.3 25.5 26.1 29.7 46.2 43.6 43.3 
n.a. Not available.  
n.e.s.  Not elsewhere specified.  
Note:  The fifth edition of the IMF Balance of Payments Manual (BPM5) has been used for data from 2006 
to 2013 and the sixth edition (BPM6) for the data from 2014 to 2016. Accordingly, the data for the 
two periods are not strictly comparable.  
Source:  BCB a nd IMF.  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
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  1.3.2   Trends and patterns in foreign direct investment  
1.50. Foreign direct investment (FDI) flows were considerable during the period 2011 -2013 
(Table  1.9). In 2014, 2015 and 2016, although gross investment flows remained substantial, there 
was also sig nificant disinvestment, representing amortizations of loans and capital withdrawals in 
the financial intermediation, mining and hydrocarbons sectors, as explained above.  
Table 1.9 Foreign direct investment, 2006 and 2011 -2016  
(US$ million)  
Total  2006  2011  2012  2013  2014a  2015a  2016a  
I. FDI (net)b  280.9  858.9  1,060.0  1,749.6  656.6  554.6  410.1  
FDI (gross)c 582.2  1,033.3  1,505.2  2,029.8  2,121.6  1,166.2  1,083.5  
Disinvestment (purchase of 
shares by the State)  -301.4  -174.4  -445.3  -280.2  -1.465.1  -611.5  -673.4  
II. Gross FDI by economic 
activity  582.2  1,033.3  1,505.2  2,029.8  2,121.6  1,066.2  1,083.5  
Agriculture, livestock, hunting and 
forestry  -0.3 0.0 0.6 0.0 0.0 0.5 0.0 
Prospecting and exploitation 
(crude oil and natural gas)  50.2 383.9  946.2  1,399.4  1,350.8  736.0  406.1  
Prospecting and exploitation 
(mining and quarrying)  340.0  238.4  218.9  151.0  207.2  180.0  40.9 
Manufacturing  52.3 216.7  107.9  306.4  426.0  27.6 137.1  
Production and distribution of 
electricity, gas and water  14.2 23.0 11.6 11.0 -35.5 -4.9 -5.7 
Construction  13.9 0.0 0.0 0.0 -5.4 59.8 83.6 
Wholesale and retail trade  32.4 44.2 36.7 17.2 66.3 34.0 11.6 
Hotel and restaurant services  0.3 1.3 0.1 0.0 0.5 0.0 0.0 
Transport, storage and 
communications  62.3 101.6  49.6 59.9 14.6 84.8 51.4 
Financial intermediation  8.0 23.9 132.5  77.6 88.5 23.8 70.8 
Other services  9.0 0.4 1.2 7.6 8.7 24.7 187.7  
III. Gross FDI by modality  582.2  1,033.3  1,505.2  2,029.8  2,121.6  1,166.2  1,083.5  
Shares and other equity  10.5 4.7 19.1 17.4 313.4  20.2 405.7  
Reinvested profits  266.1  898.9  1,204.5  1,681.8  919.0  404.8  208.0  
Intra-firm loans and other 
contributions  305.6  129.7  281.7  330.6  889.2  741.2  469.8  
a Preliminary figures.  
b The difference in value between net adjusted FDI and the figure shown in the balance of payments is 
due to the fact that FDI is deducted from net direct investment by residents abroad.  
c In 2006, a methodological change was made in the calculation of reinv ested profits. These represent 
net retained earnings of the current period, less declared dividends payable, on the one hand, minus 
net losses incurred by FDI enterprises, on the other. Hence the negative figures for some FDI -origin 
countries.  
Source:  BCB. 
1.51. The sectors that received the largest FDI flows in the period are prospecting and exploitation 
of crude oil and natural gas and mining and quarrying, followed by manufacturing industry. The 
main modality of FDI has been the reinvestment of profits, followed by intra -firm loans and, 
thirdly, the purchase of shares and other equity.  
1.52. In terms of origin, the largest foreign direct investors in the review period were Spain, 
France, Peru, Brazil and the United States (Table 1.10).  
Table 1.10 Gross foreign direct investment, by origin, 2006 and 2011 -2016  
(US$ million)  
  2006  2011  2012  2013  2014a 2015a 2016a 
Totalb  582.2  1,033.3  1,505.2  2,029.8  2,121.6  1,166.2  1,083.5  
Peru 25.6 12.1 55.6 101.4  441.6  -5.1 238.7  
France  38.3 55.1 72.6 219.5  199.6  185.0  207.5  
Spain  3.9 234.9  363.5  676.0  536.6  368.8  160.9  
United States  271.9  79.5 89.1 61.1 139.5  78.9 101.2  
Netherlands  28.3 5.4 30.9 15.4 3.2 0.5 62.3 
Korea (Rep. of)  -0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 57.2 
Switzerland  59.6 1.8 12.2 6.9 3.9 5.1 55.5 
Brazil  16.7 124.9  285.6  76.7 123.3  41.8 34.7 
United Kingdom  17.3 10.7 111.1  309.0  442.2  142.9  30.3 
Panama  9.8 0.7 12.0 5.4 -12.1 -5.1 29.7 
Colombia  6.3 9.9 2.6 3.9 14.6 16.6 19.9 WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
- 34 - 
 
    2006  2011  2012  2013  2014a 2015a 2016a 
Japan  1.6 -0.1 0.2 0.0 0.5 -0.2 17.7 
Venezuela (Bol. Rep. of)  0.0 0.0 0.0 16.2 8.9 14.1 16.4 
China  2.3 0.1 2.0 0.4 22.3 72.1 14.8 
Canada  12.7 22.8 19.1 14.5 -32.0 29.6 11.0 
Luxembourg  1.3 50.5 4.1 34.4 26.5 5.9 9.4 
Netherlands Antilles  0.0 1.0 0.3 0.0 0.0 2.7 8.8 
Austria  0.0 0.0 0.2 0.0 0.1 0.0 8.0 
Other countriesc 86.6 423.9  444.1  489.0  203.1  212.8  -0.6 
a Preliminary figures.  
b In 2006, a methodological change was made in the calculation of reinvested profits. These represent 
net retained earnings of the current period, less declared dividends payable, on the one hand, minus 
net losses incurred by FDI enterprises, on the other. Hence the figures are negative for some 
FDI-origin countries . 
c Includes multilateral investments.  
Source:  BCB. 
 WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 35 - 
  2  TRADE AND INVESTMENT REGIMES  
2.1  Overview  
2.1.  There have been several major changes to the legal and institutional framework of the 
Plurinational State of Bolivia since the preceding review in 2005.1 Specifically, a new Political 
Constitution of the State was promulgated and took effect on 7  February  2009.2 The main changes 
introduced by the Political Constitution include: establishing four levels of administration 
(departmental, regional, municipal, and indigenous aboriginal farming communities); proclaiming 
natural resources to be under the direct, indivisible and imprescriptible ownership of the Bolivian 
people, the State being responsible for administering them in the collective interest3, and 
favouring domestic over foreign investment in these sectors4; stipulating that access to water and 
sewerage will not be subject to privatization or concessions; promoting the participation of 
cooperatives and non -profit groups; and prescribing that agricultura l land tenure must fulfil a 
social or economic function (section 4.1).5 
2.2.  Under the Political Constitution, the role of the State in the economy is to lead the process of 
economic and social planning, with the participation of and in consultation with the ci tizenry.6 The 
law establishes a comprehensive State planning system, which encompasses all territorial entities. 
The State regulates the production, distribution  and marketing of goods and services, covering all 
forms of economic organization in a framewor k of legal certainty.7 
2.3.  The State is organized into four branches, namely the executive, legislative, judicial and 
electoral branches. The Executive comprises the President (Head of State), the Vice -President and 
Ministers of State. The President and Vice -President are elected by universal suffrage for five -year 
terms. Both may be re -elected once only. Under the Political Constitution, the President is 
empowered, among other things, to submit the budget to Congress for approval, to conduct 
foreign relations and negotiate international treaties. Tariffs are proposed and approved by the 
Executive.8 
2.4.  The Plurinational Legislative Assembly is chaired by the Vice -President of the State. It 
comprises two chambers: the Senate with 36 members (four representatives fro m each 
department) and the Chamber of Deputies with 130 members (half of whom are elected by direct 
vote, the other half being elected indirectly from the list headed by the presidential candidate). Its 
powers include approving and sanctioning laws. The Po litical Constitution  provides for special 
councils for indigenous peoples.  
2.5.  The judicial branch consists of the Supreme Court of Justice (highest ordinary jurisdiction)9, 
tribunals, courts and the Judicial Council. Constitutional justice is exercised by the  Plurinational 
Constitutional Court.10 
2.6.  The electoral branch comprises the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (highest body composed of 
seven members elected by the Plurinational Legislative Assembly), departmental courts, electoral 
courts, polling station members a nd electoral notaries.  
2.7.  Bolivia's territory is organized into nine departments, 112 provinces, 339 municipalities and 
indigenous aboriginal farming territories.11 They are responsible, among other things, for 
implementing national legislation and for managin g their finances.  
                                                
1 Under Supreme Decree No.  40 of 18  March  2009, the Republic of Bolivia was renamed the 
Plurinational State of Bolivia.  
2 The Politic al Constitution of the State was published in the Official Journal on that same date after 
being approved by referendum on 25  January  2009.  
3 Article 349 of the Political Constitution of the State.  
4 Ibid., Article 320.  
5 Ibid., Article 397.  
6 Ibid., Artic le 316.  
7 Ibid., Articles 311 and 316.  
8 By supreme decree pursuant to Article 26 of the General Customs Law, Law No.  1990 of 23  July 1999, 
and pursuant to Article 7 of Law No.  2492 of 2  August  2003 containing the Bolivian Tax Code.  
9 Supreme Court judges are elected by universal suffrage. Article 182 of the Political Constitution.  
10 Plurinational Constitutional Court judges are elected by universal suffrage. Article 198 of the Political 
Constitution.  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 36 - 
  2.8.  The Autonomous Territorial Entities (ETA) comprise the following: the departmental 
autonomous government in the case of departments; the municipal autonomous government in 
the case of municipalities; the regional autonomous government in the case of regions that enjoy 
regional autonomy; the autonomous indigenous aboriginal government in the case of autonomous 
indigenous aboriginal farming communities and municipalities that enjoy indigenous aboriginal 
autonomy. The ETAs are independent of one another and exercise decision -making autonomy in 
certain matters.12 
2.9.  The Political Constitution  is the supreme law of Bolivia's legal system and takes precedence 
over all other legislation, which applies according to the following hierarchy13: (1) the Pol itical 
Constitution of the State14; (2) international treaties; (3) domestic laws, statutes of autonomous 
regions, organic charters and the remaining departmental, municipal and indigenous legislation; 
(4) decrees, regulations and other resolutions issued b y the appropriate executive bodies.15 Those 
empowered to initiate legislation, which the Plurinational Legislative Assembly is required to 
address, are: citizens, deputies, senators, the Executive, the Supreme Court of Justice and the 
governments of autonom ous territorial entities.16 
2.10.   Bolivia's legal system is usually reformed through successive decrees without the current 
legal texts being necessarily consolidated and updated. Moreover, the regulation of some sectors 
of the economy is undermined by the superi mposition of current texts, which causes fragmentation 
and makes it difficult to access up -to-date sectoral regulations.17 
2.11.   Table 2.1 lists some of Bolivia's main trade -related legal provisions. Table 2.5 summarizes 
Bolivia's legal framework for investment ( section 2.4).  
Table 2.1 Main trade legislation, 2017  
Field  Laws and regulations  
Commercial 
activity  Commercial Code (Decree -Law No.  14379 of 25  February  1977)  
Customs  General Customs Law (Law No.  1990 of 28 July 1999)  
Regulations implementing the General Customs Law, (Supreme Decree No.  25870 of 
11 August  2000)  
Andean Community (CAN) Decision 812 of 29  August  2016, adopting the Andean 
Community Nomenclature (NANDINA)  
CAN Decision 671 (Harmonization of cust oms procedures)  
Foreign trade  Bolivian Tax Code (Law No.  2492 of 2  August  2003)  
Regulations implementing the Bolivian Tax Code (Supreme Decree No.  27310 of 2004)  
Law on development and taxation of exports (Law No.  1489 of 16  April 1993)  
Competition 
and consumer 
protection  Rules on protection and promotion of free competition in the Andean Community (CAN 
Decision 608 of 29  March  2005)  
General system of competition law and consumer protection (Supreme Decree No.  29519 of 
16 April 2008)  
General Law on the rights of users and consumers (Law No.  453 of 4  December  2013)  
                                                                                                                                                  
11 Article 269 of the Political Constitution.  
12 In accord ance with the authority and responsibilities conferred under the Political Constitution and the 
"Andrés Ibáñez" Framework Law on autonomy and decentralization (Law No.  301).  
13 Article 410 of the Political Constitution.  
14 The Political Constitution may be a mended in its entirety by the Constituent Assembly  convened by 
referendum, whether through a citizens' initiative with the signature of at least 20 % of the electorate, by an 
absolute majority in the Plurinational Legislative Assembly, or by the Office of t he President. Partial 
amendment may be effected by means of a citizens' initiative (signatures of at least 20 % of the electorate) or 
by an amending law passed by two thirds of the Legislature. The amendments must be endorsed by a 
referendum called to appro ve them.  
15 Laws frame the principles and broad outlines of what is to be regulated. They are issued by the 
Legislature and subsequently sanctioned by the sitting President. Supreme decrees are issued by the President 
and regulate the implementation of laws . Lower down the hierarchy are ministerial resolutions, which are 
regulations issued by Ministries for the implementation of laws and supreme decrees.  
16 Articles 162 and 163 of the Political Constitution.  
17 The final article of enacted legal texts (such as  laws and supreme decrees) usually contains a repeal 
provision stating that "all provisions contrary to this law [decree] are hereby annulled and repealed." If the 
texts are not subsequently consolidated, this practice sometimes hinders the unequivocal det ermination of the 
validity or expiry of regulations or their component parts. The official website where legal texts are published 
is: http://gacetaoficialdebolivia.gob.bo . WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 37 - 
  Field  Laws and regulations  
Government 
procurement  Procedures for the procurement of goods, works and general services and consultancy 
services (Buy Bolivian) (Supreme Decree No.  27328 of 31  January  2004)  
Basic rules for the goods and services administration system (Supreme Decree No.  181 of 
26 June 2009)  
Public 
enterprises  Law on public enterprises (Law No.  466 of 26  December  2013)  
Intellectual 
property  Common industrial property regime (CAN Decision 486) 
Protection of the rights of breeders of new plant varieties (CAN Decision 345)  
Protection of copyright and related rights (CAN Decision 351)  
Copyright Law (Law No.  1322 of 13  April 1992)  
Law on appellations of origin (Law No.  1334 of 4 May of 1992)  
Free zones  Regulations implementing the special free zones regime (Supreme Decree No.  470 of 
7 April 2010)  
Procedure governing the special free zones regime (Board of Directors Resolution 
No. 01-002-10 of 5  August  2010)  
Source:  Information provided by the  Bolivian authorities.  
2.2  Trade policy formulation and objectives  
2.12.   Since 2006 Bolivia has been implementing the "economic, social, communitarian and 
productive model." The main underpinnings of this new model are: natural resource -driven 
economic growth and de velopment; State appropriation of the economic surplus for redistribution 
mainly to people with limited resources; elimination of poverty and reduction of social inequalities 
so as to generate greater social mobility and opportunities. The new model also a dvocates for a 
change in Bolivia's export -oriented primary production matrix, reorienting it towards production 
with higher value added , first to satisfy domestic consumption and then for export purposes 
(section 1.1.1).  
2.13.   Trade policy objectives are laid ou t mainly in the form of the 13 pillars of the Patriotic 
Agenda 2025 and the Economic and Social Development Plan (PDES) 2016 -2020. Among the 
principal goals are that by 2020, Bolivia will have changed its economic structure by cementing a 
new production ma trix with diversified economic activities based on the production and processing 
of hydrocarbons, energy, agriculture, mining and the development of tourism, with strong 
emphasis on the development of small producers and the community and cooperative socia l 
sectors.18 
2.14.   By 202 0, Bolivia  expects to raise the share of manufacturing in overall exports to 28 %; to 
increase the share of organic products in total exports to 12 %; and to attain the target of 
800,000  tonnes for agricultural exports. The Government is accordingly seeking to take advantage 
of the nine regional trade agreements it has signed in order to pr omote Bolivian exports 
(section  2.3.2).19 
2.15.   By 2025 Bolivia aims to be a food producing and processing country, a producer and 
exporter of electricity taki ng full advantage of its hydroelectric potential and successfully 
developing high power -generation capacity projects based on renewable energy sources (such as 
wind, biomass, geothermal, and solar energy), a country of tourism, cottage and manufacturing 
industries, a producer and exporter of unique food products and other, mass consumption items 
with high value added, a communication and transport services hub, and a country of invaluable 
human resources with scientific and technological know -how that contr ibutes to building the 
nation.20 Hence, the Government  is promoting import substitution with high -quality domestic 
products.  
                                                
18 Pillar 6 of the Patriotic Agenda 2025: "Soberanía Productiva con Diversificación y Desarrollo Integral 
sin la Dictadura Capitalista". Ministry of Development Planning (2016), Plan de Desarrollo Económico y Social: 
En el Marco del Desarrollo Integral para Vivir Bien 2016 -2020, La Paz . 
19 Pillar 10 of the Patriotic Agenda 2025: "Integración Complementaria de los Pueblos con Soberanía". 
Ministry of Development Planning (2016), Plan de Desarrollo Económico y Social: En el Marco del Desarrollo 
Integral para Vivi r Bien 2016 -2020, La Paz . 
20 Pillar 6 of the Patriotic Agenda 2025: "Soberanía Productiva con Diversificación y Desarrollo Integral 
sin la Dictadura Capitalista". Ministry of Development Planning (2016), Plan de Desarrollo Económico y Social: 
En el Marco de l Desarrollo Integral para Vivir Bien 2016 -2020, La Paz . WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 38 - 
  2.16.   The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MRE), through its Vice -Ministry of Foreign Trade and 
Integration, is the main government body respo nsible for framing and implementing trade policy, 
in coordination with other Ministries and institutions. The MRE is also tasked with creating technical 
positions relating to foreign trade and regional integration, and takes part in the negotiation of 
trade agreements. Table 2.2 summarizes the main trade policy -related functions/objectives of the 
various Ministries, as well as the main institutions reporting to them.  
Table 2.2 Institutions involved in trade pol icy 
Ministry  Main functions/objectives  Institutions  
Foreign Affairs 
(MRE)   Negotiate, re -negotiate and coordinate the 
implementation of trade agreements, seeking 
better international market access conditions for 
Bolivian products;  
 Coordinate Bolivia's MERCOSUR accession process;  
 Promote value -added Bolivian products available 
for export, through the country's diplomatic 
missions abroad and by negotiating and signing 
cooperation agreements with trade promotion 
agencies and related international entities;  
 Promote and negotiate better conditions in terms 
of infrastructure, port concessions, and free trade 
zones and warehouses in order to optimize the use 
of bilateral regional and subregional integration 
agreements so as to improve overseas access and 
meet c urrent foreign trade requirements.   
Economy and 
Public Finance 
(MEFP)   Formulate macroeconomic policies under the 
Economic and Social Development Plan;  
 Formulate, schedule, implement, monitor and 
evaluate fiscal and financial policies;  
 Determine, schedule,  monitor and evaluate 
monetary and exchange policies in coordination 
with the Central Bank of Bolivia;  
 Exercise the powers of fiscal authority and 
oversight of public management rules;  
 Prepare the draft General Budget of the Nation in 
coordination with pub lic bodies and agencies, in 
line with the Economic and Social Development 
Plan; 
 Formulate and implement policies that ensure 
fiscal, financial and debt sustainability for public 
bodies and agencies;  
 Formulate policies on financial intermediation, 
financial  instruments and services, securities and 
insurance;  
 Supervise, coordinate and harmonize the fiscal and 
tax regime at the various territorial levels, within 
the scope of its remit.  Bolivian National Customs (ANB)  
 
National Tax Service (SIN)  
 
Financial System Supervisory 
Authority (ASFI)  
 
Pensions and Insurance Oversight 
and Control Authority (APS)  
 
Administration of Port Services – 
Bolivia (ASP -B) 
 
Bolivian Bonded Warehouses 
(DAB)  
Development 
Planning (MPD)   Governing body of the comprehensive State 
planning system;  
 Competent body at central State level for the 
promotion of investment in the country;  
 Member of the Higher Strategic Council for Public 
Enterprises (COSEEP)  Economic and Social Policy Council 
(CONAPES)a 
 
National Institute of Statistics 
(INE)  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 39 - 
  Ministry  Main functions/objectives  Institutions  
Production 
Development 
and the Plural 
Economy 
(MDPyEP)   Plan and implement policies designed to secure 
access to domestic and foreign markets;  
 Promote government procurement from local 
production units (e.g. micro, small, medium -size 
and large enterp rises; small farmers' economic 
organizations; organizations of small urban and/or 
rural producers; and community and cooperative 
social economic organizations), with an emphasis 
on domestic market supply;  
 Formulate and implement policies to develop 
value -added exportable supply, prioritizing support 
for micro, small and medium -size urban and rural 
enterprises;  
 Draw up public policies aimed at boosting the 
productivity and competitiveness of artisans, small 
farmers, and micro and small enterprises;  
 Design an d implement policies for the protection of 
free competition;  
 Design, implement and execute policies on 
accreditation, industrial and scientific metrology, 
and technical standardization in the industrial 
sector;  
 Design, implement and execute policies for th e 
application of international standards.  National Export Inspection Service 
(SENAVEX)  
 
Bolivian Metrology Institute 
(IBMETRO)  
 
National Intellectual Property 
Service (SENAPI)  
 
Business Control Authority (AEMP)  
 
Service for the development of 
public production enterprises 
(SEDEM)  
 
Food Production Support 
Enterprise (EMAPA)  
 
Seed Production Support 
Enterprise (EEPS)  
 
Strategic Fertilizer Production 
Enterprise (EEPAF)  
Rural 
Development 
and Lands 
(MDRyT)   Establish programmes and actions aimed at 
fostering the productivity and profitability of rural 
economic activities;  
 Promote the development of industrial and 
commercial infrastructure for agricultural and 
livestock production;  
 Monitor compliance with and application of the 
regulations governing a nimal and plant health, 
promote programmes and draw up official 
regulations on animal and plant health, issue 
certifications.  National Agricultural Health and 
Food Safety Service (SENASAG)  
 
Agricultural Insurance Institute 
(INSA)  
 
National Agricultural and  Forestry 
Innovation Institute (INIAF)  
Hydrocarbons   Formulate and evaluate policies, regulations and 
plans for the sector, so as to guarantee efficiency, 
security and sovereignty in the hydrocarbons field;  
 Provide incentives for the industrial development  
of hydrocarbons;  
 Consolidate Bolivia's position as the region's 
leading natural gas exporter.  National Hydrocarbons Agency 
(ANH)  
 
Yacimientos Petrolíferos Fiscales 
Bolivianos (YPFB)  
 
Bolivian Hydrocarbons 
Industrialization Enterprise (EBIH)  
 
Empresa Tarijeña del Gas 
(EMTAGAS)  
Energy   Formulate and evaluate policies, regulations and 
plans for the sector, in order to guarantee 
efficiency, security and sovereignty in the energy 
field (electricity, lithium, nuclear energy);  
 Consolidate Bolivia's position as the region's 
energy hub by exporting surplus energy.  Authority for the Supervision and 
Social Control of Electricity (AE)  
 
National Electricity Company 
(ENDE)  
 
Bolivian Nuclear Energy Agency 
(ABEN)  
 
Yacimientos de Litio Bolivianos 
(YLB)  
 
Bolivian Institute of Science and 
Nuclear Technology (IBTEN)  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 40 - 
  Ministry  Main functions/objectives  Institutions  
Mining and 
Metallurgy   Formulate, implement and evaluate policies for the 
development of the entire mining production chain, 
with a view to the industrial development of 
mineral resources;  
 Promote a bett er sharing of mining revenues to 
ensure sustainable benefits and fair distribution of 
surpluses;  
 Encourage the development of the State -run and 
private mining industry and cooperatives by 
implementing policies allowing for improvements 
to their technical a nd administrative management;  
 Promote modernization of the sector by adopting 
production processes that involve more extensive 
processing and higher value added, as well as 
appropriate marketing and technical management 
systems.  Bolivian Mining Corporatio n 
(COMIBOL)  
 
Mining Administration 
Jurisdictional Authority (AJAM)  
 
National Registration and Control 
Service for the Marketing of 
Minerals and Metals (SENARECOM)  
Public Works, 
Services and 
Housing   Promote universal access for Bolivians to 
high-quality, affordable telecommunications and 
information and communication technology 
services;  
 Ensure a universally accessible multimodal 
transport system.  Telecommunications and 
Transport Regulatory and 
Supervisory Authority (ATT)  
a CONAPES meetings are chaired by the President of the Plurinational State of Bolivia and in his 
absence, by the head of the Ministry of Development Planning.  
b COSEEP comprises the head of Ministry of the Presidency, who chairs the Council, and the heads of 
the Ministries of Developmen t Planning and the Economy and Public Finance.  
Source:  Information provided by the Bolivian authorities.  
2.17.   To formulate foreign trade policy, the Government conducts ad hoc  consultations with the 
private sector. Six rounds of consultation between the Govern ment and the Confederation of 
Bolivian Private Entrepreneurs took place in 2006 in the framework of the Patriotic Agenda and the 
PDES. The topics discussed were productivity, exports, domestic private investment, FDI, red tape 
and tourism.  
2.18.   There is no non -governmental body in Bolivia that conducts official, periodic evaluations of 
trade policy or its impact on the economy. Instead, the authorities rely on independent short and 
medium -term evaluations, with the National Institute of Statistics as the primary  source of data.  
2.3  Trade agreements and arrangements  
2.3.1   WTO  
2.19.   Bolivia is a founding member of the WTO21, and this is the fourth review of its trade policy 
by the Trade Policy Review Body.22 It accords at least MFN treatment to all its trading partners. 
Since its preceding review, Bolivia has not taken part in any dispute under the WTO dispute 
settlement mechanism.23 
2.20.   Bolivia has not been very active in the work of the WTO since 2006. The Bolivian authorities 
take the view that greater transparency is neede d in WTO decision -making processes. Bolivia  
submitted some notifications to the WTO during the review period (Table 2.3). Yet at the end of 
2016, the country had 75 outstanding notifications, mainly concerning agriculture, import 
licensing, SPS measures an d subsidies and countervailing measures.24 Bolivia has yet to ratify the 
                                                
21 Bolivia became a GATT Contracting Party on 8  September  1990. It ratified the Marrakesh Agreement 
Establishing the World Trade Organization on 5  July 1995 under Law No.  1637 and has been a WTO Membe r 
since 12  September  1995. It took part in the post -Uruguay Round negotiations on telecommunications and 
financial services; the commitments it undertook in both areas are attached to the Fourth and Fifth Protocols 
annexed to the GATS.  
22 The previous revie ws were in March  1993, September  1999 and November  2005.  
23 Bolivia has had recourse to the WTO dispute settlement mechanism only once (as a third party) in a 
dispute over EC tariff preferences in 2004. See WTO document series: DS246.  
24 The cut -off date for  outstanding agriculture notifications was 28  October  2016 (WTO document 
G/L/223/Rev.24 of 22  February  2017).  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 41 - 
  Trade Facilitation Agreement and the amendment to the TRIPS Agreement. The Bolivian 
authorities expect to do so shortly, however.  
Table 2.3 Notifications submitted to the WTO, 2006 -2017  
Agreements 
and articles  Description  Frequency  WTO document (latest 
if periodic)  
Agreement on Agriculture  
Articles 10 and 
18.2 (ES:1)  Export subsidies  Annual  G/AG/N/BOL/9 of 
6 February  2006 
Article 18.2 
(DS:1)  Domestic support  Annual (or longer for developing 
and least developed Members).  G/AG/N/BOL/10 of 
6 February  2006 
General Agreement on Trade in Services  
Article III:3  New laws, regulations or 
administrative guidelines  Ad hoc  S/C/N/390 of 
2 March  2007 
GATT 1994  
Article XXVIII:5  Modification of Schedules 
(reservation of the right to 
modify schedules for a period of 
three years)  On a three -year basis  G/MA/297 of 
23 September  2014 
Agreement on Implementation of Article VI of the GATT 1994  
Article 16.4  Anti-dumping actions (taken in 
the preceding six months)  Semi-annual  G/ADP/N/145 of 
30 June 2006 
Article 16.5  Competent national authorities 
and relevant procedure  As appropriate (upon entry into 
force of the WTO Agreement for 
the Member concerned)  G/ADP/N/14/Add.28 of 
14 October  2009 
Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures  
Article 1.4(a)  Source(s) where the import 
licensing procedure(s) has(ve) 
been published and copy(ies) of 
the publication  Once (ad hoc for subsequent 
amendments)  G/LIC/N/1/BOL/3 of 
23 September  2016 
G/LIC/N/1/BOL/2 of 
9 March  2016 
Articles 5.1, 5.2, 
5.3 Institution of import licensing 
procedures or subsequent 
changes in these procedures  Ad hoc  G/LIC/N/2/BOL/2 of 
21 September  2013 
G/LIC/N/2/BOL/1 of 
28 June 2016 
Article 8.2(b)  Amendments to laws/regulations 
and administrative procedures  Once (ad hoc for subsequent 
amendments)  G/LIC/N/1/BOL/4 of 
27 September  2016 
G/LIC/N/1/BOL/2 of 
9 March  2016 
Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures  
Article 7, 
Annex  B SPS regulations  Ad hoc  G/SPS/N/BOL/18 of 
1 May 2006 
G/SPS/N/BOL/17 of 
1 May 2006 
G/SPS/N/BOL/16 of 
31 March  2006 
G/SPS/N/BOL/15 of 
14 February  2006 
Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade  
Article  2.9 Technical regulations  Ad hoc  G/TBT/N/BOL/5 of 
24 October  2016 
G/TBT/N/BOL/4 of 
5 April 2016 
G/TBT/N/BOL/3 of 
22 October  2015 
G/TBT/N/BOL/1 of 
23 May 2014 
Article 2.9 and 
5.6 Technical regulations and 
conformity assessment 
procedures  Ad hoc  G/TBT/N/BOL/2 of 
23 May 2014 
Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures  
Article 25.11  Countervailing duty actions 
(taken in the preceding six 
months)  Semi-annual  G/SCM/N/144 of 
30 June 2006 
Article 25.12  Competent national authorities 
and relevant procedure  Once (ad hoc for subsequent 
amendments)  G/SCM/N/18/Add.28 of 
14 October  2009 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 42 - 
  2.21.    Bolivia has submitted several proposals under the Doha Development Agenda (DDA), some 
of them jointly with other small economies and/or landlocked countries. Bolivia favours the 
conclusion of the DDA based on the texts arrived at in agriculture25, NAMA26 and services. In any 
case, the Bolivian authorities lean in favour of preserving the flexibilities contained in those texts 
for the developing countries, and do not support the inclusion of new negotiating topics (such as 
the facilitation of investment or e -commerce), as long as the DDA is not satisfactorily concluded.  
2.22.   As regards participation in the WTO plurilateral agreements, Bolivi a is not a party to, or an 
observer in, the Agreement on Trade in Civil Aircraft or the Agreement on Government 
Procurement. Nor is Bolivia a signatory to the Information Technology Agreement.  
2.3.2   Regional and preferential agreements  
2.23.   Bolivia has signed nine trade agreements with 12 countries27; it is a founding member of 
the Andean Community28, and participates in the Latin American Integration Association (LAIA)29, 
where it has signed partial -scope agreements (AAP) such as the economic complementarity 
agreement s (ACE) listed in Table 2.4. In addition, Bolivia enjoys unilateral preferences under the 
Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) and is a member of the Global System of Trade 
Preferences among Developing Countries (GSTP).  
Table 2.4 Trade agreements in force, 2017  
Country/region  Entry into force  Coverage  
 Andean Community (Colombia, Ecuador and 
Peru)  26 May 1969 Goods and services  
 LAIA (Latin American Integration Association)  18 March  1981 Goods and preferential framework  
 Agreements within LAIA    
 Cuba (AAP.ACE No.  47) 8 May 2000 Goods  
 Chile (AAP.ACE No.  22) 28 February  2001 Goods  
 MERCOSUR (AAP.ACE No.  36)  28 February  1997 Goods  
 Mexico (AAP.ACE No.  66) 7 June 2010 Goods  
 Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela (AAP.ACE 
No. 70) 11 July 2013 Goods  
 Peoples' Trade Agreement on economic and 
productive complementarity with Venezuela  31 March  2011 Goods  
 Regional Tariff Preference (with Chile)  27 April 1984 Goods  
 Regional Tariff Preference (with Panama)  2 February  2012 Goods  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
2.3.2.1   Andean Community  
2.24.   Bolivia is a signatory to the Andean Subregional Integration Agreement of 1969, known at 
first as the "Cartagena Agreement". This integration process or "Andean Pact", notified to the 
GATT in  1990 under the Enabling Clause30, evolved into what is now the Andean Community of 
Nations (CAN). The Andean Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs and the Andean Community 
Commission are the bodies of the Andean Integration System charged with formulatin g a 
community strategy for deepening regional integration.31 The CAN has a free trade area for all 
goods produced in the region and has developed common rules governing trade relations among 
member countries and harmonizing domestic legislation in areas suc h as customs, tariff 
nomenclature, services, agricultural health, technical regulations, trade defence measures and 
intellectual property.  
                                                
25 WTO document TN/AG/W/4/Rev.4 of 6  December  2008.  
26 WTO document TN/MA/W/103/Rev.3 of 6  December  2008.  
27 They are: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, C uba, Chile, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, 
Uruguay and Venezuela.  
28 GATT document L/6737 of 12  October  1990. In addition to Bolivia, the other CAN members are 
Colombia, Ecuador and Peru; Venezuela withdrew from the CAN in July on 2006.  
29 The LAIA was created through the Montevideo Treaty in 1980. Besides Bolivia, the other LAIA 
members are Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Cuba, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and 
Venezuela. GATT document L/5342 of 1  July 1982 and WTO d ocument WT/COMTD/72 of 8  November  2010.  
30 GATT document L/6737 on 12  October  1990.  
31 Article 51 of the Cartagena Agreement.  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 43 - 
  2.25.   The common external tariff is not binding on CAN member countries and its application has 
been suspended until the fl exibility of each member country is ensured in applying common tariff 
levels pursuant to Decision 805 of 24  April 2015. Under this Decision, member countries may 
reduce or increase any tariff in keeping with their respective domestic policies, and Bolivia 
therefore applies its own national tariff (section 3.1.3.1).  
2.26.   The CAN member countries may negotiate trade agreements with third countries on a 
community, individual or joint basis.32 The purpose of the trade negotiations authorized under this 
Decision "can be the establishment of free trade areas and may refer to topics other than the 
liberalization in the trade of goods".33 Members that negotiate trade agreements individually with 
third countries must abide by guidelines requiring them to: "preserve the Ande an legal system in 
relations between member countries of the Andean Community; take into account the commercial 
sensitivities of other Andean partners in trade liberalization offers; and maintain an adequate 
exchange of information and consultations in the  course of the negotiations, within a framework of 
transparency and solidarity".34 They must also apply the MFN principle in accordance with the law.  
2.27.   Under current legislation, the guiding principles of the Andean integration process are: 
Andean citizen par ticipation through integration; a common external policy; trade integration and 
economic complementarity, promotion of sustainable production, trade and consumption; 
physical  integration and border development; social development; environment; tourism; sec urity; 
culture; cooperation; energy integration and natural resources; and the institutional development 
of the CAN. The main policy guidelines for the CAN are: strengthening and vitalizing the Andean 
integration process, promoting the "re -engineering" of the Andean Integration System; fomenting 
the process of  convergence and dialogue between the various regional and subregional integration 
mechanisms, in particular MERCOSUR, the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR)35 and the 
LAIA; and promoting regional  energy integration.  
2.3.2.2   LAIA  
2.28.   Bolivia is a member of the Latin American Integration Association (LAIA), created in 1980 
pursuant to the Montevideo Treaty. Within the LAIA framework, Bolivia belongs to the group of 
countries of lesser relative economic developm ent and is therefore given unilateral preferences by 
the LAIA member countries.36 These preferences consist of the total or partial elimination of tariffs 
and other restrictions on certain negotiated items. In some cases, however, these preferences 
have bee n disappearing little by little as they are incorporated into trade liberalization programmes 
under the "new generation" agreements (for example, economic complementarity agreements 
(ACE)) or are amended as a result of such agreements.  
2.29.   Within the LAIA fram ework, Bolivia has also signed ACEs with Chile, Cuba, MERCOSUR and 
Mexico, as well as a number of agreements liberalizing trade in particular products with Cuba and 
the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.  
2.30.   ACE No.  22 between Bolivia and Chile was signed on 6  April 1993 and took effect on 1  July 
that same year. This Agreement was deepened on 15  March  2006 when Chile accorded 100 % tariff 
preferences to Bolivia, with the exception of products subject to price bands (wheat, wheat flour 
and sugar) and reserving a tariff quota of 6,000 tonnes for tariff items 1701.91 and 1701.99 
(sugar). In turn, Bolivia granted preferences on 4 % of its tariff universe. In addition to ACE 
No. 22, preferential trade between Bolivia and Chile is also governed by the regional tariff 
preference between the two countries in the LAIA framework.37 
                                                
32 Article 1 of Andean Community Decision 598.  
33 Ibid., Article 6.  
34 Ibid., Article 2.  
35 UNASUR was created in 2008 to promote region al integration in the fields of energy, education, 
health, the environment, infrastructure, security and democracy. Besides Bolivia, the other members are: 
Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay and Venezuela . 
Panama and Mexico are observers.  Online information from UNASUR.  Viewed at: http://www.unasur.org . 
36 The preferences are granted under Regional Market -Opening Agreement No.  1 in favour of Bolivia.  
37 Supreme Decree N o. 022 of 19  September  1998.  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 44 - 
  2.31.   ACE No.  47 between Bolivia and Cuba was signed on 8  May 2000 in order to encourage the 
generation and growth of trade flows and to adopt and develop appropriate measures in pursuit of 
a greater degree of integration between the two countries. Cooperation and economic 
complementarity activities are being promoted to thi s end. On 4  February  2009, an additional 
protocol was signed, under which the parties accord each other tariff preferences of 100 % for 
products that comply with the rules of origin.  
2.32.   ACE No.  36 signed on 17  December  1996 provides for the creation of a free trade area 
between Bolivia and MERCOSUR, a process that was refined in 2014. There is a trade liberalization 
programme in place for products originating in and coming from the territories of the contracting 
parties. It consists of a schedule for progressiv e and automatic tariff reductions with variable 
timeframes and percentages, and directly benefits Bolivia in the form of preferential tax treatment 
for its exports to Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. Bolivia has already launched the 
process of acce ssion to MERCOSUR but is not yet a full member.  
2.33.   ACE No.  66 is the mechanism that regulates the Bolivia -Mexico Free Trade Agreement, 
which replaces LAIA Economic Complementarity Agreement No.  31, in force for both countries 
since 1995. Broadly speaking, ACE  No. 66 retains the tariff preferences and lists of exceptions of 
ACE No.  31. The free trade area was completed (97 % of the tariff universe) in 2009, with some 
products remaining as exceptions (162 Bolivian tariff lines and 191 Mexican lines).  
2.34.   ACE No.  70, whose aim is to establish the economic area  of the Bolivarian Alliance for the 
Peoples of Our America – Peoples' Trade Agreement (ALBA –TCP), was signed on 11  July 2013 by 
Bolivia, Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela.38 According to the authorities, the Agreement seeks to 
bring about integration that transcends the commercial sphere and is based on communitarian 
principles, cooperation, solidarity, and a shared determination to move forward and promote fair 
and sustainable development. It calls for complementarity in the face of competition, reciprocity, 
life in harmony with nature rather than irrational exploitation of resources, and the defence of 
social ownership.  
2.35.   The Peoples' Trade Agreement on economic complementarity and productivity was signed 
on 31 March  2011 between Bolivia and Venezuela.39 This Agreement, distinct from ACE No.  7040, 
liberalizes 100 % of the tariff universe for both countries, although it may be modified in some 
instances to protect domestic production and infant industries.  
2.36.   Through  the Regional Tariff Preference - Protocol of Accession of the Republic of Panama to 
the LAIA, which took effect on 2  February  201241, Bolivia applies a 12 % tariff reduction to imports 
from Panama. This concession does not extend to the products on Bolivia' s list of exceptions.  
2.3.3   Other agreements and arrangements  
2.37.   Under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), Bolivia benefits under the preferential 
access schemes of Belarus, Canada, the United States42, Japan, the Russian Federation, Norway, 
New Zealand, Sw itzerland, Turkey and the EU.43 
2.38.   Bolivia is a member of the Global System of Trade Preferences among Developing Countries 
(GSTP).  
                                                
38 There are no tariff preferences with Nicaragua.  
39 This Agreement was ratified through Law No.  167 of 19  August  2011.  
40 Pursuant to Article 6 of ACE No.  70, the current bilateral trade commitments between Bolivia and 
Venezuela  are being fully respected.  
41 Through Supreme Decree No.  1225 of 9  May 2012.  
42 Since 15  December  2009, trade between Bolivia and the United States has been conducted under the 
GSP and based on MFN treatment. On that date, the United States Andean Trade Pro motion and Drug 
Eradication Act (ATPDEA) expired for Bolivia. Effective on 31  October  2002, this law was the trade component 
of the fight against drug trafficking and was designed to compensate the Andean countries, through tariff 
preferences, for their ef forts to reduce illicit drug trafficking and substitute coca leaf cultivation with other 
crops.  
43 Online information from UNCTAD.  Viewed at: 
http://unctad.org/en/PublicationsLibrary/itcdtsbmisc62rev6_en.pdf . WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 45 - 
  2.4  Investment regime  
2.39.   Since the preceding review in 2005, the institutional and legal framework for foreign 
investment in Bolivia ha s undergone significant reforms. The  powers and functions of the Ministry 
of Development Planning (MPD) include framing investment and financing strategies and policies 
for the country's development. The Directorate -General of Investment Promotion and the Plural 
Economy (DGPIEP) in the Vice -Ministry of Strategic State Planning is tasked with coordinating and 
consolidating the management of investment promotion and the productive state investment 
register, in coordination with other competent bodies and in k eeping with the current regulations. 
The Vice -Ministry of Public Investment and External Financing in the MPD is also involved in 
investment policy, while the Central Bank of Bolivia (BCB) is responsible for the foreign investment 
register and external fin ancial transactions.  
2.40.   Bolivia's investment regime is basically governed by the 2009 Political Constitution of the 
State; Supreme Decree No.  29894 of 7  February  2009 (as amended by Supreme Decree No.  429 
of 10  February  2010 and Supreme Decree No.  2645 of 6  January  2016); Law No.  516 on 
investment promotion of 4  April 2014; and Law  No. 708 on conciliation and arbitration of 
25 June 2015. Table 2.5 sums up the key provisions of that legal framework, including some of the 
main associated regulations. Bolivia  also accords incentives through other investment -related 
regulations (section  3.3.1.1).  
Table 2.5 Legislation governing the foreign investment regime  
Legal framework  Description  
Political Constitution of the 
State  The State recognizes, respects and protects private initiative that 
contributes to the country's economic and social development and the 
strengthening of its economic independence (Article 308, para.  I). 
Features of the plural economy include the following: the State assumes full 
direction of economic development and related planning processes; respect 
for entrepreneurship and legal certainty (Article 311, paras II(1) and II(5).  
Supreme Decree No.  29894 o f 
7 February  2009 (as amended 
by Supreme Decree No.  0429 
of 10 February  2010 and 
Supreme Decree No.  2645 of 
6 January  2016)  The Vice -Minister for Strategic State Planning is responsible for designing 
and formulating policies for the development of the comm unitarian 
economy, as well as policies for decolonization and reinforcement of "Living 
Well".  
Supreme Decree No.  2645 establishes the Directorate -General of 
Investment Promotion and the Plural Economy (DGPIEP) in the Vice -Ministry 
of Strategic State Planni ng. It also incorporates subparagraph (q) in  
Article  46 of Supreme Decree No.  29894: "coordinate and consolidate the 
management of investment promotion in Bolivia, in coordination with the 
competent bodies and in keeping with the current regulations".  
Law No. 516 on investment 
promotion of 4  April 2014 Establishes the general legal and institutional framework for investment 
promotion in Bolivia in order to further the country's growth and economic 
and social development towards "Living Well".  
The Ministry of Development Planning is the competent body at central State 
level for the promotion of investment (Article 24).  
Law No.  708 on conciliation and 
arbitration of 25  June 2015 Regulates conciliation and arbitration as alternative means for the 
settlement of disputes arising from contractual or extra -contractual 
relations. Chapter II lays down the procedure governing investment -related 
disputes with the State.  
Related legislation :  
Commercial Code (Decree -Law 
No. 14379 of 
25 February  1977)  Regulates legal  relations arising from commercial activity.  
Hydrocarbons Law (No.  3058 of 
18 May 2005)  Regulates activities relating to hydrocarbons and lays down the principles, 
rules and basic procedures governing the hydrocarbons sector nationwide.  
Aims to safeguard and promote existing and planned investments in Bolivia 
to advance industrialization in all petroleum -related activities and in any 
authorized form of economic or contractual organization.  
General Law on tourism Bolivia 
Te Espera  (Bolivia Awaits You) 
(No. 292 of 
25 September  2012)  Establishes Bolivia's general tourism policies and regime. Allows private 
investment initiative.  
Law on public enterprises 
(No. 466 of 
23 December  2013)  Establishes the regime governing public enterprises at central State level. 
The Law is designed to meet the need for regulation of investment in the 
country. It also regulates public investment and public -private partnerships 
(domestic or foreign).  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 46 - 
  Legal framework  Description  
Law on mining and metallurgy 
(No. 535 of 28  June 2014)  Regulates mining and  metalworking activities by laying down principles, 
guidelines and procedures for the granting, maintenance and extinction of 
mining rights, and the development and continuity of mining and 
metalworking activities.  
Specifies that investment promotion is a function and duty of the State.  
Law on the promotion of 
investment in hydrocarbon 
exploration and exploitation 
(No. 767 of 
11 December  2015)  Incentives to promote investment in hydrocarbon exploration and 
exploitation, in addition to funding and financing  for both types of activity.  
Source:  Information provided by the Bolivian authorities.  
2.41.   Under the new Constitution , "[t]he State recognizes, respects and protects private initiative 
that contributes to the country's economic and social development and the strengthening of its 
economic independence. Free enterprise and full exercise of business activities, which shall be 
regulated by law, are guaranteed".44 Moreover, " [e]veryone has the right to private, individual or 
collective property, provided that it serves a social function. Private property is guaranteed as long 
as the use made of it is not detrimental to the coll ective interest. The right to inheritance is 
guaranteed".45 
2.42.   Under Law No.  516, the State promotes investment to boost production sectors in areas of 
non-traditional economic activity that are conducive to changing the commodity export model and 
driving larg e-scale industrialization processes. Legal relations between the State and Bolivian and 
foreign investors as well as legal relations between investors operating in forms of economic 
organization recognized under the Political Constitution  must be underpinn ed by legal certainty. All 
forms of economic organization (whether community -driven, State, private or cooperative social) 
enjoy equality before the law.46 
2.43.   At the same time, the Political Constitution  empowers the State: to exercise the right and 
duty to sp earhead the process of economic and social planning; to manage and control strategic 
sectors of the economy (hydrocarbons, mining/metalworking, electricity and environmental 
resources), as surplus -generating sectors of which the State has resumed control a nd 
management47; to regulate the processes of production, distribution, marketing and consumption 
of goods and services; to play a direct role in the economy by producing economic and social 
goods and services in order to promote economic and social equity,  and further development; to 
promote food sovereignty for the population; and to control production and commercial activities 
on the grounds of public utility.48 Assets that do not fulfil their social function, the characteristics of 
which may be determined  by the State, will be subject to expropriation and reversion.49 
2.44.   Private investors may engage in economic activities in strategic sectors subject to the rights 
accorded by the State for the purpose under Bolivia's economic and social development regulations  
and policies.50 Any investment intended for the development of production chains involving 
strategic natural resources and economic activities conducive to changes in the production matrix 
pursuant to the country's economic and social development plan will  be accorded preferential 
investment status.51 
2.45.   The Political Constitution does not permit private foreign ownership of Bolivian land situated 
within a swathe of 50 kilometres from the border, except in cases of national necessity.52 Nor does 
                                                
44 Article 308 of the Political Constitution.  
45 Ibid., Article 56.  
46 Ibid., Article 311.  
47 Bolivia's new economic model identifies two major sectors: the strategic sector that generates 
surpluses and the sector that generates income and employment (agricultural, industrial manufacturing, 
tourism and housing).  
48 Articles 309 and 316 of the Political Constitution.  
49 Ibid., Article 57.  
50 Investment Law (2014), Article 6, para.  III. 
51 Ibid., Arti cle 22, para.  I. 
52 Article 262 of the Constitution. No foreign person, individual or company, may acquire property in this 
zone, whether directly or indirectly, or possess any property right in the waters, soil or subsoil; except in the 
case of state neces sity declared by express law approved by two  thirds of the Plurinational Legislative WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 47 - 
  the Political Co nstitution allow foreign investment in the realm of national security. The 
Government manages natural resources.53 The Political Constitution entrusts the responsibility of 
conducting activities in the hydrocarbon production chain and the marketing of hydro carbons to 
the State enterprise Yacimientos Petrolíferos Fiscales Bolivianos ( YPFB), which is empowered to 
sign service contracts with Bolivian or foreign public, mixed or private enterprises for the 
performance against payment of particular activities in the chain.54 Natural or legal persons that 
sign contracts with the State relating to natural resources are required to plough back their profits 
into the same activity.55 
2.46.   No radio broadcasting licenses will be issued to foreign persons or entities.56 In the case of 
radio broadcasting companies, the share of foreign investment may not surpass 25 % of the overall 
investment, except in cases approved by the State or under international treaties. Except for the 
radio broadcasting sector, there is no requir ement for Bolivian citizens to hold stakes in enterprises 
in other fields of economic activity or for foreign capital to diminish over time.  
2.47.   The creation and strengthening of public enterprises is the driver of Bolivia's new economic 
model . Strategic or so cial-interest public enterprises may include: (a) State enterprises, 100 % 
central State ownership; (b) mixed State enterprises, between 70 % and 100 % central State 
ownership, with capital of private domestic origin and/or from foreign public or private ente rprises 
(ETAs may also participate as partners); (c) mixed enterprises, between 51 % and 70 % central 
State ownership, with capital of private domestic origin and/or from foreign public or private 
enterprises (ETAs may also participate as partners); and (d) intergovernmental State enterprises, 
with central State capital ranging from 51 % to less than 100 %, and capital from ETAs.  
2.48.   The Higher Strategic Council for Public Enterprises (COSEEP) comprises the head of the 
Ministry of the Presidency, who chairs the Cou ncil, and the heads of the Ministries of Development 
Planning and the Economy and Public Finance. The COSEEP is the highest authority for setting 
policies, strategies and general guidelines for the management of public enterprises.57 It also 
contributes to the management of public enterprises by consolidating their strategic and economic 
goals, in line with Bolivia's constitutional provisions and general policies.  
2.49.   The Technical Bureau for the Strengthening of Public Enterprises (OFEP) is the operational 
arm of COSEEP58 and a decentralized entity supervised by the Ministry of the Presidency. Its 
powers and functions include evaluating the situation of enterprises and devising and 
implementing a system for the monitoring of the strategic corporate, business and annual 
operational plans of State enterprises, mixed State enterprises and intergovernmental State 
enterprises, based on indicators and goals laid out in the plans.  
2.50.   There are currently 62 public enterprises at central State level, including the State oil a nd 
gas company Yacimientos Petrolíferos Fiscales Bolivianos (YPFB), the National Electricity Company 
(ENDE), the National Telecommunications Company (ENTEL), the national airline Boliviana de 
Aviación (BOA), the Bolivian Mining Corporation (COMIBOL), and t he new lithium -mining 
enterprise Yacimientos de Litio Bolivianos (YLB)59 (section 3.3.5). In 2013 there were 23 public 
                                                                                                                                                  
Assembly. The property or possession affected in the event of non -compliance with this prohibition shall pass 
to the benefit of the State without indemnification.  
53 Minera ls in all their states, hydrocarbons, water, air, soil and the subsoil, forests, biodiversity, the 
electromagnetic spectrum and all elements and physical forces that can be harnessed, are deemed to be 
natural resources. Natural resources are of strategic i mportance and public interest for the development of the 
country (Article 348 of the Political Constitution). Natural resources are the property and the direct, indivisible 
and imprescriptible possession of the Bolivian people, and it shall be for the Stat e to administer them in the 
collective interest (Article 349 of the Political Constitution).  
54 Article 361 of the Political Constitution. The YPFB is a self -governing, inalienable enterprise of public 
law, with administrative, technical and financial auton omy, operating under the State hydrocarbons policy. The 
YPFB, which is attached to the Hydrocarbons Ministry and serves as the operational arm of the State, has sole 
authority to engage in activities throughout the hydrocarbon production chain and in the m arketing of 
hydrocarbons.  
55 Article 351 of the Political Constitution.  
56 Article 28 of General Law on telecommunications and information and communication technologies  
No. 164. 
57 The COSEEP was created with the enactment of Law No.  466 of 26  December  2013 (Law on public 
enterprises).  
58 OFEP.  
59 Law No.  928 of 27  April 2017.  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 48 - 
  enterprises, with 97 % of profits coming from the YPFB.60 Some State enterprises have been closed 
down for lack of profitability, such as th e National Textile Company (Empresa Nacional Textil), the 
Army Construction Company (Empresa de Construcciones del Ejército) , the Bolivian Shipping 
Company (Empresa Naviera Boliviana) , and the National Automotive Company (Empresa Nacional 
Automotriz).  
2.51.   Law No. 516 on investment promotion provides for generally applicable incentives (which 
are of a temporary nature, are approved by means of a specific provision and may not favour one 
investor or group of investors over others in the same sector) and specific incentives (which are 
approved by means of a specific provision and are geared towards investment projects deemed to 
have preferential status).61 The investment timeframes run from one to 20 years depending on the 
economic activity and investment recovery t ime. 
2.52.   Foreign investment is subject to Bolivian jurisdiction, laws and authorities. The Political 
Constitution and Law No.  708 on conciliation and arbitration provide that Bolivian or foreign 
investors should submit their disputes with the State to national  arbitration. Therefore, any 
investor -State dispute must be resolved on Bolivian territory.62 This heightens the risk to foreign 
investors as they may no longer turn to international arbitration tribunals in the event of disputes. 
When such disputes are "pr ivate" in nature, the prevailing principle must be that of autonomy of 
the parties, pursuant to Law No.  708. 
2.53.   Law No.  708 aims to enhance legal certainty for investors. Administrative contracts, among 
others, may not be subject to conciliation or arbitratio n.63 Conciliation may be used to settle 
disputes deriving from contractual or extra -contractual legal relations that can be resolved through 
the free disposal of rights and are not in breach of public order and the Political Constitution.64 
2.54.   Arbitration is us ed in respect of matters that are not ruled out by the Constitution and Law 
No. 708; it takes place before a sole arbitrator or an arbitration tribunal, and may be institutional 
or ad hoc  arbitration. The decisions and arbitral award must be reasoned and s igned by the 
arbitrators even if there is disagreement. The arbitration must take place in Bolivia in accordance 
with domestic regulations, unless the parties agree that the arbitration should take place 
elsewhere, in which case it is deemed to be an inter national arbitration subject to the rules agreed 
among the parties, provided that they do not infringe Bolivia's Political Constitution and legal 
framework.65 
2.55.   Since 2006, 12 enterprises deemed strategic by the Government have been nationalized 
(Table 2.6). According to the Bolivian authorities, the foreign enterprises directly affected by the 
policy of nationalization and recovery of natural resources received fair, expeditious and adequate 
indemnification from Bolivia.  
                                                
60 Online information from EJU news . Viewed at: http://eju.tv/2015/04/en -bolivia -hay-63-empresas -
estatales -gobierno -advierte -con-cerrar -las-que-no-dan-ingresos . 
61 The areas of investment with preferential status are activities relati ng to hydrocarbons, mining, 
energy and transport, which contribute to higher value added; non -traditional production that generates value 
added, with potential for innovation and capacity building; and lines of production that promote poles of 
development in fields of interest to the State and reduce inequalities.  
62 Article 320 of the Political Constitution.  
63 Article 4 of the Law No.  708. 
64 Conciliation must take place in the place agreed on by the parties, or, failing agreement, in the 
following order: in  the place where the obligation should be performed, at the place of domicile of the applicant 
or in the place of residence of the respondent. The record of the conciliation is binding once signed, and is 
enforceable immediately.  
65 The parties may freely d etermine an odd number of arbitrators. If no agreement is reached, there will 
be three arbitrators, who will be named by the appointing authority agreed on by the parties or designated by 
the Conciliation and Arbitration Centre. If there is no agreement, a nd for ad hoc  arbitrations, the appointing 
authority will be the competent judge.  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 49 - 
  Table 2.6 Nationalized enterprises, 2006 -2017  
Nationalized 
enterprise  Foreign enterprise  Sector  Supreme Decree 
on 
nationalization  Supreme Decree 
on 
indemnification  
Transporte de 
Hidrocarburos 
(Transredes)  AEI Luxembourg Holdings  
(through TR Holdings Ltd.)  Hydrocarbons  SD No.  29541, 
1 May 2008 SD No.  29726, 
1 October  2008 
Transredes  Shell Gas (Latin America) 
BV Hydrocarbons  D.S. 29541, 
1 May 2008 SD No.  29706, 
16 September  2008 
C.L.H.B.  Oiltanking Investments 
Bolivia  
Graña y Montero S.A.  
GMP S.A.  Hydrocarbons  SD No.  28701, 
1 May 2006 SD No.  29542, 
1 May 2008 
ENTEL  ETI Eurotelecom 
International NV 
(subsidiary of Telecom 
Italia) Telecommunications  SD No.  29544, 
1 May 2008 SD No.  692, 
3 November  2010 
Corani  Inversiones Econergy  
Bolivia S.A.  (subsidiary of 
GDF Suez S.A. ) Electricity  SD No.  493, 
1 May 2010 SD No.  995, 
28 September  2011 
Corani  Carlson Dividend Facility 
S.A. Electricity  SD No.  493, 
1May  2010 SD No.  995, 
28 September  2011 
Valle 
Hermoso  The Bolivian Generating 
Group L.L.C.  Electricity  SD No.  493, 
1 May 2010 SD No.  731, 
8 December  2010 
E.G.S.A.  Rurelec Plc.  Electricity  SD No.  493, 
1 May 2010 SD No.  2006, 
21 May 2014 
T.D.E.  Red Eléctrica Internacional, 
S.A.U.  Electricity  SD No.  1214, 
1 May 2012 SD No.  2156, 
21 October  2014 
Chaco  Pan American Energy LLC  Energy  SD No.  28701, 
1 May 2006 SD No.  2220, 
17 December  2014 
IBERBOLIVIA 
DE 
INVERSIONES  IBERDROLA S.A and 
IBERDROLA ENERGIA 
S.A.U.  Energy  SD No.  1448, 
29 December  2012 SD No.  2592, 
11 November  2015 
IBERBOLIVIA 
DE 
INVERSIONES  PAZ HOLDINGS Ltd.  Energy  SD No.  1448, 
29 December  2012 SD No.  2594, 
11 November  2015 
Source:  Information provided by the Bolivian authorities.  
2.56.   Since 2006, Bolivia has had to deal with 13 cases of arbitration in relation to nationalization 
and reversion of enterprises and areas to the State; eight of them were settled by agreement 
among the parties without any need for a ruling, two cases were decided in favour of the foreign 
investor, and the following three are still pendin g66: South American Silver (Bermuda), in 
connection with the withdrawal of ten mining concessions from its subsidiary Malku Khota under 
Supreme Decree No.  1308 of 201267; Abertis Infraestructuras (Spain), in connection with the 
nationalization of Servicios d e Aeropuertos Bolivianos S.A. (SABSA) under Supreme Decree 
No. 1494 of 18  February  2013; and Glencore (United Kingdom), in connection with reversion to 
the State of the Vinto -Estaño metalworking plant under Supreme Decree No.  29026 of 2007 and 
the Vinto An timonio plant under Supreme Decree No.  499 of 2010, and control over the Centro 
Minero Coloquirí under Supreme Decree No.  1264 of 2012.68 
2.57.   According to the Bolivian authorities,  Bolivia has settled most of its disputes through 
amicable negotiation, with just  one award having been made on 31  January  2014 in connection 
with the nationalization of Empresa Guaracachi S.A. (E.G.S.A.), which the Bolivian State completed 
within a period of four months. Moreover, the dispute "Quibórax S.A. and Non -Metallic Minerals 
S.A. v. the Plurinational State of Bolivia" began in 2004 and therefore predates the current 
                                                
66 Online information from UNCTAD.  Viewed at: 
http://investmentpoliczhub.unctad.org/ISDS/CountryCases/24?partyRole=2 . 
67 According to the Bolivian authorities, this dispute is not related to the current nationalization policy or 
to any form of reversion of foreign enterprises to the State. They take th e view that this case resulted from the 
reversion to original State ownership of the special transitional mining authorizations, as a result of labour 
disputes that posed a mortal danger to the local population and company personnel during the socializatio n of 
the mining projects. This required the intervention of the Government and the adoption of Supreme Decree 
No. 1308.  
68 Glencore served notice of arbitration on 19  July 2016 and the State Prosecutor's Office has been 
providing legal defence since then.  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 50 - 
  nationalization process.69 The Bolivian State is currently involved in talks and negotiations with 
Abertis Infraestructuras S.A. (Spain) and is cooperating with COMI BOL in the negotiations with 
Jindal Steel (India).  
2.58.   In October  2007 Bolivia withdrew from the World Bank's International Center for Settlement 
of Investment Disputes (ICSID). Bolivia is a member of the Multilateral Investment Guarantee 
Agency (MIGA).  
2.59.   Bolivi a has denounced 22 bilateral reciprocal investment promotion and protection 
agreements (APPRI) that were deemed contrary to its Political Constitution  (Table 2.7).70 Foreign 
investors in Bolivia continue to be protected under the APPRIs for ten years after the termination 
of each agreement.  
2.60.   Bolivia has the following agreements for the avoidance of double taxation: Argentina (Law 
No. 21780 of 30  October  1976); France (Law No.  1655 of 31  July 1995); Germany (Law No.  1462 
of 18  February  1993); Spain (Law No.  1816 of 16  December  1997); Sweden (Law No.  1645 of 
13 July 1995); the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (Law No.  1643 
11 July 1995); as well as Decisions 40 and 578 as regards the CAN countries. The Bolivian 
authorities are also assessing the possibility of negotiating similar agreements with Azerbaijan, the 
Republic of Korea, Iran, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Portugal, and Viet Nam.  
2.61.   Bolivia undertook investment -related commitments under the General Agreement on Trade 
in Serv ices (GATS). Moreover, Bolivia has some preferential agreements containing investment 
clauses. As regards the CAN, Decisions 291 and 292 lay down the legal parameters for foreign 
investment in Bolivia. The ACE with MERCOSUR does not contain any specific cl auses on 
investment between MERCOSUR and Bolivia but does state that the signatories will consider the 
possibility of concluding agreements in order to avoid double taxation and to encourage and 
protect reciprocal investment.  
2.62.   As regards the overall busines s environment, the latest edition of the World Bank's Doing 
Business  report, which classifies countries according to the ease of doing business and promoting 
private investment, ranks Bolivia 149th among 190 countries (131st in 2007 and 157th in 2015). 
According to the report, Bolivia has taken steps to facilitate business, for example, by gradually 
shortening the time it takes to register new enterprises. However, both domestic and foreign 
investors face problems such as relatively high taxes and complex f ormalities for obtaining 
construction permits and registering property.71 Despite Bolivia's efforts in recent years to combat 
corruption, this still represents a challenge according to international observers.72 The Bolivian 
Government has adopted measures to address this challenge. In 2006 the Vice -Ministry of 
Transparency and the Fight against Corruption was created within the Ministry of Justice.73 The 
Ministry of Transparency and the Fight against Corruption w as set up in 200974 and merged with 
the Ministry of Justice in 2017.75 Bolivia ratified the United Nations Convention against Corruption 
in December  2005, is party to the OAS Inter -American Convention against Corruption and has an 
Ombudsman appointed by the Congress.76 
                                                
69 Supreme Decree No.  27589 of 23  June 2004 cancelled the mining concessions held by Non -Metallic 
Minerals S.A., a Bolivian company in which Quiborax was believed to hold a stake.  
70 Under the ninth transitional provision of the Political Constitution, the St ate must terminate or 
renegotiate international agreements/treaties that are contrary to the Constitution. The APPRI with Peru 
continues in force until February  2018.  
71 Online information from the World Bank.  Viewed at: 
http://www.doingbusiness/data/exploreeconomies/bolivia . 
72 World Economic Forum (2016), The Global Competitiveness Report 2016 -2017. Viewed at: 
http://www3.weforum.org/docs/GCR2016 -2017/05FullReport/TheGlobalCompetitivenessReport2016 -
2017_FINAL.pdf . 
73 Supreme Decree No.  28613 of 30  January  2006.  
74 Supreme Decree No.  29894 of 7  February  2009.  
75 Supreme Dec ree No.  3058 of 22  January  2017.  
76 Articles 218 -219 and 222 -224 of the Political Constitution and Law No.  1818 of 1997.  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 51 - 
  Table 2.7 APPRIs terminated, 2006 -2017  
 Date of signature  Date of the termination  Responsible body  
Germany  23 March 1997 13 May 2013 DGAJ  
Argentina  17 March 1994 13 May 2013 DGAJ  
Austria  4 April 1997 30 June 2012 DGAJ  
Belgium -Luxembourg  25 April 1995 14 May 2013 DGAJ  
Chile 22 September 1994 7 May 2013 DGAJ  
China  8 May 1992 13 May 2013 DGAJ  
Cuba 6 May 1995 9 July2008 VCEI 
Denmark  12 March 1995 13 May 2013 DGAJ  
Ecuador  25 May 1995 7 May 2013 DGAJ  
Spain  29 April 2001 4 January 2012 DGAJ  
United States  17 April 1998 7 June 2012 DGAJ  
France  25 December 1989 13 May 2013 DGAJ  
Italy 30 April 1990 22 February 2011 DGAJ  
Mexicoa 10 September 1994 7 June 2010 DGAJ  
Netherlands  10 March 1992 1 November 2009 VCEI 
Perub 24 May 1993 7 May 2013 DGAJ  
United Kingdom  24 May 1988 13 May 2013 DGAJ  
Republic of Korea  1 April 1996 11 January 2007 VRECE  
Romania  9 December 1995 14 May 2013 DGAJ  
Sweden  20 September 1990 3 July 2012 DGAJ  
Switzerland  6 November 1987 27 December 2006 VRECE  
a This refers to the free trade agreement . 
b Remains in force until 19  February  2018 so that a new APPRI  can be negotiated during that time.  
Note:  DGAJ: Directorate -General of Legal Affairs. VRECE: Vice -Ministry of Economic Relations and Foreign 
Trade. VCEI: Vice -Ministry of Foreign Trade and Integration.  
Source:  Information provided by the Bolivian authorities.  
2.63.   Business activity in Bolivia is governed by the Commercial Code, which has been in force 
since 1  January  1978.77 The contract for the incorporation or modification of a company must take 
the form of a public instrument, except in the case of temporary partnerships or joint venture 
partnerships, where the instrument may be private. Equity capital must be set pr ecisely, but may 
increase or decrease in accordance with the provisions of the articles of association or statutes, 
except where there are statutory minimum capital requirements for certain business activities. The 
most common types of company used by nati onal and/or foreign investors are: sole 
proprietorships, limited liability companies, joint stock companies, companies incorporated abroad, 
general partnerships, mixed joint stock companies and limited partnerships.  
2.64.   According to the Bolivian authorities, c ompany registration fo rmalities take an average of 
24 hours in Bolivia. Depending on the type of company, the requisite documents may be: sworn 
declaration forms; opening balance sheets; copies of public deeds of incorporation and of the 
power of attorney of the legal representative; proof of the opening of a bank account; certification 
of a background check with the Special Anti -Drug Trafficking Unit (FELCC) and Interpol, showing 
that the signatory has no criminal record; permit issued by the Directorate -General of Migration to 
reside or remain on Bolivian territory; enrolment in the National Tax Register to obtain the tax 
identification number (NIT); registration with the BCB for foreign investment purposes; evidence 
of enrolment in the Trade Register oper ated by FUNDEMPRESA.78 
2.65.   The Law on administrative streamlining and the creation and operation of economic units 
introduced Yuriña, a virtual digital information system that interconnects users and stores, 
centralizes, digitizes and manages certifications and  requirements for the establishment and 
operation of economic units.79 Yuriña is also a medium for electronic publication of the commercial 
documentation prescribed under the Commercial Code. Once fully implemented, Yuriña will be the 
only means of verifyin g information recorded in the system, in addition to the online  
Official  Journal.  
                                                
77 Decree -Law No.  14379 of 25  February  1977.  
78 FUNDEMPRESA is a non -profit foundation that operates the Trade Register nationwide under a  
concession contract signed with the Bolivian State. The Trade Register is administered by the Ministry of 
Production Development and the Plural Economy (MDPyEP). The Business Control Authority (AEMP) regulates, 
controls and supervises persons, entities, e nterprises and activities falling under its jurisdiction in matters 
pertaining to the Trade Register.  
79 Law No.  779 of 21  January  2016.  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 52 - 
  3  TRADE POLICIES AND P RACTICES BY MEASURE  
3.1  Measures directly affecting imports  
3.1.1   Customs procedures and requirements, and customs valuation  
3.1.  Customs procedures in the Plurinational State of Bolivia are governed by the General 
Customs Law and its implementing Regulations1, and by the Bolivian Tax Code, which regulates 
both national and import taxes.2 
3.2.  The Bolivian National Customs (ANB) is the authority responsible, inter alia , for facilitating 
and controlling the entry and exit of goods to and from Bolivian territory, and for collecting 
customs taxes.  
3.3.  Bolivia has three types of customs procedure for imports: importation for consumption; 
admission of goods with exemption from taxes; and re -import in the  same state. There are also 
six types of special customs procedure for imports: customs transit, transhipment, customs 
warehousing, temporary admission for re -export in the same state, temporary admission for 
inward processing (RITEX), and the duty -free goods procedure, as well as se veral special or 
exceptional customs destinations and one special regime, that of free zones (Table A3.1).3 
3.4.  Legal persons of a public or private nature, including sole proprietorship businesses, wishing 
to import goods must first register in the ANB’s Impo rters’ Register, and with the National Tax 
Service. Registration is initially via the Internet, but subsequently the owner or legal 
representative must go to the ANB offices in person. Both regular and occasional importers must 
be registered. Regular impor ters are persons or businesses whose imports exceed Bs  37,000 
(around US$5,400).  
3.5.  The declarant, whether the importer or a customs clearing agent, or in the case of imports 
for the public sector, the official customs agent, draws up the single import declar ation (DUI) 
electronically. The DUI must include documents such as the value note, the vehicle registration 
form (FRV), the machinery registration form (FRM) and the trailers and semi -trailers registration 
form (FRRS), among other documents, and must be ac companied by the following: (a) original 
copy of the commercial invoice or equivalent document, as applicable; (b) transport documents 
(the original or a copy of the air waybill, consignment note, shipping bill of lading or bill of lading); 
(c) original re cord of delivery; (d) original packing list for a variety of goods; and also, where 
applicable, (e) sworn declaration of the customs value by the importer; (f) copy of the insurance 
policy; (g) original document showing port charges; (h) copy of the invoic e for transport costs 
issued by the carrier indicated on the international cargo manifest; (i) original certificate of origin 
for the goods; and (j) original copies of prior certificates or authorizations.4 If the goods may 
present a risk for public health  or national security, certificates allowing the identification, analysis 
and control of the goods must be attached as well.  
3.6.  The DUI has to be submitted before the goods reach Bolivian customs territory. It may only 
be rejected if it contains errors; for e xample, if it is submitted to a customs post other than the 
one indicated on the DUI, the name of the consignee differs from that on the supporting 
documents or the DUI indicates more than one consignee.5 To avoid errors when drawing up the 
DUI, therefore,  the declarant or an insurance company may request the Customs to authorize 
pre-clearance inspection before the DUI is submitted. If there are sufficient elements to raise 
doubts concerning the true origin, state, quantity, quality or value of the goods, t he Customs will 
require prior inspection of the goods. If there are discrepancies between the goods undergoing 
prior inspection and the related customs documents, the declarant must submit a declaration for 
the goods noting the discrepancies so that the co rresponding customs duties can be paid. If the 
discrepancies increase the tax base, they must be indicated on the goods declaration so that 
                                                
1 General Customs Law, Law No.  1990 of 28  July 1999 (updated on 31  December  2015) and Regulations 
implementing the Gener al Customs Law, Supreme Decree No.  25870 of 11  August  2000 (updated on 
31 December  2015).  
2 Bolivian Tax Code, Law No.  2492 of 2  August  2003 (updated on 1  July 2016).  
3 Title Four of the General Customs Law (Articles 90 -135).  
4 Article 111 of the Regulatio ns implementing the General Customs Law.  
5 Ibid.,  Article  112. WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 53 - 
  customs duties can be paid. On the other hand, if the discrepancies lower the value, the customs 
duties are paid on the tax base established as a result of prior inspection of the goods.  
3.7.  Once the DUI has been accepted, the importer has three working days in which to pay 
customs duties. Payment must be made in Bolivian currency at financial institutions authorized by 
the ANB; currently, Banco Unión is the authorized institution.  
3.8.  Customs control takes place through one of three channels (green, yellow or red), selected 
for reasons of risk or randomly, although only a maximum of 20% of the import declarations 
accepted over one month may be selected for the red channel. Goods going through the 
green  channel are cleared immediately. Those directed to the yellow channel necessitate 
verification of the documents and in general are cleared within 24 hours. For t hose going through  
the red  channel, which involves verification of the documents and/or physical inspection, clearance 
takes a maximum of 48 hours (Chart 3.1). Goods can be cleared in advance, before they enter 
national territory, and then be regularized 20 days later after  all the goods have entered Bolivia.6 
Moreover, the clearance of some easily recognizable products in large quantities may take place 
outside the customs area.  
3.9.  The guidelines for the Strategic Plan 2011 -2015 include the implementation of an authorized 
economic operator (AEO) programme, whose goal is to reinforce relations between the Customs 
and the private sector so as to facilitate foreign trade. In 2012, this commitment was incorporated 
into domestic legislation7, and in 2015 the programme started to be implemented when the ANB 
determined the regulations for AEOs and issued the certification handbook showing the 
requirements for participating in the programme. Consequently, importers, customs clearance 
agencies and/or international carriers with AEO certi fication have the advantage of simplified 
customs procedures, for example, the possibility of deciding on the place where customs checks 
are to be conducted and streamlined verification of documents and/or physical inspection when 
being allocated to the re d or yellow channel.8 AEOs also have the benefit of a lower level of risk for 
their foreign trade transactions and priority for the number of valuations, whether physical or 
documentary. At present (June  2017), four importers and five customs clearing agen cies have 
received AEO certification.  
3.10.   By July  2017, Bolivia had not yet ratified the WTO Agreement on Trade Facilitation, but in 
addition to the AEO programme to facilitate trade, it was in the  process of setting up a 
single  window.  
3.11.   The General Customs Law  provides that the customs value of imported goods is to be 
determined in accordance with the WTO Customs Valuation Agreeme nt, as provided in 
Decision  571 of the Andean Community (CAN) and the Community Regulations, as well as 
domestic legislation.9 Refere nce prices are used as an indication to control the declared value of 
imported goods if there is any reasonable doubt. They are, however, used as the basis for 
calculating value when the valuation methods provided in the WTO Customs Valuation Agreement 
cannot be used. Currently, new or used vehicles are valued according to "procedures for special 
cases of customs valuation", which takes as a basis the f.o.b. value of the corresponding new 
vehicle, to which a depreciation ratio is applied.10 
                                                
6 Article 128 of the Regulations implementing the General Customs Law, Supreme Decree No.  25870 of 
11 August  2000.  
7 Supreme Decree No.  1443 of 19  December  2012.  
8 Regulations governing the authorized economic operator programme (Administrative Resolution 
No. RA PE-01-005-15 of 20  March  2015).  
9 Article 143 of Law No.  1990, General Customs Law of 28  July 1999. Article 250 of the Regulations 
implementing the General Customs Law, Supreme Decree No.  25870 of 11  August  2000 (last updated in 
2015).  
10 Regulations implementing Law No.  3467 on the import of motor vehicles, Supreme Decree No.  28963 
of 6 December  2006.  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 54 - 
  Chart 3.1 Importation for consumption: procedures  
 
Source:  Importation for consumption: procedures. Viewed at: 
http://www.aduana.gob.bo/aduana7/sites /default/files/kcfinder/files/proyectosprocedimientos/ImpC
onsumo%20120813.pdf . 
Gives the declarant the 
Andean  customs value 
declaration ( DAV) and 
supporting documents for 
customs clearance, obtains 
customs endorsement or 
transmits a power of attorney 
giving a customs mandate  
Verifies that the supporting 
documents required for 
customs clearance are available 
and draws up the declaration  
Submits the DUI t hrough the 
ANB’s computer system, which  
verifies its exactitude and, if 
applicable, assigns a file 
number  
Pays cus toms duties and other 
charges. After payment, the 
computer system automatically 
assigns a channel for the DUI  
Submits the DUI and 
supporting documents to the 
Customs Administr ation the 
same day or at the latest the 
next day  
Verification of the documents 
and/or physical inspection of 
the goods  
Valuation 
decision   
 
 
The concessionaire of the free 
zone or bonded warehouse 
verifies the authorization for 
release of the goods , using the 
ANB computer system, and 
issues the record of trans fer of 
the goods  
Green  
Registers the procedures 
completed in the 
computer system’s 
inspection document and 
authorizes release of the 
goods  
Draws up and issues the 
acceptance 
document/report on 
change in value through 
the computer system and 
informs the interested 
party of the outco me of 
the valuation  
If the importer agrees, he pays 
the corresponding customs 
duty, any fines (not applicable 
to adjustment of valuation), 
proceeding with customs 
clearance and authorization to 
release the goods  
If the importer disagrees, after 
having presented and evaluated 
the arguments, the comments are 
noted and the Customs 
Administrator  issues the 
administ rative decision 
determining the amount or 
imposing sanctions and, where 
applicable, customs clearance is 
suspended  
Accepts  
END 
FIRST STEP  
Chann el 
Red/yellow  
Customs Administration  
 Importer  
 Declarant  
 Concessionaire  
Without 
comments  
 With 
comments  
No 
 Yes 
WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 55 - 
  3.12.   If there are differences with the Customs concerning customs valuation (including the 
classification or value of the product or its origin) or other import requirements, an appe al may be 
made to the Customs Administration concerned. After the Customs Administration has resolved 
the dispute by means of a decision determining the value and/or imposing sanctions, the decision 
may in turn be appealed before the regional tax superviso ry authorities. Once administrative 
channels have been exhausted, a legal challenge to the decision taken at the administrative level 
may be filed with the Supreme Court of Justice.  
3.1.2   Rules of origin  
3.13.   Bolivia employs both preferential and non -preferential rul es of origin. Non -preferential rules 
are used to determine the origin of imports subject to safeguard, anti -dumping or countervailing 
measures, tariff quotas or any other measure for which it is necessary to know the "country of 
origin" of a good. These ru les have been notified to the WTO.11 
3.14.   In the case of preferential trade, specific rules of origin are defined in the context of the 
Cartagena Agreement and the Economic Complementarity Agreement (ACE) with MERCOSUR. 
General preferential rules of origin, determined within the Latin American Integration Association 
(LAIA), apply to all the other agreements signed by Bolivia in the LAIA framework. According to 
the LAIA's general rules of origin, origin is conferred on products made in the territory of one of  
the signatories using exclusively materials from the other signatories, or if there is a change in 
tariff classification, or if the c.i.f. value of the inputs from third countries does not exceed 50% of 
the export value (f.o.b.) of the finished product. T he percentage is 60% for Bolivia as a country 
with a relatively lower level of development. For assembly operations, the c.i.f. value of inputs 
from third countries may not exceed 50% of the export value (f.o.b.) of the end product.  
3.15.   In the case of the CAN,  trade is governed by the rules of origin in Community Decisions  416 
and 417 of July  1997. Andean origin is conferred on products which incorporate non -Andean raw 
materials if they are the subject of a change in tariff classification. Alternatively, the va lue added 
criterion may be used, according to which the c.i.f. value of non -originating materials must not 
exceed 60% of the f.o.b. value of the end product in the case of exports from Bolivia or Ecuador, 
and 50% for those from other members. The value add ed criterion also applies to goods that are 
the result of an assembly operation.  
3.16.   In the ACE between Bolivia and MERCOSUR, origin is conferred through the change in tariff 
heading method or, if not, when the c.i.f. value of the material originating from thi rd countries 
does not exceed 40% of the f.o.b. value of the end product. For assembly operations, even if there 
is a change in tariff heading, the 40% rule still applies. Specific rules of origin apply to certain 
products (Appendix No.  1 to Annex 9 to the Agreement).  
3.17.   Cumulative origin is allowed by all the aforementioned agreements, except for that of 
the LAIA.  
3.18.   Since 2005, Bolivia has signed trade agreements with Mexico and with the Bolivarian 
Republic of Venezuela. The criteria conferring origin under thes e two agreements are general or 
specific. For example, the use of non -originating materials is allowed provided that they do not 
exceed a percentage of the total cost or weight of the good, as is the case for textiles. Both 
agreements confer origin when th e good is obtained or produced in the territory of one Party or is 
produced exclusively from materials considered to be originating. In the case of the Bolivia -Mexico 
Agreement (ACE No.  66 of 15  May 2010), if a good incorporates non -originating materials, the 
criteria conferring origin are a change in the tariff heading and/or value of the regional content or 
both criteria. The agreement contains a de minimis clause allowing the use of non -originating 
materials provided that they do not exceed 7% of the tot al value of the transaction or weight of 
the good. As is the case for the agreement with Mexico, in the agreement between Bolivia and 
Venezuela, when non -originating materials are incorporated, origin is conferred if there is a change 
in tariff heading or if specific criteria are met. Depending on the case, however, the c.i.f. value of 
non-originating materials may not exceed 60% of the f.o.b. value of the end product.12 
                                                
11 WTO document G/RO/N/9 of 19  April 1996.  
12 The Peoples' Trade Agreement on economic and productive complementarity between Bolivia and 
Venezuela was signed on 31  March  2011 (Law No.  167 of 19  August  2011).  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 56 - 
  3.1.3   Tariffs  
3.1.3.1   Structure and levels  
3.19.   In 2017, Bolivia's tariff contained 7,607 ten -digit HS 2017  tariff lines. Bolivia applies only 
ad valorem tariffs.  
3.20.   In 2017, the simple average of applied MFN tariffs is 11.1% (Table 3.1). The average tariff 
on non -agricultural products is lower (10.8%) than that on agricultural products (13.3%), and this 
did not change during the review period. Even though, on average, agricultural products enjoy 
greater protection, the products with the highest average tariff are clothing, with a tariff of 40%, 
and alcoholic beverages and tobacco (25.2%) (Table A3.2).  
Table 3.1 Structure of MFN tariffs, 2017  
(%) 
  2017 (HS17)  
1. Total number of lines  7,607  
2. Non-ad valorem tariffs (% of all tariff lines)  0.0 
3. Tariff quotas (% of all tariff lines)  0.0 
4. Duty-free tariff lines (% of all tariff lines)  7.5 
5. Average of lines exceeding zero (%)  12.1 
6. Simple average  11.1 
7. Agricultural products (WTO definition)  13.3 
8. Non-agricultural products (including petroleum, WTO definition)  10.8 
9. National tariff peaks (% of all tariff lines)a 5.6 
10. International tariff peaks (% of all tariff lines)b 18.2 
11. Overall standard deviation of applied rates  9.0 
12. Bound tariff lines (% of all tariff lines)  100.0  
a National tariff peaks are defined as rates that exceed three times the overall simple average applied 
rate. 
b International tariff peaks are defined as rates that exceed 15 %. 
Source:  WTO Secretariat estimates, based on data provided by the authorities.  
3.21.   The MFN tariff structure consists of seven rates ranging from ze ro to 40%, which in principle 
apply according to the category of the product: 0% for capital goods (machinery and equipment); 
5% for capital goods and inputs; 10% for food, non -alcoholic beverages, vehicles, computers, 
consumer goods; 15% for fruit and veg etables, fish and raw materials for manufacturing plastics; 
20% for other manufactures and value -added products; 30% for cigarettes, wooden doors and 
windows; and 40% for clothing and accessories, alcoholic beverages, wooden furniture and 
footwear.13 Accord ing to domestic legislation, however, tariffs can be raised if this is necessary to 
protect domestic industry or lowered if supplies run short.14 In 2017, the most common tariff rates 
are 5% and 10%, which apply to 31.9% and 31.5% of the corresponding tarif f lines (Chart 3.2). In 
2017, a rate of 10% or less applies to 70.9% of tariff lines.  
3.22.   Bolivia bound all its tariffs during the Uruguay Round. The majority were bound at 40% with 
19 lines bound at 30%, namely, live animals (four lines of HS 01.02); machiner y and equipment 
(13 lines of Chapters 84 and 85); tractors (one line of HS 87.01); and goods transport vehicles 
(one line of HS 87.04).  
                                                
13 Supreme Decree No.  29349 of 21  November  2007.  
14 Supreme Decree No.  2795 of 8  June 2016.  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 57 - 
  Chart 3.2 Frequency distribution of tariff rates, 2017  
 
 
a The total num ber of lines is 7,607.  
Source: WTO Secretariat calculations, based on data provided by the authorities.  
3.1.3.2   Tariff quotas  
3.23.   Bolivia does not apply any tariff quotas within the WTO framework or under the preferential 
agreements negotiated.  
3.1.3.3   Preferential tariffs  
3.24.   Bolivia grants preferential treatment to imports from countries with which it has signed 
preferential agreements. It gives preference to countries belonging to the CAN (Colombia, Ecuador 
and Peru) and to Chile, Cuba, Mexico, MERCOSUR member countries and V enezuela. The tariff 
preferences granted under all these agreements cover over 97% of the total tariff and for some 
agreements cover 100%. This is the case for the CAN and the agreements with Cuba, with 
MERCOSUR member countries and with Venezuela (Table 3 .2). 
Table 3.2 Analysis of the tariffs applied to countries with which trade agreements have 
been signed, 2017  
 Total  WTO categories  
Agricultural products  Non-agricultural 
products (excluding 
petroleum)  
Average 
(%) Duty -free 
lines (%)  Average 
(%) Duty -free 
lines (%)  Average 
(%) Duty -free 
lines (%)  
MFN 11.1 7.5 13.3 1.6 10.8 8.5 
Andean Community  0.0 100.0  0.0 100.0  0.0 100.0  
Chile 10.5 11.3 12.5 6.3 10.2 12.1 
Cuba 0.0 100.0  0.0 100.0  0.0 100.0  
MERCOSUR  0.0 100.0  0.0 100.0  0.0 100.0  
Mexico  0.4 97.0 2.4 81.9 0.1 99.3 
Venezuela, Bolivarian 
Rep. of  0.0 100.0  0.0 100.0  0.0 100.0  
Source:  WTO Secretariat estimates, based on data provided by the authorities.  
(7.5%)(31.9%) (31.5%)
(10.9%)(12.5%)
(0.2%)(5.5%)
0102030405060708090100
02004006008001,0001,2001,4001,6001,8002,0002,2002,4002,600
0 5 10 15 20 30 40Number of linesa%
Cumulative
Number of lines (% of total)WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 58 - 
  3.25.   The average preferential tariff in the agreements negotiated by Bolivia is lower than the 
average MFN tariff and, in every case with the exception of the agreements with Mexico (0.4%) 
and Chile (10.5%), is 0%. For Mexico and Chile, the preferences given for agricultural products are 
lower than those for non -agricultural products and in Chile's case, the preferential tariff for both 
agricultural and non -agricultural products, is very close to the MFN rate.  
3.1.3.4   Tariff concessions  
3.26.   In general, duty has to be paid on all imported goods, unless they are specifically exempt by 
law. Exemptions apply to goods imported  inter alia , by: diplomatic missions and international 
organizations; non -governmental organizations and the public sector; Bolivians or foreigners 
domiciled in Bolivia returning to national ter ritory (travellers' regime). The following are also 
exempt: imports of goods donated to private non -profit -making organizations and public entities; 
commercial samples; equipment for aeronautical use; goods imported for personal use by 
populations living c lose to the border; imports of monies (banknotes and coins) by the central 
bank; and imports of goods for military use and armaments.15 Companies eligible for the economic 
promotion laws applying to certain regions of the country16 also receive exemptions (T able A3.5).  
3.27.   Under the various regimes such as the industrial free zones regime and the temporary 
admission for inward processing (RITEX) procedure, payment of tariffs on imported goods is 
suspended.  
3.28.   Furthermore, in order to meet the various objectives of B olivia's sectoral policies, in some 
instances tariffs have to be lowered. For example, one of the overall objectives of the national 
hydrocarbons policy is to guarantee energy security in the short, medium and long terms and to 
meet national demand for hyd rocarbons satisfactorily (Article  11 of Law No.  3058). Accordingly, 
over the period 2006 -2017, the tariff on imports of inputs and additives for the production and 
marketing of special gasoline was lowered to 0% and the tariff on the import of liquefied 
petroleum gas (LPG), jet fuel and diesel oil also temporarily went down to 0%.17 This type of 
measure has also been used to achieve food security and adequate supply of the inputs needed to 
ensure production that meets domestic demand for food within the shor test possible time. For 
example, owing to a fall in the production of certain foods, in 2009 tariffs were temporarily cut to 
0% for imports of live bovine animals (HS 01.02), fresh an d frozen bovine meat (HS 02.01) , wheat 
and meslin (HS 10.01), wheat flour  (HS 1101.00.00.00), and fats and oils (HS  1516.10.00.00).18 
Likewise, in order to increase the area under agricultural production, from 2011 and for an initial 
period of five years tariffs were reduced to 0% on imports of agricultural machinery and 
equipme nt (ploughs, mowers, machinery for food preparation) and some agricultural inputs 
(seeds, cattle feed, vaccines and veterinary medicines).19 In 2016, this measure was renewed for 
another five years.20 
3.1.4   Other charges affecting imports  
3.29.   The following taxes have to be paid on both imported and domestic products: value -added 
tax (VAT); the specific consumption tax (ICE) and the special tax on hydrocarbons and 
hydrocarbon derivatives (IEHD). The nominal rate of VAT is 13%, which corresponds to an actual 
rate of 14.9 4% on all products except for books, newspapers and publications, on which the rate is 
0%.21 The ICE may be ad valorem or compound and applies to: alcoholic and non -alcoholic 
beverages, cigarettes and tobacco and vehicles (Table 3.3).22 A compound or specifi c tax applies 
to beverages depending on their nature; specific taxes apply, for example, to water and other 
energy drinks, grape must, corn alcohol ( chicha ) and ethyl alcohol. As regards vehicles 
(96 ten-digit HS 2017 tariff lines), the ICE is ad valorem and ranges from zero to 50% according 
                                                
15 General Customs Law, Law No.  1990 of 28  July 1999; Regulations implementing the General Customs 
Law, Supreme Decree No.  25870 of 11  August  2000.  
16 Law No.  2685 of 13  May 2004 and Law No.  3420 of 8  June 2006.  
17 Supreme Decree No.  0209 of 15  July 2009 and Su preme Decree No.  29886 of 20  January  2009.  
18 Supreme Decree No.  0346 of 28  October  2009 and Supreme Decree No.  0026 of 6  March  2009.  
19 Law No.  144 of 26  June 2011 and Supreme Decree No.  943 of 2  August  2011.  
20 Supreme Decree No.  2860 of 2  August  2016.  
21 Law No.  843. Viewed at: 
http://www.impuestos.gob.bo/images/comunicacion/varios/LEY%20843_v1.0.pdf . 
22 Internal taxes, Law No.  843 of 31  December  2005.  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 59 - 
  to the type of fuel and the age of the vehicle.23 The zero rate generally applies to gas -driven 
vehicles. The rate also increases according to the age of the vehicle so a vehicle (classified under 
the same HS heading) ma y be taxed at a rate of 20% if it is new and 50% if it is five or more 
years old.24 The ICE is ad valorem for tobacco products and has two rates: 50% and 55%. The 
IEHD has to be paid on hydrocarbons, whether imported or domestically produced; it is a specif ic 
tax which varies depending on the product and each year a maximum rate is fixed. The tax on 
domestic jet fuel is B s 0.32, while for international jet fuel it is B s 4.24. 
Table 3.3 Other taxes, 2017  
HS 2017 
code  Description  ICEa 
Specific rate 
(Bs/litre)  % 
Non-alcoholic beverages in hermetically sealed containers (except natural waters and fruit juices of 
heading 20.09) and energy drinks  
2202.10.00.00  Waters, including mineral waters and aerated waters,  containing 
added sugar or other sweetening matter or flavoured   0.43  
2202.91.00.00  Non-alcoholic beer  0.43  
2202.99.00.10  Energy drinks, including aerated drinks  4.84  
2202.99.00.90  Other waters and other beverages, except fruit juices  0.43  
Beer with an alcoholic strength by volume of 0.5% or more  
2203.00.00.00  Beer made from malt  3.62 1 
Wine, corn liquor ( chicha de maíz ), fermented beverages and sparkling wine  
2204.10.00.00  Sparkling wine  3.33 5 
2204.21.00.00  In containers holding ≤ 2 litres 3.33  
2204.22.10.00  Grape must with fermentation prevented or arrested by the addition 
of alcohol  3.33  
2204.22.90.00  Other wine  3.33  
2204.29.10.00  Grape must with fermentation prevented or arrested by the addition 
of alcohol   3.33  
2204.29.90.00  Other wine  3.33  
2204.30.00.00  Other grape must  3.33  
2205.10.00.00  In containers holding ≤ 2 litres  3.33  
2205.90.00.00  Vermouth and other wine of fresh grapes  3.33  
2206.00.00.10  Corn liquor (c hicha de maíz ) 0.85  
2206.00.00.20  Cider, perry, mead  3.33 5 
2206.00.00.90  Other fermented beverages  3.33 5 
2207.10.00.00  Undenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of 80% 
or higher  1.64  
2207.20.00.00  Ethyl alcohol and other spirits, denatured, of any strength  1.64  
2208.20.21.00  Pisco  3.33 10 
2208.20.22.00  Singani  3.33 5 
2208.20.29.00  Other spirits obtained by distilling grape wine or grape marc  3.33 10 
2208.20.30.00  Spirits obtained by distilling grape marc (grappa and the like)  3.33 10 
2208.30.00.00  Whisky  13.89  10 
2208.40.00.00  Rum and other spirits obtained by distilling fermented sugar -cane 
products  3.33 10 
2208.20.00.00  Gin and geneva  3.33 10 
2208.60.00.00  Vodka  3.33 10 
2208.70.10.00  Aniseed liqueur  3.33 5 
2208.70.20.00  Cream liqueur  3.33 5 
2208.70.90.00  Other liqueurs  3.33 5 
2208.90.10.00  Undenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of less 
than 80%  1.64  
2208.90.20.00  Spirits of agave (tequila and the like)  3.33 10 
2208.90.42.00  Aniseed spirits  3.33 10 
2208.90.49.00  Other spirits  3.33 10 
2208.90.90.00  Other ethyl alcohol, spirits, liqueurs and other spirituous beverages  3.33 10 
Tobacco     
2402.10.00.00  Cigars, cheroots and cigarillos, containing tobacco   50 
2402.20.10.00  Of dark tobacco   50 
2402.20.20.00  Of blond  tobacco   55 
                                                
23 Law No.  3467 of 12 September  2006; Regulations implementing Law No.  3467 of 6  December  2006; 
and Supreme Decree No.  1889 of 5  February  2014.  
24 For example, this is the case for some motor vehicles carrying ten or more persons, including the 
driver: vehicles carrying a max imum of 16 persons, including the driver (HS 8702.10.10.00) and other vehicles 
carrying over 16 and up to 18 persons, including the driver (HS 8702.10.90.10) (Supreme Decree No.  1889 of 
5 February  2014).  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 60 - 
  HS 2017 
code  Description  ICEa 
Specific rate 
(Bs/litre)  % 
2403.11.00.00  Water pipe tobacco specified in subheading Note  1 to this Chapter   50 
2403.19.00.00  Other tobacco   50 
2403.91.00.00  "Homogenized" or "reconstituted" tobacco   50 
 
Fuel  Age  Cylinder capacity  Range of the ICE (%)b 
Diesel  No limit Heavy vehicles  0-20 
Diesel  No limit  Light vehicles  15-60c 
Gasoline  < 10 years  No limit  5-18 
Gasoline  ≥ 10 years  No limit  20-40 
NGV < 10 years  No limit  0-18 
 
HS 2017 
code  Description  IEHD (Bs/litre)  
Applicable
rated Maximum 
ratee 
2710.12.11.00  100 grade aviation gasoline  1.85 7.42 
2710.12.13.10  Gasoline with an anti -knock index not exceeding 87  1.23 7.42 
2710.12.13.20  Gasoline with an anti -knock index of 87 or more but less than 90  1.23  7.42 
2710.12.13.30  Gasoline with an anti -knock index of 90 or more but less than 95  1.23  7.42 
2710.12.13.40  Gasoline with an anti -knock index of 95 or more  2.18 7.42 
2710.12.19.00  Other gasoline not containing tetraethyl lead  2.18  7.42 
2710.12.20.10  Aviation gasoline  1.85 7.42 
2710.12.20.90  Other gasoline containing tetraethyl lead  1.85  7.42 
2710.19.14.00  Kerosene  0.29 7.42 
2710.19.15.00  Kerosene -type jet fuel for jet and turbine engines    
 Domestic jet fuel  0.32 7.42 
 International jet fuel  4.24 7.42 
2710.19.21.00  Gas oil (diesel fuel)  1.25 7.42 
2710.19.22.00  Fuel oil  0.39 7.42 
2710.19.33.00  Electrical insulation oils  0.39 7.42 
2710.19.34.00  Lubricating greases  0.39  7.42 
2710.19.36.00  Oil for hydraulic transmission  0.39  7.42 
2710.19.38.00  Other lubricating oils  0.39  7.42 
2711.11.00.00  Natural gas  n/a n/a 
2711.21.00.00  Natural gas  n/a n/a 
n/a Not applicable.  
a Board of Directors Resolution (RND) No.  101700000003 of 19  January  2017, updating the specific 
ICE rates for 2017.  
b Law No.  3467 of 12 September  2006.  
c Since 2014, the maximum rate of the ICE has been 50% (Supreme Decree No.  3467 of 
12 September  2014).  
d Information provided by the authorities.  
e RND No.  10-01038 -16 of 23  December  2017, updating the maximum rate of the IEHD for 2017. 
Viewed at: 
http://www.impuestos.gob.bo/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=958&Itemid=517 . 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
 
3.30.   Administrative fees also have to be paid on imports for warehousing and customs clearance 
services and these have not changed since 2002 (Table 3.4). The tax base is the c.i.f. value. The 
warehouse fee is payable as of the sixth day of storage.  
Table 3.4 Fees for services provided  
Fee Rate Tax base  Comments  
Bonded 
warehouse fee  0.5%  C.i.f. value at the 
border  The rate is indicative and depends on the service 
provided and the period of storage  
Customs 
clearance  0.1% -2.5%  C.i.f. value at the 
border  Variable commission paid to the customs 
clearance agency if a customs clearing agent is 
used.  
Source:  Bolivia's import handbook.  
 WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 61 - 
  3.1.5   Import prohibitions, restrictions and licensing  
3.31.   The import regime prescribes prohibitions on the import of goods which affect human and 
animal life or health, or are prejudicial to the protection of plants, morality, the environment, the 
security of the State and the nation's financial system (Article 85 of the General Customs Law). 
Currently (2017), prohibi tions apply to 33 ten -digit HS tariff lines. The following imports are 
prohibited: radioactive residues; halogenated derivatives of hydrocarbons; arms, ammunition and 
explosives; worn clothing and some types of vehicle and motor vehicle, those using liquef ied gas 
and used motor vehicles over one year old (HS 87.03), motor vehicles over three years old for the 
transport of more than ten persons (HS 87.02) and special -purpose motor vehicles over five years  
old (HS 87.0 5) (Table 3.5).25 
Table 3.5 Import prohibitions, 2017  
HS code  Description  
2844.40.10.00  Radioactive residues  
2903 Halogenated derivatives of hydrocarbons  
2903.19.10.00  1.1.1 -Trichloroethane  (methyl chloroform)  
2903.39.10.00  Bromomethane (methyl bromide)  
2903.76.00.00  Bromochlorodifluoromethane, bromotrifluoromethane and dibromotetrafluoroethanes  
2903.77.11.00  Chlorotrifluoromethane  
2903.77.12.00  Dichlorodifluoromethane  
2903.77.13.00  Trichlorofluoromethane  
2903.77.21.00  Chloropentafluoroethanes  
2903.77.22.00  Dichlorotetrafluoroethanes  
2903.77.23.00  Trichlorotrifluoroethanes  
2903.77.24.00  Tetrachlorodifluoroethanes  
2903.77.25.00  Pentachlorofluoroethanes  
2903.77.31.00  Chloroheptafluoropropanes  
2903.77.32.00  Dichlorohexafluoropropanes  
2903.77.33.00  Trichloropentafluoropropanes  
2903.77.34.00  Tetrachlorotetrafluoropropanes  
2903.77.35.00  Pentachlorotrifluoropropanes  
2903.77.36.00  Hexachlorodifluoropropanes  
2903.77.37.00  Heptachlorofluoropropanes  
6309.00.00.00  Worn clothing  
8703 Motor cars and other motor vehicles principally designed for the transport of persons (other 
than those of heading  87.02), including station wagons and racing cars  
8703.31.10.00  With four -wheel drive  
8703.31.90.00  Other, of a cylinder capacity not exceeding 1,500  cc 
8703.32.10.00  With four -wheel drive  
8703.32.90.00  Other, of a cylinder capacity exceeding 1,500  cc, but not exceeding 2,500  cc  
8704 Motor vehicles for the transport of goods  
8704.10.00.10  With diesel engines of a cylinder capacity not exceeding 4,000 cc  
8705 Special -purpose motor vehicles, other than those principally designed for the transport of 
persons or goods (for example, breakdown lorries, crane lorries, fire fighting vehicles, 
concrete -mixer lorries, road sweeper lorries, spraying lorries, mobile workshops, mobile 
radiological units)  
8705.10.00.10  With diesel engines of a cylinder capacity not exceeding 4,000 cc  
8705.20.00.10  With diesel engines of a cylinder capacity not exceeding 4,000 cc  
8705.30.00.10  With diesel engines of a cylinder capacity not exceeding 4,000 cc  
8705.40.00.10  With diesel engines of a cylinder capacity not exceeding 4,000 cc  
8705.90.11.10  With diesel engines of a cylinder capacity not exceeding 4,000 cc  
8705.90.19.10  With diesel engines of a cylinder capacity not exceeding 4,000 cc  
8705.90.20.10  With diesel engines of a cylinder capacity not exceeding 4,000 cc  
8705.90.90.10  With diesel engines of a cylinder capacity not exceeding 4,000 cc  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
                                                
25 Supreme Decree No.  2232 of 31  December  2014.  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 62 - 
  3.32.   Other products require prior authorization before they can be imported.26 Imports of goods 
of 719 ten -digit HS tariff lines necessitated prior authorization in 2017 (Chart 3.3). Prior 
authorization, like an import prohibition, is cu stomarily used to protect human and animal health 
or life, or to protect plants and conserve exhaustible natural resources, or to protect security.27 
According to the authorities, prior authorization is also used to monitor the volume of imports. In 
line wi th the Economic and Social Development Plan 2016 -2020, however, prior authorization can 
also be used to protect industry.28 The authorities have indicated that in practice this does not 
occur. Prior authorizations (or licences) may be automatic29 or non -automatic.30 
Chart 3.3 Products subject to prior authorization or a certificate acco rding to 
HS heading, 2017  
 
a Includes complete tariff lines and parts of a tariff line.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat estimates, based on data provided by the authorities.  
3.33.   The prior authorization, issued by the competent national authority, must be valid at the 
time the goods enter Bolivian territory; if not, the goods will be confiscated. The procedure and 
criteria for obtaining prior au thorization vary depending on the institution responsible for granting 
it (Table 3.6).31 
3.34.   For some products, when the requirement to obtain prior authorization was imposed, the 
tariff was also raised.32 According to the authorities, such measures are used to monitor trade and 
restructure the domestic market.  
                                                
26 Supreme Decree No.  572 of 14  July 2010, amending Articles 117, 118 and 119 of the Regulations 
implementing the General Customs Law and bringing together in a single regulation goods subject to prior 
authorization and certification.  
27 WTO document G/LIC/N/3/BO L/3 of 29  June 2000.  
28 Political Constitution of the State (Article 54); Economic and Social Development Plan 2016 -2020 
(Law No.  786 of 9  March  2016); Supreme Decree No.  2752 of 1  May 2016; and Ministerial Resolution 
MDPyE  No. 174 of 21  July 2016.  
29 WTO do cuments G/LIC/N/2/BOL/2 of 21  September  2016 and G/LIC/N/1/BOL/4 of 
27 September  2016.  
30 WTO document G/LIC/N/1/BOL/2 of 9  March  2016.  
31 See, for example, Supreme Decree No.  2752 of 1  May 2016.  
32 Supreme Decree No.  2865 of 3  August  2016.  
050100150200250300350400450500
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 910 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21certificate
prior authorization
prior authorization and
certificate
1   Live animals and animal products
2   Vegetable products
3   Fats and oils      
4   Prepared foodstuffs
5   Mineral products
6   Chemical products7     Plastics and rubber
8     Hides and skins
9     Wood and articles of wood
10   Pulp, paper
11   Textiles
12   Footwear, headgear13   Articles of stone
14   Precious stones, etc.
15   Base metals
16   Machinery and appliances
17   Transport equipment
18   Precision equipment19   Arms and ammunition
20   Miscellaneous manufactures
21   Works of art, etc.(Number of lines/subheadingsa)WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 63 - 
  Table 3.6 Imports subject to prior authorization  
Imports  Type of 
document  Institution  Legal framework  
Fertilizer  Certificate 
and import 
permit  National 
Agricultural 
Health and Food 
Safety Service 
(SENASAG)  Law No.  2061 of 16 March 2000 creating 
SENASAG; Supreme Decree No.  26590 of 
17 April 2002 on animal and plant health 
permits and food safety of imports; 
Supreme Decree No.  2522 of 
16 September  2015 Live animals and animal products  
Fungicides, herbicides and 
insecticides  
Animal or vegetable fats and oils  
Furniture of wood  
Food industry products  
Plant products  
Veterinary pharmaceuticals  
Acyclic alcohol  Prior 
authorization 
and customs 
clearance 
certificate  Ministry of Health 
and Sports  Law on medicines No.  1737 of 
17 December  1996; Supreme Implementing 
Decree No.  25235 of 30 November 1998; 
Law No.  1008 on the coca and controlled 
substances regime; Suprem e Decree 
No. 2905 of 21 September 2016  Milk formula  
Soap, organic surface -active 
agents, washing preparations  
Syringes, needles and 
instruments and appliances used 
in dental sciences  
Plant juices and extracts  
Diapers and compresses  
Perfumes and toilet waters  
X-ray plates and films  
Perfumery, cosmetic or toilet 
preparations  
Sheath contraceptives  
Pharmaceuticals  
Organic chemicals  
Acids  Prior 
authorization  Ministry of the 
Interior  Law No.  1008 of 19 July 1988 on the coca 
and controlled substances regime; Supreme 
Implementing Decree No.  22099 of 
28 December 1988; Supreme Decree 
No. 25846 of 14 July 2002 approving the 
regulations on operations using controlled 
substances and precursors for industrial 
use; Ministe rial Resolution No.  0223/92; 
List V in the Annex to Law No.  1008 Bases  
Oxidants  
Solvents  
Finished goods  
Coins and banknotes  Prior 
authorization  Ministry of the 
Economy and 
Public Finance  Law No.1990, General Customs Law, of 
28 July 1999 Passports, identity cards and 
forms for securities  
Postage stamps, forms for 
securities, share or bond 
certificates imported exclusively 
by entities for their own use  
Firearms, ammunition, 
explosives, armaments  Prior 
authorization  Ministry of 
Defence  Law No.  1405 of 31 December 1992; 
Organic Law No.  1405 on the Nation's 
armed forces of 30 December 1992; Law 
No. 400 of 18 September 2013 on the 
control of firearms, ammunition, explosives 
and other related materials; Supreme 
Decrees N o. 2175 of 05 November 2014 and 
No. 29534 of 29 April 2008; Ministerial 
Resolution No.  0322 of 23 April 2008 
(Regulations for the import, export, storage 
and marketing of explosives, arms and 
ammunition); Law No.  1870 of 15 June 
1998 approving the Chemical  Weapons 
Convention; Supreme Decree No.  27520 of 
25 May 2004 creating the National Chemical 
Weapons Authority  Chemical weapons  
Halogenated derivatives of 
hydrocarbons  Prior 
authorization  Ministry of 
Development 
Planning  Supreme Decree No.  27562 of 09 June 2004 
approving the Regulations for the 
environmental management of 
ozone -depleting substances  
Footwear  Prior 
authorization  Ministry of 
Production 
Development and 
the Plural 
Economy  Supreme Decrees No.  2752 of 1 May 2016 
and No.  2685 of 03 August 2016 Washing machines  
Furniture  
Clothing and accessories  
Asbestos  Prior 
authorization  Ministry of the 
Environment and 
Water  Law No.  1333 on the environment of 
27 March 1992  Halogenated derivatives of 
hydrocarbons  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 64 - 
  Imports  Type of 
document  Institution  Legal framework  
Radioactive chemical elements 
and radioactive isotopes  Prior 
authorization  Bolivian Nuclear 
Science and 
Technology 
Institute (IBCTN)  Supreme Decree No.  24483 of 
20 January  1997 approving the Regulations 
implementing the Law on radiological 
protection and safety and recognizing the 
IBCTN as the competent authority  
Substances, products or goods 
which cause or threaten to cause 
harmful effects on human health 
or the environment or 
ozone -depleting substances  Prior 
authorization  Government 
Ozone 
Commission  Law No.  1333 on the environment of 
27 March 1992; Supreme Decree No.  24176 
of 8 December 1995 (Regulations on 
activities using harmful substances); 
Supreme Decree N o. 27562 of 9 June 2004 
approving the Regulations for the 
environmental management of 
ozone -depleting substances  
Hydrocarbons and hydrocarbon 
derivatives  Prior 
authorization  National 
Hydrocarbons 
Agency  Hydrocarbons Law No.  3058 of 
17 May 2005; Supreme Decree No.  28419 
of 21 October 2005 determining the 
technical and legal requirements and the 
procedure for obtaining authorization to 
import hydrocarbons  
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
3.35.   Imports of products that may affect human, animal or plant health need a sanitary or 
phytosanitary import permit identifying Bolivia's plant and animal health requirements for the 
import of plants, plant products, animals and their by -products. The sanitary permit is verified 
when the goods arrive in the country and, if the goods satisfy the requirements prescribed in the 
permit, it is endorsed. An animal health or phytosanitary permit is issued before the goods are 
loaded and is required in order to issue the certificate. A certificate for p lant or animal products 
and foods has to be obtained prior to customs clearance and must be valid at the time the customs 
declaration is submitted. Within a period not exceeding ten working days from the date of 
receiving the application, the National Agri cultural Health and Food Safety Service (SENASAG) 
certifies that the goods being cleared at the Customs meet the phytosanitary and animal health 
requirements and are therefore not harmful to human or animal health or life, or prejudicial to the 
protection of plants and the environment, whichever applies. The products requiring certificates 
are live animals and plant products and chemicals (Chart 3.3). Some products (72 ten -digit 
HS tariff lines), for example, food preparations, require both prior authorizat ion and a certificate.  
3.1.6   Anti-dumping, countervailing and safeguard measures  
3.1.6.1   Anti-dumping and countervailing measures  
3.36.   Bolivia did not adopt any anti -dumping or countervailing measures during the review 
period.33 It has no domestic legislation providing for th e imposition of such measures, which are 
considered to belong to competition policy. Consequently, the CAN rules on trade competition are 
used in order to adopt remedial measures (Decision 608), together with the MERCOSUR 
Competition Protocol and Supreme D ecree No.  29519 of 16  April 2008, whose aim is to regulate 
competition and defend consumers against harmful conduct having a negative impact on the 
market.  
3.37.   Domestic legislation on competition sanctions the use of prices below production cost with 
the aim o f increasing sales and gaining market shares, weakening or removing other competitors, 
as well as predatory pricing and the adoption of unfair criteria in respect of third parties, placing 
them at a competitive disadvantage.  
3.38.   In order to defend competition,  the Business Control Authority (AEMP) may, either ex officio  
or following a complaint, initiate an investigation into anti -competitive conduct stemming from the 
use of predatory pricing or the adoption of unfair criteria, and determine remedial and puniti ve 
measures when necessary.34 
                                                
33 Information prov ided by the authorities.  
34 Supreme Decree No.  29519 of 16  April 2008.  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 65 - 
  3.1.6.2   Safeguard measures  
3.39.   Supreme Decree No.  28524 of 10  December  2005 lays down the rules for applying the 
safeguard measures provided in Article  XIX of the GATT 1994 (Emergency Action on Imports of 
Particular Products), in accordanc e with the WTO Agreements on Safeguard Measures and 
Agriculture.  
3.40.   Pursuant to this Decree, Bolivia may adopt safeguard measures if, following a prior 
investigation, it is determined that there is serious injury or threat of serious injury to the 
domestic in dustry as a result of a significant increase in the volume of imports of the product at 
issue.  
3.41.   The Vice -Ministry of Internal Trade and Exports (previously the Vice -Ministry of Industry, 
Trade and Exports) and the Interinstitutional Trade Defence Commission  (CIDECO) are responsible 
for conducting safeguards investigations. CIDECO, as the technical arm, is in charge of 
recommending to the Vice -Ministry whether or not to initiate an investigation, whether to apply a 
safeguard measure once the investigation has  been concluded or whether it is appropriate to 
impose provisional measures, as well as being responsible for the application, annulment or 
extension of definitive measures.  
3.42.   The Vice -Ministry of Internal Trade and Exports is tasked with collecting and veri fying the 
information required to accede to an application for an investigation or, where necessary, it may 
initiate an investigation ex officio . If, following an assessment by CIDECO, the Vice -Ministry 
decides to initiate the investigation, it publishes a  Ministerial Resolution and notifies the parties. 
Likewise, it must notify the applicant if it is decided not to initiate an investigation.  
3.43.   When a safeguard measure is imposed, the domestic industry concerned must also provide 
the Vice -Ministry with a prog ramme showing the adjustments it intends to make. In turn, the 
Vice-Ministry must monitor the trend in the domestic industry concerned over the period in which 
the safeguard measure is applied.  
3.44.   The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is responsible for the relevant notifications to the WTO.  
3.45.   Bolivia has not reserved the right to use special safeguards for agricultural products.  
3.46.   In 2012, an exceptional temporary safeguard was imposed for a period of 90 days on fresh 
or chilled potatoes (HS 0701.90.00.00) and p repared or preserved potatoes (HS 2004.10.00.00).35 
This measure was lifted on 20  June 2012 following the technical report issued by the competent 
Vice-Ministries, which indicated that, as a result of imposing this measure, a "fair price" had been 
guarantee d, enabling Bolivian producers to cover their production costs.36 
3.2  Measures directly affecting exports  
3.2.1   Customs procedures and requirements  
3.47.   Export declarations are processed through the ANB's electronic system called the Single 
Customs Modernization System (S UMA), either directly by the exporter or through a customs 
agent. In order to clear goods for export, operators must be registered in the ANB's Register of 
Foreign Trade Operators.  
3.48.   Bolivia has two types of export declaration: the declaration of goods for e xport (DEX) and 
the simplified declaration of goods for export (DEXS).  
3.49.   The DEX is prepared using the ANB's computer system and is signed digitally. The following 
documents are required in order to process the DEX: commercial invoice, packing list and, wher e 
applicable, certificates of origin or phytosanitary export certificates must also be attached, 
together with the prior authorizations required by the legal provisions in effect (Article 138 of the 
Regulations implementing the General Customs Law). These documents are attached to the 
                                                
35 Supreme Decree No.  1230 of 9  May 2012.  
36 Joint Ministerial Resolution No.  008/2012 of 20  June 2012.  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 66 - 
  declaration electronically and it is not necessary to provide hard copies during the clearance 
procedure.  
3.50.   The DEXS may be used under the outright exportation or RITEX procedures for goods of 
lesser value (f.o.b. value not exce eding US$1,000) or may be used by an AEO -certified exporter. It 
can also be used for the export of the following: household goods; vehicles owned by the exporter 
not for commercial purposes; accompanied luggage; and urgent shipments by express courier 
services of a weight not exceeding 40 kg and an f.o.b. value not exceeding US$1,000. The DEXS 
can also be processed through the SUMA. It may be signed digitally, unless the exporter is not a 
regular exporter. In such cases, the declarant or exporter must go to  the customs office in person 
with a printed and signed DEXS. The DEXS is accompanied by the same supporting documents as 
the DEX.  
3.51.   The National Export Inspection Service (SENAVEX) issues certificates of origin for goods 
going to countries which give Bolivi a preferences under trade agreements or the GSP, or to 
third countries which apply economic or trade measures adopted unilaterally or under bilateral 
agreements, or sanitary or public order measures. Sanitary certificates are issued by various 
agencies dep ending on the product; for example, SENASAG issues certificates for foods while the 
Forests and Land Inspection Authority issues them for timber.  
3.52.   The type of prior authorization required also differs according to the product to be exported 
and may consist of: domestic supply and fair price certificates, export licences or an export permit 
(hydrocarbons), or the single form for mineral exports. These documents, together with the 
sanitary certificates, are issued by a number of different government institutio ns. For example, for 
sugar, the Ministry of Production Development and the Plural Economy (MDPyEP) issues the 
domestic supply and fair price certificate and export licences. Permits to export hydrocarbons are 
issued by the National Hydrocarbons Agency, whi le the Ministry of Mining and Metallurgy (MMM) 
issues the single form for mineral exports (section 3.2.3).  
3.53.   Using selective or random criteria defined by the Customs Administration, exports are 
assigned to a channel: green, yellow or red. Goods going throug h the green channel are cleared 
automatically. The documents are inspected in the yellow cha nnel and the system for the 
red channel decides whether a customs official should inspect the documents and/or carry out a 
physical inspection of the goods. Physica l inspection of the goods may be conducted at the 
Customs or, at the request of the exporter, in the exporter's own premises and prior to loading. 
Once the declaration of goods for export has been accepted, the exporter has 60 days in which to 
complete the  actual shipment of the goods (Chart 3.4).  
3.54.   Goods exported may be re -imported in the same state without payment of customs duty if 
they have not arrived in the country of destination, have not been accepted in the country of 
destination, are not of the desi red quality, may not be imported into the country of destination or 
have suffered damage during transport after being loaded. Where applicable, the exporter must 
refund the taxes met by the State in the course of the original outright exportation transacti on. WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 67 - 
  Chart 3.4 Export procedures  
 
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
3.55.   Temporary export for outward processing is the customs procedure that allows goods to be 
exported temporarily for transformation, preparation or repair abroad or in industrial free zones 
and then re -imported paying customs duty on the value added. The time -limit for re -importing the 
goods is decided by the Customs Administration, from the date on which they were temporarily 
exported and taking into account the t ime required for their transformation, preparation or repair, 
but may not exceed the maximum time -limit determined in the Regulations implementing the 
General Customs Law. The maximum period of temporary export is 180 days, which may be 
extended for a furt her 180 days at the request of the interested party and for justified reasons. If 
the goods are not re -imported within the specified time -limit, the declarant has to change the 
procedure to one of outright exportation and may be subject to a penalty for vi olating customs 
rules.  
3.56.   The AEO programme for exporters, in effect since 2015, is intended to improve market 
access. AEOs enjoy a higher level of trust on the part of the Customs because of the perceived 
lower risk of their transactions, which may mean less  recourse to red or yellow channels for export 
declarations and thus speed up the inspection of documents and/or physical inspection. AEOs 
usually receive priority for customs clearance. They may also submit export declarations 
containing the minimum infor mation required and are subject to fewer controls en route. The 
requirements for obtaining AEO certification are: a satisfactory record of complying with customs, 
tax, social and judicial regulations; proof that the operator is financially solvent; proof t hat it is a 
company which has a system for the control of accounts, commercial and logistical management 
and applies security measures consistent with requirements for the security of the international 
logistics chain. As at June  2017, five exporters had b een certified as AEOs in Bolivia.  
Registration 
of the 
DEX/DEXS  
Registration 
of the 
shipping 
document  
Registration 
of the cargo 
manifest  
Allocation to 
a channel  
Authorization  
Inspection   
Issuing and notification 
of the exit certificate  
Processing of the 
acceptance  document  
Issuing and 
notification of the 
acceptance  document  
DEX/DEXS  
confirmation  
Red 
 Green  
Registration 
of the 
shipping 
document 
(air waybill)  
Registration 
and 
confirmation 
of the 
manifest  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 68 - 
  3.2.2   Taxes, charges and levies  
3.57.   There are no taxes on exports in Bolivia.37 
3.58.   The drawback customs procedure allows refund of all or part of the customs duty and other 
taxes such as VAT and the ICE paid for the import of inputs and  other materials incorporated into 
the exported goods. There are two ways of calculating the refund: the automatic method and the 
determination method. Furthermore, some goods are not on the list of those eligible for refund of 
taxes and others are subject  to special legislation. The percentage of taxes refunded varies 
according to the goods exported and the value of the exports. The drawback procedure is used to 
promote and support the export of value -added goods, as provided in Article 318 of the Politica l 
Constitution of the State, which proclaims that "[t]he State shall determine the policy for industrial 
and commercial production that guarantees a sufficient supply of goods and services to adequately 
cover basic domestic needs and to strengthen export c apacity" and "[t]he State shall promote and 
support the export of value -added goods".38 According to the authorities, all goods exported may 
be eligible for the refund of taxes according to the principle of tax neutrality. They also indicate 
that the system  is designed to give new exporters and small -scale exporters larger refunds, so the 
lower the value of the exports, the higher the percentage refunded. Refunds on exports may, 
therefore, change from year to year.  
3.59.    Every year, the Ministry of the Economy an d Public Finance (MEFP) and the MDPyEP  issue a 
resolution containing six annexes showing the goods subject to each type of tax refund procedure 
(Annexes I to III), the new exporting firms which benefited from the procedure the previous year 
(Annex  IV), the  goods subject to specific legislation (Annex V), and the goods not covered by the 
drawback procedure (Annex VI).  
3.60.   Annexes I and II list the goods to which the automatic method applies. This is used for 
exports whose value does not exceed US$3  million. Anne x I lists 362 ten -digit HS tariff lines for 
which the refund amounts to 4% of the value of the exports provided that this does not exceed 
US$1  million or for new exporters. The number of tariff lines eligible for the 4% refund did not 
change to any great e xtent between 2014 (376 tariff lines) a nd 2016 (362 tariff lines); 
221 products benefited from this refund over the period 2014 -2016. Most of the products eligible 
for the 4% refund were textiles, followed by plant products (Ta ble A3.3(a)). Annex II lists 
16 ten-digit HS tariff lines for which the refund is 2% if the value of the exports is US$1 to 
US$3  million. The number of tariff lines eligible for the 2% refund has fallen since 2014. The 
products which ceased to be eligible for this refund over this per iod were mostly chemicals and 
textiles, which started to receive the 4% refund (Table  A3.3(b)).  
3.61.   The determination method is used for exports of a value exceeding US$3  million and the 
drawback coefficient is calculated on the basis of an input -output matrix , taking into account the 
average effective rate of the duty. The goods to which this method applies, 37 ten -digit HS tariff 
lines, and the drawback coefficient are listed in Annex III to the Resolution. The drawback 
coefficient varies between 0.01% and 1. 99%, the lowest coefficient applying to agricultural 
products such as bananas and lemons and the highest to explosives (HS 36.02 and HS 36.03). The 
number of products eligible for tax refunds according to this method remained virtually the same 
between 201 4 and 2016 and, of these, 29 were subject to this type of measure throughout the 
period. In some cases, drawback coefficients have increased, for example, for soap, clothing, 
vegetable preparations, meat and fish preparations and cereal preparations (Table  A3.3(c)).  
3.62.   Annex V lists 47 products for which the tariff refund is governed by other laws, mostly 
minerals or products which require a special form for export (Table  A3.3(d)). Annex VI includes 
87 products not covered by the procedure, some of which are s ubject to export restrictions, for 
example, soya beans, sugar and crude petroleum oils; 20 of the 87 products not eligible for 
drawback require a domestic supply and fair price certificate (CAIPJ) in order to be exported. The 
number of products excluded fr om the drawback procedure fell from 101 in 2014 to 87 in 2016. 
The largest number concerned cereals, hides and skins and leather (Table A3.3(e)).  
                                                
37 Law No.  1990 of 28  July 1999 (Article 98).  
38 Supreme Decree No.  25465 of 23  July 1999, Supreme Decree No.  26397 of 17  November  2001, and 
Joint Ministerial Resolution No.  004.2016 of 31  October  2016. Viewed at: 
http://www.produccion.gob.bo /contenido/id/203 . WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 69 - 
  3.2.3   Export prohibitions, restrictions and licensing  
3.63.   The State guarantees free export of goods in general, except f or those that affect public 
health, security, protection of fauna and flora or the Nation's cultural, historical and archaeological 
heritage.39 The Customs may seize any goods whose export is prohibited.  
3.64.   For a period of ten years from 2009 the export of "bo livianite" has been banned, whether in 
its rough state, hammered, sawn and/or preformed. This gem stone can only be exported if it has 
been cut.40 
3.65.   As indicated, Article 318 of the Constitution provides that the State is to guarantee a 
sufficient supply of g oods and services to adequately cover basic domestic needs and to 
strengthen export capacity. In order to meet this objective, the export of "food products sensitive 
in terms of food security" may be regulated after verifying whether there are sufficient s upplies on 
the domestic market. Therefore, when it is deemed that domestic production of a particular 
product is not sufficient to meet domestic demand, export of the product may be prohibited or 
suspended temporarily41, or quotas or other requirements prio r to export may be imposed. After it 
has been verified that there are sufficient supplies for the domestic market at a fair price, the 
export restrictions may be suspended.42 Consequently, export restrictions are constantly changing, 
according to the author ities in line with market needs (Table 3.7). The Government imposes or 
eliminates export prohibitions or quotas on the basis of the technical reports prepared by the 
various Ministries as applicable.  
Table 3.7 Various export restrictions  
Product  Type and developments in the restrictions  Supreme Decree or Joint 
Ministerial Resolution  Year 
Oil Prohibition  No. 29480  2008 
Prohibition eliminated  No. 29524  2008 
Bovine animals  Prohibition  No. 29460  2008 
Export quotas  No. 1316 2012 
Rice Prohibition  No. 29460  2008 
Export quotas (husked rice)  No. 0373 2009 
Export quotas (husked rice)  No. 1163 2012 
Export quotas (paddy rice)  No. 1163 2012 
Sugar  Prohibition  No. 0434 2010 
Prohibition withdrawn (only molasses)  No. 0453 2010 
Prohibition withdrawn  No. 0464 2010 
Prohibition  No. 0671 2010 
Prohibition eliminated  No. 1324 2012 
Export quotas  No. 1461 2013 
Sugar cane  Exports regulated  No. 348 2009 
Prohibition  No. 0671 2010 
Export quota  No.004/2011  2011 
Poultry meat  Prohibition  No. 29460  2008 
Prohibition withdrawn  No. 29491  2008 
Prohibition  No. 29583  2008 
Prohibition eliminated  No. 29610  2008 
Beef Prohibition  No. 29460  2008 
Export quotas  No. 1163 2012 
Export quotas  No. 1637 2013 
Export quotas  No. 2489 2015 
Submission of the domestic supply and fair price 
certificate suspended. Quota not suspended  No. 2859 2016 
Submission of the domestic supply and fair price 
certificate suspended  No. 3057 2017 
Sunflower seed 
and by -products  Prohibition (only for sunflower seed cake)  No.29460  2008 
Submission of the domestic supply and fair price 
certificate suspended  No. 1223 2012 
                                                
39 Article 99 of Law No.  1990 of 28  July 1999.  
40 Law No.  3998 of 12  January  2009.  
41 Article 2 of Supreme Decree No.  0435 of 24  February  2010.  
42 Supreme Decree No.  29460 of 27  February  2008.  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 70 - 
  Product  Type and developments in the restrictions  Supreme Decree or Joint 
Ministerial Resolution  Year 
Flour of cereals  Prohibition  No. 29583  2008 
Prohibition eliminated  No. 2391 2015 
Flour of seeds  Export quotas  No. 0725 2010 
Wheat flour  Prohibition  No. 29229  2007 
Prohibition  No. 29460  2008 
Maize  Prohibition  No. 29460  2008 
Prohibition eliminated (only maize for sowing)  No. 29498  2008 
Prohibition eliminated  No. 29746  2008 
Prohibition  No. 0435 2010 
Prohibition eliminated (only maize for sowing)  No. 0501 2010 
Hard yellow 
maize  Export quotas  No. 1163 2012 
Export quotas/quota increased  No. 1223 2012 
Export quotas/quota increased  No. 1383 2012 
Export quotas/quota increased  No. 2391 2015 
Fat (animal 
and/or vegetable)  Prohibition  No. 29229  2007 
Sorghum  Prohibition  No. 29583  2008 
Prohibition eliminated  No. 29695  2008 
Prohibition  No. 0435 2010 
Export quotas  No. 1283 2012 
Export quotas/quota increased  No. 1383 2012 
Export quotas/quota increased  No. 1637 2013 
Submission of the domestic supply and fair price 
certificate suspended  No. 2718 2016 
Soya beans  Export quotas  No. 0725 2010 
Export quotas/quota increased  No. 1514 2013 
Export quotas/quota increased  No. 1637 2013 
Export quotas/quota increased  No. 1925 2014 
Export quotas/quota increased  No. 3127 2017 
Maize 
by-products  Prohibition  No. 29583  2008 
Prohibition eliminated  No. 29746  2008 
Export quotas  No. 29746  2008 
Prohibition  No. 0435 2010 
Prohibition eliminated  No. 2391 2015 
Wheat  Prohibition  No. 29229  2007 
Prohibition  No. 29460  2008 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.66.   In 2008, the CAIPJ started to be used as a prior requirement for the export of basic food 
products that are sensitive in terms of the population's food security (Table 3.8).43 The CAIPJ is 
necessary to verify whether there is an exportable surplus in the country. The MDPyEP issues the 
CAIPJ on the basis of the technical reports from the Ministry of Rural Development and Lands 
(MDRyT) verifying domestic supply at a fair price.44 If there is a domestic supply shortfall, no 
CAIPJs are issued so as to restrict exports of the product. This occurred in 2012 for sunflower seed 
and its by -products.  
Table 3.8 Products subject to the CAIPJ, 2017  
Code  Description  Regulation  
0102.21.00.00  Pure-bred breeding animals  SD No.  1316 
1005.10.00.00  Maize for sowing  SD No.  0501 
1005.90.11.00  Hard yellow maize  SD No.  2391 
1102.20.00.00  Maize flour  
1103.13.00.00  Cereal groats, meal and pellets of maize  
1104.23.00.00  Cereal grains otherwise worked (for example, hulled, rolled, flaked, pearled, sliced or 
kibbled) of maize  
1201.10.00.00  Soya beans  SD No.  3127 
1201.90.00.00  Soya-bean seed  
1208.10.00.00  Soya-bean seed flour  SD No.  0715 
2304.00.00.00  Soya-bean oil -cake 
                                                
43 Supreme Decree No.  29524 of 18  April 2008.  
44 Supreme Decree No.  1283 of 4  July 2012; Circular No.  184/2015 of 9  September  2015; and Joint 
Ministerial Resolution No.  010.2017 of 18  April 2017.  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 71 - 
  Code  Description  Regulation  
1507.10.00.00  Crude soya -bean oil  SD 
No. 29524  1507.90.10.00  Refined soya -bean oil with denaturing substances  
1507.90.90.00  Refined soya -bean oil  
1006.20.00.00  Husked rice (cargo rice or brown rice)  SD No.  1163 
1006.30.00.00  Semi-milled or wholly milled rice, whether or not polished or glazed  
1006.10.90.00  Other  
1006.40.00.00  Broken rice  
1701.13.00.00  Cane sugar specified in subheading Note  2 to this Chapter  SD No. 1356 
1212.93.00.00  Sugar cane  Law No.  307 
1701.14.00.00  Cane or beet sugar and chemically pure sucrose, in solid form  
Raw sugar not containing added flavouring or colouring matter   SD No.  1461 
1701.99.90.00  Other cane sugar, other  
1007.00.10.00  Grain sorghum, for sowing  SD No.  2718a 
1007.00.90.00  Grain sorghum, other  
1206.00.90.00  Sunflower seeds, whether or not broken, other  SD No.  1223a 
1512.11.10.00  Sunflower -seed, safflower or cotton -seed oil and fractions thereof, whether or not 
refined,  but not chemically modified . 
1512.19.10.00  Other sunflower -seed oil  
2306.30.00.00  Oil-cake and other solid residues, whether or not ground or in the form of pellets, 
resulting from the extraction of vegetable fats or oils, other than those of 
heading  23.04 or 23 .05, of sunflower seeds  
0201.10.00.00a Meat of bovine animals, fresh or chilled, in carcasses or half -carcasses  SD No.  1163 
SD No.  3017a 0201.20.00.00a Meat of bovine animals, fresh or chilled, other cuts with bone in  
0201.30.00.00a Meat of bovine animals, fresh or chilled, boneless  
0202.10.00.00a Meat of bovine animals, frozen, in carcasses or half -carcasses  
0202.20.00.00a Meat of bovine animals, frozen, other cuts with bone in  
0202.30.00.00a Meat of bovine anima ls, frozen, boneless  
a This Supreme Decree made these products temporarily exempt from the CAIPJ.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.67.   The Customs requires the CAIPJ before authorizing the export of any product subject to a 
quota.45 Export quotas vary depending on domestic needs. The export quota for yellow maize, 
sorghum and soya beans increases in line with surplus production. In some cases, once the quota 
has been eliminated, a CAIPJ is no longer required in order to export the pr oduct. For example, in 
2016, with the aim of boosting exports of some types of bovine meat, fresh or chilled (HS  02.01) 
or frozen (HS  02.02), these products were temporarily exempted from the CAIPJ as a prior export 
requirement.46 Likewise, in 2016, the CAI PJ for sorghum exports was also eliminated.47 
3.68.   For products subject to quotas, these are allocated as the CAIPJs are issued. The CAIPJ 
indicates the volume that may be exported; once the quota has been filled or the exportable 
surplus has run out, no more CA IPJs are issued.  
3.69.   During the review period, price bands were introduced for some products that are also 
subject to export restrictions, such as soya beans48 and rice.49 The domestic market price is set 
below the export price. Moreover, for some products such as soya by -products, domestic prices 
have been set according to the requirements of domestic supply since 2011. The domestic price 
rises as sales to the domestic market increase, which could become a disincentive to exporting.50 
3.70.   Bolivia uses other instrumen ts in addition to the CAIPJ to regulate the export of other 
products, for example, export licences and permits.  
                                                
45 Joint Ministerial Resolution No.  002 of 9  September  2015 and Supreme Decree No.  2391 of 
3 June 2015.  
46 Supre me Decree No.  2859 of 2  August  2016.  
47 Supreme Decree No.  2718 of 6  April 2016.  
48 Joint Ministerial Resolution No.  002.2011 of 29  June 2011. Viewed at: 
http://www.observatorioagro.gob.bo/menu/derecha/INFORMACION%20EN%20LINEA/documento/normativas/
R_B_M/rbm%20002_2011.pdf . 
49 Supreme Decree No.  373 of 2  December  2009 and Supreme Decree No.  1163 of 14  March  2012.  
50 Joint Ministerial Resolution No.  010.2012 of 20  June 2012. Viewed at: 
http://www.observatorioagro.gob.bo/menu/derecha/INFORMACION%20EN%20LINEA/documento/normativas/
R_B_M/rbm%20010_2012.pdf . WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 72 - 
  3.71.   An export licence is required to export sugar cane and its main products or by -products, 
which is also issued by the MDPyEP  (Table 3.9). Licence s, like the CAIPJ, are only issued once it 
has been determined that surpluses remain after the domestic market has been supplied and, in 
the case of sugar, that the mandatory buffer stock, equivalent to two months of domestic 
consumption, has been built up . The Ministry issues the export licences.51 
Table 3.9 Products subject to export licences, 2017  
HS Description  
1212.93.00.00  Sugar cane  
1701.14.00.00  Other cane sugar  
1701.99.90.00  Other  
2207.10.00.00  Undenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of 80% or higher  
2207.20.00.00  Ethyl alcohol and other spirits, denatured, of any strength  
1703.10.00.00  Cane molasses  
2303.20.00.00  Beet-pulp, bagasse and other waste of sugar manufacture  
2306.90.00.00  Other  
Source:  Joint Ministerial Resolution No.  080 of 21  May 2013 and Joint Ministerial Resolution No.  081 of 
22 May 2013.  
3.72.   Export permits are also required for some types of liquid hydrocarbons (Table 3.10). The 
National Hydrocarbons Agency (ANH), after verifying the surpluses, grants the export permits. It 
may reject an export application if supplies are short or there is a risk of supply shortages on the 
domestic market, or for reasons of national security or because the application is not consistent 
with sectoral plans and policies. If there are shortages or the risk of shortages of liquid 
hydrocarbons on the domestic market, the ANH may suspend any export permit and notify the 
suspension to the State oil and gas company Yacimientos Petrolí feros Fiscales Bolivianos (YPFB) 
and the ANB.52 The Customs is responsible for detecting the exit of goods which do not meet 
export requirements; the Customs Administration then seizes the goods.  
Table 3.10 Export permit: liquid hydrocarbons  
Products requiring export permits  
Liquid hydrocarbons from oil fields: crude or condensate  
Liquid hydrocarbons from plants extracting liquefiable gases: natural gasoline and liquefied petroleum gas 
(LPG)  
Liquid hydrocarbons obtained by refining petroleum: commercial end products: LPG, gasoline for motor 
vehicles, aviation fuel (AVGAS) and reconstituted crude (RECON), mixture of surpluses from intermediate 
atmospheric distillation products and other residue s not required on the domestic market  
Liquid hydrocarbons from liquid separation plants outside a field's production facilities; stabilized white gasoline 
(naphtha), gasoline rich in isopentane, ethane, propane, butane (i -butane and n -butane) and LPG  
Finished automotive and industrial oils and lubricants  
Products exempt from export permits  
Intermediate atmospheric distillation products: propane, butane, pentane, hexane, alkylates, white gasoline 
(naphtha), distillation residue or reduced crude oil  
Intermediate products from lubricant plants: base oils, asphalt, paraffin  
Intermediate products from the reformation of naphthas: reformed naphtha  
Source:  Supreme Decree No.  2103 of 3  September  2014.  
3.73.   Bolivia bans the export of some hydrocarbons such as:  components needed to produce 
kerosene, jet fuel and diesel oil; and liquid hydrocarbons obtained by mixing oil of plant origin with 
diesel oil (biodiesel).53 
3.74.   Exporters of minerals and metals must be registered with the National Registration and 
Control Ser vice for the Marketing of Minerals and Metals (SENARECOM), a department of the MMM, 
which keeps a register. Moreover, the MMM provides that a single form for mineral exports (M -03) 
is required for the export of certain minerals and must be endorsed by SENA RECOM (Table A3.4). 
                                                
51 Supreme Decree No.  1554 of 10  April 2013.  
52 Supreme Decree No.  2103 of 3  September  2014.  
53 Idem.  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 73 - 
  A mining identification number (NIM) has to be obtained by exporters of minerals and metals 
before the export document can be processed and received.54 
3.75.   Export permits and certificates also serve to regulate trade in products in accordanc e with 
provisions in the international treaties or conventions signed by Bolivia, for example: the 
Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical 
Weapons and on their Destruction; the Convention on Internation al Trade in Endangered Species 
of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES); t he Rotterdam Convention   on the Prior Informed Consent 
Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade; the Montreal 
Protocol on Ozone -Depleting Substances; th e Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961; and the 
Convention on Psychotropic Substances, including all the amendments introduced by the 
Commission on Narcotic Drugs.  
3.2.4   Export support and promotion  
3.76.   The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the MDPyEP , through PROMUEVE BOLIVIA, are 
responsible for drawing up and implementing policies to promote exports and open up the market. 
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs implements these policies through overseas trade offices. 
PROMUEVE BOLIVIA identifies products with export  potential on the domestic market and informs 
the public, private and mixed sectors of the openings. It also advises the business sector and 
provides training on market access -related matters, export financing, and any other export -related 
subject.55 
3.77.   One of  the programmes implemented by PROMUEVE BOLIVIA is the programme to support 
promotion of export growth and diversification (PROEX), which has been under way since 2014 
with the aim of promoting and diversifying exports, particularly those of micro, small a nd 
medium -sized enterprises, by organizing fairs, international exhibitions and trade missions.  
3.78.   RITEX allows the temporary import of raw materials and intermediate goods with 
suspension of the payment of tariffs, VAT and the ICE, so that they can be transf ormed and then 
exported. The raw materials and intermediate goods may enter temporarily for a maximum period 
of 360 calendar days, which cannot be extended, calculated from the date of declaration of 
temporary admission. Capital goods, including spare part s and tools, as well as fuel, hydrocarbons, 
lubricants and electric power cannot be imported with suspension of taxes under this procedure.56 
3.79.   In 2006, 69 companies were eligible for the RITEX, mostly producers of tin, gold jewellery 
and soya by -products. In  2016, there were 40 companies producing tin, gold jewellery and other 
"alternative" products such as bananas, Brazil nuts and headgear. Exports under the RITEX 
accounted for 15.7% of total exports in 2006 and 11.5% in 2016.  
3.2.5   Export financing, insurance and  guarantees  
3.80.   The MDPyEP is responsible for drawing up and implementing policies to develop exports, 
and for financing programmes, which are carried out through banking institutions such as the 
Banco de Desarrollo Productivo (Production Development Bank (BDP )), a State bank. Over the 
period 2006 -2016, Bolivia set up three trust funds to finance exports (Table 3.11).  
                                                
54 Ministerial Resolution No.  123/2112 of 17  May 2012 and Ministerial Resolution No.  225/2013 of 
22 November  2013.  
55 Supreme Decree No.  29727 of 1  October  2008.  
56 Harmonized text of the Regulations on the temporary admission for inward processing (RITEX) 
procedure, Supreme Decree No.  25706 of 14  March  2000 and amendments thereto (in Supreme Decree 
No. 26397 of 17  November  2001, Supreme Decree No.  27128 of 14  August  2003, Supreme Decree No.  28125 
of 17 May 2005, and Supreme Decree No.  28143 of 17  May 2005).  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 74 - 
  Table 3.11 Trust funds to finance exports, 2006 -2016  
Programme  Description  Exports  
(% of total)  
Venezuela Trust Fund  This trust fund, set up by the MDPyEP, gives liquidity to 
exporting companies which have exported value -added goods 
to Venezuela and are awaiting payment of their invoices.  2009-2015: 0.66  
Trust fund for the purchase, 
sale, marketing and export 
of foodstuffs and other 
manufactured products  Through this trust fund, set up by the MDPyEP, INSUMOS 
BOLIVIA purchases value -added products on the domestic 
market and exports them.  2013-2016: 0.11  
Trust fund for exporters and 
suppliers of goods on behalf 
of the State (FEPROBE)  This trust fund grants credit to micro and small enterprises 
which either have export contracts or sales contracts with 
government entities.  2006-2015: 0.0a 
a Only three operations under FEPROBE have been approved.  
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
3.81.   Bolivia has no specific export guarantee or insurance programmes.  
3.3  Measures affecting production and trade  
3.3.1   Incentives  
3.3.1.1   General incentives  
3.82.   Bolivia implements a numbe r of support programmes to boost exports, attract investment 
and create jobs, some of them directed at micro, small and medium -sized enterprises and/or less 
developed areas. They provide financial assistance and grant certain tax concessions for payment 
of VAT, corporate profits tax (IUE), the transaction tax (IT), and property tax (IPBI) (Table A3.5). 
In addition to these general programmes, Bolivia also has sectoral programmes, mainly in support 
of the hydrocarbons and agricultural sectors, as well as pro grammes with specific objectives such 
as the "Pachamama" Universal Agricultural Insurance Scheme, in effect since 2013, so as to raise 
agricultural productivity in general, together with other single -product programmes such as the 
Dairy Production Complex Support Fund (PROLECHE). The legislation also allows the State to 
subsidize production in the event of emergency, price surges, natural disasters, insecurity and 
shortages of food or hydrocarbons.57 
3.83.   One of the major production incentives has been the policy  followed since 2013 to provide 
better financing terms for the production and rural sectors.58 Since then, the following measures 
have been adopted, inter alia : finance entities must earmark minimum levels for strategic 
production sectors in their loan portfolios (Table 3.12 and section 1.2.3); maximum interest rates 
and geographical coverage targets have been set. The Financial System Supervisory Authority 
(ASFI) is responsible for monitoring and supervising compliance of the finance entities with the 
targets fixed; if they fail to comply, penalties are imposed.59 Both the commercial and the 
SME banks were given five years in which to reach the minimum portfolio levels determined. 
According to information provided by the authorities, by 2016, both commerc ial and SME banks 
had achieved these targets. The portfolio level for the production sector in commercial banks was 
51% and in SME banks 41%. Maximum annual interest rates for loans to the production sector are 
determined according to the size of the enter prise. For micro enterprises, it is 11.5%, for small 
enterprises 7% and for medium -sized and large enterprises 6%.60 The ASFI defines the size of 
enterprises. The geographical coverage targets which financial intermediation entities are obliged 
to meet are set out in the Economic and Social Development Plan 2016 -2020 and in the Patriotic 
Agenda. The Plan provides that, by 2020, 75% of municipalities will have financial services and the 
Agenda indicates that 100% of municipalities should have financial covera ge by 2025.61 
                                                
57 Supreme Decree No.  0286 of 10  September  2009; Supreme Decree No.  2641 of 30  December  2015; 
and Law No.  769 of 17  December  2015.  
58 Law No.  393 of 21  August  2013.  
59 Supreme Decree No.  1842 of 18  December  2013.  
60 Supreme Decree No.  2055 of 10  July 2014.  
61 Supreme Decree No.  3033 of 28  December  2016.  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 75 - 
  Table 3.12 Minimum portfolio levels  
Type of 
institution  Minimum portfolio level  
Production  Term  Expiry  
Commercial banks  Minimum 25% for the production sector  5 years  2018 
SME banks  Minimum 50% of loans t o micro, small and medium -sized enterprises  5 years  2018 
Source:  Supreme Decree No.  1842 of 18  December  2013.  
3.84.   With this new policy, loans to the production sector doubled, from US$3,522  million in 2013 
to US$7,317  million in 2016. In 2016, 40% of the loans went to manufacturing, followed by 
construction (25%) and agriculture (24%). The proportion of non -performing loans fell from 
1.81% in 2013 to 1.32% in 2016 owing to the greater number of financial instruments designed 
for the various sect ors and segments, the flexibility/extension of grace periods and the use of 
non-conventional guarantees.  
3.85.   In addition to the financing policy for the production sector, in Bolivia there are 
production -oriented financial institutions, such as the BDP, Banco Público, the SME banks, and 
other public development finance entities, private development banks and community finance 
entities. The main purpose of the BDP is to promote development of the agricultural, livestock, 
manufacturing, fish -farming and timber an d non -timber forest sectors, providing financial services 
either directly or through third parties. The aim of the SME banks is to provide specialized financial 
services to small and medium -sized enterprises, without any restriction on supplying the same 
services to microenterprises.62 SME banks grant loans to large companies for up to a maximum of 
30% of their loan portfolios.  
3.86.   In 2010, the ProPyme Unión Guarantee Fund was set up to channel loans to SMEs which do 
not have sufficient guarantees to obtain a lo an, providing them with cover of up to 50%. In 2011, 
the BDP's Guarantee Trust Fund was also created in order to provide partial guarantees for up to 
50% of the loan transaction to finance working and/or investment capital.  
3.87.   In order to make it easier to pu rchase inputs, products, materials, equipment and 
machinery without going through intermediaries, in 2008 a State institution was set up to 
purchase on the domestic market and/or import high -impact strategic raw materials and inputs for 
production, purchas e, also on the domestic market, value -added products for export, and market 
products and inputs on the domestic market.63 
3.88.   The Food Production Support Enterprise (EMAPA) supports the production of rice, wheat, 
maize and soya beans by buying them when market conditions so dictate. EMAPA collects or 
subsequently sells these products directly to consumers. As payment for the purchase of these 
grains, EMAPA supplies inputs (certified seed, agricultural tools, pesticides, fertilizer, etc.) and also 
provides techni cal assistance and training free -of-charge to small and medium -sized producers.64 
3.3.1.2   Free zones  
3.89.   The free zones regime has been operating since 1987.65 There are five industrial free zones 
in Bolivia in 2017. Free zones are delimited areas within national territ ory in which industrial 
activities involving goods and services or commercial activities take place, under special 
regulations regarding taxes, customs and foreign trade. According to these regulations, no taxes 
are paid on goods entering free zones, for e xample, the tariff levy (GA); value -added tax (VAT); 
the specific consumption tax (ICE); the special tax on hydrocarbons and hydrocarbon derivatives 
                                                
62 Financial Services Law No.  393 of 21  August  2013 created SME banks, whose purpose is to supply 
specialized financial services to small and medium -sized enterprises. There are three SME banks: Los Andes, 
Ecofutu ro and Comunidad.  
63 Supreme Decree No.  29727 of 1  October  2008.  
64 Online information from the MDPyEP . Viewed at: http://www.produccion.gob.bo/content/id/18 . 
65 Supreme Decree No.  21660 of 10  June 1987 (authorizing the creation of free industrial and trade 
zones) and Regulations implementing the special free zones regime, approved by Supreme Decree No.  2779 of 
25 May 2016.  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 76 - 
  (IEHD) and the transaction tax.66 Nevertheless, both concessionaires and users of free zones are 
subject to corporate profits tax (IUE).  
3.90.   One of the basic objectives of free zones is to boost production and create jobs. Before the 
regime was amended, however, free zones did not manage to achieve this goal because, according 
to information provided by the authorit ies, they were acting as bonded warehouses and 90% of 
the activities conducted were of a commercial nature. In 2016, the regime was therefore amended 
to add an industrial element.67 Among the measures taken to boost "productive" activities were: 
extension of the time -limit for free industrial zone concessions, wi th concessions now being for 
15 years, renewable for further 15 -year periods; facilitated customs procedures for bringing g oods 
into free zones; conversion of free trade zones into a free industrial zone; and stronger State 
support for the promotion of "productive -type" investment in free zones.  
3.3.2   Standards and other technical regulations  
3.91.   Supreme Decree No.  24498 of 1997 created  the Bolivian Standardization, Metrology, 
Accreditation and Certification System (SNMAC), whose goal is to promote competiveness and 
quality, to guarantee the safety and health of human, animal and plant life, and to protect the 
environment and consumers.68 According to information provided by the authorities, Supreme 
Decree No. 24498  is being revised.  
3.92.   The SNMAC is composed of several ministries, the Bolivian Metrology Institute (IBMETRO) 
and the Bolivian Standardization and Quality Institute (IBNORCA) (Char t 3.5). The MDPyEP is 
responsible for the system as a whole.  
Chart 3.5 Institutions of the Bolivian Standardization, Metrology, Accreditation and 
Certification System  
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat, on the basis of Supreme Decree No.  24498 of 1997; and information provided by 
the authorities.  
3.93.   In August  2017, Bolivia did not have any national regulations on preparing technical 
regulations. As notified to the WTO, preparation of technical regulations is governed by the Code 
of Good Practice in the WTO Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT).69 Only five ministries 
may issue techni cal regulations (Table 3.13), each issuing technical regulations for areas within its 
remit and, with the exception of the Ministry of Health, preparing them according to each 
ministry's internal procedures (Table 3.13). Given the importance of the subject , technical 
regulations issued by the Ministry of Health have to be prepared according to a handbook of 
standards and specific rules.  
                                                
66 Law No.  2493 of 4  August  2003 (tax reg ime applicable in free zones).  
67 Regulations implementing the special free zones regime, Supreme Decree No.  2779 of 25  May 2016.  
68 Article  1 of Supreme Decree No.  24498 of 1997.  
69 WTO document G/TBT/CS/N/108 of 6  May 1999.  
SNMAC 
Executive 
Commission  
Composed of representatives of the public and 
private sectors. Defines national policy to raise 
the qu ality of products and services.  Chaired by 
the MDPyEP  
Composed of representatives of the 
public and  private sectors. Ensures 
that SNMAC activities are carried o ut 
in line with the directives of the 
National Quality Council , chaired by 
the Vice-Ministry of Medium and 
Large -Scale Industrial Production 
(VPIMGE)  
Standardization  
 Technical 
regulations  
Certification  
 Metrology  
 Accreditation  
IBNORCA  
 Ministries  
 IBMETRO  
 IBMETRO  
 IBNORCA  
Inspection  
 
IBNORCA  
National Quality 
Council  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 77 - 
  Table 3.13 Authorities responsible for preparing technical regulations  
Authority  Area of competence  
Ministry of Production 
Development and the Plural 
Economy (MDPyEP)  Preparation of technical regulations for medium - and large -scale industries  
Ministry of Hydrocarbons and 
Energy (MHE) and National 
Hydrocarbons Agency (ANH)  Preparation of technical regulations for areas relating to liquid fuels, 
natural gas, and exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbons  
Ministry of Health  Proposes standards for the registration of medicines, inputs, food and 
beverages for human consumpti on  
Ministry of the Environment and 
Water  Prepares technical regulations for the proper functioning of the drinking 
water and basic sanitation, irrigation, water quality and solid waste system  
Ministry of Rural Development 
and Lands  Determines policies and programmes for the control and certification of 
agricultural health and food safety  
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
3.94.   The stages in preparing a technical regulation, in the MDPyEP for example, include drawing 
up a d raft regulation; publishing it for a period of 60 days, during which comments may be made; 
adopting the regulation, followed by its entry into force (Chart 3.6). Technical regulations come 
into force by means of supreme decrees or ministerial or administra tive resolutions, depending on 
the responsibilities of each ministry or as prescribed in a higher -level legal instrument.70 A 
technical regulation is revised upon request by the public or private sector provided that there is 
technical or economic, legal, e nvironmental or political justification. Technical regulations are 
mandatory. According to the authorities, it is planned to revise Supreme Decree No.  24498 of 
1997 to include a technical regulation protocol establishing a common procedure for preparing 
technical regulations. At present (in 2017), there is no compendium of technical regulations in 
Bolivia.  
Chart 3.6 Example of preparation of a technical regulation in the Ministry of Production 
Development and the Plural Economy  
 
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
3.95.   Since 2006, Bolivia has notified the adoption of three t echnical regulations to the 
WTO Committee on T echnical Barriers to Trade, concerning protection of the environment, health 
and consumers.71 Two technical regulations implemented within the CAN framework were also 
notified.72 The Vice -Ministry of Medium and Large -Scale Industrial Production (VPIMGE), whi ch is 
part of the MDPyEP, is the WTO enquiry point for technical regulations.73 
                                                
70 Information provided by the aut horities.  
71 WTO documents G/TBT/N/BOL/3 of 22  October  2015; G/TBT/N/BOL/4 of 5  April 2016; and 
G/TBT/N/BOL/5 of 24  October  2016.  
72 WTO documents G/TBT/N/BOL/2 and G/TBT/N/BOL/1, both of 23  May 2014.  
73 See the WTO Technical Barriers to Trade Information Man agement System. Viewed at: 
http://tbtims.wto.org/en/Notifications/Search . 
The need for a 
technical regulation 
is identified  
Analysis of the 
impact of the 
regulation  
Preparation of 
the basic 
document  
Establishment of a 
technical regulations 
commission  
Notification of the 
draft technical 
regulation  
Draft technical 
regulation forwarded 
to the highest 
executive authority  
Preparation of the 
draft technical 
regulation  
Revision of the basic 
document for the 
technical regulation  
Preparation of the 
legal instrument  
Legal approval of 
the technical 
regulation  
Entry into force of 
the technical 
regulation  
Revision  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 78 - 
  3.96.   IBNORCA is a private non -profit -making association responsible for standardization, quality 
certification and conformity assessment of "Bolivian standards" or international stan dards.74 It 
prepares "Bolivian standards" at the request of the public or private sector. "Bolivian standards" 
are drawn up by technical standardization committees operating in 19 sectors, in which experts 
from the sector concerned participate (for example,  representatives of manufacturers, laboratories 
or consumers). When preparing "Bolivian standards", the technical committee takes into account 
the guidelines of the international standardization organizations to which Bolivia belongs, such as 
the Internati onal Organization for Standardization (ISO) or the Pan American Standards 
Commission (COPANT). The process of preparing a "Bolivian standard" encompasses several 
stages, including the preparation of the basic document (which has to be adopted by consensus in 
the technical committee), the publication of the draft "Bolivian standard" (NB) for  a period of 
60 days so that the public may make comments, its approval by the Governing Council for 
Standardization (CONNOR) and its subsequent ratification by means of a resolution of the 
Governing Board (Chart 3.7).75 "Bolivian standards" are revised every five years by the technical 
committee which prepared them. Application of an NB is voluntary. According to information 
provided by the authorities, IBNORCA currently h as approximately 3,500 standards registered in 
its database; of these, some 30% are ISO standards adopted by IBNORCA. The standards in effect 
are published in a catalogue.76 IBNORCA acts as the WTO enquiry point for Bolivian standards.77 
Chart 3.7 Procedure for preparing a Bolivian standard (NB)  
 
Source:  Online information from IBNORCA . Viewed at: 
http://www.ibnorca.org/index.php/normalizacion/desarrollo -de-normas . 
3.97.   IBNORCA is also  responsible for certifying that goods comply with "Bolivian standards", 
international standards and/or technical regulations. The certification process is voluntary, unless 
the goods are subject to a technical regulation, and is initiated at the request o f the interested 
party (Chart  3.8). Quality certification is given by means of an "N" stamp. The stamp is valid for 
                                                
74 Supreme Decree No.  24498 of 1997 attributed to IBNORCA its definitive competence. Online 
information from IBNORCA . Viewed at: http://www.ibnorca.org . 
75 Online information from IBNORCA.  Viewed at: http://www.ibnorca.org ; and PowerPoint presentation 
by IBNORCA, " IBNORCA es ISO en Bolivia ". Viewed at: 
http://www.energetica.org.bo/energetica/pdf/publicaciones/tis05a.pdf . 
76 The catalogue of standards may be viewed at: 
http://www.ibnorca.org/index.php/normalizacion/catalogo -de-normas . 
77 Online information from the WTO . Viewed at: http://tbtims.wto.org/en . 
Preliminary draft of the NB  
This stage comprises approval by the technical standardization committee, sending the preliminary 
draft NB for public consultation, the period of public consultation (a minimum of 60 calendar days), 
followed by meetings and, lastly, approval by forwarding to the Governing Council for Standardization 
(CONNOR).  
Ratifi cation of the NB  
The NB is ratified by means of a Governing Board resolution, which has to be signed by the President 
and Vice -President  
Draft NB  
This stage follows definitive approval of the preliminary draft by the technical standardization 
committee and further examination until it is subsequently approved by CONNOR. The draft adopted 
following the public consultation stage is forwarded to CONNOR for consideration. The document 
approved and ratified by CONNOR is designated an NB.  
Outline of the NB  
This stage comprises the collection of information and preparation of the basic document. The outline is 
exam ined by the technical committee  at regular meetings, during which substantive or formal 
amendments to the document may be made until memb ers reach agreement by consensus.  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 79 - 
  three years and needs to be verified each year in order to keep it. Any type of good may be 
certified. Imported goods do not require an "N" stamp in order to be sold on the domestic market. 
If an imported product is subject to a technical regulation, the conformity certificate for the 
product has to be submitted either prior to shipment or upon import. IBNORCA also certifies 
management systems .78 
3.98.   IBNORCA and other conformity assessment organizations are responsible for assessing the 
conformity of goods and production processes with "Bolivian standards", international standards 
and technical regulations. It conducts both mandatory and voluntary i nspections consisting of 
review of the documents or visual inspection and taking samples for all goods subject to "Bolivian 
standards", international standards and technical regulations. It issues a conformity certificate 
after carrying out the inspection and also assesses the conformity of imported goods.79 
3.99.   IBMETRO is responsible for administering the national metrology system and also provides 
measuring and calibration services. It is in charge of accrediting conformity assessment 
organizations (OEC), for example, testing and calibration laboratories and inspection and 
certification organizations.80 The accreditation procedure is initiated at the request of an OEC 
(Chart 3.9). In order to grant accreditation, IBMETRO verifies whether the OEC meets the 
requir ements prescribed in the "Bolivian standards" and international standards. Accreditation is 
given for three years. Once an OEC has been accredited, IBMETRO conducts annual visits to 
ensure that the requirements that justified accreditation are still being met. An accreditation 
certificate gives the OEC the right to use IBMETRO's accreditation symbol. To date (2017), 
IBMETRO has accredited 46 laboratories, four inspection organizations and two certification 
organizations. The reports issued by accredited lab oratories are recognized as official by the State. 
Accredited organizations are listed in a catalogue published by IBMETRO.81 
Chart 3.8 Procedure for certifying goods with the IBNORCA stamp  
 
Source:  Online information from IBNORCA.  Viewed at: http://www.ibnorca.org/index.php/certificacion . 
                                                
78 Online information from IBNORCA.  Viewed at: http://www.ibnorca.org . 
79 Idem.  
80 Online information from IBMETRO . Viewed at: http://www.ibmetro.gob.bo/web . 
81 Idem. The  catalogue may be viewed at: http://www.ibmetro.gob.bo/web/organismos_acreditados . 
Request for 
certification and 
dispatch of the 
offer 
Revision, correction, 
analysis and pre -approval  
Analysis and 
examination of the 
documents  
Follow -up and 
renewal audits  
Audit report  
Evaluation and 
recommendation by the 
Certification Committee  
Samples taken on the market and 
in the plant and laboratory  testing   
Granting of 
certification by the 
Executive Board  
Certification  audit: analysis of the data in 
conformity with the requirements of the 
standard or regulation and the quality 
system  
Licence to 
use, 
signature of 
the contract  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 80 - 
  Chart 3.9 Procedure for accreditation by IBMETRO  
 
Source:  Catalogue of organizations accredited by IBMETRO. Viewed at: 
 http://www.ibmetro.gob.bo/web/organismos_acreditados . 
3.100.   Pre-packaged or pre -wrapped foods  marketed in Bolivia must be labelled, irrespective of 
whether they are imported, or processed or packaged in the country.82 Both imported and locally 
produced foodstuffs must indicate the following: the name of the food, net content, ingredients 
and additi ves, identification of the batch, date and instructions for conservation, name or trade 
name and address of the manufacturer or importer in the case of imported foods, place or country 
of origin, sanitary registration number, and importer's tax registratio n code or number.83 If the 
original label on imported products is not in Spanish, an additional label may be added showing 
information in the required language. The model for the label must be approved by SENASAG, 
which checks that the proper model is being  used. Importers may label products when they reach 
their destination.84 SENASAG imposes a fine amounting to 20% of the value of the goods if the 
importer or distributor does not comply with the labelling requirements.85 
3.101.   The  Law on the promotion of healthy food (Law No.  775) of 2016 regulates the labelling of 
foods and non -alcoholic beverages. A coloured bar system (red, yellow and green) must be used 
to indicate the amounts of sodium, sugar and saturated fats they contain. Transgenic fat content 
must also b e indicated.86 
3.102.   Supreme Decree No.  2452 of 2015 regulates the labelling of locally produced or imported 
foods containing or obtained from genetically modified organisms (GMO). Such products must bear 
a label indicating GMO. This requirement is gradually star ting to be applied. By the end of 2017, all 
processed foods containing GMOs will have to meet this requirement and unprocessed agricultural 
products will have to do so by the end of 2018.  
3.3.3   Sanitary and phytosanitary measures  
3.103.   The State has the obligation to guarantee safe and healthy food and therefore to make 
food, pharmaceuticals and products in general subject to appropriate safety and quality criteria.87 
                                                
82 Some foods such as: (a) food wrapped in the presence of the end consumer; (b) food packaged in 
facilities selling to the public and p ut on sale the same day; and (c) food in its natural state whether or not 
packaged (for example, grains, fruit, vegetables, eggs) do not need to be labelled (Article  2 of Supreme Decree 
No. 26510 of 2002, Regulations on labels and control of the labelling of pre -packaged foods (viewed at: 
http://www.senasag.gob.bo/registros -unia/etiquetado/normativa.html ); and SENASAG Administrative 
Resolution No.  072/2002 approving the Regul ations on labels and control of the labelling of pre -packaged 
foods).  
83 Article 3 of Supreme Decree No.  26510 of 2002 and IBNORCA Bolivian standard NB 314001 on the 
labelling of pre -packaged foods.  
84 Regulations on labels and control of the labelling of pr e-packaged foods.  
85 Article 5 of Supreme Decree No.  26510 of 2002 and regulations on labels and control of the labelling 
of pre -packaged foods.  
86 Article 16 of Law No.  775. 
87 Articles 16, 75, 298 and 407 of the Political Constitution of the State.  
Assessment 
report 
(IBMETRO)  
Examination 
of the report 
(IBMETRO)  
Submission of 
formal request 
(OEC)  
Review of the 
documents 
(IBMETRO)  
In situ 
assessment 
(IBMETRO)  
Selection and 
appointment of 
assessors (IBMETRO)  
Accreditation 
agreement 
between IBMETRO 
and OEC  
Declaration 
of intention 
to seek 
accreditation 
(OEC)  
Opening of file 
(IBMETRO)  
Approval of 
accreditation 
(IBMETRO)  
Accreditation 
certificat e granted to 
the OEC by IBMETRO  
Follow -up and 
verification  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 81 - 
  SENASAG was created within the MDRyT in 2000 to carry out this task. It is responsible for 
administerin g the Agricultural Health and Food Safety Regime.88 The MDRyT has exclusive 
competence for drawing up national policies, standards and strategies to guarantee agricultural 
health and food safety. It does so in close cooperation with various ministries and g overnment 
institutions such as the Ministry of the Environment and Water, the Ministry of Health and Sports, 
the ANB, and IBMETRO. A Plurinational Agricultural Health and Food Safety Committee has also 
been established to coordinate between the Government and representatives of the agricultural 
and agro -industry sectors in preparing and evaluating animal health policies. The Committee is 
chaired by the MDRyT and is composed of representatives of the Ministry of Health, the MDPyEP, 
SENASAG and the private se ctor.89 
3.104.   Agricultural health and food safety are national priorities. The 2011 Agricultural Health and 
Food Safety Policy accordingly provides for the State to strengthen services that protect 
agricultural health and food safety by preventing and controlling  disease, conducting 
epidemiological surveillance, controlling the quality of inputs and certifying products.90 
3.105.   The Agricultural Health and Food Safety Regime is regulated by both domestic and 
supranational legislation (Table 3.14).  
Table 3.14 Plant and animal health legislation  
Legal text  Summary of the text  
Andean Decision  515 Andean agricultural health system  
Andean Resolution 1153  Rule on categories of health risk for intra -regional and third -country trade in 
livestock products  
Andean Resolution 1475  Adoption of phytosanitary risk categories for intra -regional and third -country 
trade in plants, plant products and other regulated items  
Andean Resolution 431  Andean rule on phytosanitary requirements applicable to trade in agricultural 
products among member countries and with third countries  
Law No.  830 Law on agricultural health and food safety  
Law No.  2061 Law establishing SENASAG  
Supreme Decree No. 25729  Determines SENASAG's organization and functioning  
Law No. 144  Law on the Communitarian Agricultural Production Revolution establishing the 
Agricultural Health and Food Safety Policy  
Law No. 1737  Law on medicines prescribing that the preparation, manufacture, distribution, 
import, export, sale and marketing of medicines require mandatory sanitary 
registration. Sanitary registration means the procedure whereby a 
pharmaceutical product undergoes stri ct evaluation prior to its marketing  
Supreme Decree No. 26510  Establishes the requirements for labelling of pre -packaged foods  
Supreme Decrees No. 2452 
and No.  2735 Establishes the requirements for labelling of foods containing or obtained from 
genetically modified organisms (GMO)  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.106.   Among other tasks, SENASAG proposes and implements the policies needed to ensure 
protection of plant and animal health and food safety (Table 3.15). Sanitary and phytosanitary 
measures include inspection, quarantine, surveillance, certification, prevention, control of pests 
and diseases, registration, diagnosis, laboratory analysis and dealing with sanitary and 
phytosanitary emergencies.  
Table 3.15 SENASAG's main spheres of competence  
Sanitary and phytosanitary protection of agricultural, livestock and forest assets  
Implementation and management of the sanitary register for agricultural health and food safety, as Bolivia's 
sole official register  
Preparation and approval of agricultural health and food safety standards and technical regulations in 
coordination with the relevant bodies  
Establishment and administration of the penalty system for agricultural health and food safety  
Regulation of the seizure, destruction, return or final disposal of animals, plants, products, by -products in 
connection with agricultural health and food safety  
Coordination of the health of wild flora and fauna and biodiversity with the Ministry of the Environment and 
Water  
                                                
88 Law No . 2061 of 16  March  2000.  
89 Law No.  830 of 6  September  2016.  
90 Law No.  144 of 26  June 2011.  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 82 - 
  Certification of agricultural health and food safety for imports and exports  
Declaration and notification of the presence or absence of plant pests and animal diseases at the national level  
Declaration of zones, areas and/or the country free or o f low prevalence of plant pests or animal diseases  
Control of food safety during the production and processing stages  
Declaration of public emergencies in relation to agricultural health and food safety  
Collection and organization of specialized information on agricultural health and food safety, in coordination 
with the Ministry of Health  
Regulation and registration of agricultural inputs and control of their handling, use and marketing at the 
national  level  
Registration of inputs and raw materials for use in the food industry as relates to sanitary aspects  
Source:  Law No.  830 on agricultural health and food safety of 6  September  2016.  
3.107.   In drawing up sanitary measures, the Bolivian authorities refer to the rules of international 
organizations such as the OIE (animal health), the Codex (safety) and the IPPC (phytosanitary 
aspects). The National Codex Alimentarius Committee is an interinstitutional and multidisciplinary 
body responsible for adapting rul es so as to protect human health and harmonize food 
standards.91 
3.108.   The steps in drawing up a phytosanitary or animal health measure include the following: 
preparation of a draft; its publication for a period of 30 days (fo r phytosanitary measures) or 
14 days (for animal health measures) to allow the public to make any comments; revision of the 
project if necessary; and adoption of the measure (Chart 3.10). Phytosanitary and animal health 
measures enter into force by means of a supreme decree, a ministerial res olution or a SENASAG 
administrative resolution, as applicable.92 A phytosanitary or animal health measure may be 
revised at the request of a party and/or if the sanitary situation changes. The measures are 
mandatory.  
3.109.   In order to determine the phytosanitary or animal health requirements for importing plant 
or animal products or by -products into Bolivia, the person concerned must file an application with 
SENASAG to import the product. On the basis of this application, a note is sent to the competent 
service en quiring about the phytosanitary state of the crop in the country of origin. Once this 
information has been obtained officially, a risk analysis to detect pests is conducted and the 
phytosanitary measures decided. The same procedure applies to animal health  measures. In both 
instances, general and specific requirements by product or species are determined.  
Chart 3.10 Preparation of a phytosanitary or animal health measure  
 
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
3.110.   SENASAG is responsible for certifying the health -safety status of products for domestic 
consumption, as well as imports  and exports (where necessary). Pursuant to the sanitary control 
system for the protection of consumers, SENASAG issues the sanitary and phytosanitary import 
permits prior to loading in the country of origin.93 
3.111.   Bolivian companies producing or packaging food s may voluntarily apply the Hazard 
Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) system. Companies wishing to obtain HACCP 
certification must request it from SENASAG. After SENASAG has conducted an audit to check that 
the company is applying the system in a ccordance with the prescribed requirements, it issues a 
                                                
91 Supreme Decree No.  24645 of 4  June 1997.  
92 All the regulations relating to sanitary and phytosanitary measures may be viewed online on 
SENASAG's website at: http://www.senasag.gob.bo/resoluciones.html . 
93 Supreme Decree No.  2522 of 16  September  2015.  
Need for a 
measure identified  
Analysis of the 
impact of the 
regulation  
reglamentación  
Preparation of the 
basic document  
(NB; OIE; CODEX; 
IPPC; CAN)  
Consultation on the 
SENASAG website  
Issuing of the 
measure and 
legal instrument  
Further  
consultation on the 
SENASAG website  
Meeti ng with the 
sector to revise 
the text if needed  
Review of 
suggestions and 
comments  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 83 - 
  certificate of approval and implementation of the HACCP system.94 Although it is not compulsory to 
apply the HACCP system, Bolivia has other technical regulations which must be applied in order to 
ensure that proper practices are followed when handling food. For example, slaughterhouses must 
be registered in the Sanitary Register of Slaughterhouses, which can only be done if they meet the 
requirements prescribed in the various technical regulations issu ed by SENASAG. Failure to comply 
with these directives leads to closure of the slaughterhouse. At present (2017), Bolivia applies 
technical regulations for the operation of slaughterhouses for animals for slaughter, 
slaughterhouses for bovine animals and s laughterhouses for poultry, and for the inspection of 
these slaughterhouses and the processing, storage and transport of meat.  
3.112.   Bolivia has submitted four notifications to the WTO Committee on Sanitary and 
Phytosanitary Measures since 2006. One of these con cerns food safety and animal health95, while 
the other three concern plant protection measures.96 
3.3.4   Competition policy and price controls  
3.3.4.1   Competition policy  
3.113.   Competition policy is governed by the Political Constitution of the State, CAN Decision 608 
approving t he rules for the protection and promotion of free competition, and Supreme Decree 
No. 29519 and its implementing Regulations (Ministerial Resolution No.  190/2009) (Table 3.16). A 
preliminary draft of an anti -monopoly and protection of the plural economy la w was under 
preparation in 2011 and is still being revised. It is intended to regulate conduct which restricts, 
limits or distorts the market for goods and services, to the detriment of competition and 
consumers.  
Table 3.16 Regulations on competition  
Legal text  Provisions  
Article 314 of the Constitution  Private monopolies and oligopolies are prohibited, as well as any 
other form of association or agreement between Bolivian or foreign 
natural or legal persons  attempting to control and obtain exclusivity 
over production and marketing of goods and services.  
Article 308 of the Constitution  The State recognizes, respects and protects private initiative that 
contributes to economic and social development so as to  strengthen 
the country's economic independence. Free enterprise and full 
exercise of business activities, regulated by law, are guaranteed.  
CAN Decision 608  The objective is to protect and promote free competition in the CAN, 
seeking market efficiency and consumer well -being. For this purpose, 
it defines conduct restricting competition, includes a penalty 
procedure and establishes an Andean Committee for the Protection of 
Free Competition.  
Supreme Decree No.  29519 of 
16 April 2008 Regulates competition  and consumer protection against harmful 
conduct which adversely impacts the market, leading to speculation 
in terms of prices and quantities.  
Ministerial Resolution No.  190/2009 of 
the Ministry of Production and 
Microenterprises (now the MDPyEP)  Impleme nting regulations for competition, provision implementing 
Supreme Decree No.  29519 and establishing a special procedure for 
imposing sanctions to protect competition.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.114.   According to Supreme Decree No.  29519, free competition is deemed to be a catalyst for 
the national economy and in the public interest. It is therefore regulated by the State in order to 
control and prevent persons or enterprises from acting abusively as a result of their dominant 
position in the domestic market. State enterprises, however, as well as those operating in strategic 
sectors which have their own regulations, are not covered by Supreme Decree No.  29519 and 
remain outside the competence of the Business Supervisory Authority.  
3.115.   The Business Supervisory Auth ority, now called the Business Control Authority (AEMP), is 
responsible for protecting competition and for dealing with, investigating, prosecuting, imposing 
                                                
94 SENASAG Administrative Resolution No.  109/06 of 12  July 2006.  
95 WTO document G/SPS/N/BOL/16 of 31  March  2006.  
96 WTO documents G/SPS/N/BOL/15 of 14  February  2006; G/SPS/N/BOL/17 of 1  May 2006; and 
G/SPS/N/BOL/18 of 1  May 2006.  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 84 - 
  penalties and ruling on acts contrary to market competition, as stipulated by Supreme Decree 
No. 29519 and its implementing Regulations. The AEMP is also responsible for issuing regulations 
on the protection of competition for non -regulated sectors and for proposing rules to promote 
competition.97 The AEMP may initiate investigations on its own initiati ve or in response to a 
complaint.  
3.116.   The legislation defines conduct deemed to be absolute anti -competitive conduct or relative 
anti-competitive conduct (Table 3.17).98 Administrative sanctions are imposed on economic agents 
that engage in absolute or relative anti -competitive conduct, without prejudice to any criminal or 
civil liability the conduct may entail. Sanctions are always imposed for absolute anti -competitive 
conduct. In order to determine whether relative conduct is to be penalized, the AEMP examines the 
gains in terms of efficiency resulting from the conduct and its effect on the competition process. In 
order to avoid being sanctioned for their conduct, econom ic agents have to prove that the net 
gains in terms of consumer well -being derived from such practices exceed their anti -competitive 
effects.99 
Table 3.17 Anti-competitive conduct  
Absolute anti -competitive cond uct 
Fixing, raising, concerting or manipulating the selling or purchase price of goods or services at which they are 
offered or demanded on the markets, or exchanging information for the same purpose or with the same effect;  
establishing the obligation not to produce, process, distribute, market or purchase only a restricted or limited 
quantity of goods, or to provide or transact a restricted or limited number, volume or frequency of services;  
dividing, distributing, allocating or imposing portions or s egments of a current or potential market for goods or 
services, by means of customers, suppliers, periods or areas determined or to be determined;  
establishing, concerting, coordinating positions or abstaining from bidding, competition or public auctions;   
Relative anti -competitive conduct  
Imposing the price and other terms to be met by a distributor or supplier when marketing or distributing goods 
or supplying services that are usually distinct or distinguishable, or on a reciprocal basis;  
sale, purch ase or transaction subject to the condition not to use, purchase, sell, market or provide the goods 
and/or services produced, processed, distributed or marketed by a third party;  
unilateral action consisting of refusing to sell, market or provide goods a nd/or services available or normally 
supplied to third parties to a particular party;  
concertation among various economic agents or inviting them to exert pressure against any economic agent or 
to refuse to sell, market or purchase goods or services from that economic agent for the purpose of dissuading 
the latter from a particular conduct,  applying reprisals or obliging the latter to act in a particular way;  
in the case of goods and/or services produced jointly or separated for marketing purposes, the total average 
cost and the variable average cost are distributed over all the by -product s or joint products;  
granting of discounts or incentives by producers or suppliers to buyers subject to the condition not to use, 
purchase, sell, market, provide goods and/or services produced, processed, distributed or marketed by a 
third party, purchas ing, transaction subject to the requirement not to sell, market, provide to a third party the 
goods and/or services that are the subject of the sale or transaction;  
use of the earnings obtained by an economic agent from the sale, marketing or supply of a  good or service in 
order to finance losses from the sale, marketing or supply of another good and/or service;  
determination of different prices, terms of sale or purchase for different buyers and/or sellers under equivalent 
conditions; and  
action by one or more economic agents for the purpose or having the effect, directly or indirectly, of raising 
costs or hindering the production process or decreasing demand vis-à-vis their competitors.  
Source:  Supreme Decree No.  29519 of 16  April 2008.  
3.117.   Over the period 2013 -2016, the AEMP dealt with 19 cases of  anti-competitive practices, 
13 of which were initiated ex officio  (Table 3.18). Most of them concerned price discrimination and 
applied in particular to products such as beer (six instances), suga r (five), milk (two) and 
almonds  (one). The AEMP rejected two of the complaints for lack of evidence of the offence 
allegedly committed, another two were dismissed when the complainants withdrew, while the 
remaining cases led to monetary sanctions and/or w arnings to those responsible. No investigations 
were initiated ex officio , and there were no complaints of unfair practices relating to services as 
this sector does not fall within the scope of the AEMP.  
                                                
97 Supreme Decree No.  29519 of 16  April 2008 and Supreme Decree No.  071 of 9  April 2009.  
98 Articles 10 and 11 of Supreme Decree No.  29519 of 16  April 2008.  
99 Ibid.,  Article 12.  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 85 - 
  Table 3.18 Protection of competition, 2013 -2016  
Product  Initiation of the 
investigation  Conduct  Outcome  
2013  
Almonds  Ex officio  Information required by the 
AEMP not provided  Fine 
Cement  Ex officio  Cartel  Fine 
Beer Ex officio  Participation of executives and 
directors in anti -competitive 
activities  Disqualification from engaging in 
commercial activities for 
90 calendar days  
Milk Ex officio  Price discrimination  Fine 
Medicinal 
oxygen  Ex officio  Price discrimination  Fine 
Tobacco  Ex officio  Exclusivity of territory and 
product  Fine 
2014     
Beer Complaint by a 
party Exclusive sale of a product  Complainant withdrew  
Beer Complaint by a 
party Abuse of a dominant position  Complainant withdrew  
Beer Complaint by a 
party Abuse of a dominant position  Rejection of the complaint  
2015  
Sugar  Ex officio  Price fixing  
Exchange of information  
Price discrimination  Fine 
Disqualification from engaging in 
commercial activities for 
90 calendar days  
Bottled 
beverages  Complaint by a 
party Exclusive sale of a product  Rejection of the complaint  
Beer Complaint by a 
party Price discrimination  
Hindering the production 
process  Fine 
Raw milk  Ex officio  Price discrimination  Fine 
Medicines  Ex officio  Price discrimination  Fine 
2016  
Sugar  Ex officio  Price discrimination  
Dividing up territory  Fine 
Executives disqualified from 
engaging in commercial activities for 
120 calendar days  
Sugar  Ex officio  Price fixing  
Exchange of information  
Price discrimination  
Dividing up territory  Fine 
Executives disqualified from 
engaging in commercial activities for 
120 calendar days  
Sugar  Ex officio  Price fixing  
Exchange of information  
Price discrimination  
Dividing up territory  Fine 
Executives disqualified from 
engaging in commercial activities for 
120 calendar days  
Sugar  Ex officio  Price fixing  
Exchange of information  
Price discrimination  
Dividing up territory  Fine 
Executives disqualified from 
engaging in commercial activities for 
120 calendar days  
Beer Complaint by a 
party  Price discrimination  
Special terms of sale  Fine 
Those involved disqualified from 
engaging in commercial activities for 
60 calendar days  
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
3.3.4.2   Price control  
3.118.   According to the authorities, Bolivia uses price "monitoring" to protect consumers and 
ensure the supply of basic goods.  
3.119.   The AEMP in the MDPyEP may control prices to protect consumers from conduct that 
results in price speculation. It may decide, either in the course of an investigation or in order to WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 86 - 
  terminate restrictive cond uct, that a price control should be imposed.100 No price control resulting 
from an investigation conducted by the AEMP was imposed during the review period.  
3.120.   Bolivia also has an economic and social policy that supports the country's production and 
food security and sovereignty, preventing supply shortages and price speculation on the domestic 
market. When deemed necessary, the authorities may therefore regulate the trade flows, domestic 
marketing and prices of the main products in the family shopping bas ket or the inputs needed to 
guarantee that the domestic demand for food is met.  
3.121.   The price monitoring policy is intended to protect both consumers and producers. When 
the price of products that are sensitive in terms of food security rises, measures are tak en to 
mitigate the increase and, in the case of products for export, to control their export, for which the 
CAIPJs, or export licences in the case of sugar and its by -products, are used. The measures 
employed by the Bolivian authorities to offset price inc reases involve tariff administration, direct 
imports by the State to counteract the shortages identified, and/or control of surpluses for export. 
Price monitoring is also used in support of the production and marketing of agricultural 
products.101 
3.122.   Since 2008 , EMAPA has been tasked with providing support for the production and 
marketing of agricultural products and by -products in order to guarantee supplies.102 It 
implements the policy of subsidizing the production and marketing of agricultural products and 
by-products at fair prices. When necessary, EMAPA therefore buys (collects) the output of these 
products at a price 15% above the price set at the storage centres or the equivalent. If the price at 
the storage centre is below the production cost, EMAPA pays th e producer a price equivalent to the 
sum of the production cost and a margin of up to 15% of the cost, which is considered to be the 
"fair price". EMAPA establishes a marketing price that is based on a price band whose limits are 
the cost price and up to 1 0% below the market price weighted by city, according to the report of 
the National Institute of Statistics (INE).103 During the review period, price bands were established 
for rice, wholemeal flour and soya beans and soya products (Table 3.19).104 A maximum c onsumer 
price was also fixed for bulk refined oil (litre) at Bs 10 and for bottled refined oil (900 ml) at 
Bs 11.105 According to the authorities, these products play a major role in determining the price 
index either as final products (consumer price index)  or as inputs in the cost of raising swine and 
poultry (producer prices). When the product is subject to a domestic supply quota, the price band 
varies according to domestic supplies; as sales on the domestic market increase, so does the price 
(Table 3.20) . 
Table 3.19 Products subject to price bands  
Product  Minimum price  Maximum price  Resolution  
Raw milka Bs 2.80  Bs 3.22  Joint Ministerial 
Resolution 
No. 005.2012 of 
18 May 2012 Pasteurized fluid white milkb Bs 4.80  Bs 5.00  
UHT fluid white milk of 946 ml and 
950 mlb Bs 4.80  Bs 5.00  
Milk drink in sachets of 80  ml to 
170 mlb Bs 0.45  Bs 0.50  
Liquid yoghurt in sachets of 80  ml to 
90 mlb Bs 0.45  Bs 0.50  
Milk flavoured with dairy extensor in 
sachets of 80 mlb Bs 0.45  Bs 0.50  
                                                
100 Article 11, paragraphs 6 and 10 of Supreme Decree No.  29519 of 16  April 2008.  
101 Supreme Decree No.  255 of 19  August  2009.  
102 Supreme Decree No.  29230 of 15  August  2007; Sup reme Decree No.  255 of 19  August  2009; and 
Supreme Decree No.  1120 of 11  January  2012.  
103 Supreme Decree No.  255 of 19  August  2009.  
104 Joint Ministerial Resolution No.  002.2011 of 29  June 2011. Viewed at: 
http://www.observatorioagro.gob.bo/menu/derecha/INFORMACION%20EN%20LINEA/documento/normativas/
R_B_M/rbm%20002_2011.pdf ; Joint Ministerial Resolution No.  001.2017 of 13  January  2017; and Supreme 
Decree No.  373 of 2  December  2009.  
105 Joint Ministerial Resolution No.  009.2014 of 30  June 2014, and Joint Ministerial Resolution 
No. 001.2017 of 13  January  2017.  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 87 - 
  Product  Minimum price  Maximum price  Resolution  
Soya-bean solvent  US$265/MT  US$278/MT  Joint Ministerial 
Resolution 
No. 001.2017 of 
13 January  2017 Wholemeal soya -bean flour  US$393/MT  US$413MT  
Soya-bean hulls  US$60MT  US$80MT  
Husked rice (HS  1006.20.00.00)  US$60/fanega 
(200 kg) US$66/fanega 
(200 kg) Supreme Decree 
No. 373 of 
2 December  2009 Semi-milled or wholly milled rice, 
whether or not polished or glazed 
(HS 1006.30.00.00)  US$55/fanega 
(200 kg) US$61/fanega 
(200 kg) 
a Producer price.  
b Consumer price.  
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
Table 3.20 Products subject to price bands and domestic supply quotas  
(US$ per tonne)  
Filling of the quota  Soya -bean solvent  Wholemeal soya -bean 
flour  Soya -bean hulls  
>95%  322-307 453-431 80-60 
95%-80% 321-307 450-431 77-60 
80%-60% 318-307 446-431 74-60 
60% 315-307 442-431 71-60 
Source:  Joint Ministerial Resolution No.  010.2012 of 20  June 2012. Viewed at: 
http://www.observatorioagro.gob.bo/menu/derecha/INFORMACION%20EN%20LINEA/documento/no
rmativas/R_B_M/rbm%20010_2012.pdf . 
3.123.   In addition to the foregoing, in order to safeguard the interests of raw milk producers as 
well as consumers, every year PRO BOLIVIA, in coordination with the MDRyT, determines price 
bands fixing the producer price for raw milk and the price of some "selected " dairy products to the 
end consumer, so as to prevent price increases from affecting consumption and hence food 
security (section 4.1).106 
3.124.   In addition to storage (collection) prices and price bands, the Government may also sign 
supply agreements with the va rious industries in order to ensure that they have a supply of inputs 
at a fixed price. For example, from 2011 onwards, in order to support the bakery industry, EMAPA 
supplied an agreed volume of flour and sugar at a price fixed in an agreement signed betw een the 
Government and the National Bakers Confederation.107 
3.125.   The State also controls the domestic price of products that are exported. The domestic 
market price for natural gas may under no circumstances exceed 50% of the minimum price in the 
export contract .108 The price gap is a domestic consumption subsidy.  
3.126.   Through the Telecommunications and Transport Regulatory and Supervisory Authority, the 
State also regulates the general tariff and price regime for telecommunications and information 
and communication tec hnologies throughout the country, irrespec tive of their coverage 
(section  4.4.2).109 Transport rates are also regulated; they are determined according to an 
econometric model that takes into account the cost of fuel, which State policy subsidizes. Water 
rates are regulated as well and are determined according to a formula.  
3.3.5   State trading, public enterprises and privatization  
3.127.   Since 2006, the State's function has changed in Bolivia. The Government regards the State 
as having not only a governing role but also a role in production. It is therefore considered that 
State enterprises must contribute towards the country's economic and social development, by 
                                                
106 Law No.  204 of  15 December  2011 and Joint Ministerial Resolution No.  005/2012 of 18  May 2012. 
Viewed at: 
http://www.observatorioagro.gob.bo/me nu/derecha/INFORMACION%20EN%20LINEA/documento/normativas/
R_B_M/rbm%20005_2012.pdf . 
107 Supreme Decree No.  0771 of 17  January  2011 and Supreme Decree No.  1116 of 21  December  2011.  
108 Article 87 of the Hydrocarbons Law of 17  May 2005.  
109 Article 43 of Law No.  164, General Law on telecommunications and information and communication 
technologies of 8  August  2011.  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 88 - 
  transforming its production matrix. According to current legislation, public enterprises must play a 
social role  and contribute towards economic and social growth by creating jobs, providing services, 
meeting demand and intervening in order to prevent market distortions. The authorities consider 
that public enterprises are a complement to Bolivian or foreign private  economic organizations.  
3.128.   Public enterprises at central State level have taken on a key role in implementing the 
"economic, social, communitarian and productive" model by managing ownership rights over 
natural resources and exercising strategic control over  production and industrialization processes 
in order to produce value -added goods and services which meet the essential needs of the 
domestic market and to build export capacity.  
3.129.   The Higher Strategic Council for Public Enterprises (COSEEP) was established in 2013. It is 
responsible for framing policies, strategies and general guidelines for managing public enterprises 
pursuant to the country's Economic and Social Development Plan.110 The Technical Bureau for the 
Strengthening of Public Enterprises (OFEP) was also created to provide COSEEP with technical 
support in fulfilling its responsibilities, by evaluating public enterprises at central State level. The 
Office of the Auditor -General of the State controls the management of public enterprises.  
3.130.   Public enterpri ses are governed by the Political Constitution of the State, the Law on public 
enterprises, and its implementing Regulations111, COSEEP resolutions, the Commercial Code, the 
special regulations creating such enterprises and those governing the sector in whic h an enterprise 
operates. For example, the YPFB and the Bolivian Hydrocarbons Industrialization Enterprise 
(EBIH), two of the largest public enterprises in the country, are governed by the Hydrocarbons 
Law (section 4.2.2). Likewise, in the financial sector , for example, Banco Unión S.A. and the BDP 
are governed not only by the provisions in the special regulations on their creation, activities, 
functioning and organization, but also by the Financial Services Law and the rules of the BCB.  
3.131.   Public enterprises at central State level may be State enterprises, mixed State enterprises, 
mixed enterprises or intergovernmental State enterprises (Table 3.21). Foreign public or private 
enterprises wishing to form a mixed State enterprise or a mixed enterprise must be ap proved for 
registration in the Trade Register and comply with the criteria and procedures established for this 
purpose in the relevant regulations.112 Public enterprises may sign investment contracts with other 
public enterprises or with private enterprises incorporated in the country and/or foreign public or 
private enterprises.  
Table 3.21 Types of public enterprise, 2017  
Type of enterprise  Capital (State)  Capital (other sources)  
State enterprise (EE)  100%   
Mixed State enterprise (EEM)  > 70% y <100%  Bolivian private and/or foreign capital 
and/or autonomous territorial entities 
(ETAs)  
Mixed enterprise (EM)  51% a 70%  Bolivian private and/or foreign capital 
and/or autonomous territorial entities 
(ETAs)  
Intergovernmental State enterprise (EEI)  51% y < 100%  Autonomous territorial entities (ETAs)  
Source:  Law No.  466 of 26  December  2013.  
3.132.   There are currently (2017) 62 public enterprises operating in various sectors of the 
economy (Table  A3.6). In each case, the State has a majority holding and in most of the 
enterprises its share is 100%. Since 2006, public enterprises have become increasin gly important 
in terms of their share of production and trade, symbolic of the profound changes in the country's 
economic structure. The largest public enterprises include the YPFB and the Bolivian Mining 
Corporation  (COMIBOL). Exports by public enterprises now account for 57% of total exports.  
3.133.   Public enterprises operating in the hydrocarbons, mining, energy, telecommunications, 
transport and other sectors identified by COSEEP as being of strategic interest to the cou ntry are 
considered to be strategic enterprises. Their goal is to produce surpluses in order to boost 
economic development and finance the country's social policies.  
                                                
110 Articles 5 and 3 of the Law on public enterprises and Law No.  466 of 26  December  2013.  
111 Law No.  466 of 26  December  2013.  
112 Articles 413, 416 and 417 of  the Commercial Code.  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 89 - 
  3.134.   Public enterprises deemed to be production enterprises ( empresas productivas ) come 
under t he service for the development of public production enterprises (SEDEM), which was set up 
to create and support production enterprises by providing advice at the different stages of their 
development. It also coordinates and controls the management of publ ic production enterprises, 
seeking to modernize them and introduce a corporate model for public enterprises. Currently 
(in 2017), according to information provided by the authorities, the production enterprises are the 
following:  Empresa Azucarera San Buen aventura (EASBA), Empresa Boliviana de Almendra y 
Derivados (EBA), Empresa Estratégica de Producción de Abonos y Fertilizantes (EEPAF), Empresa 
Estratégica de Producción de Semillas (EEPS), Empresa Pública Productiva Apícola (PROMIEL), 
Lácteos de Bolivia ( LACTEOSBOL), Papeles de Bolivia (PAPELBOL), Cartones de Bolivia 
(CARTONBOL), Empresa Pública Quipus (QUIPUS), Empresa Pública Productiva Envases de Vidrio 
de Bolivia (ENVIBOL), and Cementos de Bolivia (ECEBOL), although it is not yet operating. Most of  
these enterprises are active in agro -industry or manufacturing, except for QUIPUS, which is 
technology -oriented.113 EBA was the only exporting enterprise in 2017, although it was not the 
exclusive exporter of Brazil nuts.  
3.135.   Public enterprises' share of trade rema ins significant (Table 3.22). Their large share, 
particularly as regards exports, is mainly attributable to the YPFB, which is responsible for 
marketing hydrocarbons, one of the country country's leading export products (sections 1.3.1.1 
and 4.2.2).  
Table 3.22 Share of public enterprises in production, imports and exports, 2006 -2016  
 
2006  
2007  
2008  
2009  
2010  
2011  
2012  
2013  
2014  
2015a 
2016b 
Production (% of gross value ) n.a. 7.5 15.4 13.7 17.2 17.9 21.0 21.5 20.4 n.a. n.a.  
Imports (% of total value)  n.a. 6.2 10.8 11.2 11.7 16.2 13.7 16.5 15.7 13.4 8.7 
Exports (% of total value)  n.a. 48.6 53.2 42.4 46.7 48.8 52.1 57.3 54.5 49.3 35.1 
n.a. Not available.  
a Preliminary.  
b January -September.  
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
3.136.   The YPFB is in charge of the import and export of hydrocarbons (crude oil, condensate, 
natural gasoline, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and natural gas).  
3.137.   INSUMOS BOLIVIA, set up in 2008 under the Ministry of Product ion and Microenterprises 
(now the MDPyEP), is responsible for marketing (buying and selling) goods and inputs at a "fair 
price" on the domestic market for the benefit of the population as a whole, importing products that 
make up the family shopping basket and "high impact" (strategic) inputs for production, as well as 
exporting value -added products.114 It operates a trust fund set up within the MDPyEP in order to 
buy, sell, market and export foods and other manufactures.115 In 2016, INSUMOS BOLIVIA was in 
charg e of importing maize, wheat flour, certified rice seed and agro -chemicals.116 In practice, 
however, it does not import any of these products inasmuch as, according to the authorities, the 
domestic market has been stabilized and there are no shortages. In 201 7, the only products 
exported by INSUMOS BOLIVIA were ethyl alcohol, canned palm hearts and pineapple.  
3.138.   EMAPA was created in 2007 and its objectives include providing support for rice, wheat, 
maize and soya bean producers, helping to ensure the population's  food security and combating 
price speculation for these commodities. As a support measure, particularly for small and 
medium -sized farms, EMPA markets their output at a "fair price". The products marketed by 
EMAPA include wheat flour, top grade rice, whea t bran, maize for balanced feed, soya -bean meat, 
                                                
113 Information provided by the authorities.  
114 Supreme Decree No.  29727 of 1  October  2008.  
115 Supreme Decree No.  1561 of 17  April 2013.  
116 Supreme Decree No.  2857 of 2  August  2016.  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 90 - 
  oil, and bread, as well as other products which are running short on the local market.117 The 
products which EMAPA markets can only be imported by EMAPA.  
3.3.6   Government procurement  
3.139.   Government procurement is mainly  governed by Sup reme Decree No.  181 of 2009 
(SD No. 181), which specifies the basic rules for the goods and services administration system 
(NB-SABS), "goods and services" being defined as "goods, works, general services and 
consultancy services". It is als o governed by ministerial resolutions approving the basic 
procurement documents (DBC) according to the procedure and type of contracting, which come 
into force as soon as they are published in the State contracting system (SICOES), and by the 
SICOES operat ions handbook, the regulations concerning the single register of State suppliers 
(RUPE), and model specific regulations.118 
3.140.   The MEFP is the "governing body" for Bolivia's government procurement. It is responsible 
for ensuring proper application of the NB -SABS and for managing the SICOES and the RUPE. Each 
government institution has a unit responsible for all contracting procedures, called the Higher 
Executive Authority (MAE). According to the regulations in force, government procurement in 
Bolivia is bound by  the following principles: (i) free participation by competitors; (ii) participation 
in bidding on equal terms; (iii) transparency; (iv) social control; and (v) efficient use of time and 
resources in contracting procedures.119 
3.141.   For all public sector entities,  including State public enterprises in which the State has a 
majority holding, it is compulsory to use the SICOES.120 There are six government procurement 
procedures, mostly used according to the amount of the contract, namely: (i) minor procurement; 
(ii) na tional support for production and employment (ANPE) -type procurement; (iii) public 
invitation to tender (national or international); (iv) direct contracting; (v) special procurement; 
and (vi) procurement in the event of disaster and/or emergency situations  (Table 3.23). In order 
to carry out its functions, the State enterprise INSUMOS BOLIVIA is authorized to use direct 
contracting for the procurement of goods, works, general services and consultancy services, 
applying the procedures approved by the MDPyEP.  After a contract has been awarded, INSUMOS 
BOLIVIA must register the information on the procurement procedure in the SICOES and inform 
the Office of the Auditor -General of the State.121 
3.142.   Government procurement procedures using the ANPE and public invitation to tender 
procedures must follow the guidelines laid down in the DBCs, which contain model invitations to 
tender and the basic procurement documents. In special circumstances and subject to 
authorization from the MEFP's governing body, the DBCs may be modi fied before the invitation to 
tender is published in order to incorporate special clauses for the procurement. For the ANPE 
procurement procedure, there are currently DBCs for the purchase of goods, works and leasing, 
and contracts for general and consulta ncy services. For procurement using the public invitation to 
tender procedure, the DBCs cover: the purchase of goods; works; procurement of general 
services; insurance, consultancy and technical supervision; leasing; and the purchase of goods and 
real esta te and medicines.  
                                                
117 Online information from the MDPyEP . Viewed at: http://www.produccion.gob.bo/content/id/18 . 
118 Ministerial Resolution No.  274 of 9  May 2013.  
119 Article 3 of Supreme Decree No.  181 of 26  June 2009.  
120 Ibid., Article  6, and Articles 3 and 4 of Law No.  1178 o f 20 July 1990.  
121 Supreme Decree No.  29727 of 1  October  2008.  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 91 - 
  Table 3.23 Government procurement procedures  
Procedure  Threshold 
(Bs) Features  
Minor 
procurement  From 1 to 
50,000  No price quotations or proposals required  
No time -limit 
Economic criteria must be taken into account in order to obtain the best price  
Goods and services must meet quality criteria  
National 
support for 
production and 
employment 
(ANPE)  > 50,000 to 
1,000,000  For procurement using price quotations, it is not compulsory to use the model 
basic procurement document (DBC)  
Time-limit for submitting price quotations or proposals: 4 days (up to 
Bs 200,000) or 8  days (> Bs  200,000 to Bs  1,000,000)  
For proposals > Bs  200,000, a guarantee of the seriousness of the proposal 
may be sought  
No extension of time -limits or modifications of the DBC  
Evaluation of a single price quotation or proposal  
For procurement exceeding Bs 200,000, the contract is awarded (or the 
procedure declared void) by means of special resolutions and administrative 
appeals  may proceed  
Public invitation 
to tender  > 1,000,000  National public invitation to tender: > Bs  1,000,000 to Bs  70,000,000; 
time-limit for submitting bids: 15 days  
International public invitation to tender: > Bs  70 million; time -limit for 
submitting bids: 15 working days or 20 days (goods and services). 
International public invitations to tender may be issued for procurement 
< Bs 70 million if the procurement so requires  
The time -limits may be extended and the DBC may be modified  
The evaluation may pr oceed on the basis of a single bid  
Direct 
procurement of 
goods or 
services  No limit  There is a list of 13 reasons for which the direct procurement procedure may 
be used, for example, if it is sought to purchase spare parts or goods whose 
price is controlled by the State (Article 72 of Supreme Decree No.  0181)  
Goods or services provided by public enterprises, national strategic public 
enterprises (EPNE) or financial enterprises or institutions in which the State 
has a majority holding  
After the cont ract has been signed, the procurement is notified to the Office of 
the Auditor -General of the State (CGE) and registered in the SICOES  
Special 
procurement  No limit  There is a list of 14 reasons for which the special procurement procedure may 
be used, for example, if there is a sole supplier or consultant or if it is sought 
to purchase perishable foodstuffs (Article  65 of Supreme Decree No.  0181)  
The special procurement procedure may not be used because of lack of 
foresight on the part of the institutio n or untimely call for the good or service  
The procedure followed shall be that specified in the resolution authorizing the 
procurement  
After the contract has been signed, the procurement is notified to the Office of 
the Auditor -General of the State (CGE) and registered in the SICOES  
Procurement in 
the event of 
disaster and/or 
emergency 
situations  No limit  This procedure may only and exclusively be allowed in order to deal with 
disaster and/or emergency situations  
Each institution regulates the procedures and terms for the procurement  
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
3.143.   The criteria for evaluating bids for the procurement of goods or services are based on the 
following methods of selection and award of contracts: (i) quality, te chnical proposal and cost; 
(ii) quality; (iii) budget fixed; (iv) lower cost; and (v) price considered the lowest.122 
3.144.   Bolivia uses government procurement as a mechanism to support domestic production, 
seeking to ensure in particu lar that micro and small enterprises, small farmers' economic 
organizations and small producers’ associations play a larger part in procurement. Public entities 
must, therefore, first consider the options on the domestic market when procuring goods or 
contracting services. Import is only allowed if the goods and/or services are not available in the 
country.123 Bolivia also offers preference margins for Bolivian suppliers or producers, most of which 
depend on national content (Table 3.24). These margins range from 5% to 35%. Micro and small 
                                                
122 Article  23 of Supreme Decree No.  181 of 26  June 2009.  
123 Ibid., Article  29. WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 92 - 
  enterprises also receive an additional preference margin of 20% in all government procurement 
procedures.124 
Table 3.24 Preference margins for domestic producers or suppliers  
Procurement 
procedure  Preference margin over 
the price bid  Criterion  
Goods and services  
ANPE  10% Irrespective of the origin of the inputs or labour  
25% For goods in which the inputs or labour of Bolivian origin range 
between 30% and 50%  
35% For goods and labour of at least 50% Bolivian origin  
Public 
invitation to 
tender  10% Irrespective of the origin of the inputs or labour  
20% For goods in which the inputs or labour of Bolivian origin range 
between 30% and 50%  
30% For goods and labour of at least 50% Bolivian origin  
Public works  
ANPE  5% Bolivian share in the building enterprise (including temporary 
associations) must be ≥ 51%  
Public 
invitation to 
tender  5% Bolivian share in the building enterprise (including temporary 
associations) must be ≥ 51%  
Source:  Articles 30 and 31 of Supreme Decree No.  181 of  28 June 2009 (NB -SABS) . 
3.145.   Between 2006 and 2016, government procurement amounted to US$43,317  million.125 
According to information provided by the authorities, until 2015 the procurement procedure most 
commonly used during the review period was a public invitation to tender, followed by the other 
procedures; in 2016, it was direct procurement of goods and ser vices (Table 3.25).  
Table 3.25 Government procurement statistics, 2006  and 2010 -2016  
 2006  2010  2011  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  
Number of procedures  26,953  42,958  66,331  76,874  81,435  94,148  74,884  81,995  
Number of contracts  20,877  39,148  60,544  63,372  78,026  94,462  68,001  57,865  
Amount (Bs  million)  8,796  13,451  22,408  35,718  46,544  51,694  41,332  42,649  
By type  (Bs millions)  
Goods  1,458  3,780  5,998  7,704  18,634  20,583  9,525  9,032  
Works  6,172  7,080  13,855  23,738  19,064  24,925  19,837  25,676  
Services  1,166  2,591  2,555  4,276  8,846  6,186  11,969  7,941  
By procedure          
Minor procurement   -  -  -  -  531  1,114  1,577  1,272  
National support for 
production and employment 
(ANPE)  -  3,499  5,063  6,046  6,625  6,397  2,160  68  
Public invitation to tender  6,595  5,852  7,619  11,834  15,548  14,095  12,094  9,386  
National  5,270  2,940  5,522  8,642  9,375  9,157  5,269  2,960  
International  1,325  2,912  2,097  3,192  6,173  4,938  6,825  6,426  
Special procurement  449  901  644  2,578  3,091  6,087  883  3,306  
Procurement in the event of 
disaster and/or emergency 
situations  7  376  318  237  184  1,494  255  139  
Direct procurement of goods 
and services  1  1,537  3,447  3,458  5,995  11,712  10,645  15,096  
Other proceduresa 1,745  1,285  5,315  11,565  14,571  10,795  13,719  13,381  
a Other procedures means government procurement using funds or donations from international 
organizations. In such cases, the procurement procedure is determined according to the regulations 
of the financing entity.  
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
                                                
124 Ibid., Article 31.  
125 Information  provided by the authorities.  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 93 - 
  3.146.   Resolutions that are issued in connection with public tender and ANPE procurement 
procedures (for amo unts exceeding Bs  200,000) may be challenged if they affect or prejudice 
legitimate interests.126 
3.147.   Bolivia is neither party to the WTO Plurilateral Agreement on Government Procurement nor 
an observer at the Committee.  
3.3.7   Intellectual property rights  
3.148.   The intellectual property regime is governed by domestic legislation and by the CAN 
provisions.127 The Andean provisions include Decisions establishing common industrial property 
protection regimes (Decision 486 of 2000), protection of the rights of breeders of new plant 
varieties (Decision  345 of 1993) and protection of copyright and related rights (Decision  351 
of 1993).128 
3.149.   As a member of WIPO, since 1993 Bolivia has been party to the Paris Convention 
(industrial property), the Berne Convention (literary and arti stic works) and the Rome Convention 
(copyright and related rights), as well as WIPO's Nairobi Treaty (protection of the Olympic symbol) 
since 1994. It has also signed the International Convention for the Protection of New Varieties of 
Plants (in 1999).  
3.150.   The National Intellectual Property Service (SENAPI) in the MDPyEP is responsible for 
administering the industrial property and copyright and related rights regimes. Protection of new 
plant varieties is the responsibility of the  National Agricultural and Fores try Innovation Institute 
(INIAF) in the MDRyT.  
3.3.7.1   Industrial property  
3.151.   Industrial property rights are governed by CAN Decision  486.129 Pursuant to this Decision, 
inventions (products or processes) and utility models are protected by means of patents, whereas 
layout-designs of integrated circuits, industrial designs and trademarks have to be registered in 
order to be protected. Decision  486 defines the scope of protection and the reasons for which a 
patent or registration may not be obtained (Table A3.7).  
3.152.   The proc edure for obtaining a patent or registration is similar. In both cases, the interested 
party must file an application with SENAPI, which, depending on the result of the formal and 
substantive examinations, grants or refuses the patent, accepts or rejects r egistration. An 
applicant may claim a right of priority when filing for a patent or registration.130 Once the formal 
examination of the application has been completed, any person with a "legitimate interest" may 
contest the patent or registration application . SENAPI publishes applications and interested parties 
then have 60 days in which to oppose a patent application or 30 days in the case of an application 
for registration; these time -limits may be extended for one additional period. The applicant also 
has a similar period in which to present his arguments.131 
3.153.   SENAPI may take as a reference the conclusions of examinations conducted by foreign 
patent offices when conducting the substantive examination of a patent application.132 
3.154.   Layout -designs that have been comm ercially exploited abroad for over two years may not 
be registered in Bolivia.133 
                                                
126 Chapter VII, Procedure for administrative appeals (Article  90 et seq.) of Supreme Decree No.  181 of 
26 June 2009.  
127 Law on industrial privileges of 1916, General Law on trademarks and industrial and commercial 
registration of 1918 and Copyright Law No.  1322 of 1992.  
128 The Decisions may be viewed at: http://www.comunidadandina.org/Seccion.aspx?id=83 . 
129 Online information from the CAN . Viewed at: http://www.comunidadandina.org/Seccion.aspx?id=83 . 
130 Article 9 of Decision  486. 
131 Ibid., Articles 40 -43, 95, 122 and 146 -150. 
132 Ibid., Articles 38 -49. 
133 Ibid., Article  97. WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 94 - 
  3.155.   To register industrial designs and trademarks, the relevant international classifications are 
used, namely, the Locarno Classification and the Nice Classification.134 Trade sloga ns, collective 
marks, certification marks, trade names and well -known marks must be registered as trademarks 
in order to be protected. Appellations of origin are registered as distinctive signs.  
3.156.   SENAPI processes patent applications within an average period  of four years from the date 
of receipt. Over the period 2006 -2016 (May), there were 4,524 pa tent applications, but only 
955 patents were granted. Registration procedure is quicker; the average time needed to complete 
registration of an industrial design i s six months and for a trademark it is five months. By 
July 2017, no application to register a layout -design had been received.  
3.157.   A patent or registration gives the owner the exclusive right to exploit it, which may be 
assigned by means of licensing contract s. For trademarks, these contracts must be registered with 
SENAPI, although registration is optional for patents or industrial designs.135 A patent may be 
exploited without the owner's consent provided that this is not for commercial purposes.136 SENAPI 
may al so grant compulsory (non -exclusive) licences if a patent is not worked or for reasons of 
public interest, emergency or national security.137 No compulsory licences have so far been 
granted. Nevertheless, the Constitution provides that "[ t]he right to access medicines shall not be 
restricted by intellectual property rights and commercial rights (…)".138 
3.158.   Inventions are protected for 20 years as of the date of filing the patent application; the 
term of protection falls to ten years for utility models. Layout -desig ns and industrial designs are 
protected for ten years as of the date of filing the registration application. A trademark is protected 
for ten years as of the date on which registration is granted and may be renewed indefinitely for 
equal periods. SENAPI ma y, however, cancel registration of a trademark if it has not been used for 
three consecutive years.139 Both patents and registration must be renewed each year (paying the 
corresponding fees), otherwise they expire.  
3.159.   Parallel imports of patented products are a llowed, as are those of layout -designs, 
registered industrial designs and registered trademarks.140 
3.160.   Decision  486 also protects geographical indications, which are classified as appellations of 
origin (DO) or indications of source.141 The procedure for prot ecting a DO may be initiated 
ex officio  by SENAPI or at the request of an interested party. The declaration of protection does 
not expire for as long as the conditions on which it was based continue to exist. The declaration of 
protection obtained from SENAPI authorizes use of a DO for a term of ten years (renewable 
indefinitely).142 Bolivia has five DOs ( Quinua Real del Altiplano Sur de Bolivia, Indicación 
Geográfica Valle de Cinti (wine and singani), Singani, Ají de Chuquisaca and Quinua de Los 
Lípez).143 
3.161.   Undisclosed information automatically enjoys protection for as long as confidentiality is 
maintained.  
3.162.   By means of Administrative Resolution No.  017/2015 of 2015, SENAPI approved new 
internal procedural regulations for industrial property, whose purpose is to regulate aspects 
complementary to CAN Decision 486.  
                                                
134 Ibid., Articles 12 7 and 151.  
135 Ibid., Articles 57, 106, 133 and 162.  
136 Ibid., Article 53.  
137 Ibid., Articles 61 -69. 
138 Article 41.  
139 Article 165 of Decision  486. 
140 Ibid., Articles 54, 101, 131 and 158.  
141 Ibid., Articles 201 and 221.  
142 Ibid., Articles 203 -210. 
143 SENAPI (2015),  Memoria Institucional 2015 . Viewed at: 
http://www.senapi.gob.bo/snpPdfMemoriasAnuales/memoria2015.pdf . WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 95 - 
  3.3.7.2   Copyright and related rights  
3.163.   Decision 351 governs copyright and related rights and defines the criteria for enjoying 
protection (Table A3.7). No registration is required for literary, artistic and scie ntific works, as well 
as related rights, to be protected, although registration gives owners of rights greater security. 
Copyright gives the owner moral and economic rights. Economic rights allow the author to receive 
financial compensation for use of his work. Use of the protected works may be assigned by means 
of a licence. Works are protected throughout the lifetime of the author plus 50 years. Protection 
for performers, phonogram producers and broadcasting organizations is for at least 50 years. 
Paralle l imports of works protected by copyright are not allowed.  
3.3.7.3   New varieties of plants  
3.164.   New varieties of plants are protected by Decision  345, which defines the criteria and 
exceptions for protection (Table A3.7). New plant varieties are protected by means of a  breeders 
certificate issued by INIAF. The exclusive right to exploit a new p lant variety lasts for 20 to 
25 years for vines and trees and from 15 to 20 years for other species. A protected variety may, 
however, be used without the breeder's consent, for e xample, for research purposes. In addition, a 
breeder may grant licences to exploit a protected variety. In exceptional circumstances affecting 
national security or the public interest, the State may declare a species to be freely available, 
giving the bre eder fair compensation. Parallel imports of new plant varieties are not allowed.144 
3.3.7.4   Provisions for enforcement of intellectual property rights  
3.165.   Claims of infringement of industrial property rights may be made to SENAPI through 
administrative channels or to th e competent civil or criminal courts through judicial channels.145 
Copyright infringement is dealt with directly through judicial channels.  
3.166.   SENAPI is responsible for settling administrative matters relating to infringement of 
industrial property rights. In o rder to exercise the right to protection of industrial property, the 
owner must submit an appeal to SENAPI in writing.146 SENAPI is empowered (either ex officio  or at 
the request of the owner) to conduct inspections in order to determine the existence of the  alleged 
infringement. The owner may request that preventive measures be imposed so as to guarantee 
the practical outcome of the proceedings initiated. Preventive measures may consist, inter alia, of 
prohibiting sale of the goods inspected or temporary clo sure of a commercial establishment.147 If it 
is determined that infringement has occurred, SENAPI imposes definitive measures, which include 
withdrawal of the counterfeit goods from the market and prohibiting the re -export of goods 
bearing a counterfeit mark .148 
3.167.   During customs clearance, if the Customs considers that the goods inspected infringe 
intellectual property rights, it informs SENAPI. The Customs may, however, take measures only if 
the owner of the right so requests, it may not act ex officio . SENAPI m ay not act ex officio  either, 
only at the request of the owner. In such cases, SENAPI may ask the Customs to suspend customs 
clearance of the goods bearing counterfeit marks for a period of ten days in order to verify 
whether they are the subject of the al leged infringement.149 
3.168.   SENAPI also has awareness -raising and dissemination activities concerning the importance 
of intellectual property rights. The purpose of these is to provide information on the intellectual 
property framework in the country so as to pro mote the development of micro and small 
enterprises, as well as that of the scientific, artistic and literary sectors, through the registration 
and protection of intellectual property.  
                                                
144 Articles 17, 21, 25, 27 and 29 of Decision  345. 
145 Articles 238 and 257 of Decision  486 and WTO document IP/N/6/BOL/1 of 11  April 2001.  
146 The administrative procedure is governed by Article  238 of CAN Decision  486. 
147 The owner may request SENAPI to include certain definitive measures.  
148 Article 241 of Decision 486 and Articles  54-60 and 94 of SENAPI's internal procedural regulations for 
infringement proceedings. Viewed at: http://www.senapi.gob.bo/data1/images/ReglamentoInfracciones.pdf . 
149 Article 250 of Decision  486 and Article 105 -116 of SENAPI's internal procedural regulations for 
infringement proceedings.  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
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  3.169.   SENAPI's activities include cultural fairs, advertising campaigns, open ing of intellectual 
property information centres, industrial designs and copyright competitions, seminars/workshops 
in educational centres, online courses and workshops to evaluate the use of property rights. In 
order to carry out these activities, SENAPI receives support from other government bodies such as 
the transparency unit in the MDPyEP, and regional organizations such as the CAN. It also 
collaborates closely with universities and associations such as the National Confederation of 
Professional Musici ans (CONAMPROBOL), the Bolivian Society of Authors and Composers of Music 
(SOBODAYCOM), the Bolivian Association of Music Artists (ABAIEM) and the National 
Confederation of Micro and Small Businesses (CONAMYPE).  
3.170.   In addition to the general campaigns, specif ic measures have been taken to promote the 
protection of intellectual property. Since 2012, a support programme entitled Tu Trabajo, 
Tu Esfuerzo, Tu Marca (Your Work, Your Endeavour, Your Trademark)  has been under way to 
encourage artisans and micro and sm all enterprises to register trademarks by granting them a 
30% reduction in the registration fee.150 Over the period 2013 -2015, there were 117 applications 
and 89  registrations under the programme. In 2013, the Law on books was enacted, under which 
VAT and th e transaction tax (IT) on the sale of Bolivian -produced and imported books fell to zero 
in order to promote access to books and discourage piracy.  
 
                                                
150 MDPyEP Ministerial Resolution No.  138 of 2012.  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 97 - 
  4  TRADE POLICIES BY SE CTOR  
4.1  Agriculture  
4.1.  During the period under review, the agricultural sector grew at an average annual rate of 
2.8%. The sector's share of GDP remained stable during this period (2006 -2016) (Chart 4.1). The 
sector comprises, by order of importance, the production of "non -industrial agricultural products", 
namely vegetables, cereals, fruits and tubers, followed by livestock products and "industrial 
agricultural products", in particular soya beans and sunflower seeds.  
Chart 4.1 Main agricultural sector indicators, 2006 -2016  
 
Sourc e: WTO Secretariat estimates, based on data provided by the authorities.  
4.2.  The Bolivian agricultural sector is relatively concentrated. Oilseeds, especially soya, and 
cereals represented 71.8% of agricultural output in 2016 (69.3% in 2006) (Chart 4.2). Other  
major products are sugar cane, tubers, vegetables and fruit. Soya beans are the main agricultural 
product, and output increased during the review period; the product is essentially destined for 
export. After soya beans the most important industrial crops are sugar cane, sunflower and 
sesame.  
Chart 4.2 Agricultural output 2006 -2016  
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat estimates, based on data provided by the authorities and the Agro -Environmental 
and Production Observator y. 
13.912.913.5 13.812.9 12.5 12.913.3 13.0 13.2 13.7
4.3
-0.52.63.7
-1.23.14.1 4.73.85.1
3.1
-10010203040
-1001020
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016Growth rate (%) % of current basic GDP
   Non-industrial agricultural products    Industrial agricultural products
   Coca    Livestock products
   Forestry, hunting and fishing    Real growth rate (at 1990 prices)
05001,0001,5002,000
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016(Thousands of MT)
Tubers
Stimulants
Fruit
Vegetables
FodderOilseeds and industrial crops
Sugar cane
Soya beans
Other oilseeds and industrial cropsCereals
Maize
Grain sorghum
Paddy rice
Other cerealsOther productsWT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 98 - 
   
4.3.  The Plurinational State of Bolivia is a net exporter of agricultural products, and its agricultural 
trade balance showed a surplus during the period under review, rising from US$351  million in 
2006 to US$793  million in 2015, with a peak in 2014 at US$1 ,093 million (Chart 4.3(a)). Although 
agricultural exports represented only 17% (14.9% in 2006) of total goods exports, in value terms 
they rose from US$628  million in 2006 to US$1,487  million in 2015. Their composition has not 
changed significantly since 2006. The main export products are soya bean residues for animal 
feed, which accounted for 34.4% in 2015 and 33.7% in 2006, followed by animal or vegetable fats 
and oils. Agricultural imports in 2015 represented 7.1% of total goods imports, and consisted 
primarily of miscellaneous food preparations and milling industry products (Chart 4.3(b)).  
Chart 4.3 Exports and imports of agricultural products, 2006 -2015  
(a) Total  
 
 
(b) By HS chapter  
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat estimates, based on data provided by the authorities, the National Institute of 
Statistics (INE) and the Comtrade database.  
4.4.  Bolivia's rural development policy is framed by the Political Constitution of the State, the Law 
on the Communitarian Ag ricultural Production Revolution (Law No.  144 of  2011) and the Economic 
and Social Development Plan 2016 -2020. Its fundamental objective is to achieve food sovereignty 
through the structural adjustment of the agricultural sector and the creation of public institutions 
6287541,0011,0631,110 1,1971,6282,055
1,910
1,487
27738248140644064763870881769414.9%15.7%
14.5%20.1%
15.9%
13.1%13.8%16.8%
14.9%17.0%
9.8%10.9%9.6%
9.2%
7.9% 8.2%7.4%7.6%7.8%7.1%
0510152025
06001,2001,8002,400
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015% (US$ million )
Export value Import value % of total exports % of total imports
0510152025
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015(% of exports/imports)
Residues and waste from the food industries (HS 23)
Animal or vegetable fats and oils (HS 15)
Edible fruits and nuts (HS 08)
Cereals (HS 10)
Oilseeds (HS 12)
Other agricultural exportsExports Imports
Miscellaneous edible preparations (HS 21)
Milling industry products (HS 11)
Preparations of cereals (HS 19)
Beverages, spirits and vinegar (HS 22)
Cereals (HS 10)
Other agricultural importsWT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 99 - 
  that will provide the necessary support to guarantee these objectives.1 Agricultural policy 
specifically seeks to guarantee the production of food and its supply at "fair prices", to which end 
the State may take whatever measures are necessary  to ensure the supply of food to meet the 
needs of the Bolivian people.  
4.5.  With a view to achieving the goal of food sovereignty, the Government has established a 
number of overall guidelines that have spearheaded specific policies and programmes (Table 4.1). 
Table 4.1 Summary of the overall guidelines of rural development policy  
The production, processing and marketing of agricultural products, and of the inputs needed to produce them, 
shall be regulated . 
Agreem ents on production and export volume targets shall be signed with the agricultural sector.  
National agri -food production shall be protected, by regulating the export and import of agri -food products and 
inputs.  
In the allocation of subsidies, preference shall be given to domestic producers over import subsidies.  
Special provisions shall be established to ensure that agricultural products directly reach consumers at 
affordable prices, through State enterprises authorized to purchase local output at fair p rices to the producers 
and the sale of these products to consumers.  
Access to inputs, infrastructure, technical assistance and training shall be improved.  
Provisions shall be established to control the production, import and marketing of genetically modified 
products.  
Processing and industrialization shall be promoted in order to generate value added.  
The system of accreditation of the health, quality and safety of food and the organic nature of agri -food 
products and inputs of animal and vegetable origin shall be strengthened.  
Infrastructure construction and upgrading shall be promoted.  
Food storage and conservation strategies shall be developed.  
Strategic agri -food reserves shall be established to ensure the availability of strategic foods in t he event of 
circumstances that could affect the normal operation of the trade and distribution process.  
The consumption of domestic products shall be promoted through the use of the Social Seal certifying the use 
of local labour and inputs and the use of local products in state programmes such as the school meals 
programmes.  
Research and innovation, as well as mechanization and the use of technology, shall be encouraged.  
Credit mechanisms and an agricultural insurance scheme adapted to the needs of the agricultural sector shall 
be implemented.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat, on the basis of Law No.  144 of 29  June 2011.  
4.6.  In order to carry out the agricultural policies, the existing public institutions and State 
enterprises have been strengthened and new ones set  up (Table 4.2). The Ministry of Rural 
Development and Lands (MDRyT), assisted by the Plurinational Council for the Economy and 
Production (COPEP), is responsible for designing and implementing policies in the rural sector. 
COPEP, which comprises the corre sponding government authorities (the President of the 
Plurinational State and representatives of the MDRyT ), representatives of the various communities 
and of the agri -business sector (such as the National Agriculture and Livestock Confederation), 
coordinates and helps to draft agricultural policies, and also follows them up and assesses them. 
The MDRyT, in coordination with COPEP, prepares the Five -Year Food Production Plans with their 
corresponding operational plans. The latest of these, the Comprehensive Development Plan for the 
Agricultural and Rural Sector (PSARDI), was drawn up in 2016 and adopted in 2017. The main 
policies set out in the Plan concern, inter alia : land tenure and territorial management of 
indigenous aboriginal farming communities; use of technology, land and water; agricultural and 
livestock health; and market development. The products identified in the Plan as priority products 
are wheat, soya beans , maize, potatoes, quinoa, coffee and vegetables, as well as animal 
products.  
                                                
1 Ministry of Development Planning (2016), Plan de Desarrollo Económico y Social 2016-2020. Viewed 
at: http://www.boliviawdc.org/images/publicaciones/PND.pdf . WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 100 - 
  Table 4.2 Institutions responsible for designing/implementing agricultural policy  
Institution  Function  
Ministry of Rural Development and Lands (MDRyT)   
National Agricultural Health and Food Safety 
Service (SENASAG)  Responsible for administering the Agricultural Health and Food 
Safety Regime  
Agricultural Insurance Institute (INSA)  Responsible for regulating and implementing  the "Pachamama" 
Universal Agricultural Insurance Scheme  
Agro-Environmental and Production Observatory  Responsible for monitoring the availability and prices of the 
family basket of basic goods on the local and international 
markets  
National Agricultural and Forestry Innovation 
Institute (INIAF)  Responsible for guaranteeing the conservation and administration 
of agro -biodiversity genetic resources  
Ministry of Production Development and the Plural 
Economy   
Food Production Support Enterprise (EMAPA)  Responsible for supporting the food industry and agricultural and 
agro-industrial production  
Seed Production Support Enterprise (EEPS)  Responsible for producing high -quality seeds and seed banks  
Strategic Fertilizer Production Enterprise (EEPAF)  Responsible for producing fertilizers with priority for the 
production of organic fertilizers  
Ministry of the Environment and Water  Responsible for the management of water resources, access to 
drinking water, sanitation and irrigation for food security, as well 
as the integrated management of the environment and 
ecosystems  
Ministry of Development Planning  Responsible for supporting State institutions in the planning of 
plurinational public management, by implementing policies, 
strategies and instruments  for State planning, public investment 
and financing, strengthening the role of the State and the various 
agents of the plural economy  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
4.1.1   Measures affecting imports and exports  
4.1.1.1   Measures affecting imports  
4.7.  The Bolivian Government impl ements an economic and social policy that is aimed at food 
security, and therefore considers it necessary to control exports and imports and the domestic 
marketing of the main products in the family shopping basket, as well as the inputs needed to 
guarante e that the domestic demand for food is met. In order to achieve these objectives, the 
Government uses a range of instruments, including trade policy measures, as necessary.2 For 
example, if there were to be a shortfall in the production of specific foods a nd they had to be 
imported, tariffs could be temporarily lowered, or the products could only be exported if it was 
determined that there was a sufficient supply to satisfy domestic demand.3 
4.8.  The tariff protection given to the agricultural sector is higher t han that for manufacturing. In 
2017, the average applied tariff for agricultural products (13.3%) was higher than that for 
non-agricultural products (10.8%). On average, the highest duties for products, by WTO category, 
are specifically applied to beverage s, alcoholic liquids and tobacco; coffee and tea; and dairy 
products, with tariffs of 25.2%, 15.9% and 15.0%, respectively (Table A3.2). The agricultural 
products that received the highest level of protection (40%) in 2017 are ground roasted coffee, 
not de caffeinated (HS 0901.21.20.00), some vegetables (HS 2004.90.00.00) and alcoholic 
beverages. The protection afforded to fish and fisheries products was 16.9% in 2017.  
4.9.  During the period under review, in some instances tariffs had to be lowered in order to sa tisfy 
domestic demand for certain foods, and to ensure sufficient supply of inputs needed to guarantee 
their production. For example, owing to a fall in the production of certain foods, in 2009 tariffs 
were temporarily cut to 0% for imports of live bovine animals (HS 01.02), fresh and frozen bovine 
meat (HS 02.01), wheat and meslin (HS  10.01), wheat flour (HS 1101.00.00.00) and fats and oils 
(HS 1516.10.00.00).4 Likewise, in order to increase the area under agricultural production, from 
                                                
2 The Economic and Social Development Plan of the Republic 2006 established that the new approach of 
the st rategic trade policy involved the rational and timely use of tariffs, prior licensing and import quotas to 
stabilize domestic production and the internal market with respect to international competition (Supreme 
Decree No.  29272 of 12  September  2007).  
3 Supreme Decree No.  0346 of 28  October  2009 and Supreme Decree No.  0026 of 6  March  2009.  
4 Idem. WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
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  2011 and for a perio d of five years tariffs were reduced to 0% on imports of agricultural machinery 
and equipment (ploughs, mowers, machinery for food preparation) and some agricultural inputs 
(seeds, cattle feed, vaccines and veterinary medicines).5 In 2016 this measure was extended for 
another five years.6 
4.10.   Bolivia has bound all its tariff lines in the WTO. The tariff bindings range from 30% to 40%. 
All agricultural products, with the exception of live bovine animals  (for reproduction) 
(HS 0102.10.00.00) and bovine animals fo r fighting (HS  0102.90.10.00) are bound at 40%.  
4.11.   Bolivia does not apply tariff quotas.  
4.12.   Imports of products that may affect human, animal or plant health need a sanitary or 
phytosanitary import permit as well as an import certificate. Imports of agricultural  products 
require a sanitary certificate and in some cases (66 eight -digit HS tariff lines) a prior authorization 
is also needed; most of these goods are food industry products, such as fruit juices, water, 
including mineral and sparkling water, and ethyl alcohol, aguardiente spirits, liqueurs and other 
spirituous beverages.  
4.13.   Bolivia has not reserved the right to use special safeguards for agricultural products.  
4.14.   During the review period, Bolivia applied a temporary safeguard. In 2012 an exceptional 
temporary  safeguard was imposed for a maximum period of 90 days on imports of fresh or chilled 
potatoes (HS  0701.90.00.00) and prepared or preserved potatoes (HS  2004.10.00.00).7 
4.1.1.2   Measures affecting exports  
4.15.   As mentioned above, the Bolivian State implements a trade policy that seeks to guarantee 
that the supply of the basic products in the family shopping basket, inter alia,  is sufficient to 
satisfy domestic needs. In order to achieve this objective, before ex porting it is necessary to check 
the supply for the domestic market. Accordingly, when a technical assessment suggests that the 
domestic production of a food product is not sufficient to meet domestic demand, the export of 
that product may be prohibited or  suspended temporarily8, or quotas or other requirements prior 
to export may be imposed. After it has been verified that there are sufficient supplies for the 
domestic market at a "fair price", the export restrictions may be suspended.9 Thus export 
restric tions vary according to the situation in the domestic market (Table 3.7). During the review 
period, measures of this kind affecting exports concerned the following agricultural and 
agro-industrial products: oil, bovine animals, rice, sugar and sugar cane, poultry meat and beef, 
sunflower seed and by -products, flour of cereals, seeds and wheat, hard yellow maize and maize 
by-products, fat (animal and/or vegetable), sorghum, soya beans, and wheat. According to the 
authorities, these measures affected 0.07% of  the total tariff. 
4.16.   Prior authorization may be necessary in the case of both exports and imports of agricultural 
products, as the case may be. The type of authorization required varies according to the product 
to be exported and may consist in the delivery of a domestic supply and fair price certificate 
(CAIPJ), an export licence or an export permit.  
4.17.   The domestic supply and fair price certificate (CAIPJ) began to be used in 2008 as a prior 
requirement for the export of basic products, and especially for agri cultural products (Table 3.8).10 
The CAIPJ is required to verify whether domestic production satisfies the domestic market and 
there is therefore an exportable surplus. The Ministry of Production Development and the Plural 
Economy issues the certificate in the light of the technical repo rts from the MDRyT verifying 
                                                
5 Supreme Decree No.  943 of 2  August  2011.  
6 Supreme Decree No.  2860 of 2  August  2016.  
7 Supreme Decree No.  1230 of 9  May 2012.  
8 Article 2 of Supreme Decree No.  0435 of 24  February  2010.  
9 Supreme Decree No.  29460 of 27  February  2008.  
10 Supreme Decree No.  29524 of 18  April 2008.  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 102 - 
  domestic supply at a fair price.11 If there is a domestic supply shortfall, no CAIPJs are issued so as 
to prevent exports of the product.  
4.18.   In addition to the CAIPJ, Bolivia uses instruments such as export licences and permits to  
regulate exports of other products. An export licence is needed to export sugar cane and its main 
products or by -products, which is also issued by the Ministry of Production Development and the 
Plural Economy (Table 3.9). Licences, like the CAIPJ, are onl y issued once it has been determined 
that surpluses remain after the domestic market has been supplied, and in the case of sugar, that 
the mandatory buffer stock, equivalent to two months of domestic consumption, has been built 
up.12 
4.19.   During the period under  review, price bands were introduced for some products that are 
also subject to export restrictions, such as soya beans13 and rice.14 The domestic market price is 
set below the world market price. In the case of soya by -products, since 2011 domestic prices 
have been set according to the requirements of domestic supply, and the domestic price rises as 
domestic supply needs are fulfilled.15 
4.20.   Exports of some agricultural products may be covered by the drawback customs procedure 
whereby the exporter is refunded all  or part of the customs duty and other taxes, such as VAT and 
the ICE, that the exporter has paid on the inputs and other materials incorporated into the 
exported goods. The drawback may be carried out by various methods. In 2016, agricultural 
products wer e eligible for a drawback of 2% (eight ten -digit HS lines out of the total of 16 lines), 
4% (89 ten -digit HS lines out of the total of 362  lines) or a refund calculated according to the 
determination method (Table A4.1).  
4.21.   The determination method is used fo r exports of a value exceeding US$3  million, and the 
drawback coefficient is calculated on the basis of an input -output matrix taking account of the 
average effective rate of the duty. In 2016, of the 37 products (37 ten -digit HS tariff lines) for 
which th is method was used to calculate the drawback, 24 were agricultural products. The 
drawback coefficient varied between 0.01% and 1.99%; the lowest coefficient applying to 
agricultural products such as bananas and lemons. The number of agricultural products s ubject to 
this method did not vary substantially between 2014 and 2016, and 17 of these products have 
been subject to this drawback treatment since 2014. The drawback coefficients increased for 
vegetable preparations, meat and fish preparations and cereal preparations (Table  A4.1(c)).  
4.22.   Of the products (87 ten -digit HS tariff lines) that were not eligible for the drawback 
procedure in 2016, 40 were agricultural products, some of which, such as soya beans and sugar, 
were also subject to export restrictions. Tw enty of the agricultural products excluded from the 
drawback procedure needed a CAIPJ in order to be exported. The number of products excluded 
from the drawback procedure declined during the review period. In the case of agricultural 
products, the biggest decline was for cereals, oilseeds and fruits, an d food industry products 
(Table  A4.1(d)).  
4.1.2   Rural sector support programmes  
4.23.   In addition to the general support programmes, Bolivia also implements sectoral 
programmes specifically for the agricultural sector, a s well as specific programmes such as the 
"Pachamama" Universal Agricultural Insurance Scheme, in place since 2013, with the aim of 
raising agricultural productivity in general, as well as other single -product programmes such as the 
Dairy Production Comple x Support Fund (PROLECHE) and the Sugar Cane Production Support Fund 
                                                
11 Supreme Decree No.  1283 of 4  July 2012; Circular No.  184/2015 of 9  September  2015; and Joint 
Ministerial Resolution No.  010.2017 of 18  April 2017.  
12 Supreme Decree No.  1554 of 10  April 2013; Joint Ministerial Resolution No.  080 of 21  May 2013; and 
Joint Ministerial Resolution No.  081 of 22  May 2013.  
13 Joint Ministerial Resolution No.  002.2011 of 29  June 2011. Viewed at: 
http://www.observatorioagro.gob.bo/menu/derecha/INFORMACION%20EN%20LINEA/documento/normativas/
R_B_M/rbm%20002_2011.pdf . 
14 Supreme Decree No . 373 of 2  December  2009 and Supreme Decree No.  1163 of 14  March  2012.  
15 Joint Ministerial Resolution No.  010.2012 of 20  June 2012. Viewed at: 
http://www.observatorioagro.gob.bo/menu/derecha/INFORMACION%20EN%20LINEA/documento/normativas/
R_B_M/rbm%20010_2012.pdf . WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 103 - 
  (PROCAÑA) (Table 4.3). The law also provides that the State may subsidize production in the 
event of emergency, price surges, natural disasters, insecurity and food shortages, inter alia.16 
Table 4.3 Some agricultural sector support programmes, 2016  
Programme  Programme description/scope  Disbursement  
Support for nationally inclusive 
agricultural and non -agricultural 
enterprises  Management of n atural resources  
Investment in economic assets and enterprises  
Financial inclusion  n.a. 
Improvement of market access  Institutional support  
Evaluation  
Transfers to producers organizations (operating costs)  n.a. 
Community investment in rural 
areas  Strengthening communities  
Monitoring and evaluation  
Transfers to producers organizations (operating costs)  n.a. 
Implementation of the national soil 
rehabilitation and management 
programme  Pre-investment  n.a. 
National Vegetable Production 
Programme  Introduction of new technologies  Bs 69.5  million  
National Fruit Programme  Strengthening production  
Strengthening marketing  Bs 2 million  
Implementation of the Programme 
to Enhance Potato Production from 
Winter and Early Sowings in Bolivia  Strengthening production  
Implementation of irrigation systems  
Strengthening marketing  Bs 124  million  
National Tomato Programme  Improving supply  
Strengthening production  
Introduction of new technologies  Bs 15.4  million  
Implementation of the Programme 
to Enhance Cocoa  Production  Support for fruit production  
Post-harvest  
Organizational reinforcement  n.a. 
Implementation of the Programme 
for the Sustainable Development of 
Cattle Farming in Bolivia  Cattle containment centre  
Technology innovation and transfer  
Genetic improvement centre  Bs 50  million  
National Smaller Ruminants 
Programme  Genetic improvement  
Management of native grasslands  
Financial services  Bs 69.5  million  
n.a. Not available.  
Source:  Supreme Decree No.  2299 of 18  March  2015; and information provided by the authorities.  
4.24.   The policy of subsidizing the production and marketing of agricultural products and 
by-products at "fair prices" is designed to support above all the small and medium -sized 
indigenous and aboriginal farming communities' production, throughout the national territory, as 
well as the supply of food at "fair prices". The subsidy policy is implemented through the Food 
Production Support Enterprise (EMAPA).17 
4.25.   EMAPA is a strategic national public enterprise that is responsible for supporting  the food 
industry and agricultural and agro -industrial production; it is also tasked with implementing 
measures to boost output of foods in which the country has a shortfall, in order to guarantee food 
security.18 It also seeks to contribute to the stabili zation of the prices of agricultural and 
agro-industrial products and their marketing on the domestic and external markets.  
4.26.   EMAPA was set up to support producers of rice, wheat, maize and soya beans in particular; 
it stores the output of grains, which it s ells on to consumers, and in part payment provides inputs 
(certified seeds, agricultural tools, pesticides, fertilizers, etc.) to producers. It also provides free 
technical assistance and training for small and medium -sized producers.19 
4.27.   EMAPA subsidizes the  production of some basic foods through its "fair price" marketing 
scheme. EMAPA buys in products at prices 15% above those established at the storage centres or 
                                                
16 Supreme Decree No.  0286 of 10  September  2009, Supreme Decree No.  2641 of 30  December  2015 
and Law No.  769 of 17  December  2015.  
17 Supreme Decree No.  0255 of 19  August  2009 and Supreme Decree No.  2641 of 30  December  2015.  
18 Supreme Decree No.  29230 of 15  August  2007, Supreme Decree No.  255 of 19  August  2009 and 
Supreme Decree No.  1120 of 11  January  2012.  
19 Online info rmation from the Ministry of Production Development and the Rural Economy . Viewed at: 
http://www.produccion.gob.bo/content/id/18 . WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 104 - 
  the equivalent. If the price at the storage centre is below the production cost, EMAPA pays th e 
producer a "fair price", equivalent to the sum of the production cost and a margin of up to 15% of 
the cost. EMAPA also establishes a marketing price that is based on a price band whose limits are 
the EMAPA cost price and the market price weighted by cit y minus 10%.20 During the review 
period, price bands were established for rice, wholemeal flour and soya beans and soya products 
(Table  3.19).21 When the product is subject to a domestic supply quota, the price band varies 
according to the level of domestic supply; as sales on the domestic market increase, so does the 
price (Tables 3.19 and 3.20). Products whose prices are regulated can only be imported by EMAPA.  
4.28.   In order to safeguard the interests of raw milk producers as well as end consumers, the 
Ministry of Production Development and the Plural Economy and the MDRyT, through 
PRO BOLIVIA, regulate the prices of raw milk and some dairy products. To this end they annually 
establish price bands to determine the producer price for raw milk and some "selected" d airy 
products to the end consumer.22 
4.29.   The Government may also sign supply agreements with the various industries in order to 
ensure that they have a supply of inputs at a fixed price. Thus, between 2011 and 2014, EMAPA 
supplied the bakery industry with an ag reed volume of flour at price fixed in an agreement 
between the Government and the National Bakers Confederation.23 In addition, as a measure 
primarily in support of small and medium -sized farmers, EMAPA markets a range of agricultural 
products through its "fair price" sales channels; these include rice and rice products, wheat flour 
and products, and maize and maize products, as well as other products where there is a shortage 
on the local market.24 
4.30.   As in other sectors of the economy, a number of State enter prises also participate in the 
agricultural sector, most of which were set up during the period under review (Table A3.6). These 
enterprises operate, for example, in the sugar, dairy, seeds and fertilizer industries. Although 
according to the authorities t he purpose of these enterprises is to ensure fair prices for both 
producers and consumers, as well as to ensure food security, their shares in their respective 
markets is relatively low, so that it is unlikely that they have the power to influence them. Fo r 
example, the Empresa Azucarera San Buenaventura has a 1.26% share of the sugar market, while 
the Empresa de Lácteos de Bolivia (LACTEOSBOL) has a 4% share of the dairy market. Likewise, 
the Empresa Pública de Abonos y Fertilizantes, which imports and mar kets fertilizers in the 
country, imports a volume equivalent to 1.29% of demand, and the seed output of the Empresa de 
Semillas represents 1.88% of domestic production.25 
4.31.   In 2008, the Government established INSUMOS BOLIVIA, under the Ministry of Production 
and Microenterprises, now the Ministry of Production Development and the Plural Economy, for the 
purpose of marketing (by purchasing on the domestic market and/or importing) "high impact" 
(essential) goods and inputs for production, as well as exporting hi gh value -added products.26 
Since 2016, INSUMOS BOLIVIA has been responsible for importing maize, wheat flour, certified 
rice seed and agro -chemicals, which are not covered by the procedures established in the current 
regulations, which it clears through cus toms at the border with their means of transport.27 
INSUMOS BOLIVIA is financed by a trust fund set up within the Ministry of Production 
Development and the Plural Economy in order to buy, sell, market and export foods and 
                                                
20 Supreme Decree No.  255 of 19  August  2009.  
21 Joint Ministerial Resolution No.  002.2011 of 29  June 2011. Viewed at: 
http://www.observatorioagro.gob.bo/menu/derecha/IN FORMACION%20EN%20LINEA/documento/normativas/
R_B_M/rbm%20002_2011.pdf ; Supreme Decree No.  373 of 2  December  2009; and Supreme Decree No.  1163 
of 14 March  2012.  
22 Law No.  204 of 15  December  2011 and Joint Ministerial Resolution No. 005/2012 of 18  May 2012. 
Viewed at: 
http://www.observatorioagro.gob.bo/menu/derecha/INFORMACION%20EN%20LINEA/documento/normativas/
R_B_M/rbm%20 005_2012.pdf.Seal . 
23 Supremo Decree No.  0771 of 17  January  2011 and Supreme Decree No.  1116 of 21  December  2011.  
24 Online information from the Ministry of Production De velopment and the Rural Economy.  Viewed at: 
http://www.produccion.gob.bo/content/id/18 . 
25 Information provided by the authorities.  
26 Supreme Decree No.  29727 of 1  October  2008.  
27 Supreme Decree No.  2295 of 18  March  2015 and Supreme Decree No.  2857 of 2  August  2016.  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 105 - 
  manufactured products.28 In 2017, t he only product imported by INSUMOS BOLIVIA is cement; it 
exports canned palm hearts and ethyl alcohol.  
4.32.   Government procurement policy is also used as a policy to support domestic production. For 
its support programmes, the MDRyT may use direct contracting for procurement on the domestic 
market of works, goods and services intended solely and exclusively for agricultural and 
piscicultural production, giving preference to the purchase/contracting of products/services of 
national origin; this is consistent wit h the rural policy aimed at promoting the consumption of 
products of national origin.29 Consumption of domestic products is promoted through the 
supplementary school meals and nursing mothers subsidy programmes, which give priority to the 
use of domestic pr oducts. In addition, the use of the Social Seal certifies the use of local labour 
and inputs, and the " Compro y Como Boliviano " (Buy Bolivian) programme encourages the 
consumption of local products.30 
4.33.   The Dairy Production Complex Support Fund (PROLECHE) was  created in 2011 to promote 
the development of the dairy sector and the consumption of dairy products in order to contribute 
to food security. Its financing is destined primarily for small milk producers and dairy processing 
industries that have "fair pric e" certification and process mass -consumption products. The funds 
are used to enable the dairy industry to buy milk at a "fair price" from the producer and sell it on 
to the consumer at a "fair price". These prices are regulated by means of a price band 
(Table 3.19). The Fund is used to subsidize the gap between the producer price and the sale price 
to the consumer. The industries that receive this type of support must sell their entire output on 
the domestic market.  
4.34.   PROLECHE is financed by the receipts fro m the beer marketing withholding tax (RCC) and 
the imported alcoholic beverage withholding tax (RIBA), and a contribution from the dairy product 
industries (Table 4.4). The total amount payable by the domestic beer industry under the RCC is 
determined acco rding to the volume of litres produced and marketed by the beer company. The 
total amount payable on account of the RIBA is determined on the basis of the volume of litres 
imported. The contribution of the dairy enterprises is progressive: as from 2013, th e total 
contribution of dairy producers must be equivalent to at least 40% of the direct annual transfers of 
the Fund to the enterprises, and will rise annually by at least 5%. The contribution of each 
enterprise must be progressive and proportional to the  volume of its operations measured by its 
annual real production. Between December  2011 and December  2012 only enterprises that 
accounted for more than 50% of total milk production were obliged to pay the contribution; 
in 2013 this obligation was extended to enterprises with at least 3% of the country's total milk 
production, and as of 2014 the contribution became mandatory for all enterprises.31 
Table 4.4 Rates of the beer marketing withholding tax and imported  alcoholic beverage 
withholding tax  
(Bs/litre)  
Type of withholding tax  Description  Rate 
Marketing of domestic and 
imported beer  Beer  0.10 
Alcoholic beverage imports  Wine of fresh grapes, including fortified wines; grape must  0.40 
Vermouth and other wine of fresh grapes, flavoured with plants or 
aromatic substances  0.40 
Other fermented beverages (e.g. cider, perry, mead); mixtures of 
fermented beverages and non -alcoholic beverages, n.e.s.  0.75 
Undenatured ethyl alcohol of an alcoholic strength by volume of less 
than 80%; spirits, liqueurs and other spirituous beverages (e.g. pisco, 
singani, grappa and the like, whisky, rum, gin, geneva, vodka and other 
liqueurs and spirits)  1.30 
Note:  The rates included in the table are considered ceiling rates that may be modified by Supreme 
Decree.  
Source:  Law No.  204 of 15  December  2011 and Supreme Decree No.  1207 of 25  April 2012.  
                                                
28 Supreme Decree No . 1561 of 17  April 2013.  
29 Supreme Decree No.  2299 and Law No.  144 of 26  June 2011.  
30 Law No.  144 of 26  June 2011.  
31 Law No.  204 of 15  December  2011.  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 106 - 
  4.35.   Sugar cane production is regulated in Bolivia. The State regulates ac tivities and relations in 
the production, processing and marketing of the sugar cane agricultural sector and sugar cane 
agro-industrial sector, as well as the marketing of the main sugar cane products and by -products, 
in order to guarantee domestic supply.  The National Sugar Cane Centre (CENACA) was set up for 
this purpose.32 CENACA promotes development and innovation in sugar cane production, as well as 
the control and monitoring of the main products and by -products. The Sugar Cane Production 
Complex Suppor t Fund (PROCAÑA), created in 2012, funds CENACA and in turn is financed, among 
other sources, by the sugar production withholding tax (RPA), which is determined according to 
sugar cane output in quintales (46  kg), and the withholding tax on direct producti on of alcohol 
(RPDA), which is determined on the basis of monthly alcohol production in litres (Table 4.5).  
Table 4.5 Rates of the sugar production withholding tax and the withholding tax on 
direct sugar -cane alcohol production  
(Bs/litre)  
Type of withholding  Rate 
Sugar production  0.20 
Direct sugar -cane alcohol production  0.007  
Source:  Supreme Decree No.  1554 of 10  April 2013.  
4.36.   The Financial Services Law provides that the financial system must supply financial products 
and services to the rural sector in order to promote sustainable rural development, giving priority 
to activities for the processing, industrialization and marketing of renewable natural resources. It 
stipulates that financial intermedia tion entities must establish a savings and loan scheme and 
other related and complementary financial services applying specialized financial technology for 
rural families, rural production organizations, artisans, cooperatives, producers associations and 
micro, small and medium -sized communitarian farming enterprises.33 
4.37.   In 2017, the Production Development Bank (BDP) established a trust fund to provide credit 
for micro, small and medium -sized producers that process and market their products in the poultry 
farming, wine growing and producing, sugar cane, organic quinoa, certified seed and grain sectors, 
as well as in "production infrastructure". The capital may be used to finance investments or 
operations. The amount of the loan is set according to the borro wer's payment capacity and 
investment plan. Loans are in domestic currency and the interest rate is determined according to 
the rates established in each trust fund.34 In addition, the BDP grants loans to approved 
Intermediary Credit Institutions (ICI), and  through its credit window makes available to the sector 
short, medium and long -term resources to finance producers supplying the local market as well as 
export -oriented producers.35 
4.38.   According to the Political Constitution, one of the objectives of rural de velopment policy is to 
protect agricultural and agro -industrial production against natural disasters and climatic and 
geological hazards and damage. Accordingly, in 2012 -2013 the Government began to implement 
the "Pachamama" Universal Agricultural Insuranc e Scheme through the  Agricultural Insurance 
Institute (INSA). Among other things, the INSA is tasked with designing insurance policies that are 
geared to the specific characteristics of each region and type of producer, and also with 
administering them.36 The INSA also administers the subsidy for the agricultural insurance 
premium. The subsidy may cover the entirety of the premium in the case of the poorest producers 
for cover of losses caused by climatic and natural events, pests and diseases. In this fir st stage, 
the insurance covers producers working up to three hectares, and the amount of compensation is 
Bs 1,000 per hectare lost or severely damaged.  
4.39.   The "Pachamama" Universal Agricultural Insurance Scheme is primarily aimed at protecting 
the agricultura l production of small farmers living in the poorest municipalities in order to promote 
food security and the possible creation of surpluses for marketing. The support given through the 
agricultural insurance enables producers, through compensation for loss , to ensure the continuity 
                                                
32 Law No.  307 of 13  November  2012 and Supreme Decree No.  1554 of 10  April 2013.  
33 Law No.  393 of 21  August  2013.  
34 Online information from the Production Development Bank.  Viewed at: 
https://www.bdp.com.bo/credito_sectoria.php . 
35 Online information from the Production Developm ent Bank . Viewed at: 
https://www.bdp.com.bo/credito_agropecuario.php . 
36 Articles 30 and 33 of Law No.  144 of 26  June 2011.  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 107 - 
  of their agricultural activity. Between 2013 and 2016, 445,000 producers were covered by the 
insurance scheme, with some 789,000  hectares insured, and 85,000 producers received 
compensation. The products insured include alfalfa, oats, barley, beans, maize, potatoes, quinoa 
and wheat.  
4.2   Mining and energy  
4.2.1   Mining  
4.40.   Historically, mining has played a fundamental role in the Bolivian economy. It is one of the 
main export sectors, and contributed 7.2% of GDP in 2016 (Chart  4.4). During the period under 
review, growth in the sector fluctuated with the swings in international prices. For example, in 
2011 it grew by 56 .3%, largely reflecting the rise in international prices of a number of the most 
exported metals, and the expansion of the San  Cristóbal mine in the country's largest zinc and 
lead mining deposit.  
4.41.   Mining is concentrated primarily on the extraction of zinc and lead, followed by tin. Together 
these three minerals accounted for over 95% of production in 2016 (Chart 4.5). Other mineral s 
extracted in smaller volumes are wolfram and copper.  
4.42.   Bolivia possesses one of the largest lithium reserves in the world, in the Salar de Uyuni. It is 
estimated that 50% of the world's lithium reserves are on Bolivian territory.37 Lithium is a raw 
material  of high strategic importance, as it is used in the manufacture of high -tech products (such 
as batteries of mobile telephones and electric vehicles). In August  2016, Bolivia exported its 
first shipment of 10 tonnes of lithium carbonate.38 According to the a uthorities, during 2016 
progress was also made in developing products such as battery grade lithium carbonate, 
potassium chloride, potassium sulphate and magnesium chloride.  
Chart 4.4 Main mining sector indica tors, 2006 -2016  
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat estimates, based on data provided by the authorities.  
                                                
37 Ministry of Mining and Metallurgy (2016), Plan Sectorial de Desarro llo Integral Minero Metalúrgico, 
p. 94. 
38 Online information from the Bolivian Mining Co rporation (COMIBOL).  Viewed at: 
http://www.comibol.gob.bo/index.php/component/content/article/24 -noticias -inicio/805 -proyecto -del-litio-
comienza -a-generar -ingresos -a-bolivia . 
6.6 7.511.09.8 11.012.39.68.3 8.06.8 7.2
6.7 10.056.3
9.9
-4.13.4
-5.02.96.0
-1.44.7
-200204060
-20-1001020304050
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016Growth rate (%)% of GDP
Share of GDP (current basic prices) Real growth rate (1990 prices)WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 108 - 
  Chart 4.5 Mining output, 2006 -2016  
 
a Based on information from Empresas Mineras Medianas and FENCOMIN, and in fine gold kilos.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat estimates, based on data provided by the authorities and the INE.  
4.43.   Bolivia is a net exporter of minerals; the mining trade balance rose from US$890  million in 
2006 to US$2,361  million in 2015. Minerals represented 2 8.2% of total exports of goods in 2015 
(Chart  4.6). Bolivia is currently one of the world's leading producers of zinc, a product that 
represented 68% of total exports of minerals in 2015. In contrast, imports of minerals are 
minimal, accounting for about 1 % of total imports in both 2006 and 2015.  
4.44.   The National Registration and Control Service for the Marketing of Minerals and Metals 
(SENARECOM) is tasked with oversight of metal and mineral exports.39 The single form for mineral 
and metal exports (M -03) is req uired to export certain minerals and their products; it is issued by 
SENARECOM, which is thus able to keep a register of exports (Table A3.4).40 In principle all metals 
and minerals whose exploitation is permitted may be exported; the sole exception is "bol ivianite", 
exports of which in the raw state are prohibited until 2019.41 
Chart 4.6 Exports and imports of mineral products, 2006 -2015  
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat estimates, based on data provided by the authorities and the Comtrade database.  
                                                
39 Articles 87 and 88 of the Law on mining and metallurgy of 28  May 2014.  
40 Article 12 of Supreme Decree No.  29165 of 13  June 2007.  
41 Bolivianite (a variety of quartz) may only be exported as a cut gem (Law No.  3998 of 2009).  
0150300450600
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Q2(Thousand MT)
Zinc Lead Tin Copper Antimony Wolfram Silver Golda
9181,1171,659 1,6121,9542,513
2,1652,2963,390
2,460
28 31 51 7341 60 94 101 89 9921.7%24.4% 24.0%30.4%
28.0%27.5%
18.3%18.8%26.4%28.2%
1.0% 0.9% 1.0% 1.6%0.7% 0.8% 1.1% 1.1% 0.8% 1.0%
051015202530
01,0002,0003,0004,000
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015% (US$ millon)
Metal ores (HS 26) Gold (SA 7108)
Salt, sulphur, earths and stones (HS 25) % of total exportsExports Imports
Import value
% of total importsWT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 109 - 
  4.45.   Mining operations are carried out by State and private enterprises and mining 
cooperatives.42 Private enterprises account for most of the extraction of minerals. In 2016, 
according to information provided by the author ities, they extracted 70% of total production, 
followed by the mining cooperatives and the State mining companies. The cooperatives operate on 
a small scale using artisanal extraction methods and labour -intensive technologies.43 The number 
of cooperatives r ose from 911 in 2006 to 1,805 in 2016.44 
4.46.   The Bolivian Mining Co rporation (COMIBOL) is the biggest State enterprise operating in the 
sector.45 COMIBOL has five subsidiaries, which were set up during the period under review. There 
is also another public enterp rise (Empresa Siderúrgica del Mutún), which is the only one that is not 
attached to COMIBOL. COMIBOL's main objectives are to promote diversification of the sector, 
transformation of the mining production system, industrial development and the generation o f 
economic surpluses.46 
4.47.   The Ministry of Mining and Metallurgy (MMM) is responsible for the direction, supervision, 
oversight and promotion of development of the mining and metallurgy sector. Its functions 
include: (i) formulating, implementing, supervising and monitoring development policies for all 
mining activities47; (ii) proposing standards, and drafting technical regulations and ensuring 
compliance with them; (iii) monitoring the State entities operating in the sector; (iv) establishing 
the official pric es of minerals for their subsequent sale and payment of the corresponding 
royalties; and (v) promoting investment in the sector.48 The Ministry of Energy, created in 2017, is 
responsible for supervision of the energy sector, which includes technology relati ng to the 
exploitation of lithium and nuclear energy.49 
4.48.   The Mining and Metallurgy Sector Development Plan 2016 -2020, based on the Economic and 
Social Development Plan (PDES) 2016 -2020 and the Patriotic Agenda 2025, establishes mining 
sector policy. It states that, given the existence of reserves and deposits that have not yet been 
exploited, Bolivia has great geological potential. Nevertheless, the Plan indicates that there is a 
need to improve both the productivity of the industry and the management of  the public 
enterprises, and also to promote industrialization and diversification of the sector. Medium and 
long-term policy for the sector includes, among other things: (i) a rise in exploration in order to 
increase reserves; (ii) promotion of investment ; (iii)  raising productivity; (iv) promotion of 
industrialization; and (v) bringing operators into the formal sector and strengthening marketing 
control mechanisms.50 
4.49.   The Mining Administration Jurisdictional Authority (AJAM) is the regulatory authority for the 
sector. It is responsible for the direction, control and monitoring of mining activities as well as for 
administering the Mining Register.51 Among other responsibilities, the AJAM is tasked with 
processing and granting prospection and exploration licenc es and mining contracts, and may also 
extinguish any right relating to mining activity.52 
4.50.   There were a number of changes in the legal framework for the mining sector during the 
review period. The sector was regulated by the Mining Code (Law No.  1777 of 1997 ) from  1997 
until 2014, when the Law on mining and metallurgy was enacted.53 However, between  1997 and 
2014 there were also some legislative changes that affected mining activity. For example, until 
2007 Bolivian legislation stipulated that mining activitie s could be carried out by any natural or 
                                                
42 Article 369 of the Political Constitution of the State.  
43 Supreme Decree No.  29272 of 12  September  2007 (Development Plan 2006 -2011), p. 157.  
44 Information provided by the Bolivian authorities.  
45 Article 61, paragraph I, of the Law on mining and metallurgy.  
46 Ibid.,  paragraph II.  
47 The mining sector production chain includes the following activities: search, prospection, exploration, 
exploitation, beneficiation, smelting, refining, marketing and industrialization. Article 10 of the Law on mini ng 
and metallurgy.  
48 Articles 74 -78 of Supreme Decree No.  29894 of 7  February  2009.  
49 Supreme Decree No.  3058 of 22  January  2017.  
50 Information provided by the authorities.  
51 The Mining Register includes all official documents subject to mandatory registra tion: authorizations, 
new mining contracts, old contracts that must be adapted, licences and administrative and judicial decisions 
concerning mining matters. Article 56 of the Law on mining and metallurgy.  
52 Articles 131 and 44 of the Law on mining and met allurgy.  
53 Law No.  535 on mining and metallurgy of 28  May 2014.  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 110 - 
  legal person (national or foreign) who applied for a concession and paid the corresponding fees.54 
In 2007, the entire national territory was declared a national mining reserve (RFM).55 The State, as 
administrator of this reserve, granted COMIBOL powers to exploit and administer the RFM, without 
prejudice to existing rights and concessions. In 2010, the existing concessions were transformed 
into special temporary authorizations (ATEs), and COMIBOL also granted rights t o mining 
operators under RFM lease agreements.56 
4.51.   The 2014 Law on mining and metallurgy eliminated the RFM and the regime of granting 
mining concessions, but did not cancel the ATEs or RFM lease agreements. As from 2014, those 
interested in participating in mining activities in lands over which the State or State -owned 
enterprises have title must sign a mining partnership contract with COMIBOL. This type of contract 
does not grant the signatory mining rights57, but it does provide for a share in the profits 
generated. The contracting parties may negotiate the distribution of profits and the form of 
payment, but the Law provides that the State's share of the profits cannot be less than 55%.58 It 
also stipulates that every new mining partnership contract must be a pproved by law.59 
4.52.   Moreover, since 2016, COMIBOL may sign mining production contracts with private or 
cooperative entities to authorize the development of activities in areas over which it has mining 
rights. These contracts, which must also be approved by la w, have a validity period of 15 years, 
which is renewable. In the contracts signed between a private entity and COMIBOL, COMIBOL 
negotiates the level of its earnings, calculated on the gross value of sales. In the case of contracts 
with mining cooperatives , COMIBOL's earnings are calculated taking account of the social nature of 
the cooperatives.60 
4.53.   Persons interested in operating in free mining areas, in other words areas over which the 
State does not have title, may do so through an administrative mining co ntract. Unlike the mining 
partnership contract, the administrative mining contract recognizes and grants mining rights to the 
operator. Administrative mining contracts are granted by the AJAM and approved by law for a 
period of 30 years. The mining rights granted under these contracts may not be transferred.61 
4.54.   Pursuant to the Law on mining and metallurgy, the ATEs and RFM lease agreements must 
be converted into mining partnership contracts or administrative mining contracts.62 
4.55.   Prospection and exploration acti vities require a licence issued by the AJAM. Licences are 
granted for a five -year period (renewable for three years) and may cover a surface area of up to 
500 cuadrículas.63 The holder of a prospection and exploration licence will have preference for the 
signing of an administrative mining contract.64 The Law on mining and metallurgy lays down the 
requirements for obtaining a prospection and exploration licence.65 
4.56.   Private enterprises may request a mining partnership contract or administrative mining 
contract t o extract any mineral or metal whose extraction is not explicitly subject to a prohibition 
or legal reservation. The State may reserve the right exclusively to exploit the minerals or metals 
that have been declared strategic, such as lithium, radioactive m inerals and rare earths. In 2017, 
the lithium mining enterprise Empresa Pública Nacional Estratégica de Yacimientos de Litio 
Bolivianos (YLB) was created, with exclusive rights for all activities relating to the evaporite 
resources of potassium chloride an d lithium carbonate. Accordingly, YLB has exclusive rights to 
                                                
54 UDAPE (2015), Diagnósticos sectoriales: Minería, p. 8. Viewed at: 
www.udape.gob.bo/portales_html /diagnosticos/diagnostico2015/index.html . 
55 Supreme Decree No.  29117 of 1  May 2007.  
56 Supreme Decree No.  726 of 6  December  2010.  
57 The former mining concession contracts involved the constitution of a real right of ownership over the 
concession and as such  could be sold, transferred, inherited or mortgaged.  
58 Article 148 of the Law on mining and metallurgy.  
59 Ibid.,  Article 132.  
60 Law No.  845 of 24  October  2016.  
61 Articles 131, 136 and 142 of the Law on mining and metallurgy.  
62 Ministerial Resolution No.  0294/2016 of the Ministry of Mining and Metallurgy.  
63 The cuadrícula is the unit of measurement used in the Bolivian mining sector. It has a surface area of 
25 hectares. Article 14 of the Law on mining and metallurgy describes the method of calculation of the 
subterranean portion of the cuadrícula.  
64 Article  156 of the Law on mining and metallurgy.  
65 Ibid.,  Article 157.  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 111 - 
  extract these minerals and to produce and market lithium (lithium chloride, lithium sulphate, 
lithium hydroxide and lithium carbonate) and potassium (potassium chloride, potassium nitrate, 
potas sium sulphate, and derivative and intermediate salts).66 Again, under the Law on mining and 
metallurgy only State enterprises may exploit radioactive minerals and rare earths.67 
4.57.   Enterprises operating in this sector are liable for the following taxes: (i) cor porate profits tax 
(IUE); (ii) value added tax (VAT); and (iii) the corporate profits surtax (AA -IUE), corresponding 
to 12.5% of annual net profits.  
4.58.   Like all other enterprises, mining companies are subject to the payment of the IUE, at a 
rate of 25%, on ne t profits. In some cases the amount paid for mining royalties may be deducted 
from the IUE.68 The 12.5% AA -IUE is a "windfall profits" tax levied on the additional net profits 
generated during conditions of favourable mineral and metal prices. The AA -IUE is  applied when 
the sale price of a product equals or exceeds the official price stipulated by law.69 Mining 
cooperatives are not subject to the payment of the AA -IUE given that they are productive units of 
a social nature. Enterprises engaged in the extracti on of minerals or metals that also carry out 
smelting, refining and/or industrialization of the raw materials are only subject to 60% of the 
AA-IUE. Both State and private enterprises that begin an activity under an administrative mining 
contract are eligi ble for this incentive.70 
4.59.   The mining royalty, which replaced the complementary mining tax, is an ad valorem  tax 
applied to the gross sales value of a mineral or metal. This value is determined according to the 
official minimum price established fortnightly by the MMM on the basis of the average of daily 
international prices.71 The mining royalty rate is 2.5%; however, in some cases the rate is 
determined on the basis of the mineral or metal concerned or of the official price of the mineral. In 
the latter case , the higher the price, the higher the royalty rate (Table A4.2). In the case of boron 
minerals, which are governed by the Law on boron oxide, the mining royalty rate is lower when 
the mineral is sold on the domestic market.72 In addition, when minerals and  metals are sold on 
the domestic market they pay 60% of the mining royalty. In order to promote smelting, refining 
and industrialization of minerals and metals, State mining enterprises and new enterprises that 
engage in exploitation as well as smelting, r efining and industrialization of minerals and metals 
under a new administrative contract are eligible for a 40% discount in the mining royalty rate 
payable.73 
4.2.2   Hydrocarbons  
4.60.   The hydrocarbons sector, one of the most important for the Bolivian economy, is gover ned 
by the Political Constitution of the State, the new Hydrocarbons Law (Law No.  3058 of 
17 May 2005) and the Supreme Decree on the nationalization of hydrocarbons (Supreme Decree 
No. 28701 of 1  May 2006). The Constitution (promulgated in 2009) modified t he hydrocarbons 
ownership regime and stipulates that "they are, in whatever state or form they exist, the 
inalienable and imprescriptible property of the Bolivian people".74 Accordingly, since 2009 the 
State has exercised rights of ownership on behalf of th e people and is alone empowered to market 
hydrocarbons. With the entry into force of the new Hydrocarbons Law, the legislation that 
previously governed the sector (Law No.  1689 of 30  April 1996) lapsed. This regulatory shift took 
place as a result of the m easures approved through the "binding referendum on gas" held in 2004. 
Among the measures adopted by means of the referendum were: the repeal of the previous 
Hydrocarbons Law (Law No.  1689 of 1996), the nationalization of hydrocarbons and the attribution 
                                                
66 Law No.  928 of 27  April 2017.  
67 Article 27 of the Law on mining and metallurgy.  
68 Article 101 of the Mining Code (as amended by Law No.  3787 of 24  November  2007).  
69 Law No.  535 of 28  May 2014. 
70 Article 224 of the Law on mining and metallurgy.  
71 The average for each fortnightly price fixing is calculated on the basis of the lowest of the daily prices 
for cash transactions registered on the following international metals exchanges or specializ ed bulletins: 
Metal  Bulletin (antimony, wolfram and iron ore), London Metal Exchange (grade A copper, tin, lead and zinc) 
and London Stock Exchange (gold and silver) (Article 7 of Supreme Decree No.  29577 of 21  May 2008).  
72 Supreme Decree No.  27799 of 20  October  2004 and Law No.  535 of 28  May 2014.  
73 Articles 224 and 227 of Law No.  535 of 28  May 2014.  
74 Article 359 of the Political Constitution of the State. Under the former Constitution of 1994, only 
hydrocarbon deposits were the property of the State, and  not extracted hydrocarbons.  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 112 - 
  of new powers to the State oil and gas company Yacimientos Petrolíferos Fiscales Bolivianos 
(YPFB).  
4.61.   The Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Energy (MHE) is responsible for implementing national 
hydrocarbons policy as well as policies relating to their domestic and  international trade as 
stipulated in the Hydrocarbons Law.75 The National Hydrocarbons Agency (ANH) was set up in 
2009 under the MHE, to replace the Hydrocarbons Supervisory Authority as the sector's regulatory 
authority.76 The ANH is responsible for regulating, supervising and monitoring all activities in the 
sector77, and also for granting the necessary titles authorizing operations in the sector.78 Other 
powers of the ANH include: (i) authorizing hydrocarbon imports (for th e importation of 
hydrocarbons by private entities by means of an administrative resolution once all the legal and 
technical requirements have been fulfilled)79; (ii) setting tariffs and prices for the different 
activities in the sector; and (iii) ensuring t hat there is an adequate supply of fuels and other 
derivatives to satisfy domestic demand in the country.80 
4.62.   Until 2005 the YPFB had an administrative function, but it acquired new powers in 2009 
when it became a strategic national public enterprise. It has exclusive powers to carry out all 
activities relating to the extraction and production of hydrocarbons and to market hydrocarbons on 
behalf of the State. The YPFB represents the State in the conclusion of contracts to carry out 
various activities in the se ctor.81 The powers entrusted to the YPFB include: (i) the negotiation and 
administration of "petroleum contracts" (i.e. any contract for production sharing, operation and 
partnership entered into by the YPFB on behalf of the State with national or foreign p ublic, mixed 
or private enterprises; these must be approved by the Legislative Assembly); (ii)  monitoring of 
exploration and exploitation activities, ensuring optimization of production and protection of 
deposits; (iii) monitoring of the quantity and quali ty of hydrocarbons extracted for tax purposes; 
and (iv) negotiation and administration of export contracts.82 
4.63.   One of the objectives of the national hydrocarbons policy (PNH) is to promote the 
processing and marketing of value -added products. To this end, in  2008 the Bolivian Hydrocarbons 
Industrialization Enterprise (EBIH) was set up, operating under the supervision of the MHE and 
YPFB83, for the primary purpose of promoting the processing of hydrocarbons in order to increase 
exports of higher value -added pro ducts such as petrochemicals.84 
4.64.   Bolivia intends to use the resources generated by the hydrocarbons sector to promote 
innovation and greater diversification of the economy. The main objectives of the PNH for the 
medium and long term are, among others: (i)  to transform the sector into one of the main drivers 
of sustainable development in the country; (ii) to exercise direction and control of the sector 
through the State system; (iii) to guarantee supplies to meet the domestic demand for 
hydrocarbons, thus cont ributing to energy security; and (iv) to promote the processing and export 
of value -added hydrocarbons.85 In addition, the Bolivian Hydrocarbons Strategy includes among its 
objectives the expansion of the pipeline transport network for hydrocarbons and stre ngthening 
Bolivia's position as the South American gas hub.86 
4.65.   In order to ensure that the State would exercise direction and control over the sector and 
have a majority shareholding in the companies (one of the objectives of the PNH), in 2006 the 
shares of private enterprises in the hydrocarbons sector were nationalized.87 The nationalization 
                                                
75 Law No.  3058 of 17  May 2005 and Articles 58 -60 of Supreme Decree No.  29894 of 7  February  2009.  
76 Article 138 of Supreme Decree No.  29894 of 7  February  2009 (Organization of the Executive Branch).  
77 Article 365 of the Politica l Constitution of the State.  
78 Article 25 of the Hydrocarbons Law.  
79 Supreme Decree No.  28419 of 21  October  2005.  
80 The ANH's powers are governed by Law No.  1600 of 28  October  1994 (on the regulation of 
supervisory authorities for various production sector s) and Articles 24 and 25 of the Hydrocarbons Law.  
81 Article 22 of the Hydrocarbons Law.  
82 Ibid.,  Article 22, paragraph IV.  
83 The EBIH was created by Supreme Decree No.  29511 of 9  April 2008. See also Article 363 of the 
Political Constitution of the State.  
84 Article 2 of Supreme Decree No.  29511 of 9  April 2008.  
85 Article 11 of the Hydrocarbons Law.  
86 Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Energy (2008), Estrategia Boliviana de Hidrocarburos . Viewed at: 
http://www2.hidrocarburos.gob.bo/index.php/estrategia -boliviana -de-hidrocarburos.html . 
87 Supreme Decree No.  28701 of 1  May 2006.  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 113 - 
  process was confined to the transfer of shares and did not include the transfer of assets or 
infrastructure. The shares of six private companies, five domestic and one f oreign 
(Air BP Bolivia  S.A.) were transferred free of charge to the YPFB (Table  4.6). 
4.66.   Moreover, as of 1  May 2006 private companies had to deliver their entire hydrocarbon 
production to the YPFB.88 A transitional grace period of 180 days (from May to October  2006) was 
established for the deposits of natural gas and petroleum whose average certified production was 
greater than 100  million cubic feet in 2005; these delivered only 82% of the production value.89 
During the transition period the exploitation conces sions that had been awarded also had to be 
renegotiated.90 
Table 4.6 Nationalization of shares of hydrocarbons sector enterprises  
Supreme Decree No.  Enterprise concerned  Effects of the Decree  
28701 of 1 January  2006 Chaco S.A.  
Andina S.A.  
Transredes S.A.  
CLHB S.A.  
Petrobras Bolivia Refinación S.A.  Nationalization of shares as necessary to 
achieve 50%+1  
29128 of 12  May 2007 Petrobras Bolivia Refinación S.A.  Acquisition of 100% of share capital  
29542 of 1 May 2008 CLHB S.A.  Acquisition of 100% of share capital  
111 of 1  May 2009 Air BP Bolivia S.A.  Acquisition of 100% of share capital  
Source:  Social and Economic Policy Analysis Unit (UDAPE).  
4.67.   The Hydrocarbons Law stipulates that hydrocarbons are a s trategic resource for Bolivia's 
economic development.91 Accordingly, all activities relating to hydrocarbons production 
(exploration, exploitation, marketing, transport, storage, refining and industrialization) are 
reserved to the State, which may carry the m out itself, through autonomous State entities, or 
through contracts with private companies or joint ventures for a limited period of time. However, 
the Hydrocarbons Law gives explicit priority to the State with regard to the import and export of 
hydrocar bons and hydrocarbon derivatives and refined products.92 
4.68.   The Hydrocarbons Law contained new provisions concerning exploration contracts. The 
national territory was divided into blocks; the area of a contract consists of traditional and 
non-traditional block s.93 Some areas were reserved for the exclusive use of the YPFB (100 areas in 
2017) and an international public tender system was established for the remaining blocks.94 
Exploration contracts are granted for periods of up to seven years for the traditional b locks and 
ten years for non -traditional blocks, both renewable for seven years, under certain conditions.95 
4.69.   The Constitution of 2009 established that permits are granted by means of service 
contracts.96 Under this type of contract, the private operator recei ves a previously agreed 
remuneration in exchange for the extraction of the hydrocarbons.97 
4.70.   Exploitation contracts are granted by international public tender and signed for a maximum 
period of 40 years.98 The requirements for participation in tenders are laid  down in the Regulations 
on tenders for hydrocarbon exploration and/or exploitation areas.99 
                                                
88 Ibid.,  Article 2.  
89 Ibid.,  Article 4.  
90 Ibid.,  Article 3, first paragraph.  
91 Article 4 of the Hydrocarbons Law.  
92 Ibid.,  Article 17.  
93 A traditional block is one in an area for which geological information is available and where 
commercially exploited hydrocarbons production exists. A non -traditional block is one in an area for wh ich 
geological information does not exist and there is no hydrocarbons production.  
94 UDAPE (2015), Diagnósticos sectoriales: Hidrocarburos . Viewed at:  
http://www. udape.gob.bo/portales_html/diagnosticos/diagnostico2015/index.html . 
95 Exploration periods have three phases and include a progressive mechanism for the return of the 
territory covered by the bid (for example, in the case of traditional blocks, at least 20%  of the original total 
must be returned at the end of the third year and at least 30% of the original total at the end of the fifth year, 
and 100% at the end of the seventh year.) This obligation is enforced only when there is no discovery. 
Extension of th e exploration permit requires a declaration of commercial discovery by the operator 
(Articl es 34-38 of the Hydrocarbons Law).  
96 Article 362 of the Political Constitution of the State and Article 78 of the Hydrocarbons Law.  
97 Article 78 of the Hydrocarbons Law. WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 114 - 
  4.71.   The Hydrocarbons Law created a new system of remuneration for service providers. Private 
operators must deliver the entire volume of hydrocarbons extracted to the Y PFB, which is 
responsible for selling them both domestically and on the international market. The sales contracts 
signed by the YPFB (called supply agreements) stipulate, besides the agreed prices, the form of 
payment, which indicates that the purchaser mu st pay directly to the Government the State's 
share of the value of the audited production (at least 50% of the value of the hydrocarbon 
production). This amount consists of: (i) the direct hydrocarbons tax (IDH) (32%) and (ii) royalties 
(18%) levied on th e audited output.100 Once the deductions have been made, the private operator 
receives from the purchaser the remaining balance, which is divided into "recoverable costs" 
(operating costs plus amortization of investment) and profits. The YPFB also retains a percentage 
of the profits that varies according to the terms of the service supply contract (Chart 4.7).101 A 
Regulation lays down the criteria for the calculation of the recoverable costs and YPFB participation 
in the profits earned.102 The Hydrocarbons Law e stablishes that the YPFB must publish half -yearly 
the calculation methods and total amount of recoverable costs of the period.103 
Chart 4.7 System of remuneration for hydrocarbons sales  
 
Source:  Hydrocarbons Law.  
4.72.   A construction and operating licence from the ANH is required in order to provide 
hydrocarbon transport services (by pipeline). Licensed companies must provide free access 
without discrimination to users for utilizing the infrastr ucture. The (pipeline) transport service 
charges are regulated by the ANH.104 A licence issued by the ANH is also needed to provide 
storage services. The ANH regulates the prices of the storage service, setting maximum profit 
margins based on economic and te chnical criteria.105 An operating licence is required to provide 
natural gas distribution services; the ANH awards these licences through public tenders.106 
4.73.   The ANH issues operating licences for the distribution of bottle LPG and the marketing of 
natural gas f or vehicles (GNV) and liquid fuels. A concession also granted by the ANH is necessary 
for the network distribution of natural gas.  
4.74.   The ANH regulates the sales prices of hydrocarbons and hydrocarbon derivatives on the 
domestic market (Table 4.7). It publish es the final prices by means of an Administrative 
Resolution. Supreme Decree No.  29510 of 2008 and amendments thereto define the methodology 
                                                                                                                                                  
98 Ibid., Article 65.  
99 Supreme Decree No.  28398 of 6  October  2005.  
100 The royalties include: the departmental royalty (11%), the national compensatory royalty (1%), and 
(iii) a contribution to the General Treasury of the Nation (6%). These three compon ents already existed prior 
to the reform and were included in the new Hydrocarbons Law.  
101 YPFB (2016), Contratos Petroleros , p. 9. Viewed at: 
http://www.ypfb.gob.bo/es/transp arencia/contratos -petroleros.html . 
102 The Regulation on recoverable costs (Supreme Decree No.  29504 of 9  April 2008) establishes the 
requirements for costs to be considered as recoverable, based on technical parameters and the past trend of 
costs in the ext ractive industry. It also provides a system of accelerated depreciation of assets.  
103 Law on the sustainable development of the hydrocarbons sector (Law No.  3740 of 31  August  2007).  
104 Supreme Decree No.  29018 of 31  January  2007 approving the Regulation on h ydrocarbon transport 
by pipeline.  
105 Article 103 of the Hydrocarbons Law.  
106 Ibid.,  Article 104, and Supreme Decree No.  1996 of 10  May 2014.  
Private 
concession holder 
(exploitation)  
YPFB  
Purchaser (national or 
international market)  
General Treasury of 
the Nation  
Delivers 
production  
Sells 
production  
Recoverable costs  
50% of amount paid 
(32% direct 
hydrocarbons tax + 
18% royalties)  
Profits  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 115 - 
  used to calculate the sale price of natural gas, which is fixed by an Administrative Resolution.107 
Supreme Decree No . 24914 of 1997 spells out the methodology used to calculate the sale price of 
petroleum derivatives (gasoline, kerosene, A1 jet fuel for domestic and international use, diesel oil 
and fuel oil). The sale price of these products varies according to the pri ce of equivalent products 
on the international market.108 The domestic prices of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and GNV on 
the domestic market are also regulated.109 
Table 4.7 Regulated hydrocarbons tariffs  
 Natural gas  Crude petroleum  LPG Refined petroleum products  
Sale Yes Yes Yes Yes 
Storage  n/a n/a Yes Yes 
Pipeline transport  Yes Yes Yes Yes 
Other types of transport  n/a n/a Yes Yes 
Network distribution  Yes n/a n/a n/a 
Distribution  Yes n/a Yes Yes 
n/a Not applicable.  
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
4.75.   A study by the Social and Economic Policy Analysis Unit (UDAPE) of 2015 indicates that the 
Bolivian State uses price controls of refined petroleum products, primarily diesel oil, gasoline and 
to a lesser extent LPG, as a support measure.110 According to the authorities, these measures are 
adopted to guarantee domestic market supply and price stability.  
4.76.   Imports of refined petroleum products are subject to the payment of VAT and the special 
tax on hydrocarbons and hydrocarbon derivatives (IEHD) in addition to customs duties. The 
applied MFN tariff for crude petroleum and almost all petroleum products is 10%. The IEHD is 
levied on hydrocarbons and hydrocarbon products whether locally produced in the country or 
imported.111 The tax has a specific maximum rate, which is updated annually according to the 
value of the Housing Promotion Unit (UFV). The maximum rate is currently Bs 7.42 per litre (or 
equivalent measurement unit according to the product).112 The ANH also establishes specific 
additional tax rates for each type of hydrocarbon or hydrocarbon product, which may not exceed 
the maximum rate (Table  4.8).113 
Table 4.8 Tariffs and IEHD -specific levy  
HS Code   Description  MFN Tariff 
(%) IEHD rate 
(Bs/litre)  
2710.12.11.00  Aviation gasoline  not containing tetraethyl lead   10 1.85 
2710.12.13.10  Gasoline not containing tetraethyl lead, for motor vehicle 
engines, with an anti -knock index (RON) of less than 87 10 1.23 
2710.12.13.20  Gasoline not containing tetraethyl lead , for motor vehicle 
engines, with an anti -knock index (RON) of 87 or more but less 
than 90  10 1.23 
2710.12.13.30  Gasoline not containing tetraethyl lead,  for motor vehicle 
engines, with an anti -knock index (RON) of 90 or more but less 
than 95  10 1.23 
2710.12.13.40  Gasoline not containing tetraethyl lead , for motor vehicle 
engines, with an anti -knock index (RON) of more than 95  10 2.18 
2710.12.19.00  Other gasoline not containing tetraethyl lead  10 2.18 
2710.12.20.10  Aviation gasoline containing tetraethyl lead   10 1.85 
2710.12.20.90  Other gasoline containing tetraethyl lead  10 1.85 
2710.19.14.00  Kerosene  10 0.29 
2710.19.15.00  Kerosene -type jet fuel for jet and turbine engines  
(domestic jet  fuel) 10 0.32 
                                                
107 Supreme Decree No.  29510 of 9  April 2008 was amended by Supreme Decree No.  1719 of 
11 September  2013.  
108 Supreme Decree No.  24914 of 5  December  1997.  
109 Supreme Decree No.  28121 of 16  May 2005 and Supreme Decree No.  29629 of 2  July 2008.  
110 UDAPE (2015), Diagnósticos sectoriales: Hidrocarburos. Viewed at: 
http://www.udape.gob.bo/portales_html/diagnosticos/diagnostico2015/index.html . 
111 Law No.  843 of 22  December  1994 (Tax Law).  
112 National Tax Service, Board of Directors Resolution No.  10-0038-16 of 23  December  2016.  
113 Tax Law and Supreme Decree No.  24055 of 29  June 1995.  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 116 - 
  HS Code   Description  MFN Tariff 
(%) IEHD rate 
(Bs/litre)  
2710.19.15.00  Kerosene -type jet fuel for jet and turbine engines  
(international jet fuel)  10 4.24 
2710.19.21.00  Gas oil (d iesel fuel)  0 1.25 
2710.19.22.00  Fuel oil  10 0.39 
2710.19.33.00  Electrical insulation oils  10 0.39 
2710.19.34.00  Lubricating greases  10 0.39 
2710.19.36.00  Oil for hydraulic transmission  10 0.39 
2710.19.38.00  Other lubricating oils  10 0.39 
2711.11.00.00  Liquefied natural gas  10 n/a 
2711.21.00.00  Natural gas in gaseous state  10 n/a 
n/a Not applicable.  
Source:  Supreme Decree No.  29777 of 5  November  2008 and Administrative Resolution RAR -ANH-ULGR 
No. 0023/2015.  
4.77.   The YPFB is the only enterprise authorized to import or export hydrocarbons.114 
4.78.   Bolivia implements a number of incentive programmes to promote hydrocarbons production 
(Table 4.9). Most of these programmes provide monetary compensation that varies according to 
the extraction area and world crude prices. The incentives for crude petroleum production in 
existing fields, in both traditional and non -traditional bl ocks, are financed through the issuance of 
tax credit notes (NOCREs)115; while incentives for crude petroleum production from new reserves, 
non-commercial discoveries of accumulations and/or reactivated closed fields are funded by 
resources from the Hydrocar bons Exploration and Exploitation Investment Promotion Fund 
(FPIEEH).116 There is also a non -monetary incentive for the production of condensed natural gas in 
dry, marginal or small fields117, which consists in the priority allocation of natural gas markets fo r 
the eligible producer.118 
Table 4.9 Incentives for hydrocarbon production  
Legal basis  Beneficiaries  Incentives  
Law No.  767 of 
11 December  2015 Any national or 
foreign producer   Incentive of between US$30 and US$55 per barrel for the 
production of natural gas condensate from new reserves (for 
periods of up to 25 years).  
 Incentive of between US$0 and US$30 for the production of natural 
gas condensate from existing reserves (for periods of up to 
10 years).  
 The am ounts of the incentive vary according to the extraction zone 
and the international crude oil price.  
 Incentive of between US$30 and US$55 per barrel of petroleum 
extracted from petroleum reserves discovered as of 
December  2015 and destined for the domestic market.  
 The amount of the incentive varies according to the extraction zone 
and the fluctuation of the international crude oil price.  
Supreme Decree 
No. 1202 of 
18 April 2012 Any national or 
foreign producer   Flat-rate incentive of US$30 per barrel of petroleum extracted from 
a new petroleum reserve.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
4.79.   There are also tax incentives for the implementation of projects for industrialization, 
construction of gas pipelines and household installations, as well as projects aim ed at switching 
energy sources giving preference to natural gas (Table 4.10).  
                                                
114 Information provided by the authorities.  
115 Law 840 of 27  September  2016.  
116 The FPIEEH is financed by 12% of the IDH before this is distributed to departmental governments, 
municipalities, public univer sities, Fondo Indígena  (Indigenous Fund), Renta Dignidad  and the General Treasury 
of the Nation.  
117 Law No.  767 of 11  December  2015 defines a dry field as one that contains "hydrocarbons in gaseous 
form in the reservoir that do not condense at the surface or generate a minimum quantity of liquid"; a 
marginal field as one that has produced 90% or more of  its proven reserves; and small field as one whose 
audited hydrocarbon production does not exceed 3,500 barrels per day.  
118 The terms of this incentive are established in Supreme Decree No.  2830 of 6  July 2016 (Regulations 
implementing Law No.  767 of 11  December  2015).  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 117 - 
  4.80.   The hydrocarbons sector's share in GDP at current prices declined from 10.2% in 2006 to 
5.2% in 2016, and the sector's annual growth has fluctuated with the swings in internation al 
market prices (Chart 4.8). Hydrocarbons, led by natural gas, are Bolivia's main export product.  
Table 4.10 Tax benefits for hydrocarbon industrialization investment  
Beneficiaries  Other types of incentive or  comments  Legal basis  
Projects for 
industrialization, gas 
pipeline networks, 
household installations 
and energy matrix 
switch  Exemption from customs duties and VAT for imports of goods, 
equipment, materials and machinery for hydrocarbon 
industrialization projects, and for imports of inputs for pipeline 
construction for the installation of household gas.  
Exemption from the IUE (maximum 8 years) as of start -up of 
operations.  
Exemption from payment of property tax (IPBI) 
(maximum  5 years).  Law No.  3058 of 
17 May 2005 
Hydrocarbons sector 
enterprises  Petroleum production incentive (US$30/barrel).  
Priority is given in the allocation of the incentive to exports of 
natural gas extracted from small and/or marginal fields.  Supreme Decree 
No. 1202 of 2012  
Public enterprises in the 
hydrocarbons sector  Incentive for petroleum exploration and production increases, in 
order to reduce imports of petroleum products.  Law No.  233 of 
13 April 2012 
New mining and 
hydrocarbons 
production 
undertakings  New production undertakings with a minimum capital of 
Bs 1 million can deduct losses from taxed profits obtained in the 
5 years immediately following the date of start -up of operations.  Article 48 of Law 
No. 843 
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
Chart 4.8 Main indicators of the hydrocarbons sector, 2006 -2016  
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat estimates, based on data provided by the authorities.  
4.81.   During the period 2006 -2016, natural gas production increased except in 20 09, 2015 and 
2016, when it decreased. The average annual growth rate was 4.9% (Chart 4.9). According to 
information provided by the authorities, nine enterprises, including some multinational enterprises, 
are extracting natural gas in the country. The Stat e participates in natural gas exploitation through 
two YPFB subsidiaries which together account for about 20% of total output.119 Bolivia is a net 
exporter of natural gas and its markets are Brazil120 and Argentina (Chart  4.10). The YPFB recently 
negotiated contracts for the export of natural gas to other countries.121 
                                                
119 YPFB (2014), Informe Enero a Diciembre 2014, Vicepresidencia de Administración, Contratos y 
Fiscalización,  p. 101 . Viewed at: http://www.ypfb.gob.bo/es/transparen cia/informes -tecnicos.html . 
120 The export contract with Brazil (entitled "GSA" and signed in 19 96) expires in 2019 and the 
two countries are preparing to negotiate an extension.  
121 Information provided by the authorities.  
10.2 10.49.3
8.0
7.98.8
10.911.811.0
7.5
5.24.56.1
3.2
-11.611.0
6.012.814.3
6.2
0.1-0.9
-15-10-505101520
-15-10-505101520
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016Growth rate (%) % of GDP
Share of GDP (current prices) Real growth rate (1990 prices)WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 118 - 
   
Chart 4.9 Audited daily production of hydrocarbons, 2006 -2016  
 
a Preliminary figures and  data at June  2016.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat estimates, based on data provided by the authorities.  
 
 
Chart 4.10 Hydrocarbon exports and imports, 2006 -2015  
(a) By HS chapter  
 
a Preliminary figures.  
48.7 49.2 46.7
40.7 42.8 44.451.359.063.060.857.3
36.5 38.440.3
35.236.6 37.9 38.143.646.152.449.61,2611,3471,401
1,2021,4111,5351,7471,9952,106 2,0902,030
04809601,4401,9202,400
020406080100
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016(Millions of cubic feet) (Thousands of barrels)
Special gasolines
Diesel oil
Reconstituted crude
Jet fuelLiquids
Condensate
Gasoline
PetroleumNatural gas Petroleum derivativesa a a
0204060
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015(% of exports/imports)
Natural gas (HS 271121)
Petroleum (HS 2709)
Petroleum derivatives (HS 2710)Imports
Petroleum derivatives (HS 2710)Exportsa aWT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 119 - 
  (b) Total ex ports and imports  
 
a Preliminary figures. Include crude oils of petroleum or bituminous minerals; oils of petroleum or 
bituminous minerals other than crude oils; and liquid or gaseous natural gas.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat estimates, based on data provided by the authorities, INE and Comtrade database.  
4.82.   During the period under review, output of liquid hydrocarbons (petroleum, condensate, 
audited gasoline and petroleum) showed positive but uneven growth, rising from an average 
output of 48,757 barrels per day (BPD) in 2006 to an average of 57,316 BPD in 2016 (Chart 4.9). 
In July  2017, nine enterprises were extracting crude oil and condensate, two of which were State 
enterprises.122 At the same date, Bolivia had three refineries: two are State -owned, refining 95% 
of crude oil and producing all petroleum derivatives (gasoline, diesel oil, jet fuel, kerosene and 
LPG).123 Bolivia is a net importer of petroleum derivatives (Chart 4.10). The YPFB, on behalf of the 
State, is the sole importer of refined petroleum products.  
4.83.   Bolivia has opened a number of LPG plants using natural gas with a view to exporting it: 
LPG exports started up in 2013.  
4.2.3   Electricity  
4.84.   The electricity, gas and water sector's contribution to GDP increased during the review 
period, rising from 4% in 2006 to 5.3% in 2016.124 Between 2006 and 2016, Bolivia increased its 
power generating capacity, in particular from thermal sources. At the end of 2016, Bolivia had an 
installed capacity that enabled 2,446 MW of electricity to be generated through the National 
Interconnected System (SIN) (87.9%) and by the isolated systems and self -generators 
(12.1%).125 In 2015, most of the electricity was generated from thermal sources (80%), followed 
by hydroelectric sources (19.6%) and non -conventional renewable energy sources (NCR Es) (0.4%) 
(Table 4.11). Generation using renewables is still in the early stages, but the Government expects 
the use of these sources to continue to increase. Between  2006 and 2016, in addition to sufficient 
electricity to meet domestic demand, Bolivia pr oduced surpluses (Table  4.11). Hence one of the 
Government's main objectives is to export electricity.126 
                                                
122 ANH (2015), Anuario Estadístico,  p. 23. Viewed at:  
http://www.anh.gob.bo/index.php?N=publicaciones . 
123 MHE (2008), Estrategia Boliviana de Hidrocarburos . Viewed at:  
http://www2.hidrocarburos.gob.bo/index.php/estrategia -boliviana -de-hidrocarburos.html ; and YPFB  (2014), 
Informe Enero a Diciembre 2014, Vicepresidencia de Administración, Contratos y Fiscalización . Viewed at:  
http://www.ypfb.gob.bo/es/transparencia/informes -tecnicos.html . 
124 Information provided by the authorities.  
125 AE (2016), Anuario Estadístico 2015 , p. 17. Viewed at:  
http://www.ae.gob.bo/aewebmobile/main?mid=1&cid=80 . 
126 Online information from the AE . Viewed at: 
http://www.ae.gob.bo/docfly/app/webroot/uploads/ARCH -NOTICIAS2 -cpelaez -2017-01-25-notisector5.pdf . 
2,0632,3063,534
2,0713,0134,1475,9096,677 6,621
4,019
267 269528 4336231,0051,1431,223 1,170 1,07848.8% 47.9%51.2%
39.1%43.3%45.4%50.0%54.7%
51.5%
46.1%
9.5%7.6%10.5% 9.8%11.1%12.7% 13.3% 13.1%11.1% 11.0%
020406080
02,0004,0006,0008,000
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015% (US$ million)
Export value Import value % of total exports % of total importsa aWT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 120 - 
  Table 4.11 Electricity sector indicators, 2006 and 2011 -2016  
(GWh)  
 2006  2011  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  
Gross generation  
Hydroelectric  2,131  2,324  2,323  2,517  2,235  2,463  1,716  
Thermal  2,375  4,287  4,617  4,832  5,646  6,002  7,009  
Renewables      9 12 35 
Total 4,506  6,611  6,940  7,349  7,890  8,477  8,760  
Sale of electricity to end users  
Residential  1,744  2,324  2,447  2,601  2,806  2,992  3,157  
General  810 1,136  1,183  1,268  1,381  1,492  1,580  
Industrial  1,272  1,639  1,790  1,882  2,016  2,112  2,134  
Mining  313 644 630 644 641 685 698 
Other  134 204 261 238 181 191 204 
Street lighting  215 287 303 328 367 403 429 
Total 4,489  6,233  6,614  6,962  7,392  7,875  8,201  
Source:  Central Bank of Bolivia ( BCB) (various years), Anuario Estadístico de la Autoridad de Fiscalización y 
Control Social de Electricidad . 
4.85.   The sector continues to be governed by the 1994 Electricity Law and its 13 implementing 
regulations.127 
4.86.   Since 2017, the Ministry of Energy, which replaced and took over some of the functions of 
the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Energy, is the sector's governing body and, among other things: 
(i) formulates, implements and asse sses energy sector policies (Box  4.1); (ii) promotes the 
incorporation of new sustainable and renewable generation technologies; and (iii) sets coverage 
targets at national level for the short and medium term.128 The Ministry of Energy has 
two Vice-Ministrie s, one for Electricity and Alternative Energies and the other for Advanced Energy 
Technologies (devoted to the development of the lithium -related industry and nuclear energy).  
Box 4.1 Policy for the energy secto r 
The Patriotic Agenda 2025 and the Economic and Social Development Plan 2016 -2020 outline the objectives of 
electricity policy in Bolivia, as contained in the Electricity Plan 2025, the Bolivia Energy Universalization Plan 
2010-2025 and the Alternative En ergies Development Plan 2025.  
The most important challenges facing the electricity sector include: (i) universal access to the electricity supply 
service (the objective being to achieve 87% coverage in 2020 and 100% in 2025); (ii) diversification of the 
sources of power generation, with special emphasis on renewables; and (iii) expansion of the infrastructure in 
order to generate the electricity needed to meet domestic demand and produce surpluses for export.  
Source:  Information provided by the authorit ies. 
4.87.   The Authority for the Supervision and Social Control of Electricity (AE) is the sector's 
regulatory body. The AE was established in 2009, to take over the functions of the former 
Electricity Supervisory Authority and operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Energy.129 
The AE is responsible for granting authorizations to operate in the sector, as well as for approving 
and publishing prices and maximum tariffs.130 In its capacity as the regulatory body, the AE is 
responsible for supervising and moni toring activities and services in the sector and for consumer 
protection, as well as for investigating and sanctioning any anti -competitive behaviour.131 
4.88.   Under the Electricity Law, any foreign enterprise wishing to participate in the generation, 
transmission  or distribution of electricity must open a subsidiary by establishing a public limited 
company domiciled in Bolivia.132 There is no other limitation on foreign participation in the sector. 
However, as a consequence of the nationalizations carried out betwee n 2009 and 2012, foreign 
participation in the sector is practically non -existent.  
                                                
127 Law No.  1604 of 21  December  1994.  
128 Article  62 of Supreme Decree No.  29894 of 7  February  2009.  
129 The reform was implemented by Supreme Decree No.  71 of 9  April 2009.  
130 Article 12 of the Electricity Law.  
131 Article 51 of Supreme Decree No.  71 of 9  April 2009.  
132 Article 10 of the Electricity Law.  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 121 - 
  4.89.   Between 2009 and 2012, the Bolivian authorities nationalized the shares of the companies 
operating in the energy sector, which became subsidiaries of the National Electricity  Company 
(ENDE) (Table  4.12). ENDE participates in all the sector's activities.133 It also has the exclusive 
right to export electricity134 and accounts for 81% of generation, 86% of transmission and 54% of 
distribution.  
4.90.   Bolivia has a National Interconnected S ystem (SIN) for the generation, transmission and 
distribution of electricity, together with isolated systems. The SIN  connects the departments of 
La Paz, Oruro, Potosí, Cochabamba, Beni, Chuquisaca, Santa Cruz and Tarija, which are partially 
integrated, wh ile in some rural areas of the department of Pando there are isolated systems.135 
4.91.   In the isolated systems, vertical integration of the operators is permitted, so that the latter 
can both generate and distribute electricity.136 In the case of the SIN, the Elect ricity Law prohibits 
vertical integration of the operators and also stipulates the maximum share of the installed 
capacity (35%) that any single generator may own.137 ENDE and its subsidiaries are exempt from 
this requirement.  
4.92.   To operate in the sector, Boliv ian and foreign companies require, as appropriate: a licence 
(generation and transmission); an authorization known as a título habilitante  (distribution activities 
and any isolated system activity); or a provisional licence (generation and transmission).138 Títulos 
habilitantes  are granted for a period of 40 years and licences for an indefinite period.139 The 
Regulations on Concessions, Licences and Provisional Licences (RCLLP) determine the procedure 
and the technical and administrative requirements for obtain ing each type of authorization.140 In 
some cases, related with distribution and generation on a small scale or from renewable sources, 
neither licences nor títulos habilitantes  are required.141 
Table 4.12 Nationalizations in the electricity subsector, 2006 -2016  
Supreme Decree 
No.  Company affected 
by the measure  Market  Shareholder  Effect of the measure  
289 of  
9 September 2009  Corani S.A.  
Valle Hermoso S.A.  
Guaracachi S.A.  Generation  Pension Fund Managers  (PFM)  Transfer, free of charge, of all the 
PFMs' shares in favour of ENDE  
493 of  
1 May 2010  Corani S.A.  Generation  Inversiones Ecoenergy  
Bolivia S.A  
Carlson Dividend Facility S.A  Transfer of blocks of shares in 
favour of ENDE in 2010. Payment 
of compensation in 2011  
Valle Hermoso S.A.  Generation  The Bolivian Generating 
Company LLC  Transfer of blocks of shares in 
favour of ENDE in 2010. Payment 
of compensation in 2011  
Guaracachi S.A.  Generation  Guaracachi America Inc.  Transfer of blocks of shares in 
favour of ENDE in 2010. Payment 
of compensation in 2011  
494 of  
1 May 2010  Empresa de Luz y 
Fuerza Eléctrica 
Cochabamba 
(ELFEC  S.A.) Distribution  Luz del Valle Inversiones S.A  Transfer of shares in favour of 
ENDE, which obtained 92.12% 
ownership  
1214 of  
1 May 2012  Transportadora de 
Electricidad S.A.  Transmission  Red Eléctrica Internacional 
SAU Transfer of the entire package of 
shares in favour of ENDE  
                                                
133 Supreme Decree No.  29644 of 16  July 2008.  
134 Article 3 of Supreme Decree No.  29644 of 16  July 2008.  
135 Information provided by the authorities.  
136 Article 20 of the Electricity Law.  
137 Ibid.,  Articles 69 and 15.  
138 Ibid.,  Articles 22 and 23.  
139 Article 10 of Supre me Decree No.  24043 of 28  June 1995.  
140 Supreme Decree No.  24043 of 28  June 1995.  
141 Article 4 of the Regulations (RCLLP) lists the cases in which neither a licence nor a concession is 
required: (i) generation of electricity for the use of third parties, if the installed power is less than 300  kW; 
(ii) the self -generation of electricity for the exclusive use of the generator, if the installed power is less than 
2,000 kW; (c) the output generated from renewable natural resources, if the installed power is less  than 
300 kW; (d) the distribution of self -generated electricity where that distribution does not constitute a public 
service; and (e) any integrated activity carried out in isolated systems, if the installed power is less than 
300 kW. WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 122 - 
  Supreme Decree 
No.  Company affected 
by the measure  Market  Shareholder  Effect of the measure  
1448 of  
29 December 2012  Electropaz S.A.  
ELFEC S.A.  
CADEB S.A.  
EDESER S.A.  Distribution  
Distribution  
Technical 
support  
Generation/  
Transmission/
Distribution  Iberbolivia de Inversiones 
S.A. Transfer of the entire package of 
shares in favour of ENDE  
Source:  WTO Secretariat, UDAPE, and ENDE.  
4.93.   In general, to obtain a licence it is necessary to submit an application to the AE. However, in 
some cases the AE is required to issue a public call for tenders, fo r example: (i) if more than 
one application for the same purpose is received within a period of 30 days; (ii) if a concession has 
lapsed or a l icence has been revoked; (iii) if the projects have been identified or are under 
consideration by the State, or (iv) if the term of a concession has expired.142 Concessions and 
licences are subject to the payment of royalties, determined in proportion to the  amount of the 
investment. Licences granted for the generation of electricity from renewable sources and 
provisional licences are exempt from the payment of royalties.  
4.94.   The wholesale electricity market (MEM) is administered by the National Load Dispatching 
Committee (CNDC), which is under the supervision of the AE.143 The MEM consists of various 
operators which carry out electricity buying, selling and transport transactions within the SIN, 
namely, generating companies (12), transmission companies (four, of which two are private), 
distributing companies (ten, of which three are private) and unregulated consumers, i.e. those 
whose demand exceeds 1 MW (six).144 State participation in the ME M is substantial; out of the 
12 generators four are public enterprises and account for around 75% of installed capacity, while 
out of th e ten distributors seven are State -owned and distribute 63% of the electricity.145 
4.95.   On the MEM, transactions are carried out by means of contracts and spot operations. The 
great majority of MEM transactions are carried out on the spot market . Contract sales are sales at 
prices and in quantities agreed between the operators, whereas on the spot market transactions 
are concluded at the regulated price in effect at the time of sale, which is determined on an hourly 
basis.146 
4.96.   The MEM Stabilization Fund (FEM), set u p in 2003, continued to operate during the review 
period. The mechanism makes it possible to counteract the effects of variations in the buying and 
selling prices on the MEM and/or in distribution prices.147 
4.97.   Some tariffs are regulated by the AE. The Prices a nd Tariffs Regulations (RPT) of 2001 lay 
down the procedure and the method for calculating electricity service tariffs.148 The prices and 
tariffs are calculated by the distributors on the basis of the method specified in the RPT and 
subsequently approved by the AE. In the isolated systems all the prices and tariffs are regulated, 
whereas in the SIN only some of them are.149 The prices regulated in the SIN include: (i) the 
prices of power and energy transfers among generators and between generators and distribut ors 
when not part of a supply contract; (ii) the ceiling prices for using transmission and distribution 
facilities; (iii) the ceiling prices for supplying distribution companies; and (iv) the ceiling prices for 
                                                
142 Article 24 of Supr eme Decree No.  24043 of 28  June 1995.  
143 Article 12 of the Electricity Law.  
144 Article 1 of Supreme Decree No.  26093 of 18  December  2001 (Regulations on electricity market 
operations).  
145 UDAPE (2015), Diagnósticos sectoriales: Electricidad , p. 8. Viewed at: 
http://www.udape.gob.bo/portales_html/diagnosticos/diagnostico2015/index.html ; online information from the 
National Load Dispatching Committee.  Viewed at: http://www.cndc.bo/agentes/lista_agentes.php ; and 
information provided by the authorities.  
146 UDAPE (2009), El Sector Eléctrico , p. 3. Viewed at: 
http://www.udape.gob.bo/portales_html/diagnosticos/documentos/TOMO%20II%20SECTOR%20EL%C3  per 
cent89CTRICO.pdf ; and AE (2016), Anuario Estadí stico 2015 , p. 81.  Viewed at: 
http://www.ae.gob.bo/aewebmobile/main?mid=1&cid=80 . 
147 Supreme Decree No.  27302 of 23  December  2003.  
148 Supreme Decree No.  26094 of 2  March  2001.  
149 Article 45 of  the Electricity Law.  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 123 - 
  supplying regulated consumers. Unregulated co nsumers (those with a demand volume in excess of 
1 MW) negotiate and contract directly with the electricity suppliers.150 
4.98.   In 2016, the average end -user tariff was 9.27 US cents per  kWh.151 However, preferential 
rates are also established for some types of end consumer. In 2005, the Tarifa Verde  (Green 
Tariff) – a preferential electricity tariff for electricity consumed outside peak hours – was 
introduced for the benefit of tenant farmers and agricultural producers.152 This tariff is only used 
by some distributors  in two departments (Cochabamba and Santa  Cruz). In addition, in 2006, the 
Tarifa Dignidad  (Dignity Tariff) was established. This is a preferential tariff (equivalent to 75% of 
the average tariff in force) for lower -income residential customers whose consu mption does not 
exceed 70  kWh/month (if supplied through the SIN) or 30  kWh/month (if supplied through isolated 
systems). This programme is financed by the operators belonging to the MEM.153 The use of the 
Dignity Tariff was extended indefinitely in 2014.154 In 2016, around one  million users benefited 
from this programme.155 
4.99.   During the review period, several incentives for promoting investment and production in the 
electricity sector were implemented. In 2012, the notion of "compensation for location" was 
introdu ced for the benefit of generating companies that use natural gas and install themselves in 
areas where there is little electricity production owing to the climatic or geographical conditions. 
The electricity generators receive assistance proportional to th e losses they might suffer.156 
Moreover, in 2014, a special remuneration scheme was introduced for operators generating 
electricity from renewable sources.157 
4.3  Manufacturing  
4.100.   The contribution of the sector (petroleum refining excluded) to national GDP remained 
relatively stable during the period 2006 -2016; however, growth has been variable since 2006 
(Chart 4.11). The contribution of mineral processing to the manufacturing sector increased from 
9.5% in 2006 to 14.8% in 2016; this is the activity whose growth has shown the greatest variation 
(Chart  4.12).  
Chart 4.11 Principal manufacturing sector indicatorsa, 2006 -2016  
 
a Petroleum refining excluded.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat estimates, based on data provided by the aut horities.  
                                                
150 Ibid.,  Article 2.  
151 AE (2016), Anuario estadístico 2015, p. 140 . Viewed at: 
http://www.ae.gob.bo/aewebmobile/main?mid=1&cid=80 . 
152 Law No.  3008 of 22  March  2005.  
153 Article 2 of Supreme Decree No.  28653 of 21  March  2006.  
154 Supreme Decree No.  1948 of 31  March  2014.  
155 AE (2016), Memoria Institucional, p. 446. Viewed at: 
http://www.ae.gob.bo/aewebmobile/main?mid=1&cid=80 . 
156 Supreme Decree No.  1301 of 25  July 2012.  
157 Supreme Decree No.  2048 of 2  July 2014.  
8,92310,14511,63812,43813,89215,49017,31318,930
19,81920,798 22,92912.3%12.7%12.4%12.7%12.5%
11.9%12.2%11.9%
11.6%9.1%9.8%
02468101214
05,00010,00015,00020,00025,000
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016Bs millon % of GDP
Mineral product manufacturing Manufacturing (minerals excluded) Share of current basic GDPWT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 124 - 
  Chart 4.12 Real manufacturing sectora growth rates, 2006 -2016  
 
 
a Petroleum refining excluded.  
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat estimates, based on data provided by the authorities.  
4.101.   In 2015, the manufacturing sector employed 10.3% of the Bolivian labour force. According 
to information provided by the authorities, industry is the third -ranking generator of employment, 
after the agricultural sector and commerce (wholesale and retail sales). Manufact uring is 
concentrated mainly on the production of food products, textiles, wood, and articles of jewellery.  
4.102.   Bolivia is a net importer of manufactures. Imports accounted for 80% of total goods 
imported in 2015 and there was no substantial variation in their  share during the period 
2006-2016. The composition of imports has not varied either. The main imported manufactures 
are cars and transport vehicles; machinery; and agrochemicals.158 
4.103.   The Ministry of Production Development and the Plural Economy (MDPyEP) form ulates and 
implements the policy for promoting development of the manufacturing sector contained in the 
Sectoral Development Plan 2014 -2018. The Plan's main objectives are to promote industrialization 
and, above all, the production of manufactured goods wi th higher value added for the international 
market, with a focus on micro, small and medium -sized enterprises. One of the targets set in the 
Plan is to raise manufacturing's share of GDP to 16.2% by 2020. The Plan also identifies the main 
challenges facing  the sector, which include low productivity, difficulty in obtaining access to credit 
and a concentration of goods available for export in products with little value added.  
4.104.   As in other sectors of the economy, several public enterprises at central governmen t level 
also participate in the manufacturing sector, most of them set up during the review period 
(Table  A3.6). State enterprises are operating in, for example, the paperboard (7% of domestic 
production) and paper (47%) industries, whereas in the cement a nd glass industries public 
enterprises have not yet begun operations. State enterprises operating in the sector that are 
considered to be "production enterprises" come under the service for the development of public 
production enterprises (SEDEM) (section  3.3.5). Public enterprises in the manufacturing sector 
have their own regulatory framework and hence are not subject to supervision by the Business 
Control Authority (AEMP); however, according to the authorities, they do not receive any 
preferential treatm ent. To support State enterprises, the Fund for Productive Industrial Revolution 
(FINPRO) was established in 2012, as a trust fund for financing State enterprises engaged in raw 
materials processing and food manufacturing.159 
4.105.   The average applied MFN tariff f or manufactured products (non -agricultural products, 
excluding petroleum, WTO definition) is 10.8%, less than the average MFN tariff of 11.1%. 
                                                
158 Comtrade database.  
159 Law No.  232 of 9  April 2012.  
8.6
5.7
3.26.2
2.63.84.65.0
3.54.45.513.9
12.215.0
12.1
4.811.0
2.711.6
9.5
4.16.5
8.1
5.0
1.95.5
2.32.84.9
4.0
2.54.55.4
0481216
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016%
Manufacturing Mineral product manufacturing Manufacturing (minerals excluded)WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 125 - 
  Manufactured products (by WTO category) with above -average tariff protection are: 
clothing  (40%); textiles (17.9% ); leather, rubber, footwear and travel goods (14.1%); and wood, 
wood pulp, paper and furniture (13.9%). Prior authorization is required in order to import certain 
goods, a measure that affects 719   ten-digit HS tariff lines, of which 671  correspond to 
manufactured goods (section 3.1.5). Some of the products that require prior authorization, such as 
clothing and textiles and footwear, also benefit from tariff protection that is much greater than the 
average. In the case of footwear, which has 40% tariff pro tection, the inputs used in the 
manufacturing process (rubber or plastic soles and heels, in -soles and parts of footwear) are 
subject to a 5% tariff and can be imported without prior authorization. These policies would appear 
to indicate that the productio n of footwear in the country is being promoted, as the tariff applied to 
the end product is much higher than that applied to the inputs used in its manufacture.  
4.106.    In 2017, there were 70 manufacturers, mainly engaged in metallurgy and agro -industry, 
eligible  for the temporary admission for inward processing (RITEX) procedure (section 3.2.4). 
Exports of manufactures produced by companies eligible for the RITEX amounted to 
US$658  million in 2006, when they accounted for 16.1% of total exports, whereas in 2016 t hey 
amounted to US$ 815  million (11.5% of total exports).  
4.107.   According to Bolivia's economic, social, communitarian and productive model, the 
manufacturing sector is considered to be a source of income and employment. Although there 
appear to be no support me asures targeted specifically at this sector, the authorities maintain that 
they support a higher level of industrialization by means of various instruments designed for that 
purpose. For example, the Financial Services Law establishes minimum portfolio lev els for financial 
intermediation entities and Supreme Decree No.  1842 requires commercial banks to devote at 
least 25% of their portfolio to the production sector (section 3.3.1.1).160 
4.4  Services  
4.4.1   Financial services  
4.108.   One of the goals of the economic, social, communitarian and productive model is to 
strengthen the country's external financial independence. Accordingly, the Economic and Social 
Development Plan 2016 -2020 seeks to deepen the social role of the Bolivian financial system so 
that its services contrib ute to the comprehensive development of the population, and one of its 
objectives is that 75% of municipalities should have financial services by 2020.161 Likewise, the 
Patriotic Agenda states that 100% of municipalities should have financial coverage by 202 5.162 
4.109.   The Political Constitution of the State frames financial policy and provides that the State 
shall: regulate the financial system according to criteria of equality of opportunity, solidarity, 
equitable distribution and redistribution; give priority to t he demand for financial services from the 
sectors of micro and small enterprises, crafts, commerce, services, community organizations and 
production cooperatives; and promote the creation of non -bank financial institutions for socially 
productive investmen t.163 
4.110.   The financial operations of natural or legal persons, whether Bolivian or foreign, enjoy the 
right to confidentiality, except in legal proceedings where there is a presumption that financial 
offences have been committed, in which wealth is being invest igated, as well as in the other cases 
provided for by law. The bodies empowered by law to investigate such cases have the authority to 
look into such financial operations without need of judicial authorization.164 
4.111.   The Financial Services Law of 2013165 regulate s the banking sector and is designed to 
protect and satisfy the needs of consumers, and promote universal access to financial services and 
transparency of the financial system, as well as its stability and solvency. The Bolivian financial 
                                                
160 Law No.  393 of 21  August  2013.  
161 Ministry of Development and Plan ning (2016), Plan de Desarrollo Económico y Social: En el Marco del 
Desarrollo Integral para Vivir Bien 2016 -2020, La Paz.  
162 Supreme Decree No.  3033 of 28  December  2016.  
163 Article 331 of the Political Constitution of the State.  
164 Ibid.,  Article 333.  
165 Law No. 393 of 21  August  2013 repealing Law No.  1488 on banks and financial institutions of 
14 April 1993.  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 126 - 
  system is divided  into three major categories: financial entities wholly or majority owned by the 
State; private financial intermediaries; and enterprises providing complementary financial 
services.166 Table 4.13 shows the number of entities in each of these categories at Ju ne 2017. 
Currently, two banks are branches of foreign banks and act as commercial banks. In addition to 
these entities, there are also the enterprises of the Bolivian insurance market (section 4.4.1.2) . 
4.112.   The Financial Stability Council (CEF), the governing body of the financial system167, is 
made up of officials from the following institutions: Ministry of the Economy and Public Finance 
(MEyFP) as chair; Ministry of Development Planning; Central Bank of Bolivia (BCB); Financial 
System Supervisory Authority (AS FI); and the Pensions and Insurance Oversight and Control 
Authority (APS). The powers of the CEF include: proposing and implementing financial policies to 
guide and promote the operation of the financial system; issuing recommendations on regulation 
of the  prudential framework; and proposing rules and measures that have to be implemented by 
the ASFI, the APS and the BCB for the development and integration of the financial system.  
Table 4.13 Financial entities, June  2017  
 Type of entity (number)  
Wholly or majority State -owned 
financial entities  Banco Unión (1)  
Banco de Desarrollo Productivo (1)  
Public development finance entities (0)  
Private financial intermediation entities  Private development banks (0)  
Commercial banks (13)  
SME banks (2)  
Open cooperatives (30)  
Cooperative societies undergoing compliance process (37)  
Housing entities (7)  
Development finance institutions (7)  
Development finance institutions undergoing compliance process (2)  
Community finance entities (0)  
Enterprises providing complementary 
financial services  Financial leasing companies (3)  
Factoring companies (0)  
General bonded warehouses (2)  
Clearing and settlement houses (1)  
Credit information bureaus (2)  
Transporters and couriers (2)  
Electronic card administration companies (2)  
Exchange houses (164)  
Mobile payment service companies (1)  
Money transfers and remittance enterprises (7)  
Source:  Information provided by the Bolivian authorities.  
4.4.1.1    Banks  
4.113.   Banks168 and the other financial entities listed in Table 4.13 are regulated by the ASFI, 
which replaced the Banking and Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority (SBEF) in 2009.169 It is 
responsible for issuing licences for the provision of financial inter mediation services as well as 
complementary financial services. The licence sets out, among other things, the business name of 
the licence holder, the type of financial entity and the corresponding restrictions on its 
operations.170 The founding partners or associates or shareholders of a financial entity may be 
                                                
166 Article 151 of Law No.  393 of 21  August  2013.  
167 Ibid.,  Article 9.  
168 "Bank" may only be used as the first word in the name or business name of a financi al entity for 
development banks, the public bank, commercial banks and SME banks. No other financial entity may use this 
name. Article 151 of Law No.  393. 
169 The ASFI was created by Supreme Decree No.  29894 of 7  May 2009. Pursuant to Article 332 of the 
Political Constitution of the State, the ASFI is a body of public law with jurisdiction throughout Bolivian 
territory. The President of the State appoints the head of the ASFI from a list proposed by the Plurinational 
Legislative Assembly.  
170 Article 150 of Law  No. 393 of 21  August  2013.  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 127 - 
  natural or legal persons of proven solvency and fitness who have demonstrated the legitimate 
origins of the capital they put into the company.171 
4.114.   Priority is given to Bolivian investment over foreign in vestment in financial activities. All 
foreign investment in financial activities is subject to the jurisdiction, laws and authorities of 
Bolivia, and no one may invoke exceptional status or diplomatic considerations in order to obtain 
more favourable treat ment. When evaluating an authorization for a foreign financial entity to open 
a branch in Bolivian territory, the ASFI takes account of the entity's potential contribution to the 
development of trade and financial relations with the country where the forei gn financial entity is 
domiciled.172 The representative offices of foreign financial entities, duly authorized by the ASFI, 
may only carry out promotional activities for financial services and business in the country. They 
may not engage in financial interme diation activities.173 
4.115.   The State -owned or majority State -owned financial entities are: Banco Unión, which is a 
first-tier public bank174; Banco de Desarrollo Productivo (Production Development Bank (BDP)), 
which was established in 2007 as a second -tier bank an d has been a first -tier bank since 
June 2015, carrying out activities to encourage and promote development of the production sector 
either directly or through third parties175; and public development finance entities (none of which 
has been set up to date) f or the purpose of promoting development of the production sectors in 
the country's departments, regions and municipalities by providing financial and technical support. 
These entities must at all times maintain a minimum paid -up capital in bolivianos for a n amount 
equal to a specified equivalent in Housing Promotion Units (Unidades de Fomento a la Vivienda 
(UFV))176: 30 million UFV for Banco Unión; 30 million UFV for the BDP; and 18  million UFV for 
public development finance entities.177 
4.116.   Private financial inter mediation entities may be: private development banks, which are 
public limited companies whose purpose is to provide financial and technical support for 
development of the production sector and ancillary activities; commercial banks, which provide 
financia l services to the public in general178; SME banks, which provide specialized financial 
services for micro, small and medium -sized enterprises, and whose loan portfolio for other 
segments is therefore restricted179; housing finance entities, which primarily pro vide loans for the 
purchase, construction, remodelling and extension of housing or for land purchase; community 
finance entities, set up to fund the economic activities of their members and of other producers on 
promotional terms; savings and loan cooperat ives, which may be open or member -based180; and 
development finance institutions, which are non -profit -making organizations authorized to engage 
in financial intermediation and provide comprehensive financial services, which include social 
management and con tributing to the sustainable development of small farmers in micro and small 
business.181 
4.117.   In addition, there are complementary financial service enterprises, such as financial leasing 
companies, general bonded warehouses and foreign exchange houses, among others (Table 4.13).  
                                                
171 Ibid.,  Article 152.  
172 Ibid.,  Article 160.  
173 Ibid.,  Article 161.  
174 The State has owned more than 97% of the capital of Banco Unión since 2010.  
175 The BDP is a joint public limited company of Bolivia (80%) and the Andean Development Corporation 
(20%).  
176 The UFV has existed since 7  December  2001 and is a CPI -based price index. The BCB calculates and 
publishes the value of the UFV daily. Despite their  title, the use of UFVs is not confined to financing housing. 
They are employed in operations, contracts and legal acts of all kinds in domestic currency (bolivianos).  
177 Article 165 of Law No.  393 of 21  August  2013.  
178 Commercial banks must be set up as pub lic limited companies, have at least five partners (natural 
and/or legal persons) and have a minimum capital of 30  million UFV.  
179 SME banks must be set up as public limited companies, have at least five partners (natural and/or 
legal persons) and have a mi nimum capital of 18  million UFV. SME banks may lend to large companies up to a 
maximum limit of 30% of their loan portfolio.  
180 The former may provide financial services to their members and to the general public, while 
confining their lending operations so lely to their members, whereas member -based savings and loan 
cooperatives are authorized to carry out savings and loan operations exclusively with their members.  
181 There are currently member -based savings and loan cooperatives and development finance 
institutions which are undergoing a compliance process in order to obtain an operating licence, for which they 
must fulfil all the requirements laid down by the ASFI within a specified time -frame.  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 128 - 
  4.118.   The founders of a private financial intermediation entity may not be less than five natural 
persons and/or individual or collective legal persons who have not been declared unfit. In the case 
of member -based savings and loan cooperativ es, the founders may not be less than ten natural 
persons and legal non -profit -making persons; and not less than 20 non -profit -making legal or 
natural persons in the case of open savings and loan cooperatives.182 Depending on their nature, 
private financial intermediation entities, with the exception of savings and loan cooperatives, must 
maintain at all times a minimum paid -up capital in domestic currency equivalent to: 30  million UFV 
for a private development bank and a commercial bank; 18 million UFV for a n SME bank; 2  million 
UFV for a housing finance entity; 1.5  million UFV for a development finance institution; and 
500,000 UFV for a community finance entity.183 
4.119.   The BCB may grant credit to financial intermediation entit ies for renewable periods of 
90 days t o meet their liquidity needs. The central bank and the public entities and institutions do 
not recognize the debts of private banks or financial entities. These banks and entities have the 
obligation to contribute to and build up a savers' protection fund,  which will be used to protect the 
savings of natural and legal persons deposited with financial intermediation entities. Financial 
intermediation activities, the provision of financial services and any other activity related to the 
management, use and inv estment of savings, are matters of public interest and may only be 
exercised with prior authorization from the State, in accordance with the law.184 Law No.  393 also 
establishes that the State may regulate by law the participation of foreign shareholders in financial 
intermediation entities.  
4.120.   The Financial Services Law provides for a high degree of State intervention in management 
of the banking system. In particular, the Executive Branch may establish ceiling interest rates for 
loans to the production and soc ial housing sectors, as well as minimum interest rates for deposits 
(section 1.2.3).185 The ASFI also sets minimum and maximum portfolio levels for financial entities 
in the social housing and productive sectors186; determines whatever temporary preventive 
measures it considers necessary for financial entities; indicates the degree of growth and 
expansion of coverage that financial entities must satisfy; annually sets the percentage of profits 
that financial entities must devote to ensure compliance with their social function; and where a 
financial entity displays accumulated losses, shortcomings in the constitution of provisions or 
reserves or any similar circumstance, and in order to ensure solvency, the ASFI may prohibit the 
distribution of dividends and orde r that profits be reinvested.  
4.121.   The State's aim is that the Bolivian banking system should facilitate access to credit and 
grant better financing terms for the production and rural sectors. Minimum levels of credit that 
financial entities must achieve and ma intain (Table 3.12) as well as geographical coverage targets 
have therefore been set. Both the commercial banks and the SME banks exceeded their mandatory 
minimum lending targets in 2016 (section 3.3.1.1).  
4.122.   The net flow of disbursed portfolio lending in 201 5-2016 hit a historical high. Reflecting the 
expansionary monetary policy and the consequent abundance of liquidity, nominal (non -regulated) 
loan and deposit interest rates in domestic and foreign currency have fallen in recent years, as 
have intermediatio n costs (section 1.2.3).  
4.123.   At March  2017, 39% of production -sector loans granted by the commercial banks, 
SME banks, cooperatives and housing finance entities went to manufacturing, followed by 
construction (25%) and agriculture (24%) (Table 4.14). The propo rtion of non -performing loans 
(NPL) in total production -sector loans fell from 1.81% in 2013 to 1.38% in May  2017, owing partly 
to the measures taken to promote credit for this sector.  
                                                
182 Article 153 of Law No.  393 of 21  August  2013.  
183 Ibid., Article 217.  
184 Article 331 of the Political Constitution of the State.  
185 "Interest rates on lending shall be regulated by the Executive Branch at central State level by means 
of a Supreme Decree, establishing, for financing for the production sector and s ocial housing, maximum limits 
within which financial entities may negotiate agreements with their clients within the framework of the 
provisions of this Law" (Article 59 of Law No.  393 of 21  August  2013). The Executive Branch also sets 
minimum limits for i nterest rates on deposits.  
186 Article 66 of Law No.  393 of 21  August  2013.  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 129 - 
  Table 4.14 Production -sector portfolio and proportion of non -performing loans of the 
financial system, May  2017  
(US$ million and  %) 
 Financial systema Share  (%) NPL (%) 
Agriculture and livestock  1,891  24.0 0.93 
Hunting, forestry and fishing  32 0.0 1.02 
Crude oil and natural gas extraction  21 0.0 0.85 
Metallic and non -metallic minerals  90 1.0 1.80 
Manufacturing  3,045  39.0 1.33 
Electricity, gas and water production and distribution  261 3.0 0.06 
Construction  1,981  25.0 1.91 
Intellectual production  11 25.0 1.95 
Tourism  515 7.0 1.88 
Total production -sector portfolio  7,847  100.0  1.38 
a The data include information on commercial banks, SME banks, cooperatives and housing finance 
entities.  
Source:  Information provided by the Bolivian authorities.  
4.124.   According to the Economic and Social Development Plan 2016 -2020, by 2020 60% of the 
commercial banks portfolio should be with the production and social housing sectors (37 .5% in 
2014), and in the same year 50% of the SME banks portfolio should be with micro, small and 
medium -sized enterprises (33.8% in 2014), 50% of the housing finance entities portfolio should be 
for housing projects (10.8% in 2014), and 75% of all municipalities should be covered by financial 
services.187 
4.125.   According to the IMF, the Boliv ian banking system is relatively solid: financial deepening 
has grown, with the credit -to-GDP indicator rising from 31% in 2006 to 58% in 2016 and the 
deposits -to-GDP indicator rising from 37% in 2006 to 63% in 2016; "bolivianization", i.e. loans in 
the do mestic currency, increased and attained 97% at the end of 2016; deposits from the public in 
domestic currency reached 84% in  2016 (at the end of 2005, about 93% of credit operations had 
been denominated in US dollars); the non -performing loan (NPL) rate de clined from 10.1% in 
2005 to 1.5% in 2016, one of the lowest in the region, despite the high growth of lending to the 
private sector; and financial system profits have been high, with a return on equity (ROE) of 
13.5% in 2016.  
4.126.   The Bolivian banks are also a pplying the Basel II and III principles. According to the 
authorities, a capital buffer has been built up that may be used when the economic growth trend 
turns down; the financial entities disclose information that enables market participants to evaluate 
their exposure and risk management quality, and the ASFI has wider regulatory and supervisory 
responsibilities.  
4.127.   Nevertheless, the IMF considers that there are some risks for the Bolivian banking system, 
for example strong credit growth could cause liquidity  difficulties for some banks, especially the 
smallest, and also affect credit quality as loans become harder to recover.188 
4.128.   Bolivia has commitments on banking services under the WTO General Agreement on Trade 
in Services (GATS) which guarantee market access and national treatment for commercial 
presence in the country. The presence of natural persons is conditional upon the existence of a 
contract with the company that has a commercial presence in the country. Bolivia did not assume 
any commitments on modes o f supply 1 or 2, or on market access or national treatment.189 
4.4.1.2   Insurance  
4.129.   The legal framework governing insurance and pensions consists of: the Insurance Law 
(No. 1883 of 25  June 1998) and its implementing Regulations (Supreme Decree No.  25201 of 
                                                
187 Ministry of Development and Planning (2016), Plan de Desarrollo Económico y Social: En el Marco del 
Desarrollo Integral para Vivir Bien 2016 -2020, La Paz.  
188 IMF (2016), 2016 Articl e IV Consultation – Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the 
Executive Director for Bolivia , Country Report No.  16/387. Viewed at: 
http://www.imf.org/external/country/BOL . 
189 Document WTO GAT S/SC/12/Suppl.2 of 26  February  1998.  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 130 - 
  16 October  1998); the Pensions Law (No.  065 of 10  December  2010); the Public Entities and 
Enterprises Insurance and Bonding Law (No.  365 of 23  April 2013) and its implementing 
Regulations (Supreme Decree No.  2036 of 18  June 2014); and the Commercial Code of 1977.  
4.130.   Insurance and reinsurance companies are regulated by the Pensions and Insurance 
Oversight and Control Authority (APS), under the responsibility of the Ministry of the Economy and 
Public Finance. The APS supervises all regulatory aspects of the insurance sector , including the 
issuance, modification and cancellation of authorizations to operate. It also authorizes mergers, 
oversees compliance with solvency margins and technical reserves, and imposes sanctions where 
necessary, as well as proposing technical rules to the Executive Branch and giving opinions on the 
sector's regulations. The APS keeps the register of brokers and reinsurers operating in the Bolivian 
market and investigates and sanctions conduct involving conflict of interest.190 
4.131.   At 30  April 2017, the Bol ivian insurance market comprised 16 insurance entities, nine of 
which for personal insurance (three with foreign capital and six wi th Bolivian capital), and 
seven  general insurance and bond insurance companies (one wit h foreign participation and 
six with B olivian capital). At present, there are also 72 foreign reinsurers registered to take 
reinsurance from the established companies, and 21 registered and authorized foreign reinsurance 
brokers. Moreover, 32   national insurance and six national reinsurance br okerage firms are 
established and registered in the country.  
4.132.   Any national or foreign insurance, reinsurance or bond insurance company must constitute 
and maintain minimum paid -up capital in bolivianos of 750,000 SDR (equivalent to US$1  million). 
Foreign i nsurance companies may set up in Bolivia only through a subsidiary established as a 
public limited company. Aside from the standard requirements for setting up a public limited 
company, the Insurance Law requires a technical and economic feasibility study,  a certified copy of 
the company's articles of incorporation, the audited opening balance, and the policy registration 
record.  
4.133.   All national and foreign insurance and reinsurance companies that offer services in the 
country must be set up as public limited companies in order to apply for authorization from the 
APS to commence activities. However, foreign reinsurers may offer services in Bolivia under the 
cross-border trade and consumption abroad modes, without being incorporated in the country, but 
subject t o registration with the APS. Insurance companies may freely place insurance outside 
Bolivia with reinsurers whose international risk rating is equal to or higher than that of BBB and 
provided they are supervised in their country of origin.191 
4.134.   Insurance or re insurance companies must be exclusively engaged in providing insurance in 
one of the following forms: general insurance, bond insurance or personal insurance. The personal 
insurance mode excludes general insurance and bond insurance. Insurance and reinsura nce 
brokers must be set up in the form of public limited companies or limited liability companies, in the 
first case, and exclusively as public limited companies in the latter case.192 Foreigners that have no 
permanent residence in Bolivia may not act as ins urance agents.193 Public health insurance is the 
responsibility of the State.  
4.135.   Insurance and reinsurance companies must invest through stock market mechanisms. 
There are no restrictions, except that: no more than 5% of the investments may be in securities of 
issuers related to the insurance company; no more than 10% may be in fixed income securities of 
a company or interrelated group of companies; no more than 20% may be in a single issuer; and 
the investments may not amount to more than 20% of the assets of a ny one issuer. The BCB 
periodically sets the ceiling on investment in securities of issuers established outside Bolivia, which 
may not exceed 50% of the resources to be invested.194 
4.136.   Insurance and reinsurance companies are free to set their rates.195 Policies issued by 
insurers and reinsurers must be registered with the APS and are supervised by the latter.196 The 
                                                
190 Article 43 of the Insurance Law of 25  June 1998.  
191 Articles 13 and 44 of the Insurance Law of 25  June 1998.  
192 Ibid.,  Article 21.  
193 Ibid., Article 20.  
194 Ibid., Article 35.  
195 Ibid.,  Articles 13 and 15.  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 131 - 
  APS regulates insurance contracts in order to ensure equity between the insurance companies and 
those insured.  
4.137.   Each month, insurers providing  general and bond insurance must allocate not more than 
2% of net premiums to finance the operations of the APS. Likewise, insurers providing personal 
accident insurance, pension insurance and mandatory traffic accident insurance contribute not 
more than 1 % of the net premiums received.  
4.138.   The total amount of premiums paid increased at an annual average rate of 10% between 
2006 and 2016, to reach US$467  million. The net premiums retained (total premiums paid minus 
premiums assigned to reinsurance) also grew by  an annual average of 10% over this period to 
reach US$235  million.  
4.139.   As a proportion of the total value of premiums in 2016, life insurance premiums amounted 
to 43%, followed by automobile insurance (17%) and fire and allied insurance (11%). As regards 
the premiums paid for insurance in general in 2016, the strongest growth was in premiums paid 
for compliance with contractual obligations and/or rights (19%) and services provided (15%), 
while the largest increase in the total of personal insurance premiums in  2016 was for individual 
short-term life (43%) and personal accident (26%).  
4.140.   Under the GATS, Bolivia has commitments in the insurance sector that allow market access 
and national treatment for reinsurance services in modes of supply 1 and 2. For reinsurance  
intermediation services, market access for cross -border supply is given, together with consumption 
abroad and commercial presence, while market access for commercial presence is given to 
insurance intermediaries. The investigation, adjustment and settleme nt of claims relating to the 
supply of insurance are guaranteed market access under all modes of supply and national 
treatment for modes 1 and 2.197 
4.4.1.3   Securities  
4.141.   The ASFI supervises entities operating in the securities market.198 At 31  May 2017, the 
Bolivian sec urities market consisted of 65 investment funds, 13 investment fund management 
companies with Bolivian capital, three securitization companies, one of which has foreign 
shareholders, 90 issuers registered in the Securities Market Register (RMV), of which 2 9 with 
foreign participation, and 11 stockbrokers (one with foreign shareholders).  
4.142.   The total amount traded on the Bolivian Stock Exchange (BBV) grew by 598% during the 
period 2006 -2016 to reach US$11,750  million in 2016 (34.5 % of GDP ). The leading instrume nts in 
generating this trading volume were fixed -term deposits, which represented 73.5% of the total in 
2016.  
4.143.   Law No.  1834 of 31  March  1998 regulates the securities market and determines what 
constitutes public offering, defining securities and the forms i n which they are issued. The Law also 
gives foreign investors access to the Bolivian securities market, but they must be registered in the 
RMV within the ASFI. It also allows investment funds established outside Bolivia to participate in 
the Bolivian secur ities market.199 Authorization and registration of foreign securities is subject to 
special rules issued by the ASFI. Foreign enterprises wishing to take part in the BBV must be 
registered in the RMV through a branch and, inter alia, submit certification iss ued by the 
competent authorities in the country where the head office is located attesting that the company is 
not in the process of being liquidated.  
4.144.   There are limits on investment for investment funds established outside Bolivia. 
Open -ended investment fu nds may invest abroad up to 30% of the value of their portfolio; the 
limit is 50% in the case of closed investment funds. The resources from individual retirement funds 
                                                                                                                                                  
196 Ibid.,  Article 43. 
197 WTO document GATS/SC/12/Suppl.2 of 26  February  1998.  
198 ASFI Resolution No.  043/2009 of 30  June 2009.  
199 Article 91 of Law No.  1834.  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 132 - 
  administered by pension fund managers may be invested in financial instruments outside Bolivia 
up to a limit of 60% per fund.200 
4.145.   In 2011, the BBV signed a cooperation agreement with the Inter -American Development 
Bank's Multilateral Investment Fund (FOMIN -IDB-MIF) to initiate a project for the inclusion of 
SMEs in the capital market. The purpo se of the project is to help SMEs to access the securities 
market as a source of financing and thus also strengthen and broaden the Bolivian securities 
market. On 4  February  2016, the regulations on results -based bonds ( bonos participativos ) were 
adopted a nd came into force as a means of helping SMEs to access the capital market.201 
4.146.   Bolivia has undertaken commitments on the securities sector under the GATS, providing 
national treatment, with some restrictions on market access, for the commercial presence of 
companies in the trade -related securities sector, participation in issues of securities, advisory 
services, settlement and clearing services, and risk and credit analysis services.202 
4.4.2   Telecommunications  
4.147.   During the period under review, a new law was promulgate d to regulate the provision of 
telecommunications services in Bolivia and adapt the sector's legal framework to the Political 
Constitution of the State adopted in 2009. In 2011, the General Law on telecommunications and 
information and communication techno logies (Law No.  164 of 8  August  2011) entered into force, 
replacing the 1995 Telecommunications Law.203 The provisions of Law No.  164 are implemented 
through a number of regulations (Table 4.15).  
Table 4.15 Lega l framework of the telecommunications sector  
Year Instrument  Description  
2011 Law No.  164 General Law on telecommunications and information and 
communication technologies  
2015 Law No.  769 Amendment to Law No.  164 (amending provisions on the National 
Social Inclusion Telecommunications Programme (PRONTIS))  
2012 Supreme Decree No.  1391 General Regulations implementing Law No.  164 
2013 Supreme Decree No.  1828 Amendment to the General Regulations implementing Law No.  164 
2014 Supreme Decree No.  2104 Amendment to the General Regulations implementing Law No.  164 
2012  Ministerial Resolution No.  323 Regulations on telecommunications licences  
2015 Ministerial Resolution No.  305 Amendment to Ministerial Resolution No.  323 (amending provisions 
on the licencia de habilitación específica  (specific authorization)  
2012  Ministerial Resolution No.  351 Regulations on invoicing, collection and disconnection  
2013  Ministerial Resolution Nº 013  Regulations implementing the National Social Inclusion 
Telecommu nications Programme (PRONTIS)  
2013  Ministerial Resolution No.  062 Regulations on interconnection and access to and shared use of 
infrastructure  
2013  Ministerial Resolution No.  088 Regulations on the tariff regulation regime for public 
telecommunication s and information and communication technology 
services  
2013 Supreme Decree No.  1793 Regulations implementing Law No.  164 for the development of 
information and communication technologies  
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
4.148.   Law No.  164 introduced a number of changes in the telecommunications sector 
(Table  4.16). These include: (a) broadening of the Law's scope to include p ostal services; 
(b) creation of a new type of authorization ( título habilitante ) to provide services; (c) limitation on 
foreign participation in the provision of broadcasting services; (d) inclusion of consumer protection 
provisions; and (e)  design of a programme to promote universal access.  
4.149.   The Ministry of Public Works, Services and Housing was created in 2006. Through the 
Vice-Ministry of Telecommunications, the Ministry formulates, implements and supervises 
                                                
200 Article 140 of the Pensions Law (No.  065 of 10  December  2010).  
201 Resolution No.  075/2016. These regulations will be i ncluded in the compilation of securities market 
rules.  
202 Document WTO GATS/SC/12/Suppl.2 of 26  February  1998.  
203 Law No.  1632 of 5  July 1995.  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 133 - 
  telecommunications policy.204 In 2009 the Telecommunications and Transport Regulatory and 
Supervisory Authority (ATT) was set up205, replacing the Telecommunications Su pervisory 
Authority (SITTEL). The ATT is the regulatory authority for the sector, under the responsibility of 
the Ministry of Public Works, Services and Housing.206 The Ministry supervises the activities of the 
ATT. 
Table 4.16 Main changes introduced in Law No.  164 of 2011  
 Law No.  1632 of 1995  Law No.  164 of 2011  
Amendments  Law No.  2328 of 2002  Law No.  769 of 2015  
Law No.  2342 of 2002  
Scope  Telecommunications services  Telecommunications services  
Broadcasting services  Broadcasting services  
Postal services  
Type of 
authorization  Concession  Different types of titulo habilitante : 
(i) single; (ii)  specific; (iii)  for broadcasting; 
(iv) for private networks; (v) for value -added 
services; (vi) for the  provision of satellite 
services  
Method of award: public tender  Method of award: submission of an 
application  
Duration: maximum 40 years  Duration: 5 or 15 years, according to the 
type, renewable once  
Use of the radio 
spectrum  Licence for frequency use  Título habilitante  for frequency use  
Method of award: public tender  Method of award: public tender  
Duration: maximum 20 years  Duration: 15 years, renewable once  
Restrictions on 
market access  None Restrictions on foreign participation in the 
provision  of broadcasting services  
Price controls  Yes Yes 
Competition  Includes competition provisions which the 
regulatory authority implements  Includes competition provisions which the 
regulatory authority implements  
Consumer 
protection  No provisions  Includes provisions on the rights and 
obligations of consumers and operators  
Universal access  Concession agreements included clauses 
obliging operators to provide services in 
rural areas.  
The regulator contributed to the National 
Regional Development Fund, under which 
projects were financed in areas of social 
interest that were not profitable for 
private operators  Creates the National Social Inclusion 
Telecommunications Programme (PRONTIS)  
Other provisions  Regime of exclusivity granted to ENTEL 
and local telephony cooperatives, which 
ended in 2001  No other provisions  
Source: WTO Secretariat.  
4.150.   The National Telecommunications Company (ENTEL), which was privatized in the 1990s, 
was renationalized in 2008 (section 3.3.5).207 As a result, the State, through ENTEL, has again 
become the main provider of telecommunications end -services.  
4.151.   Law No.  164 stipulates that broadcasting licences may not be granted to foreign natural or 
legal persons. Foreign investment in broadcasting comp anies may not exceed 25%, unless 
otherwise specified by the State through agreements or treaties (section  2.4).208 Before 
Law No. 164 was enacted, concessions to operate a broadcasting company were granted 
exclusively to Bolivian nationals and commercial com panies set up by Bolivian nationals. The 
                                                
204 Supreme Decree No.  29894 of 7  February  2009; and online information viewed at: 
https://www.oopp.gob.bo/vmtel . 
205 Law No.  164 amended the name of the body originally created as the Agency for the Supervision and 
Social Control of Telecommunications and Transport.  
206 Supreme Decree No.  71 of 9  April 2009; and UDAPE (2015), Diagnóstico Sectoriales – 
Telecomunicaciones.  Viewed at: 
http://www.udape.gob.bo/portales_html /diagnosticos/diagnostico2015/TOMO%20VI%20 -
%20SECTOR%20TELECOMUNICACIONES.pdf . 
207 Supreme Decree No.  29544 of 1  May 2008.  
208 Article 28 of Law No.  164. WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 134 - 
  companies could not be subsidiaries or branches of foreign enterprises, and the capital had to be 
effectively paid up by the partners.209 
4.152.   Policy on public telecommunications services has two objectives: (a) to promote  universal 
access, i.e. ensure that the entire population has access to services, which is the purpose of the 
National Social Inclusion Telecommunications Programme (PRONTIS), the Strategic Social 
Inclusion Telecommunications and ICT Plan210, and the Nationa l Broadband Plan211; and (b) to 
promote universal service, which consists in ensuring that services are provided to all users on an 
equal footing irrespective of their location, and maintaining a specified quality level and an 
affordable price. The ATT perio dically monitors the provision of services.212 
4.153.   The PRONTIS programme, which is financed by contributions from ATT and operators, 
began in 2012 to finance projects to build the necessary infrastructure to provide 
telecommunications services in rural and socia l-interest areas.213 The operators' contribution 
amounts to 1% -2% of gross income. This is a mandatory contribution, except for providers of 
broadcasting services and providers of telecommunications services in rural areas.214 In order to 
carry out these proje cts, the Vice -Ministry of Telecommunications signs contracts with ENTEL or, if 
ENTEL cannot implement them, organizes public tenders for the other operators established in 
Bolivia.215 A number of projects are currently being funded by PRONTIS, such as the in stallation of 
mobile telephony antennas or the creation of community telecentres.216 So far no private 
enterprise has participated in these projects.  
4.154.   Authorization from the ATT is needed to provide telecommunications services. Since 2011, 
an authorization kn own as a título habilitante  has been required, and not a concession as was the 
case previously; existing concessions will be converted into títulos habilitantes .217 The type of 
título habilitante  required varies according to the service provided. There are s ix types: (a) single; 
(b) specific; (c) for broadcasting; (d)  for private networks; (e) fo r value -added services; 
and (f) for the provision of satellite services. When use of the radio spectrum is necessary in order 
to provide a service, a título habilitan te for frequency use is also required.  
4.155.   Holders of the single authorization ( título habilitante único)  have the right to provide a 
range of end services. However, should they wish to provide an additional service not mentioned 
in the original título habilit ante, they need a specific authorization to provide the additional service. 
Depending on the service concerned, these authorizations may be for national or local coverage. 
They are issued upon submission of an application to the ATT, and are granted, accor ding to their 
nature, for a period varying between five and 15 years, renewable once. For example, single 
authorizations are valid for 15 years.  
4.156.   The ATT issues the single authorization after checking the documentation submitted by the 
applicant and after t he latter has paid the inspection and regulation fee, in an amount calculated 
by the ATT according to the business plan submitted by the company. In general, payment of the 
fee is mandatory, including for ENTEL. However, companies that apply for a single a uthorization to 
provide services in rural areas are exempted. Once this authorization has been obtained, the 
supervision and regulation fee continues to be paid annually. The annual rate corresponds to 0.5% 
or 1% of gross income, according to the type of s ervices offered and/or the persons to whom they 
are offered.  
                                                
209 Article 43 of Law No.  1632 of 5  July 1995.  
210 Ministerial Resolution No.  089 of 9  April 2015.  
211 Online in formation viewed at: 
https://www.oopp.gob.bo/vmtel/index.php/informacion_institucional/Plan -Nacional -de-Banda -
Ancha,1025.html . 
212 ATT Bu lletin No.  1 of April  2014. Viewed at: http://descargas.anh.gob.bo/Anh/PubAtt.pdf . 
213 External funds (grants and funds from international cooperation) also contribute to the budget of 
PRONTIS.  
214 Articles 36 and 65 -68 of Law No.  164 (Article 67 was amended by  Law No.  769 of 2015); 
Articles  184-198 of the General Regulations implementing Law No.  164; and online information viewed at: 
https://www.oopp.gob.bo/vmtel/index.php/informacion_institucional/PRONTIS,1002.html . 
215 Ministerial Resolutions No.  160 of 23  June 2014 and No.  13 of 23  January  2013.  
216 For further information, see: 
https://www.oopp.gob.bo/vmtel/index.php/informacion_institucional/PRONTIS,1002.html . 
217 Law No.  164 of 8  August  2011.  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 135 - 
  4.157.   The method of granting the título habilitante  for frequency use is different from the 
method used for the other types of authorization, and varies according to whether they are for a 
private or p ublic enterprise. In the case of private companies, they are granted by public tender 
(this method was also used in 2011), whereas the ATT automatically grants them to public 
companies such as ENTEL. They are valid for 15 years, renewable once. Before 2011 , licences for 
frequency use were granted for a maximum period of 20 years. A frequency use fee has to be paid 
annually, as determined by the ATT on the basis of a specified formula.218 
4.158.   Law No.  164 and the Andean Community (CAN) regulations govern competitio n in the 
telecommunications sector.219 The ATT is the authority responsible for implementing the provisions 
of Law No.  164 that relate to competition.220 
4.159.   Law No.  164 prohibits anticompetitive practices (vertical and horizontal agreements), 
economic concentrati ons and unfair business practices. While horizontal agreements are prohibited 
per se , vertical agreements are illegal only where the provider has a dominant position in the 
relevant market under investigation. Pursuant to Law No.  164, in the telecommunications sector 
an enterprise has a dominant market position if it receives 40% of the gross income collected in 
that market.221 However, this criterion does not alone determine a dominant position; in addition, 
the company's gross income must be e qual to or more than ten percentage points of the gross 
income earned by the second competitor in the market.222 During the review period, operators 
were found to exist with a dominant position in the markets for fixed telephony, international 
long-distance services (ENTEL) and public telephony; consequently, the tariffs for these services 
are regulated by means of ceilings. Some anticompetitive practices were recently also found to 
exist in connection with advertising.223 
4.160.   The ATT initiates investigations on al leged anticompetitive practices either on its own 
initiative or in response to a complaint. When anticompetitive practices are found to exist, the ATT 
will impose remedial measures, for example by regulating the operator's tariffs.224 In the case of 
other ki nds of anticompetitive practice, the operator may be directed to modify or discontinue the 
alleged practice and/or could be fined. With regard to econom ic concentrations, in the 
first instance tariff ceilings are imposed on operators. During the review per iod, various 
investigations were carried out in connection with the imposition of below -cost tariffs (signal 
distribution service operators) and the use of advertising (mobile service operators).  
4.161.   The protection afforded to users of telecommunications servi ces has been strengthened 
since 2006. For example, operators are obliged to maintain the balances on  prepaid cards for 
two months and to allow the balance to be carried over into the following month.225 This is an 
important measure as users of prepaid servic es account for 90% of the Bolivian mobile telephony 
market.226 
4.162.   During the period under review, tariffs for telecommunications services continued to be 
regulated. The Regulations on the tariff regulation regime for public telecommunications and 
information an d communication technology services were introduced in 2013. Under these 
Regulations, the ATT regulates the tariffs of all operators, by means of a system of tariff caps 
which are adjusted in line with the consumer price index and a productivity factor det ermined by 
the ATT. In addition to setting consumer rates, the ATT also regulates interconnection and 
international termination charges. Operators must communicate their tariffs to the ATT. Operators 
may offer discounts (of 25% or 50%) to their customers i n certain time bands.  
                                                
218 Articles 29 -35, 63 and Transitional Provisions of Law No.  164, G eneral Regulations implementing Law 
No. 164, Ministerial Resolution No.  323 (Regulation on the issuing of telecommunications licences) of 
30 November  2012, and Ministerial Resolution No.  012 of 14  January  2013.  
219 Article 61 of Law No.  164 and Article 173 o f the General Regulations implementing Law No.  164. 
220 Article 61 of Law. No.  164. 
221 Average percentage of the earnings during the previous consecutive 12 months.  
222 Article 123 of the General Regulations implementing Law No.  164. 
223 Information provided by t he authorities.  
224 Article 124 of the General Regulations implementing Law No.  164 and Ministerial Resolution No.  088 
of 29 April 2013 (Regulations on the tariff regulation regime for public telecommunications and information and 
communication technology se rvices).  
225 Article 120 of the General Regulations implementing Law No.  164. 
226 ATT (2014), Memoria Institucional . Viewed at: 
https://att.gob.bo/sites/default/files/archivospdf/Memoria%20Institucional%202014.pdf . WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 136 - 
  4.163.   Local telephony cooperatives establish their rates according to a tariff "basket", each with 
its own particular characteristics. Each "basket" must be in line with the current price ceilings. This 
requirement applies only to rates for  users located in the urban centres of the areas in which the 
cooperatives operate.227 
4.164.   The State must guarantee access to telecommunications services through "mechanisms for 
the democratization of opportunities for all sectors of society and especially for t hose with lower 
incomes and special needs".228 Accordingly, since January  2015 there has been a "solidarity" tariff 
for prepaid mobile telephone services, which enables persons suffering from some disability to 
receive a preferential rate of Bs 0.80 per minu te for a maximum consumption of Bs 50.229 The 
normal mobile telephone rate varies according to the operator between Bs 0.90/min and 
Bs 1.35/min, with a special reduced rate ranging from Bs 0.40/min to Bs 0.45/min.  
4.165.   In 2017, national and international long -distance services continue to be provided under 
the multi -carrier mode, which enables users to select the operator of their choice. Each operator 
has a number which the user must enter before making the call.230 
4.166.   Number portability for mobile telephone servic es is expected to be implemented by the 
end of 2017. The company that will administer the central portability system will be selected by 
public tender.231 
4.167.   At present (2017) the main providers of end -user services are ENTEL and two private 
companies, Telecel (operating under the name Tigo) and NuevaTel (operating under the name 
VIVA).232 In 2016, ENTEL had 44% of the market, followed by Telecel with 39% and NuevaTel with 
17%. ENTEL provides fixed and mobile telephone services (as well as public telephone service s). 
Telecel and NuevaTel are mobile telephone operators. The three operators provide services 
throughout the national territory.233 Besides the three main operators, 15 local telephony 
cooperatives provide services in the areas where they are located. The co operatives provide fixed 
telephony and internet services as well as public telephone services.234 The telecommunications 
cooperatives do not currently have the authorization ( título habilitante ) to provide mobile services.  
4.168.   Telephony penetration rates indicat e that the use of mobile services has become 
widespread in Bolivia, whereas increasingly less use is made of fixed telephony services 
(Chart  4.13). Mobile telephony penetration increased from 29% to 91% between 2006 and 2016, 
with an average growth rate of  12% over the period. Penetration of mobile internet services has 
also increased since 2011, reaching 59% in 2016, with an average growth rate of 41% during 
2011-2016. Next -generation mobile technology (4G), the use of which is spreading in Bolivia, will 
help to achieve greater access to mobile internet.235 Fixed telephony penetration rose between 
2006 and 2016 at an average rate of 0.2%, which in turn affects penetration of fixed internet 
services (1.5% in 2016). Work is under way to develop the fibre -optic network and join up the 
national network to the international network, in order to promote access to fixed internet services 
and improve the speed and quality of connections.  
                                                
227 Ministerial Resolution No.  088 of 29  April 2013 (Regulations on the tariff regulation regime for public 
telecommunications and information and communication technology  services).  
228 Article 72 of Law No.  164. 
229 Online information viewed at: https:// www.oopp.gob.bo/index.php/noticias/A -partir -del-15-de-
enero -rige-la-Tarifa -Solidaria -en-Telefona -Mvil-Prepago -para-Personas -con-Discapacidad,1132.html . 
230 UDAPE (2015), Diagnóstico Sectoriales – Telecomunicaciones . Viewed at: 
http://www.udape.gob.bo/portales_html/diagnosticos/diagnostico2015/TOMO%20VI%20 -
%20SECTOR%20TELECOMUNICACIONES.pdf . 
231 Supreme Decree No.  2498 of 26  August  2015, Supreme Decree No.  3004 of 30  November  2016, and 
online information from the ATT.  Viewed at: https://www.att.gob.bo/content/la -att-impulsando -la-portabilidad -
num%C3%A9rica . 
232 Telecel is a subsidiary of a foreign group while NuevaTel is a private Bolivian company.  
233 Online information from the ATT.  Viewed at: https://www.att.gob.bo/content/operadoras -servicios -
p%C3  per centBAblicos . 
234 Online information from the Association  of Andean Community Telecommunications  Enterprises . 
Viewed at: http://www.aseta.org/documentos/BOLIVIAsector.pdf . 
235 ATT (2014), Memoria Institucional . Viewed at: 
https://att.gob.bo/sites/default/files/archivospdf/Memo ria%20Institucional%202014.pdf . WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 137 - 
  Chart 4.13 Penetration of telecomm unications services and number of lines, 2006 -2016  
(a) Fixed telephony services  
 
(b) Mobile telephony services  
 
 
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
665684 697707755
782783 783 786793791
1071191281361521677.1%7.2% 7.2% 7.2%7.5%7.7%7.6%7.4%7.4% 7.3%7.2%
1.0%1.2% 1.2% 1.3%1.4%1.5%
02468
0200400600800
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016%Thousands
Fixed telephone lines Fixed internet lines
Fixed telephony penetration Fixed internet penetrtaion
2,7413,8125,0396,4647,1798,3539,49310,426 10,450
10,16310,005
1,0791,8143,3944,7856,3606,507
29.2%39.9%51.9%65.5%71.6%82.0%91.7%99.2%98.0%
93.9%
91.1%
10.6%17.5%32.3%44.9%58.7% 59.2%
0255075100
04,0008,00012,000
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016% Thousands
Mobile telephone lines Mobile internet lines
Mobile telephony penetration Mobile internet penetrationWT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 138 - 
  4.169.   Bolivia has undertaken commitments under the GATS in the main telecommunications 
markets. Th ese guarantee market access for mode of supply 2 and national treatment for modes 
of supply 1, 2 and 3. Market access for cross -border supply and commercial presence is allowed 
with some restrictions; in particular, in long -distance services, reverse -charg e calls are not allowed 
and commercial presence is required for data transmission services. National treatment and 
market access for foreign natural persons are subject to an employment contract with a company 
that has a commercial presence in Bolivia.236 
4.4.3   Transport  
4.4.3.1   General features  
4.170.   Transport services (together with storage and communications services) accounted for 
11.8% of GDP in 2016. The Bolivian transport network consists of 81,000  km of roads. The arterial 
highway network or "basic road network", which c onnects the main cities, carries 80% of road 
traffic and is administered by the Bolivian Highway Board. The other roads are administered by the 
departments and municipalities. The rail network (3,700  km) is divided into two systems, the 
Andean and Oriental  systems, which are not connected. The country also has navigable 
waterways. Bolivia is connected, by canal, with the Paraguay -Paraná Waterway, with access to the 
sea. Bolivia also has three international airports. Pipeline transport is one of the country' s most 
important means of transport.  
4.171.   As the country has no coastline, transport costs can be high, with adverse effects on the 
competitiveness of exports and the cost of imports.  
4.172.   The Vice -Ministry of Transport, in the Ministry of Public Works, Services and  Housing, 
designs and implements transport policy, while the regulatory body for all modes of transport is 
the ATT.  
4.173.   The General Transport Law allows foreign companies to provide international transport 
services in accordance with the international agreemen ts in force or, failing that, by means of an 
authorization issued by the competent authority, for example, the Directorate -General of Civil 
Aviation or the Bolivian Highway Board.237 Cabotage is prohibited in all modes of transport.238 
4.174.    Within the framework of the Economic and Social Development Plan 2016 -2020, various 
priorities have been established for promoting development of the sector: (i)  to progress with 
territorial integration, by developing modes of transport adapted to the cha racteristics of the 
terrain; (ii)  to establish a new authority responsible for managing and administering rail transport; 
(iii) to build new roads or improve existing ones; and (iv) to support the construction of the 
Bi-Oceanic Integration Rail Corridor, w hich will cross through Bolivian territory to link the Port of 
Santos in Brazil with the Port of Ilo in Peru.239 The construction of a cargo terminal to facilitate 
trade flows along the Paraguay -Paraná Waterway is also under consideration.240 
4.175.   In general, growt h in the transport sector has remained stable, with a tendency to 
increase, except in the case of air transport, when in 2012 an airline company failed 
(Chart  4.14).241 
                                                
236 WTO document GATS/SC/12/Suppl.1 of 11  April 1997.  
237 Article 95 of Law No.  165 of 16  August  2011.  
238 Ibid.,  Article 96.  
239 Ministry of Development Planning (2015), Plan de Desarrollo Económico y Social 2016 -2020, 
pp. 79-80. V iewed at: www.planificacion.gob.bo/pdes . 
240 Information provided by the authorities.  
241 Information provided by the authorities.  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 139 - 
  Chart 4.14 Growth of transport, by modea, 2006 -2016  
 
a Where appropriate, passenger and goods transport is taken into account.  
Source:  INE. 
4.176.   In 2016, 81.6% of goods exports were transported by pipeline, 10.7% by road, 3.9% by 
rail, 3.6% by river, and 0.2% by air. The high percentage for pipeline transport is due to the fact 
that hydrocarbons account for a significant proportion of Bolivian exports (section  1.3.1.1). To 
provide pipeline transport services it is necessary to obtain an authorization from the ANH, which 
also regulates the tariffs (sec tion 4.4.3). Imports enter mainly by road. In 2016, 84.8% of goods 
entered Bolivian territory by road and the rest by rail (5.9%), river (8.1%) and air (1.2%).242 
4.177.   Since 2006, there have been large annual fluctuations in the different modes of transport 
by ty pe of user (Chart 4.15). The transport of both goods and passengers by road displayed the 
greatest volatility during the review period, with a tendency to decline (especially in the case of 
passenger transport). The transport of passengers by rail also dec lined between 2007 and 2013, 
when it began to recover. Air transport also tended to be unstable, with a significant fall in 2012, 
which also mainly affected passenger transport and, according to the authorities, was due to the 
failure of one of the main pr ivate operators. Pipeline transport fell most sharply in 2009, as a 
consequence of the decline in hydrocarbons exports, after which there was a recovery.  
4.178.   Bolivia has not undertaken any specific commitments in the transport sector under the 
GATS, but does h ave a list of Article II (MFN) exemptions. The exemptions apply to the road 
transportation of passengers and freight and to maritime and multi -modal freight transportation. 
The exemptions relate to provisions on national treatment in agreements on internat ional 
transportation of passengers and freight (applicable to all countries with which Bolivia has bilateral 
or multilateral treaties in force) and to preferential treatment concerning access to maritime 
freight transportation for operators from the CAN co untries.243 
                                                
242 Information provided by the authorities.  
243 WTO document GATS/EL/12 of 15  April 1994.  
-60-40-2002040
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Total Rail Road Air Pipeline(Base year 1990 )WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 140 - 
  Chart 4.15 Annual variation in transport, according to type of service or market, 
2006 -2015  
 
Source:  INE. 
4.4.3.2   Air transport  
4.179.   The provision of air transport services is governed by Law No.  2902 of 29  October 2004.  
4.180.   The Telecommunications and Transport Regulatory and Supervisory Authority (ATT) is 
responsible for regulating air transport and other types of transport across Bolivian territory. The 
Bolivian Directorate -General of Civil Aviation (DGAC) is respo nsible for authorizing the provision of 
air services and establishing air safety standards, while the Airports and Airport Air Navigation 
Auxiliary Services Authority (AASANA) is responsible for air traffic control and the administration of 
the public airp orts, except for the three international airports, which are administered and 
0510152025
1Domestic rail transport Domestic road transport
-40-30-20-1001020
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
-30-20-10010203040
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015-80-60-40-20020406080100120
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015Domestic and international air transport-5051015202530
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Pipeline transportBase year 1990 Base year 1992
Base year 1990 Base year 1990
Total
Freight, air internationalTotal air, international
Passengers, air international
FreightExternal marketTotal air, domestic
Passengers
Internal marketWT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
- 141 - 
  operated by the company Servicios de Aeropuertos Bolivianos S.A. (SABSA), which was 
nationalized in 2013.244 
4.181.   To provide air transport services in Bolivia it is necessary to possess  an air operator's 
certificate and an operating permit or failing that, an authorization, all of which are issued by the 
DGAC. Domestic airlines must have an air operator's certificate, which is granted for an indefinite 
period of time; this certifies that  the airline has the technical capacity to provide the service. 
Bolivia recognizes air operator's certificates issued abroad.245 Operating permits are granted to 
domestic airlines provided they obtain an air operator's certificate and to foreign airline comp anies 
that so request, if there is an air transport agreement between the country/territory of origin and 
Bolivia (Table  A4.3). If there is no air transport agreement, the DGAC will grant the foreign airline 
an authorization, provided that the service is f ound to be necessary and useful. Operating permits 
and authorizations are granted for a maximum period of five years, with the possibility of 
renewal.246 Cabotage is prohibited.247 
4.182.   The State -owned enterprise Boliviana de Aviación (BoA) is the airline company t hat carries 
most passengers on domestic (78%) and international (22%) flights. In July  2017, three other 
airlines were operating in the internal market and another 12  companies were providing 
international air transport services.248 
4.183.   The ATT regulates and app roves the maximum reference tariffs for aviation services 
(landing, parking, and boarding bridge) at the three airports owned by Bolivia. The aviation service 
tariffs charged at the international airports are published.249 The ATT has to approve the tariffs for 
aviation services.250 
4.184.   Bolivia's three international airports are: El Alto (in La Paz), Viru Viru (in Santa Cruz) and 
Jorge Wilstermann (in Cochabamba). The three airports all provide for passenger transit and 
Viru Viru and Jorge Wilstermann airports have  cargo terminals.  
                                                
244 Supreme Decree No.  1494 of 18  February  2013; and online informatio n from SABSA.  Viewed at: 
http://www.sabsa.aero . 
245 Information provided by the authorities.  
246 Articles 86, 92 -94 and 111 of Law No.  2902 o f 29 October  2004.  
247 Ibid.,  Article 90.  
248 DGAC press releases. Viewed at: http://www.dgac.gob.bo/AeroNoticias/2017/019_2017.pdf  and 
http://www.dgac.gob.bo/AeroNoticias/2017/020_2017.pdf . 
249 See: http://www.sabsa.aero/tarifarios.aspx . 
250 Article 121 of Law No.  2902 of 29 October  2004.   
  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
- 142 - 5  APPENDIX TABLES  
Table A1. 1 Balance of payments, 2006 -2016a 
(US$ million)  
 2006  2007  2008  2009  2010b 2011b 2012b 2013b 2014b 2015b 2016 T2b 
I. Current account  1,293  1,506  1,991  746 766 77 1,970  749 20 -1,923  -950 
1. Trade balancec 1,036  918 1,444  415 812 431 2,676  2,014  1,674  -1,384  -897 
Exports f.o.b.  3,952  4,504  6,525  4,960  6,402  8,358  11,254  11,698  12,306  8,302  3,117  
Imports c.i.f.d -2,916  -3,586  -5,081  -4,545  -5,590  -7,927  -8,578  -9,684  -10,632  -9,686  -4,014  
2. Services (net)  -168 -189 -200 -209 -263 -369 -342 -627 -1,032  -535 -296 
3. Income (net)  -397 -489 -536 -674 -864 -1,161  -1,629  -1,908  -1,707  -1,173  -319 
Interest received (BCB and private sector)  199 332 306 195 86 102 125 151 149 140 100 
Interest duee -234 -208 -195 -130 -105 -142 -118 -153 -175 -196 -110 
Other investment income (net)  -389 -641 -678 -766 -863 -1,148  -1,649  -1,916  -1,690  -1,128  -317 
Compensation of employees (net)  26 27 30 28 19 27 13 11 10 10 8 
4. Transfers  822 1,266  1,284  1,213  1,081  1,175  1,266  1,270  1,084  1,169  562 
Official, excluding HIPC  238 216 181 181 137 184 219 172 25 116 60 
HIPC relief grants  56 13 14 13 13 8 9 6 4 3 1 
Private  528 1,038  1,089  1,018  931 983 1,038  1,091  1,056  1,050  501 
II. Capital and financial account  303 472 378 -29 917 977 542 -177 -109 -734 157 
1. Public sector  262 105 231 238 263 537 651 -458 1,101  838 378 
Capital transfers  1,804  1,171  0 77 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
Medium -term and long -term loans (net)  -1,566  -1,069  239 138 278 597 688 1,050  528 656 304 
Outlays  257 322 413 381 538 777 1,135  1,243  759 1,032  442 
Amortization duef -1,823  -1,391  -174 -243 -260 -180 -446 -193 -231 -376 -138 
Other public capital (net)  24 3 -8 23 -14 -60 -37 -1,509  573 182 74 
2. Private sector  42 367 147 -266 653 440 -109 282 -1,210  -1,572  -221 
Capital transfers  9 9 10 33 -7 6 6 6 5 5 2 
Foreign direct investment (net)  278 362 508 426 672 859 1,060  1,750  648 503 303 
Portfolio investment (net)  25 -30 -208 -154 90 186 -360 -429 -561 -917 -129 
Net medium -term and long -term private 
debtg -22 -69 59 -124 -112 53 -133 -26 243 64 36 
Net short -term foreign assetsh -92 114 -92 -265 -7 41 79 -6 -180 16 21 
Other net capital  -156 -20 -129 -183 18 -705 -761 -1,013  -1,366  -1,243  -455 
a This series follows  the fifth edition of the IMF's Balance of Payments Manual (BPM5), which was used by the Bolivian authorities until the second  quarter of 
2016. The data differ from that presented in Table 1.7, which are based on the sixth edition of the Balance of Payments and International Investment Position 
Manual (BPM6).  
b  Preliminary figures.  
c  Not including estimates for smuggled goods.  
d  Adjusted to take into account the temporary importation of aircraft.  
e Includes HIPC and MDRI relief in the form of stock reduction. MDRI relief is recorded as of 2006.  
f  As from 2005, actual and approved amortization.  
g Excludes intra -company loans recorded as FDI.  
h Foreign assets of banks and non -bank financial institutions, and short -term debt of banks, non -bank fi nancial institutions and the rest of the private sector.  
Source:  Central Bank of Bolivia.   
  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
- 143 - Table A1. 2 Merchandise exports by HS section and main HS chapter, 2006 -2016  
(US$ million and %)  
HS section and chapter  2006  2007  2008  2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  2014  2015a 2016a 
Total exports (US$ million)  4,088  4,822  6,933  5,400  6,966  9,146  11,815  12,252  12,899  8,726  7,096  
 (% of exports)  
01 Live animals; animal products  0.3 0.3 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.1 0.2 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.5 
 02 Meat and edible meat offal  0.1 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 
 04 Dairy produce; birds' eggs; natural honey; 
edible products of animal origin, not elsewhere 
specified or included  0.3 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.4 
02 Vegetable products  4.3 4.3 4.3 6.0 4.6 4.0 4.7 6.5 5.2 5.8 6.6 
 08 Edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus fruit or 
melons  2.0 1.8 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.9 1.5 1.3 1.7 2.7 3.1 
 10 Cereals  0.4 0.4 0.4 1.0 0.8 0.7 0.9 1.4 1.6 1.6 1.3 
 12 Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits; miscellaneous 
grains, seeds and fruit; industrial or medicinal 
plants; straw and fodder  1.3 1.3 1.5 2.3 1.2 0.8 1.8 3.2 1.5 1.1 1.5 
03 Animal or vegetable fats and oils and their 
cleavage products; prepared edible fats;  
animal or vegetable waxes  4.0 4.4 4.4 4.9 4.3 3.7 3.3 3.1 2.8 3.4 4.5 
04 Prepared foodstuffs; beverages, spirits and 
vinegar; tobacco and manufactured tobacco 
substitutes  6.8 6.9 5.9 9.3 6.7 5.1 5.4 7.0 6.3 7.2 9.5 
  19 Preparations of cereals, flour, starch or milk; 
pastrycooks' products  0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.2 
  22 Beverages, spirits and vinegar  0.6 0.6 0.6 0.9 0.8 0.5 0.4 0.7 0.5 0.7 0.7 
  23 Residues and waste from the food industries; 
prepared animal fodder  5.5 5.2 4.3 6.7 4.9 4.3 4.5 5.3 5.4 6.0 8.0 
05 Mineral products  69.8 69.5 73.1 67.3 70.0 71.9 67.6 70.7 67.5 66.1 57.7 
 25 Salt; sulphur; earths and stone; plastering 
materials, lime and cement  0.2 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.6 0.6 
 26 Ores, slag and ash  19.2 21.8 21.7 27.5 26.4 26.2 17.3 15.7 15.4 19.3 26.1 
 27 Mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of their 
distillation; bituminous substances; mineral 
waxes  50.4 47.5 51.2 39.5 43.3 45.4 50.0 54.5 51.7 46.2 31.0 
06 Products of the chemical or allied industries  0.6 0.6 0.7 0.8 1.5 1.0 2.1 0.8 0.5 0.7 0.6 
 28 Inorganic  chemicals; organic or inorganic 
compounds of precious metals, of rare -earth 
metals, of radioactive elements or of isotopes  0.4 0.4 0.5 0.5 1.2 0.8 1.6 0.5 0.3 0.4 0.3 
07 Plastics and articles thereof  0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.0  
  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
- 144 - HS section and chapter  2006  2007  2008  2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  2014  2015a 2016a 
08 Raw hides and skins, leather, furskins and 
articles  
thereof; saddlery and harness; travel goods,  
handbags and similar containers; articles of 
animal gut (other than silk -worm gut)  0.8 0.8 0.5 0.3 0.5 0.6 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.6 
 41 Raw hides and skins (other than  furskins) and 
leather  0.7 0.7 0.4 0.3 0.5 0.6 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 
09 Wood and articles of wood; wood charcoal;  
cork and articles of cork; manufactures of 
straw,  
of esparto or of other plaiting materials;  
basketware and wickerwork  2.1 2.1 1.4 1.5 1.4 0.8 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.6 0.6 
 44 Wood and articles of wood; wood charcoal  2.1 2.1 1.4 1.5 1.4 0.8 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.6 0.6 
10 Pulp of wood or of other fibrous cellulosic 
material; recovered (waste and scrap) paper or 
paperboard; paper and paperboard and articles 
thereof  0.1 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
11 Textiles and textile articles  1.7 1.5 1.8 1.2 1.3 0.6 0.6 0.4 0.5 0.4 0.2 
 51 Wool, fine or coarse animal hair; horsehair yarn 
and woven fabric  0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.1 
 60 Knitted or crocheted fabrics  0.0 0.1 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 
 61 Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, 
knitted or crocheted  1.0 0.6 0.4 0.7 0.6 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.1 
 62 Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, not 
knitted or crocheted  0.2 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.0 
12 Footwear, headgear, umbrellas, sun umbrellas, 
walking -sticks, seat -sticks, whips, riding -crops 
and parts thereof; prepared feathers and 
articles made therewith; artificial flowers; 
articles of human  hair 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 
 64 Footwear, gaiters and the like; parts of such 
articles  0.1 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
 65 Headgear and parts thereof  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 
 66 Umbrellas, sun umbrellas, walking -sticks,  
seat-sticks, whips, riding -crops and parts 
thereof  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
 67 Prepared feathers and down and articles made 
of feathers or of down; artificial flowers; articles 
of human hair  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
13 Articles of stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, 
mica  
or similar materials; ceramic products;  
glass and glassware  0.2 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 
 68 Articles of stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, 
mica or similar materials  0.1 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1  
  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
- 145 - HS section and chapter  2006  2007  2008  2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  2014  2015a 2016a 
 69 Ceramic products  0.1 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.1 
 70 Glass and glassware  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
14 Natural or cultured pearls, precious or 
semi -precious stones, precious metals, metals 
clad with precious metal and articles thereof; 
imitation jewellery; coin  5.2 4.3 3.4 3.8 4.0 6.7 11.4 6.8 12.3 11.0 14.2 
15 Base metals and articles of base metal  3.3 4.1 3.7 4.0 4.6 4.8 3.0 3.1 3.1 3.3 4.5 
 74 Copper and articles  thereof  0.2 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 
 80 Tin and articles thereof  3.0 3.7 3.4 3.8 4.2 4.3 2.5 2.7 2.7 2.9 4.2 
16 Machinery and mechanical appliances; 
electrical equipment; parts thereof; sound 
recorders and  
reproducers, television image and sound 
recorders and reproducers, and parts and 
accessories of such articles  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 
17 Vehicles, aircraft, vessels and associated  
transport equipment  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
 87 Vehicles other than railway or tramway 
rolling -stock, and parts and accessories thereof  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0,0 
 88 Aircraft, spacecraft, and parts thereof  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0,0 
18 Optical, photographic, cinematographic, 
measuring, checking, precision, medical or 
surgical instruments and apparatus; clocks and 
watches; musical instruments  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
20 Miscellaneous manufactured articles  0.4 0.6 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.1 
 94 Furniture; bedding, mattresses, mattress 
supports, cushions and similar stuffed 
furnishings; lamps and lighting fittings, not 
elsewhere specified or included; illuminated 
signs,  illuminated name -plates  0.4 0.6 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.1 
21 Works of art, collectors' pieces and antiques  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
Other  1.8 2.1 2.6 2.8 2.0 1.1 1.5 1.4 0.8 0.9 1.1 
a Preliminary.  
Source:  Information provided by the authorities .   
  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
- 146 - Table A1. 3 Merchandise imports by HS section and main HS chapter, 2006 -2016  
(US$ million and %)  
HS section and chapter  2006  2007  2008  2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  2014  2015a 2016a 
Total imports (US$ million)  2,926  3,588  5,100  4,577  5,604  7,936  8,590  9,699  10,674  9,766  8,515  
  (% of imports)  
01 Live animals; animal products  0.6 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.5 0.6 
  04 Dairy produce; birds' eggs; natural honey; 
edible products of animal origin, not elsewhere 
specified or included  0.4 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 
  03 Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other 
aquatic invertebrates  0.1 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 
02 Vegetable products  4.5 5.5 4.9 4.2 2.9 2.8 2.5 2.4 3.0 2.1 2.9 
  11 Products of the milling industry; malt; 
starches; inulin; wheat gluten  1.6 2.4 2.8 2.9 1.9 1.4 1.4 0.8 1.0 1.1 1.5 
  10 Cereals  0.9 0.9 1.2 0.6 0.5 0.9 0.6 1.0 1.5 0.4 0.8 
  12 Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits; miscellaneous 
grains, seeds and fruit; industrial or medicinal 
plants; straw and fodder  1.6 1.9 0.6 0.3 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.3 
  08 Edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus fruit or 
melons  0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.3 
03 Animal or vegetable fats and oils and their 
cleavage products; prepared edible fats;  
animal or vegetable waxes  0.1 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.2 
04 Prepared foodstuffs; beverages, spirits and 
vinegar; tobacco and manufactured tobacco 
substitutes  3.9 4.3 3.8 4.2 4.4 4.9 4.3 4.4 4.2 4.4 5.1 
  21 Miscellaneous edible preparations  1.2 1.3 1.2 1.2 1.4 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.3 1.3 1.6 
  19 Preparations of cereals, flour, starch or milk; 
pastrycooks' products  0.8 1.0 0.8 0.9 0.9 0.8 0.8 1.0 1.0 0.8 0.9 
  22 Beverages, spirits and vinegar  0.4 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.5 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.6 0.6 
05 Mineral products  9.9 8.6 11.6 11.4 12.7 14.5 15.6 13.9 12.5 12.2 10.2 
  27 Mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of their 
distillation; bituminous substances; mineral 
waxes  9.6 8.2 11.4 11.0 12.3 14.0 15.0 13.4 12.0 11.6 9.6 
  25 Salt; sulphur; earths and stone; plastering 
materials, lime and cement  0.3 0.4 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.5 0.5 0.6 0.7 
06 Products of the chemical or allied industries  12.7 12.7 13.2 13.7 13.3 10.7 11.1 10.8 10.0 10.7 11.4 
  38 Miscellaneous chemical products  3.7 3.7 3.8 4.5 3.9 2.9 3.1 3.4 3.1 3.3 3.3 
  30 Pharmaceutical products  2.2 2.0 1.6 2.0 2.3 1.9 1.7 1.6 1.6 1.9 2.2 
  33 Essential oils and resinoids; perfumery, 
cosmetic or toilet preparations  1.6 1.6 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.4 1.5 1.4 1.3 1.3 1.6 
07 Plastics and articles thereof  7.8 7.7 6.8 6.2 6.6 5.9 6.6 6.5 6.2 6.5 7.0 
  39 Plastics and articles thereof  5.7 5.6 5.1 4.7 5.1 4.5 4.7 4.6 4.4 4.7 5.3 
  40 Rubber and articles thereof  2.1 2.2 1.7 1.5 1.6 1.4 1.8 1.9 1.7 1.8 1.8  
  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
- 147 - HS section and chapter  2006  2007  2008  2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  2014  2015a 2016a 
08 Raw hides and skins, leather, furskins and 
articles  
thereof; saddlery and harness; travel goods,  
handbags and similar containers; articles of 
animal gut (other than silk -worm gut)  0.1 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 
09 Wood and articles of wood; wood charcoal;  
cork and articles of cork; manufactures of 
straw,  
of esparto  or of other plaiting materials;  
basketware and wickerwork  0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.4 
10 Pulp of wood or of other fibrous cellulosic 
material; recovered (waste and scrap) paper or 
paperboard; paper and paperboard and articles 
thereof  3.6 3.5 3.7 3.1 3.7 2.6 2.1 1.9 1.9 2.2 2.3 
 48 Paper and paperboard; articles of paper pulp, 
of paper or of paperboard  3.0 2.9 2.9 2.6 2.8 2.2 1.6 1.6 1.5 1.7 1.7 
 49 Printed books, newspapers, pictures and other 
products of the printing industry; manuscripts, 
typescripts and plans  0.5 0.6 0.8 0.5 0.9 0.4 0.5 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.4 
11 Textiles and textile articles  3.7 3.4 2.6 2.3 2.9 2.9 3.0 2.8 2.4 2.4 2.5 
 55 Man-made staple fibres  1.2 1.1 0.8 0.7 0.9 0.8 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.5 0.5 
 52 Cotton  0.7 0.6 0.4 0.3 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.4 
 61 Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, 
knitted or crocheted  0.3 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.3 
 62 Articles of apparel and clothing accessories,  
not knitted or crocheted  0.3 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 
 60 Knitted or crocheted fabrics  0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 
12 Footwear, headgear, umbrellas, sun umbrellas, 
walking -sticks, seat -sticks, whips, riding -crops 
and parts thereof; prepared feathers and 
articles made therewith; artificial flowers; 
articles of human hair  0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 1.0 1.1 1.3 1.2 1.2 1.4 1.3 
 64 Footwear, gaiters and the like; parts of such 
articles  0.7 0.7 0.6 0.6 0.9 1.1 1.3 1.1 1.1 1.4 1.3 
13 Articles of stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, 
mica  
or similar  materials; ceramic products;  
glass and glassware  1.2 1.1 1.0 1.3 1.4 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.1 1.3 1.6 
 69 Ceramic products  0.4 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.6 0.7 
 70 Glass and glassware  0.6 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.6 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.5 0.6 
14 Natural or cultured pearls, precious or 
semi -precious stones, precious metals, metals 
clad with precious metal and articles thereof; 
imitation jewellery; coin  0.8 0.7 1.1 1.7 0.7 0.4 0.8 0.7 0.5 0.6 0.6  
  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
- 148 - HS section and chapter  2006  2007  2008  2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  2014  2015a 2016a 
15 Base metals and articles of base metal  11.4 11.3 12.1 12.2 11.8 10.9 10.4 9.9 10.5 9.8 9.9 
  72 Iron and steel  4.9 5.4 6.3 6.0 5.7 5.2 4.8 4.7 5.0 4.5 4.7 
 73 Articles of iron or steel  4.5 3.8 3.8 4.4 4.1 4.0 3.8 3.4 3.8 3.5 3.0 
 82 Tools, implements , cutlery, spoons and forks, 
of base metal; parts thereof of base metal  0.6 0.6 0.5 0.5 0.7 0.6 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.6 0.9 
 76 Aluminium and articles thereof  0.7 0.7 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.6 0.5 0.6 0.6 
16 Machinery and mechanical appliances; electrical 
equipment; parts thereof; sound recorders and  
reproducers, television image and sound 
recorders and reproducers, and parts and 
accessories of such articles  22,1 21.0 20.0 20.9 21.9 22.9 22.7 25.1 26.2 25.4 23.4 
 84 Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and 
mechanical appliances; parts thereof  16.3 14.5 14.2 15.1 15.7 16.8 16.7 19.3 20.1 17.6 15.5 
 85 Electrical machinery and equipment and parts 
thereof; sound recorders and reproducers, 
television image and sound recorders and 
reproducers, and parts and accessories of such 
articles  5.8 6.5 5.9 5.8 6.2 6.1 6.0 5.8 6.1 7.8 7.9 
17 Vehicles, aircraft, vessels and associated  
transport equipment  12.5 15.3 14.7 13.8 12.2 14.7 12.8 14.0 14.7 15.2 15.0 
 87 Vehicles other than railway or t ramway 
rolling -stock, and parts and accessories thereof  12.4 15.1 14.2 12.6 11.0 13.7 12.3 13.2 12.4 13.6 13.6 
 88 Aircraft, spacecraft, and parts thereof  0.1 0.1 0.4 1.0 1.2 0.9 0.4 0.7 2.2 1.1 1.4 
 86 Railway or tramway locomotives, rolling -stock 
and parts thereof; railway or tramway track 
fixtures and fittings and parts thereof; 
mechanical (including  electro -mechanical) 
traffic signalling equipment of all kinds  0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.4 0.1 
18 Optical, photographic, cinematographic, 
measuring, checking, precision, medical or 
surgical instruments and apparatus; clocks and 
watches; musical instruments  2.4 1.6 1.5 1.8 1.8 1.7 1.7 1.7 2.2 2.0 2.2 
 90 Optical, photographic, cinematographic, 
measuring, checking, precision, medical or 
surgical instruments and apparatus; parts and 
accessories thereof  2.3 1.5 1.5 1.7 1.7 1.6 1.6 1.6 2.1 1.9 2.1 
19 Arms and ammunition; parts and accessories 
thereof  0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.1 
  
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- 149 - HS section and chapter  2006  2007  2008  2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  2014  2015a 2016a 
20 Miscellaneous manufactured articles  1.4 1.3 1.1 1.4 1.6 1.6 2.5 2.4 2.4 2.5 2.8 
 94 Furniture; bedding, mattresses, mattress 
supports, cushions and similar stuffed 
furnishings; lamps and lighting fittings, not 
elsewhere specified or included; illuminated 
signs, illuminated name -plates  0.7 0.6 0.5 0.7 0.8 0.8 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.1 1.1 
21 Works of art, collectors' pieces and antiques  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
a Preliminary.  
Source:  Information provided by the authorities . 
  
  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
- 150 - Table A1. 4 Merchandise exports by trading partner, 2006 -2016  
(US$ million and %)  
 2006  2007  2008  2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  2014  2015a 2016a 
Total exports (US$ million)  4,088  4,822  6,933  5,400  6,966  9,146  11,815  12,252  12,899  8,726  7,096  
 (% of exports)  
America  76.6 73.8 74.0 69.4 71.3 71.6 81.2 80.0 79.5 71.8 62.8 
United States  8.8 8.6 7.0 8.7 9.9 9.6 14.8 9.9 15.6 12.1 13.6 
Other America  67.8 65.3 66.9 60.7 61.4 62.0 66.4 70.1 63.9 59.7 49.2 
Brazil  38.2 36.3 43.6 30.9 34.6 33.1 31.0 32.9 29.8 28.0 19.3 
Argentina  9.1 8.8 7.1 8.0 7.9 11.6 17.9 20.5 19.7 16.9 11.4 
Colombia  3.9 3.3 3.1 5.4 3.3 2.8 3.5 5.3 5.0 6.3 8.7 
Peru 5.7 4.7 4.0 5.3 5.6 5.0 5.3 5.3 4.2 3.6 4.8 
Ecuador  0.3 0.4 0.2 0.7 0.9 1.0 1.9 1.2 0.8 1.3 1.0 
Canada  1.2 2.2 1.3 1.3 1.3 2.1 1.3 1.3 1.6 1.2 1.5 
Chile 1.5 1.2 1.1 1.4 1.2 1.6 1.9 1.3 0.8 0.9 1.1 
Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of  4.9 5.0 3.6 5.4 4.9 3.1 2.6 1.3 1.0 0.6 0.2 
Paraguay  0.7 0.6 0.8 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.3 0.5 0.4 0.5 
Europe  11.2 11.6 8.7 12.3 12.5 12.4 8.1 8.4 6.9 8.9 10.8 
EU 6.0 8.2 6.3 9.2 9.9 8.9 5.7 7.0 6.1 8.4 10.6 
Belgium  1.5 2.7 2.3 3.5 5.5 4.1 2.8 2.0 1.8 3.2 4.6 
Netherlands  0.8 1.2 1.0 1.4 0.9 0.6 0.3 1.6 0.9 1.2 1.3 
Spain  0.3 0.6 0.7 1.8 0.9 1.0 0.5 0.9 0.7 1.0 1.4 
United Kingdom  1.9 2.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.7 0.9 0.9 1.0 0.9 1.1 
Italy 0.6 0.6 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.8 0.6 
EFTA 5.2 3.3 2.3 3.1 2.4 3.4 2.3 1.4 0.8 0.5 0.1 
Switzerland  5.1 3.3 2.3 3.1 2.4 3.3 2.3 1.4 0.7 0.4 0.1 
Other Europe  0.1 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.1 
Russian Federation  0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 
Africa  0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
South Africa  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
Middle East  0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.7 3.1 
United Arab Emirates  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.7 2.8 
Asia 11.9 14.4 17.2 17.4 15.0 14.4 9.6 10.1 12.5 17.4 21.2 
China  0.9 1.2 1.9 2.4 3.0 3.7 2.7 2.6 3.4 5.3 6.7 
Japan  9.2 8.4 3.1 5.6 6.6 5.9 3.7 3.4 3.4 4.7 5.9 
Other Asia  1.8 4.7 12.2 9.4 5.4 4.8 3.2 4.0 5.7 7.4 8.6 
Republic of Korea  1.2 4.1 11.7 9.2 5.3 4.6 3.0 3.3 3.8 4.3 5.4 
India 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.3 1.7 
Australia  0.1 0.1 0.1 0.7 1.0 1.4 1.0 1.3 1.0 1.0 2.0 
Malaysia  0.4 0.4 0.3 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.2 
Singapore  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 0.8 0.3 0.8 
Viet Nam  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.2 
Other countries  0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 
a Preliminary.  
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
  
  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
- 151 - Table A1. 5 Merchandise imports by trading partner, 2006 -2016  
(US$ million and %)  
 2006  2007  2008  2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  2014  2015a 2016a 
Total imports (US$ million)  2,925.8  3,588.0  5,100.2  4,577.4  5,603.9  7,935.7  8,590.1  9,699.0  10,674.1  9,766.4  8,515.1  
 (% of imports)  
America  70.5 68.4 69.5 70.9 68.6 64.7 64.6 59.0 55.8 56.9 56.4 
United States  11.8 11.3 10.8 13.7 13.0 11.2 10.9 12.4 11.7 10.6 9.8 
Other America  58.7 57.0 58.6 57.2 55.6 53.5 53.7 46.5 44.1 46.3 46.6 
Brazil  20.1 20.0 18.1 17.2 18.0 17.6 17.7 16.5 15.6 16.5 17.5 
Argentina  15.5 16.4 14.3 13.7 12.7 12.2 12.4 10.5 10.8 11.8 10.5 
Peru 6.5 6.3 6.9 7.0 6.9 6.0 6.5 6.2 6.1 6.2 6.9 
Chile 8.1 6.3 6.9 5.4 5.0 3.9 4.5 5.9 4.1 4.6 4.1 
Mexico  1.7 1.7 2.2 2.1 2.3 2.4 2.8 2.9 2.8 2.8 2.6 
Colombia  2.2 2.0 2.2 2.2 2.1 2.5 1.9 1.9 1.7 2.0 2.3 
Paraguay  0.8 1.2 0.9 0.6 0.6 0.7 1.0 0.8 0.9 0.8 0.7 
Canada  0.8 0.6 1.0 1.1 1.1 0.5 0.7 0.6 0.9 0.6 0.6 
Ecuador  0.3 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.5 
Uruguay  0.2 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.4 0.5 
Europe  9.9 9.6 8.7 9.4 9.6 9.4 10.2 14.3 13.6 12.6 11.7 
EU 9.5 9.3 8.5 9.1 9.2 9.1 9.5 12.8 13.0 12.1 10.7 
Germany  2.3 2.4 1.8 2.1 2.0 1.8 1.9 2.5 2.0 2.4 2.1 
Spain  1.4 1.5 1.1 1.0 1.3 1.3 1.1 2.0 2.4 1.8 1.5 
Italy 0.9 0.9 0.9 1.0 1.2 1.2 2.0 1.3 1.8 1.8 1.2 
France  1.1 0.8 1.1 0.9 1.6 0.6 0.7 1.0 1.8 1.4 1.9 
Sweden  1.9 1.9 1.9 2.1 1.1 2.1 1.1 2.2 1.8 1.2 1.0 
Netherlands  0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.2 0.7 1.5 0.8 0.7 0.2 
EFTA 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.6 1.5 0.6 0.5 1.0 
Switzerland  0.4 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.6 1.4 0.6 0.4 0.9 
Other Europe  0.0 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3 
Turkey  0.0 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 
Russian Federation  0.1 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.3 0.2 0.2 
Africa  0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.3 0.5 0.4 0.4 
South Africa  0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.2 
Middle East  0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 
Israel  0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 
Asia 19.0 21.6 21.5 19.2 21.4 25.5 24.7 26.0 29.4 29.6 31.0 
China  7.8 8.7 8.7 9.1 11.6 14.0 15.1 15.0 17.7 17.9 19.9 
Japan  8.4 10.0 9.8 7.0 5.9 7.5 4.5 5.1 4.9 5.2 4.9 
Republic of Korea  0.8 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.8 0.9 0.9 1.1 1.6 1.9 1.1 
Thailand  0.2 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.1 1.3 1.5 
India 0.5 0.6 0.5 0.7 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.1 1.6 1.3 1.3 
Chinese Taipei  0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.6 0.5 0.5 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.4 
Indonesia  0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.3 0.4 0.4 
Other  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.3 
a Preliminary.  
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of  Bolivia  
 
- 152 - 
 
  Table A3. 1 Customs procedures for imports, 2017  
Customs procedures  General Customs Law (LGA) 
and its implementing 
regulations (RLGA)  
Importation for consumption : Goods imported from foreign territories or 
free zones may remain in the customs territory on a permanent basis. This 
procedure entails the full payment of import duties and compliance with 
customs formalities.  LGA Article 88  
RLGA Article 132  
Admission of goods with exemption from duties : Applicable to goods of 
any kind that are imported for specific purposes and in particular cases, 
under international treaties, agreements or contracts concluded by the 
Bolivian State through which an exemption is granted.  LGA Article 91  
RLGA Article 133  
Re-importation in the same state : Goods that have been exported 
temporarily, which have been in free circulation or which are compensating 
products, may be imported for consumption free of customs duties, provided 
that they have not undergone any manufacturing, processing or repair whilst 
abroad.  LGA Article 96  
RLGA Article 135  
Special customs procedures   
Customs transit  
International customs transit : Allows the transport of goods, under 
customs control, from one customs post to another, in a single operation in 
the course of which the goods cross one or more international borders. 
International customs transit operations are governed by the rules and 
procedures established in the international agreements or conventions signed 
by the Bolivian State and ratified by the National Congress.  
National customs transit : Allows the transport of goods, under customs 
control and authorization, from the warehouses of an internal customs post 
to those of another internal customs post, within national territory.  LGA Article 102  
RLGA Article 144  
Transhipment : The movement of goods, under customs control, from one 
means of transport to another, or to the same means of transport in a 
separate journey, whether or not the goods are landed, for the purpose of 
continuing to their destination.  LGA Articl e 112  
RLGA Articles  151-152 
In-bond warehouse : Allows imported goods to be stored under customs 
administration control in places designated for this purpose, without payment 
of customs duties, for a certain period.  LGA Article 113  
RLGA Articles  153-154(b)  
Temporary admission of goods for re -export in the same state : Allows 
certain goods to enter national customs territory with suspension of import 
duties, where they are to be re -exported within a certain period without 
having undergone any modification, other than normal wear and tear.  LGA Article 124  
RLGA Articles 163 and  166 
Temporary admission for inward processing (RITEX) : Allows certain 
goods to enter national customs territory with suspension of customs duties, 
where they are to be re -exported within a certain period, after having been 
subjected to manufacturing, processing or repair.  LGA Article 127  
RLGA Articles  168-175 and 
178  
Replacement of goods duty -free: Allows goods to be imported free of 
import duties in a volume equivalent to the goods which, after being 
imported, have been processed, manufactured or incorporated into goods 
intended for definitive export.  LGA Article 129  
RLGA Articles 179 and  181  
Special procedures   
Free zone : Part of national territory that is considered  to be outside the 
national customs territory, meaning that goods entering these zones are not 
subject to customs duties or normal customs control.  LGA Article 134  
RLGA Article 238  
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of  Bolivia  
 
- 153 - 
 
  Table A3. 2 Summary of the MFN tariff, 2017  
Product description  MFN 
Bound tariffa 
(%) Number 
of lines  Average 
(%) Range 
(%) Coefficient of 
variation 
(CV)  
Total  7,607  11.1 0 - 40 0.8 30 - 40 
HS 01 -24 1,257  14.5 0 - 40 0.4 30 - 40 
HS 25-97 6,350  10.5 0 - 40 0.9 30 - 40 
By WTO category       
Agricultural products  1,040  13.3 0 - 40 0.5 30 - 40 
- Animals and animal products  130 12.5 0 - 20 0.5 30 - 40 
- Dairy products  36 15.0 10 - 20 0.3 40 - 40 
- Fruit, vegetables and garden produce  300 14.4 5 - 40 0.3 40 - 40 
- Coffee and tea  32 15.9 5 - 40 0.4 40 - 40 
- Cereals and cereal preparations  139 11.2 5 - 20 0.3 40 - 40 
- Oilseeds, fats and oils and their products  116 11.6 0 - 20 0.4 40 - 40 
- Sugar and confectionary  28 13.6 5 - 20 0.4 40 - 40 
- Beverages, alcohol and tobacco  75 25.2 10 - 40 0.5 40 - 40 
- Cotton  8 10.6 10 - 15 0.2 40 - 40 
- Other agricultural products n.e.s.  176 9.2 0 - 20 0.5 40 - 40 
Non-agricultural products (including petroleum)  6,567  10.8 0 - 40 0.9 30 - 40 
- Non-agricultural products (excluding 
petroleum)  6,532  10.8 0 - 40 0.9 30 - 40 
 - - Fish and fish products  302 16.9 5 - 20 0.3 40 - 40 
 - - Mineral products and metals  1,099  9.0 0 - 40 0.5 40 - 40 
 - - Chemicals and photographic products  1,582  6.7 0 - 20 0.5 40 - 40 
 - - Wood, wood pulp, paper and furniture  373 13.9 0 - 40 0.7 40 - 40 
 - - Textiles  692 17.9 5 - 40 0.5 40 - 40 
 - - Clothing  255 40.0 40 - 40 0.0 40 - 40 
 - - Leather, rubber, footwear and travel articles  211 14.1 0 - 40 0.8 40 - 40 
 - - Non-electrical machinery  789 4.0 0 - 20 1.0 30 - 40 
 - - Electrical machinery  403 7.2 0 - 20 0.6 40 - 40 
 - - Transport equipment  261 7.1 0 - 20 0.6 30 - 40 
 - - Non-agricultural products n.e.s.  565 11.3 0 - 40 0.6 40 - 40 
 - Petroleum  35 9.3 0 - 15 0.3 40 - 40 
By ISIC sectorb      
Agriculture and fishing  511 12.2 0 - 20 0.4 30 - 40 
Mining  109 6.4 0 - 15 0.4 40 - 40 
Manufacturing  6,986  11.1 0 - 40 0.8 30 - 40 
By HS section       
01 Live animals; animal products  444 15.1 0 - 20 0.4 30 - 40 
02 Vegetable products  431 12.1 0 - 40 0.4 40 - 40 
03 Fats and oils  66 12.3 5 - 20 0.4 40 - 40 
04 Prepared foodstuffs, etc.  316 17.5 5 - 40 0.5 40 - 40 
05 Mineral products  198 7.0 0 - 15 0.4 40 - 40 
06 Products of the chemical or allied industries  1,486  6.2 0 - 20 0.5 40 - 40 
07 Plastics and rubber  311 9.5 0 - 20 0.4 40 - 40 
08 Raw hides and skins, leather  78 16.5 5 - 40 0.7 40 - 40 
09 Wood and articles of wood  145 13.8 5 - 40 0.5 40 - 40 
10 Pulp of wood, paper, etc.  197 10.0 0 - 20 0.5 40 - 40 
11 Textiles and textile articles  936 23.6 5 - 40 0.5 40 - 40 
12 Footwear and headgear  55 27.0 5 - 40 0.5 40 - 40 
13 Articles of stone  172 12.1 5 - 20 0.3 40 - 40 
14 Precious stones, etc.  59 12.6 5 - 40 0.6 40 - 40 
15 Base metals and articles of base metal  699 9.1 0 - 20 0.5 40 - 40 
16 Machinery and mechanical appliances  1,212  5.2 0 - 20 0.8 30 - 40 
17 Vehicles, aircraft, vessels and associated  
transport equipment  273 7.2 0 - 20 0.6 30 - 40 
18 Precision instruments  280 7.7 0 - 20 0.7 40 - 40 
19 Arms and  ammunition  69 16.9 10 - 20 0.2 40 - 40 
20 Miscellaneous manufactured articles  173 19.4 5 - 40 0.6 40 - 40 
21 Works of art, etc.  7 20.0 20 - 20 0.0 40 - 40 
By stage of processing       
First stage of processing  958 11.0 0 - 40 0.5 30 - 40 
Semi-processed products  2,512  8.8 0 - 20 0.6 40 - 40 
Fully processed products  4,137  12.6 0 - 40 0.9 30 - 40 
a The tariff bindings are in the HS 2007 nomenclature; the applied tariff is in the HS 2017 
nomenclature.  
b ISIC (Rev.2), excluding electricity (one line).  
Source:  WTO Secretariat estimates based on data provided by the authorities.  
  
  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
- 154 - Table A3. 3 Drawback procedure, 2014 -2016  
(a) Tariff headings eligible for a tariff refund of 4% of the f.o.b. export value  
HS section and chapter  Number of headings  
2014  2015  2016  2014 -2016a 
Total  376 359 362 221 
01 - Live animals, animal products  2 2 1 0 
02 - Vegetable products  40 43 45 27 
 06 - Live trees and other plants; bulbs, roots and the like; cut flowers and ornamental foliage  4 2 2 2 
 07 - Edible vegetables and certain roots and tubers  6 3 4 2 
 08 - Edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus fruit or melons  7 8 7 5 
 09 - Coffee, tea, maté and spices  10 11 11 8 
 10 - Cereals  2 4 3 1 
 11 - Products of the milling industry; malt; starches; inulin; wheat gluten  4 4 5 3 
 12 - Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits; miscellaneous grains, seeds and fruit; industrial or medicinal plants; straw and fodder  5 8 11 4 
 13 - Lac; gums, resins and other vegetable saps and extracts  0 1 0 0 
 14 - Vegetable plaiting materials; vegetable products not elsewhere specified or included  2 2 2 2 
04 - Prepared foodstuffs; beverages, spirits and vinegar; tobacco and manufactured tobacco substitutes  42 48 39 25 
 16 - Preparations of meat, of fish or of crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates  0 2 0 0 
 17 - Sugars and sugar confectionery  4 4 3 1 
 18 - Cocoa and cocoa preparations  6 7 6 5 
 19 - Preparations of cereals, flour, starch or milk; pastrycooks' products  9 10 8 8 
 20 - Preparations of vegetables, fruit, nuts or other parts of plants  6 7 6 3 
 21 - Miscellaneous edible preparations  7 9 10 3 
 22 - Beverages, spirits and vinegar  10 9 6 5 
05 - Mineral products  2 1 1 1 
06 - Products of the chemical or allied industries  24 27 31 12 
07 - Plastics and articles thereof  13 14 17 6 
08 - Raw hides and skins, leather, furskins and articles thereof; saddlery and harness  13 15 15 12 
09 - Wood and articles of wood; wood charcoal  11 8 7 6 
10 - Pulp of wood or of other fibrous cellulosic material; paper and paperboard and articles thereof  10 7 12 6 
11 - Textiles and textile articles  149 138 133 87 
 51 - Wool, fine or coarse animal hair; horsehair yarn and woven fabric  4 3 4 3 
 52 - Cotton  5 2 6 1 
 53 - Other vegetable textile fibres; paper yarn and woven fabrics of paper yarn  1 1 0 0 
 54 - Man-made filaments  2 3 2 1 
 55 - Man-made staple fibres  2 1 0 0 
 56 - Wadding, felt and nonwovens; special yarns; twine, cordage, ropes and cables and articles thereof  1 2 1 1 
 57 - Carpets and other textile floor coverings  2 0 1 0 
 58 - Special woven fabrics; tufted textile fabrics; lace; tapestries; trimmings; embroidery  1 1 1 1 
 60 - Knitted or crocheted fabrics  2 2 2 0 
 61 - Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, knitted or crocheted  68 70 67 48 
 62 - Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, not knitted or crocheted  50 42 39 26 
 63 - Other made up textile articles; sets; worn clothing and worn textile articles; rags  11 11 10 6  
  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
- 155 - HS section and chapter  Number of headings  
2014  2015  2016  2014 -2016a 
12 - Footwear, headgear, umbrellas, sun umbrellas, walking -sticks, seat -sticks, whips, riding -crops and  parts thereof; 
prepared  feathers and articles made therewith  10 9 10 8 
13 - Articles of stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, mica or similar materials; ceramic products; glass and glassware  19 20 16 13 
14 - Natural or cultured pearls, precious or semi -precious stones, precious metals  4 1 1 1 
15 - Base metals and articles of base metal  6 5 8 3 
16 - Machinery and mechanical appliances; electrical equipment; parts thereof  7 4 5 1 
17 - Vehicles, aircraft, vessels and associated transport equipment  0 0 1 0 
18 - Optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking or precision instruments and apparatus  6 4 6 4 
20 - Miscellaneous manufactured articles  15 11 12 8 
21 - Works of art, collectors' pieces and antiques  3 2 2 1 
(b) Tariff headings eligible for a tariff refund of 2% of the f.o.b. export value  
HS section and chapter  Number of headings  
2014  2015  2016  2014 -2016a 
Total  32 29 16 8 
02 - Vegetable products  8 10 5 5 
 06 - Coffee, tea, maté and spices  1 0 0 0 
 07 - Edible vegetables and certain roots and tubers  2 3 2 2 
 08 - Edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus fruit or melons  1 3 1 1 
 11 - Products of the milling industry; malt; starches; inulin; wheat gluten  1 1 0 0 
 12 - Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits; miscellaneous grains, seeds and fruit; industrial or medicinal plants; straw and fodder  3 3 2 2 
04 - Prepared foodstuffs; beverages, spirits and vinegar; tobacco and manufactured tobacco substitutes  2 1 3 1 
 18 - Cocoa and cocoa preparations  0 0 2 0 
 19 - Preparations of cereals, flour, starch or milk; pastrycooks' products  1 1 1 1 
 20 - Preparations of vegetables, fruit, nuts or other parts of plants  1 0 0 0 
06 - Products of the chemical or allied industries  9 4 1 0 
07 - Plastics and articles thereof  2 1 1 1 
11 - Textiles and textile articles  6 9 1 0 
 52 - Cotton  0 1 0 0 
 54 - Man-made filaments  1 1 0 0 
 60 - Knitted or crocheted fabrics  0 1 0 0 
 61 - Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, knitted or crocheted  2 6 1 0 
 62 - Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, not knitted or crocheted  1 0 0 0 
 63 - Other made up textile articles; sets; worn clothing and worn textile articles; rags  2 0 0 0 
12 - Footwear, headgear, umbrellas, sun umbrellas, walking -sticks, seat -sticks, whips, riding -crops and parts thereof; 
prepared  feathers and articles made therewith  1 0 0 0 
13 - Articles of stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, mica or similar materials; ceramic products; glass and glassware  1 1 1 0 
16 - Machinery and mechanical appliances; electrical equipment; parts thereof  1 1 1 0 
18 - Optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking or precision instruments and apparatus  1 1 1 1 
20 - Miscellaneous manufactured articles  1 1 2 0  
  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
- 156 - (c) Tariff headings eligible for a tariff refund according to specific coefficients  
HS section and chapter  2014  2015  2016  2014 -2016a No. of 
headings  
Average  
No. of 
headings  
Average  
No. of 
headings  
Average  
No. of 
headings  
% change  
Total  34 0.46 38 0.54 37 0.47 29 8.2 
02 - Vegetable products  15 0.04 15 0.04 17 0.04 11 2.4 
 06 - Coffee, tea, maté and spices  2 0.04 1 0.04 1 0.04 1 0.0 
 07 - Edible vegetables and certain roots and tubers  5 0.04 5 0.04 5 0.04 3 0.0 
 08 - Edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus fruit or melons  3 0.02 3 0.02 5 0.02 3 0.0 
 10 - Cereals  1 0.04 1 0.04 1 0.04 1 0.0 
 11 - Products of the milling industry; malt; starches; inulin; wheat gluten  1 0.04 1 0.04 1 0.04 1 0.0 
 12 - Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits; miscellaneous grains, seeds and fruit; industrial or medicinal plants; 
straw  and fodder  3 0.05 4 0.07 4 0.07 2 0.0 
03 - Animal or vegetable fats and oils  1 0.12 1 0.12 1 0.13 1 8.3 
04 - Prepared foodstuffs; beverages, spirits and vinegar; tobacco and manufactured tobacco substitutes  5 0.22 6 0.23 6 0.25 5 15.2 
 22 - Beverages, spirits and vinegar  1 0.02 1 0.02 1 0.02 1 0.0 
 16 - Preparations of meat, of fish or of crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates  1 0.12 1 0.12 1 0.13 1 8.3 
 19 - Preparations of cereals, flour, starch or milk; pastrycooks' products  2 0.43 2 0.45 2 0.50 2 16.3 
 20 - Preparations of vegetables, fruit, nuts or other parts of plants  1 0.12 2 0.17 2 0.19 1 16.7 
06 - Products of the chemical or allied industries  7 1.63 7 1.69 7 1.72 7 6.0 
 34 - Soap, organic surface -active agents, washing preparations, lubricating preparations, artificial waxes,  
prepared waxes, polishing or scouring preparations, candles and similar articles, modelling pastes,  
"dental waxes" and dental preparations with a basis of plaster  1 0.11 1 0.12 1 0.13 1 18.2 
 36 - Explosives; pyrotechnic products; matches; pyrophoric alloys; certain combustible preparations  6 1.88 6 1.95 6 1.99 6 5.9 
09 - Wood and articles of wood; wood charcoal  1 0.03 1 0.03 1 0.03 1 0.0 
11 - Textiles and textile articles  1 1.34 4 1.38 1 1.57 1 17.2 
 60 - Knitted or crocheted fabrics  0  2 1.38 0  0  
 61 - Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, knitted or crocheted  1 1.34 2 1.38 1 1.57 1 17.2 
13 - Articles of stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, mica or similar materials; ceramic products; glass and glassware  1 0.11 1 0.12 1 0.13 1 18.2 
14 - Natural or cultured pearls, precious or semi -precious stones, precious metals  1 0.02 1 0.02 1 0.02 1 0.0 
16 - Machinery and mechanical appliances; electrical equipment; parts thereof  1 0.90 1 0.93 1 1.05 1 16.7 
20 - Miscellaneous manufactured articles  1 0.03 1 0.03 1 0.03 0   
  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
- 157 - (d) Tariff headings subject to specific  legislation  
HS section and chapter  Number of headings  2014  
2015  
2016  
2014 -2016b 
Form M -03 
required  
SENARECOM 
control  
Total  64 43 47 32 49 3 
05 - Mineral products  27 23 24 18 29 0 
 25 - Salt; sulphur; earths and stone; plastering materials, lime and cement  13 10 13 7 15 0 
 26 - Ores, slag and ash  14 13 11 11 14 0 
06 - Products of the chemical or allied industries  5 2 2 2 2 1 
 28 - Inorganic chemicals; organic or inorganic compounds of precious metals, of rare -earth metals, of  radioactive elements  
or of isotopes  3 2 2 2 2 1 
 34 - Soap, organic surface -active agents, washing preparations, lubricating preparations, artificial waxes,  
prepared waxes, polishing or scouring preparations, candles and similar articles, modelling pastes,  
"dental waxes" and dental preparations with a basis of plaster  1 0 0 0 0 0 
 38 - Miscellaneous chemical products  1 0 0 0 0 0 
13 - Articles of stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, mica or similar materials; ceramic products; glass and glassware  0 0 1 0 0 0 
14 - Natural or cultured pearls, precious or semi -precious stones, precious metals  10 6 6 4 11 0 
15 - Base metals and articles of base metal  22 12 14 8 7 2 
 72 - Iron and steel  2 0 2 0 0 0 
 73 - Articles of iron or steel  1 0 0 0 0 0 
 74 - Copper and articles thereof  7 4 3 3 1 1 
 75 - Nickel and articles thereof  0 0 1 0 0 0 
 76 - Aluminium and articles thereof  3 4 3 2 0 0 
 78 - Lead and articles thereof  1 1 2 0 2 0 
 79 - Zinc and articles thereof  1 0 0 0 0 0 
 80 - Tin and articles thereof  3 3 3 3 2 0 
 81 - Other base metals; cermets; articles thereof  4 0 0 0 2 1  
  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
- 158 - (e) Tariff headings not eligible for tariff refunds  
HS section and chapter  Number of headings  2014  
2015  
2016  
2014 -2016c 
CAIPJ 
required  
Total  101 98 87 71 20 
01 - Live animals; animal products  12 11 12 9 3 
 02 - Meat and edible meat offal  5 5 4 4 3 
 04 - Dairy produce; birds' eggs; natural honey; edible products of animal origin, not elsewhere specified  or included  6 5 5 4 0 
 05 - Products of animal origin, not elsewhere specified or included  1 1 3 1 0 
02 – Vegetable products  14 10 8 7 8 
 10 - Cereals  9 6 6 5 4 
 12 - Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits; miscellaneous grains, seeds and fruit; industrial or medicinal plants; straw and fodder  5 4 2 2 4 
03 - Animal or vegetable fats and oils  5 5 5 5 4 
04 - Prepared foodstuffs; beverages, spirits and vinegar; tobacco and manufactured tobacco substitutes  10 8 7 6 5 
 17 - Sugars and sugar confectionery  3 2 1 1 3 
 18 - Cocoa and cocoa preparations  1 1 1 1 0 
 22 - Beverages, spirits and vinegar  1 1 1 1 0 
 23 - Residues and waste from the food industries; prepared animal fodder  5 4 4 3 2 
05 - Mineral products  7 6 5 5 0 
06 - Products of the chemical or allied industries  1 1 1 0 0 
 38 - Miscellaneous chemical products  0 1 0 0 0 
 28 - Inorganic chemicals;  organic or inorganic compounds of precious metals, of rare -earth metals, of  radioactive elements or of isotopes  1 0 1 0 0 
07 - Plastics and articles thereof  2 2 2 2 0 
08 - Raw hides and skins, leather, furskins and articles thereof; saddlery and harness  22 22 19 16 0 
 41 - Raw hides and skins (other than furskins) and leather  22 21 18 16 0 
 43 - Furskins and artificial fur; manufactures thereof  0 1 1 0 0 
09 - Wood and articles of wood; wood charcoal  13 14 11 10 0 
10 - Pulp of wood or of other fibrous  cellulosic material; paper and paperboard and articles thereof  2 1 2 1 0 
11 - Textiles and textile articles  8 7 6 6 0 
 51 - Wool, fine or coarse animal hair; horsehair yarn and woven fabric  7 7 6 6 0 
 52 - Cotton  1 0 0 0 0 
15 - Base metals and articles of base metal  4 10 9 4 0 
 72 - Iron and steel  3 5 5 3 0 
 74 - Copper and articles thereof  0 1 1 0 0 
 76 - Aluminium and articles thereof  1 1 1 1 0 
 81 - Other base metals; cermets; articles thereof  0 3 2 0 0  
  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
- 159 - HS section and chapter  Number of headings  2014  
2015  
2016  
2014 -2016c 
CAIPJ 
required  
16 - Machinery and mechanical appliances; electrical equipment; parts thereof  1 1 0 0 0 
 84 - Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances; parts thereof  1 0 0 0 0 
 85 - Electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers, television  image and sound recorders and 
reproducers, and parts and accessories of such articles  0 1 0 0 0 
a Number of headings that benefited from drawback throughout the period.  
b Number of headings that were subject to specific legislation throughout the period.  
c Number of headings that were not eligible throughout the period.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat, on the basis of Joint Ministerial Resolutions No. 014.2014, No. 011.2015 and No.  004.2016.  
 WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of  Bolivia  
 
- 160 - 
 
  Table A3. 4 Tariff subheadings requiring form M -03 for export clearance  
Code  Product description  
2501.00  Salt (including table salt and denatured salt) and pure sodium chloride, whether or 
not in aqueous solution or containing added anti -caking or free -flowing agents; 
sea water  
2501.00.10.00  - Table salt  
2501.00.20.00  - Sodium chloride, of a purity of not less than 99.5%, whether or not in aqueous solution  
  - Other:  
2501.00.91.00  - - Denatured  
2501.00.92.00  - - For animal feeds  
2501.00.99.00  - - Other  
2502.00.00.00  Unroasted iron pyrites  
2503.00.00.00  Sulphur of all kinds, other than sublimed sulphur, precipitated sulphur and colloidal sulphur  
25.04  Natural graphite  
2504.10.00.00  - In powder or in flakes  
2504.90.00.00  - Other  
25.05  Natural sands of all kinds, whether or not coloured, other than metal -bearing 
sands of Chapter 26  
2505.10.00.00  - Silica sands and quartz sands  
2505.90.00.00  - Other  
25.06  Quartz (other than natural sands); quartzite, whether or not roughly trimmed or 
merely cut, by sawing or otherwise, into blocks or slabs of a rectangular (including 
square) shape  
2506.10.00.00  - Quartz  
2506.20.00.00  - Quartzite  
25.08  Other clays (not including expanded clays of heading 68.06), andalusite, kyanite 
and sillimanite, whether or not calcined; mullite; chamotte or dinas earths  
2508.10.00.00  - Bentonite  
2508.30.00.00  - Fire-clay 
2508.40.00.00  - Other clays  
2508.50.00.00  - Andalusite, kyanite and sillimanite  
2508.60.00.00  - Mullite  
2508.70.00.00  - Chamotte or dinas earths  
2509.00.00.00  Chalk  
25.11  Natural barium sulphate (barytes); natural barium carbonate (witherite), whether 
or not calcined, other than barium oxide of heading 28.16  
2511.10.00.00  - Natural barium sulphate (barytes)  
2511.20.00.00  - Natural barium carbonate (witherite)  
25.13  Pumice stone; emery; natural corundum, natural garnet and other natural 
abrasives, whether or not heat-treated  
2513.10  - Pumice stone:  
2513.10.00.10  - - Crude or in irregular pieces, including crushed pumice  ("bimskies")  
2513.10.00.90  - - Other  
2513.20.00.00  - Emery, natural corundum, natural garnet and other natural abrasives  
2514.00.00.00  Slate,  whether or not roughly trimmed or merely cut, by sawing or otherwise, into 
blocks or slabs of a rectangular (including square) shape  
25.15  Marble, travertine, ecaussine and other calcareous monumental or building stone 
of an apparent specific gravity of 2.5 or more, and alabaster, whether or not 
roughly trimmed or merely cut, by sawing or otherwise, into blocks or slabs of a 
rectangular (including square) shape  
  - Marble and travertine:  
2515.11.00.00  - - Crude or roughly trimmed  
2515.12.00.00  - - Merely cut, by sawing or otherwise, into blocks or slabs of a rectangular (including 
square) shape  
2515.20.00.00  - Ecaussine and other calcareous monumental or building stone; alabaster  
25.16  Granite, porphyry, basalt, sandstone and other monumental or building stone, 
whether or not roughly trimmed or merely cut, by sawing or otherwise, into blocks 
or slabs of a rectangular (including square) shape  
  - Granite:  
2516.11.00.00  - - Crude or roughly trimmed  
2516.12.00.00  - - Merely cut, by sawing or otherwise, into blocks or slabs of a rectangular (including 
square) shape  
2516.20.00.00  - Sandstone  
2516.90.00.00  - Other monumental or building stone  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of  Bolivia  
 
- 161 - 
 
  Code  Product description  
25.17  Pebbles, gravel, broken or crushed stone, of a kind commonly used for concrete 
aggregates, for road metalling or for railway or other ballast, shingle and flint, 
whether or not heat -treated; macadam of slag, dross or similar industrial waste, 
whether or not incorporating the materials cited in the first part of the heading; 
tarred macadam; granules,  chippings and powder, of stones of heading 25.25  
or 25.16, whether or not heat -treated  
2517.10.00.00  - Pebbles, gravel, broken or crushed stone, of a kind commonly used for concrete 
aggregates, for road metalling or for railway or other ballast, shingle and flint, whether or 
not heat -treated  
2517.20.00.00  - Macadam of slag, dross or similar industrial waste, whether or not incorporating the 
materials cited in subheading 2517.10  
2517.30.00.00  - Tarred macadam  
  - Granules, chippings and powder, of stones of heading 25.15 or 25.16, whether or not 
heat-treated:  
2517.41.00.00  - - Of marble  
2517.49.00.00  - - Other  
25.18  Dolomite, whether or not calcined or sintered, including dolomite roughly trimmed 
or merely cut, by sawing or otherwise, into blocks  or slabs of a rectangular 
(including square) shape; dolomite ramming mix  
2518.10.00.00  - Dolomite, not calcined or sintered  
2518.20.00.00  - Calcined or sintered dolomite  
2518.30.00.00  - Dolomite ramming mix  
25.19  Natural magnesium carbonate (magnesite); fused magnesia; dead -burned 
(sintered) magnesia, whether or not containing small quantities of other  
oxides added before sintering; other magnesium oxide, whether or not pure  
2519.10.00.00  - Natural magnesium carbonate (magnesite)  
2519.90  - Other:  
2519.90.10.00  - - Fused magnesia  
2519.90.20.00  - - Magnesium oxide, whether or not chemically pure  
2519.90.30.00  - - Dead-burned (sintered) magnesia, whether or not containing small quantities of other 
oxides added before sintering  
25.20  Gypsum;  anhydrite; plasters (consisting of calcined gypsum or calcium sulphate) 
whether or not coloured, with or without small quantities of accelerators or 
retarders  
2520.10.00.00  - Gypsum; anhydrite  
2520.20.00.00  - Plasters  
2521.00.00.00  Limestone flux; limestone and other calcareous stone, of a kind used for the 
manufacture of lime or cement  
25.22  Quicklime, slaked lime and hydraulic lime, other than calcium oxide and hydroxide 
of heading 28.25  
2522.10.00.00  - Quicklime  
2522.20.00.00  - Slaked lime  
2522.30.00.00  - Hydraulic lime  
25.23  Portland cement, aluminous cement, slag cement, supersulphate cement and 
similar hydraulic cements, whether or not coloured or in the form of clinkers  
2523.10.00.00  - Cement clinkers  
  - Portland cement:  
2523.21.00.00  - - White cement, whether or not artificially coloured  
2523.29.00.00  - - Other  
2523.30.00.00  - Aluminous cement  
2523.90.00.00  - Other hydraulic cements  
25.28  Natural borates and concentrates thereof (whether or not calcined), but not 
including borates separated from natural brine; natural boric acid containing  
not more than 85% of H3BO3 calculated on the dry weight  
2528.00.10.00  - Natural sodium borates and concentrates thereof (whether or not calcined)  
2528.00.90.00  - Other  
26.01  Iron ores and concentrates, including roasted iron pyrites  
  - Iron ores and concentrates, other than roasted iron pyrites  
2601.11.00.00  - - Non-agglomerated  
2601.12.00.00  - - Agglomerated  
2601.20.00.00  - Roasted iron pyrites  
2602.00.00.00  Manganese ores and concentrates, including ferruginous manganese ores and 
concentrates with a manganese content of 20% or more, calculated on the dry 
weight  
2603.00.00.00  Copper ores and concentrates  
2604.00.00.00  Nickel ores and concentrates  
2605.00.00.00  Cobalt  ores and concentrates  
2606.00.00.00  Aluminium ores and concentrates  
2607.00.00.00  Lead ores and concentrates  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of  Bolivia  
 
- 162 - 
 
  Code  Product description  
2608.00.00.00  Zinc ores and concentrates  
2609.00.00.00  Tin ores and concentrates  
2610.00.00.00  Chromium ores and concentrates  
2611.00.00.00  Tungsten ores and concentrates  
26.12  Uranium or thorium ores and concentrates  
2612.10.00.00  - Uranium ores and concentrates  
2612.20.00.00  - Thorium ores and concentrates  
26.13  Molybdenum ores and concentrates  
2613.10.00.00  - Roasted  
2613.90.00.00  - Other  
2614.00.00.00  Titanium ores and concentrates  
26.15  Niobium, tantalum, vanadium or zirconium ores and concentrates  
2615.10.00.00  - Zirconium ores and concentrates  
2615.90.00.00  - Other  
26.16  Precious metal ores and concentrates  
2616.10.00.00  - Silver ores and concentrates  
2616.90  - Other:  
2616.90.10.00  - - Gold ores and concentrates  
2616.90.90.00  - - Other  
26.17  Other ores and concentrates  
2617.10.00.00  - Antimony ores and concentrates  
2617.90.00.00  - Other  
2618.00.00.00  Granulated slag (slag sand) from the manufacture of iron or steel  
2619.00.00.00  Slag, dross (other than granulated slag), scalings and other waste from the 
manufacture of iron or steel  
26.20  Slag, ash and residues (other than from the manufacture of iron or steel) 
containing metals, arsenic or their compounds  
  Containing mainly zinc:  
2620.11.00.00  - - Hard zinc spelter  
2620.19.00.00  - - Other  
  Containing mainly lead:  
2620.21.00.00  - - Leaded gasoline sludges and leaded anti -knock compound sludges  
2620.29.00.00  - - Other  
2620.30.00.00  - Containing mainly copper  
2620.40.00.00  - Containing mainly aluminium  
2620.60.00.00  - Containing arsenic, mercury, thallium or their mixtures, of a kind used for the extraction of 
arsenic or those metals or for the  manufacture of their chemical compounds  
  Other:  
2620.91.00.00  - - Containing antimony, beryllium, cadmium, chromium or their mixtures  
2620.99.00.00  - - Other  
2802.00.00.00  Sulphur, sublimed or precipitated; colloidal sulphur  
28.04  Hydrogen, rare gases and other non -metals  
2804.50  - Boron; tellurium:  
2804.50.10.00  - - Boron  
2804.50.20.00  - - Tellurium  
  Silicon:  
2804.61.00.00  - - Containing by weight not less than 99.99% of silicon  
2804.69.00.00  - - Other  
2804.70  - Phosphorus:  
2804.70.10.00  - - Red or amorphous phosphorus  
2804.70.90.00  - - Other  
2804.80.00.00  - Arsenic  
2804.90  - Selenium:  
2804.90.10.00  - - Powdered  
2804.90.90.00  - - Other  
28.05  Alkali or alkaline -earth metals; rare earth metals, scandium and yttrium, whether 
or not intermixed or interalloyed; mercury  
  Alkali or alkaline -earth metals:  
2805.11.00.00  - - Sodium  
2805.12.00.00  - - Calcium  
2805.19.00.00  - - Other  
2805.30.00.00  - Rare-earth metals, scandium and yttrium, whether or not intermixed or interalloyed  
2805.40.00.00  - Mercury  
2810  Oxides of boron; boric acids  
2810.00.10.00  - Orthoboric acid  
2810.00.90.00  - Other  
28.15  Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda); potassium hydroxide (caustic potash); peroxides 
of sodium or potassium  
  - Sodium hydroxide (caustic  soda)  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of  Bolivia  
 
- 163 - 
 
  Code  Product description  
2815.11.00.00  - - Solid 
2815.12.00.00  - - In aqueous solution (soda lye or liquid soda)  
2815.20.00.00  - Potassium hydroxide (caustic potash)  
2815.30.00.00  - Peroxides of sodium or potassium  
28.17  Zinc oxide; zinc peroxide  
2817.00.10.00  - Zinc oxide  
2817.00.20.00  - Zinc peroxide  
28.21  Iron oxides and hydroxides; earth colours containing 70% or more by weight of 
combined iron evaluated as Fe2O3  
2821.10  - Iron oxides and hydroxides:  
2821.10.10.00  - - Oxides  
2821.10.20.00  - - Hydroxides  
2821.20.00.00  - Earth colours  
28.24  Lead oxides; red lead and orange lead  
2824.10.00.00  - Lead monoxide (litharge, massicot)  
2824.90.00.00  - Other  
28.25  Hydrazine and hydroxylamine and their inorganic salts; other inorganic bases; 
other metal oxides, hydroxides and peroxides  
2825.20.00.00  - Lithium oxide and hydroxide  
2825.50.00.00  - Copper oxides and hydroxides  
2825.80.00.00  - Antimony oxides  
2825.90  - Other:  
2825.90.40.00  - - Calcium oxide and hydroxide  
2825.90.90.00  - - Other  
28.27  Chlorides,  chloride oxides and chloride hydroxides; bromides and bromide oxides; 
iodides and iodide oxides  
2827.20.00.00  - Calcium chloride  
  Other chlorides:  
2827.31.00.00  - - Of magnesium  
2827.39  - - Other:  
2827.39.10.00  - - - Of copper  
  - - - Other:  
2827.39.90.90  - - - - Other  
  - - - Other:  
2827.41.00.00  - - Of copper  
28.29  Chlorates and perchlorates; bromates and perbromates; iodates and periodates  
  - Chlorates:  
2829.11.00.00  - - Of sodium  
2829.19  - - Other:  
2829.19.10.00  - - - Of potassium  
2829.19.90.00  - - - Other  
2829.90  - Other:  
2829.90.10.00  - - Perchlorates  
28.33  Sulphates; alums; peroxosulphates (persulphates)  
  - Other sulphates:  
2833.25.00.00  - - Of copper  
28.36  Carbonates; peroxocarbonates (percarbonates); commercial ammonium  carbonate 
containing ammonium carbamate  
2836.40.00.00  - Potassium carbonates  
2836.50.00.00  - Calcium carbonate  
  - Other:  
2836.91.00.00  - - Lithium carbonates  
28.40  Borates; peroxoborates (perborates)  
2840.11.00.00  - - Anhydrous  
2840.19.00.00  - - Other  
2840.20.00.00  - Other borates  
2840.30.00.00  - Peroxoborates (perborates)  
28.43  Colloidal precious metals; inorganic or organic compounds of precious metals, 
whether or not chemically defined; amalgams of precious metals  
2843.10.00.00  - Colloidal precious metals  
  - Silver compounds:  
2843.21.00.00  - - Silver nitrate  
2843.29.00.00  - - Other  
2843.30.00.00  - Gold compounds  
2843.90.00.00  - Other compounds; amalgams  
71.03  Precious stones (other than diamonds) and semi -precious stones, whether or not 
worked or graded but not strung, mounted or set; ungraded precious stones (other 
than diamonds) and semi -precious stones, temporarily strung for convenience of  
transport  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of  Bolivia  
 
- 164 - 
 
  Code  Product description  
7103.10  - Unworked or simply sawn, cleaved or bruted:  
7103.10.10.00  - - Emeralds  
7103.10.20.00  - - Ametrine (bolivianite)  
7103.10.90.00  - - Other  
  - Otherwise worked:  
7103.99.00  - - Other:  
7103.99.10.00  - - - Ametrine (bolivianite)  
7103.99.90.00  - - - Other  
71.05  Dust and powder of natural or synthetic precious or semi -precious stones  
7105.10.00.00  - Of diamonds  
7105.90.00.00  - Other  
71.06  Silver (including silver plated with gold or platinum), unwrought or in 
semi -manufactured forms, or in powder form  
7106.10.00.00  - Powder  
  Other:  
7106.91  - - Raw: 
7106.91.10.00  - - - Not alloyed  
7106.91.20.00  - - - Alloyed  
7106.92.00.00  - - Unwrought  
7107.00.00.00  Base metals clad with silver, not further worked than semi -manufactured  
71.08  Gold (including gold plated with platinum) unwrought or in semi -manufactured 
forms, or in powder form  
  Non-monetary:  
7108.11.00.00  - - Powder  
7108.12.00.00  - - Other unwrought forms  
7108.13.00.00  - - Other semi -manufactured forms  
7108.20.00.00  - Monetary  
7109.00.00.00  Base metals or silver, clad with gold, not further worked than semi -manufactured  
71.12  Waste and scrap of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal; other 
waste and scrap containing precious metal or precious metal compounds,  
of a kind used principally for the recovery of precious metal  
7112.30.00.00  - Ash containing precious metal or precious metal compounds  
7112.91.00.00  - - Of gold, including metal clad with gold but excluding sweepings containing other precious 
metals  
7112.92.00.00  - - Of platinum, including metal clad with platinum but excluding sweepings containing other 
precious metals  
7112.99.00.00  - - Other  
72.01  Pig iron and spiegeleisen in pigs, blocks or other primary forms:  
7201.10.00.00  - Non-alloy pig iron containing by weight less than 0.5% of phosphorus  
7201.20.00.00  - Non-alloy pig iron containing by weight more than 0.5% of phosphorus  
7201.50.00.00  - Alloy pig iron; spiegeleisen  
72.03  Ferrous products obtained by direct reduction of iron ore and other spongy ferrous 
products, in lumps, pellets or simi lar forms; iron having a minimum purity by 
weight of 99.94%, in lumps, pellets, or similar forms  
7203.10.00.00  - Ferrous products obtained by direct reduction of iron ore  
7203.90.00.00  - Other  
72.06  Iron and non -alloy steel in ingots or other primary  forms (excluding iron of 
heading 72.03)  
7206.10.00.00  - Ingots  
7206.90.00.00  - Other  
72.07  Semi -finished products of iron or non -alloy steel  
  Containing less than 0.25% by weight of carbon  
7207.11.00.00  - - Of rectangular (including square) cross-section, the width measuring less than twice the 
thickness  
7207.12.00.00  - - Other, of rectangular (other than square) cross -section  
7207.19.00.00  - - Other  
7207.20.00.00  - Containing 0.25% or more by weight of carbon  
7402.00  Unrefined copper; copper anodes for electrolytic refining  
7402.00.10.00  - Blister copper  
7402.00.20.00  - Other, unrefined  
7402.00.30.00  - Copper anodes for electrolytic refining  
74.03  Refined copper and copper alloys, unwrought  
  Refined copper:  
7403.11.00.00  - - Cathodes and sections of cathodes  
7403.12.00.00  - - Wire-bars 
7403.13.00.00  - - Billets  
7403.19.00.00  - - Other  
  Copper alloys:  
7403.21.00.00  - - Copper -zinc base alloys (brass)  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of  Bolivia  
 
- 165 - 
 
  Code  Product description  
7403.22.00.00  - - Copper -tin base alloys (bronze)  
7403.29  - - Other copper alloys (other than master alloys of heading 74.05):  
7403.29.10.00  - - - Copper -nickel base alloys (cupro -nickel) or copper -nickel -zinc base alloys (nickel silver)  
7403.29.90.00  - - - Other  
78.01  Unwrought lead  
7801.10.00.00  - Refined lead  
  Other:  
7801.91.00.00  - - Containing by weight antimony as the principal other element  
7801.99.00.00  - - Other  
7802.00.00.00  Lead waste and scrap  
80.01  Unwrought tin  
8001.10.00.00  - Tin, not alloyed  
8001.20.00.00  - Tin alloys  
8002.00.00.00  Tin waste and scrap  
8003.00  Tin bars, rods, profiles and wire  
8003.00.10.00  - Bars, rods and wire of tin alloys, for welding  
8003.00.90.00  - Other  
81.01  Tungsten (wolfram) and articles thereof, including waste and scrap  
8101.10.00.00  - Powders  
  Other:  
8101.94.00.00  - - Unwrought tungsten, including bars and rods obtained simply by sintering  
8101.96.00.00  - - Wire 
8101.97.00.00  - - Waste and scrap  
8101.99.00.00  - - Other  
8106.00  Bismuth and articles thereof, including waste and scrap  
  - Unwrought bismuth; powders:  
8106.00.11.00  - - Needles  
8106.00.19.00  - - Other  
8106.00.20.00  - Waste and scrap  
8106.00.90.00  - Other  
81.10  Antimony and articles thereof, including waste and scrap:  
8110.10.00.00  - Unwrought antimony; powders  
8110.20.00.00  - Waste and scrap  
8110.90.00.00  - Other  
Source:  Ministerial Resolution No. 123 of 17 May 2012 and Ministerial Resolution No. 225 
of 22 November  2013.  
  
  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
- 166 - Table A3. 5 Various support programmes, 2017  
Beneficiaries  
Exemption from 
tariffs and VAT 
for importers  Tax exemptions  
Other types of incentives or comments  Legislation  VAT 
IUEa 
ITb 
IPBIc 
Enterprises in the Special Economic Export 
and Tourism Area of the Tropic of 
Cochabamba. Export enterprises in the 
Santibáñez industrial park.  
Enterprises engaged in export activities at 
the Jorg e Wilsterman airport 
(e.g. cold treatment)  √  √ √ √  Exemption from tariffs and VAT for importers of industrial plants and capital 
goods  
 Flat-rate tax of 3% for minor imports (such as raw materials, inputs and other 
materials)  
 Exemption from IUE for ten years  
 Exemption from IPBI for up to three years  Law No. 3420 of 2006  
Enterprises in free zones  √   √   Activities within the free zone are not subject to payment of the special tax on 
hydrocarbons and their by -products or the special consumption tax  Law No. 2779 of 2016  
Enterprises in the municipality of Yacuiba  √  √  √  Exemption from tariffs and VAT for machinery imports  
 Flat-rate tax of 3% for minor imports  
 Exemption from IUE for ten years  
 Exemption from IPBI for up to three years  
 Allowances for purchasing land  Law No.  3810 of 2007  
Importing enterprises        Tariff temporarily reduced (to 0%) for imports of certain products  Supreme Decree (DS) 
No. 2860 of 2016  
Enterprises exporting manufactured goods 
(with value added) to the Venezuelan 
market        Export financing through a trust  DS No. 0196 de 2009  
Micro and small enterprises that export 
goods or supply goods to the State        Credit is provided for the production of goods for export with value added or 
for the production of goods for State use  DS No. 0808 of 2011 
(as amended by DS 
No. 2301 of 2015 and 
DS No. 2682 of 2016)  
Enterprises in the production sector        Preferential interest rate for working capital (maximum annual interest rate of 
6% for large and medium -sized enterprises, 7% for small enterprises,  
and 11.5% for micro enterprises)  DS No. 2055 of 2014  
Enterprises in the production sector        Up to 50% of loans are guaranteed  DS No. 2136 of 2014  
Enterprises in the production sector, in 
particular micro and small enterprises        Granting of unconventional guarantees (e.g. agricultural insurance)  DS No. 2264 of 2015  
Enterprises in the agricultural sector        Incentives of Bs 80/bag of maize (46 kg) until 31 December 20 16 and 
Bs 75/bag of maize until 31 December 2017  DS No. 2856 of 2016  
Enterprises generating alternative energy in 
the department of Pando  √      Suspension of profits tax for five years  
 Suspension of tariffs and VAT on imports of machinery and equipment for 
five years  Law No. 3152 of 2005   
  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
- 167 - Beneficiaries  
Exemption from 
tariffs and VAT 
for importers  Tax exemptions  
Other types of incentives or comments  Legislation  VAT 
IUEa 
ITb 
IPBIc 
Enterprises in the hydrocarbons sector  √  √  √  Exemption from tariffs and VAT on imports of goods, equipment, materials and 
machinery to be used in projects for the industrialization of hydrocarbons and 
natural gas networks, with a view to the transformation of the energy matrix  
 Exemption from IUE (maximum eight years) as of the commencement of 
operations  
 Exemption from IPBI (maximum five years)  Law No. 3058 of 2005  
Enterprises in the hydrocarbons sector        Oil production incentive (US$30/barrel)  
 When assigning the incentive, priority is given to exports of natural gas 
extracted from small and/or marginal fields  DS No. 1202 of 2012  
Public enterprises in the hydrocarbons sector        Tax credit  Law No. 233 of 2015  
Enterprises in the hydrocarbons sector        Incentive for the production of crude oil and natural gas condensates in non -
traditional areas: the amount varies (US$35 -US$55/barrel) depending on the 
area of extraction and is adjusted to the international price of crude oil; applies 
only where production is intended for the domestic market; for the production 
of natural gas condensates, the incentive is maintained for a maximum of 
25 years  
 Incentive for the production of crude oil and natural gas condensate s in 
traditional areas: the amount varies (US$30 -US$50/barrel) depending on the 
area of extraction and is adjusted to the international price of crude oil; applies 
only where production is intended for the domestic market; for the production 
of natural gas  condensates, the incentive is maintained for a maximum of 
20 years 
 Incentive for the production of natural gas condensates in fields in operation 
in 2015: the amount varies (from US$0 -US$30/barrel), applies to traditional 
areas, and is adjusted to the int ernational price of crude oil; applies only 
where production is intended for the domestic market; for the production of 
natural gas condensates, the incentive is maintained for a maximum of 
ten years  
 Incentive for the production of natural gas condensates in marginal or small 
fields or new deposits of dry gas: priority assignment of export markets  Law No. 767 of 2015  
Enterprises in the mining sector        40% reduction in the corporate profits surtax (AA -IUE) for companies engaged 
in the mining of minerals  and metals, the production processes of which 
include the subsequent smelting, refining and/or industrialization of raw 
materials  
 In order to promote the smelting, refining and industrialization of minerals, 
State mining enterprises and new mining enterpr ises engaged in smelting, 
refining and industrialization under an administrative mining contract, pay only 
60% of the mining royalty  Article 224 of Law 
No. 535 of 2014 
(Law on Mining)  
  
  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
- 168 - Beneficiaries  
Exemption from 
tariffs and VAT 
for importers  Tax exemptions  
Other types of incentives or comments  Legislation  VAT 
IUEa 
ITb 
IPBIc 
      60% of the mining royalty is payable where minerals and metals are sold on 
the domestic market  Article 227 of the Law 
on Mining  
      Deduction of up to 25% of the mining royalty from the IUE where the official 
price of each metal or mineral at the time when the mining royalty is paid is 
lower than the prices established in Law No. 3787 of 2007  Article 101 of Law 
No. 3787 of 2007  
      The AA -IUE (12.5%) will only apply where the prices of the minerals and 
metals are equal to or higher than those established in Law No. 3787  
 The AA -IUE does not apply to mining cooperatives established in the country  
 60% of the AA -IUE will be applied to co mpanies producing metals or 
non-metallic minerals with value added  Article 102 of Law 
No. 3787 of 2007  
Enterprises in the tourism sector        IPBI rebate  Law No. 2074 of 2000  
Enterprises in the tourism sector located in 
the city of El Alto  √  √  √  Flat-rate tax of 3% for minor imports (raw materials, inputs and other 
materials)  Law No. 2685 of 2004  
Enterprises in the tourism sector located in 
the municipalities of Sucre, Yotala, 
Tarabuco, Tomina, Camargo, Sopachuy 
and Villa Serrano   √ √  √  Law No. 2745 of 2004  
Enterprises in the tourism sector located in 
the department of Tarija  √      Exemption from municipal tax  Law No. 2848 of 2004  
a Corporate profits tax (IUE).  
b Transaction tax (IT).  
c Property tax (IPBI).  
Note:  The production sector includes agriculture and livestock; hunting, forestry and fishing; hydrocarbon and mineral extraction; the manufacturing industry; 
electricity  production and distribution; and constru ction.  
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
 WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of  Bolivia  
 
- 169 - 
 
  Table A3. 6 State enterprises in 2017  
Sector  State 
participation 
(%) Creation  
Food    
Empresa Azucarera San Buenaventura (EASBA)a 100 Supreme Decree (DS) 
No. 637 of 2010  
Empresa Boliviana de Almendras y Derivados (EBA) a 100 DS No. 225 of 2009  
Empresa Estratégica  de Apoyo a la Producción de Alimentos 
(EMAPA)  100 DS No. 29230 of  2007 
Empresa Estratégica de Producción de Abonos y Fertilizantes 
(EEPAF)a 100 DS No. 1310 of 2012  
Empresa Estratégica de Producción de Semillas (EEPS)a 100 DS No. 1311 of 2012  
Empresa Pública Productiva Apícola (PROMIEL)a 100 DS No. 1447 of 2012  
Lácteos de Bolivia (LACTEOSBOL)a 100 DS No. 29254 of  2007 
Construction    
Empresa Estratégica Boliviana de Construcción y Conservación 
de Infraestructura Civil (EBC)  100 DS No. 1020 of 2011  
Electricity    
ENDE Tecnología (Compañía Administradora de Empresas Bolivia 
(CADEB))  93.49  DS No. 1448 of 2014  
Compañía Eléctrica Central Bulo Bulo  99 DS No. 29888 of 2009  
Distribuidora de Electricidad La Paz (DELAPAZ)  92.84  DS No. 1448 of 2012  
ENDE del  Beni (Empresa de Distribución Eléctrica Larecaja 
(EDEL))  99.99  DS No. 9644 of 2008  
Empresa de Luz y Fuerza Eléctrica de Cochabamba (ELFEC)  92 DS No. 1178 of 2012  
ENDE Oruro (Empresa de Luz y Fuerza Eléctrica de Oruro 
(ELFEO))  92.84  DS No. 1448 of 2013  
ENDE Servicios y Construcción (Empresa de Servicios EDESER 
(EDESER))  89.39  DS No. 1448 of 2015  
ENDE Corani (Empresa Eléctrica Corani (CORANI))  97.94  DS No. 0493 of 2011  
ENDE Guaracachi (Empresa Eléctrica Guaracachi (GUARACACHI))  99.83  DS No. 0493 of 2010  
ENDE Corporación (Empresa Nacional de Electricidad (ENDE))  100 DS No. 29644 of 2008  
Empresa Río Eléctrico (RIOELEC)  98 DS No. 0493 of 2012  
ENDE Valle Hermoso (Empresa Valle Hermoso (V -HERMOSO))  99.87  DS No. 0493 of 2012  
ENDE Andina S.A.M (ENDE -Andina)  60 DS No. 29224 of 2007  
ENDE Transmisión (Transportadora de Electricidad (TDE))  99.93  DS No. 1214 of 2012  
Hydrocarbons    
Compañía Logística de Hidrocarburos Boliviana (CLHB)  100 DS No. 29554 of  2008 
Empresa Boliviana de Industrialización de Hidrocarburos (EBIH)  99 DS No.  368 of 2009  
Empresa Engarrafadora de Gas (FLAMAGAS)  98 n.a. 
Gas Trans Boliviano (GTB)  51 DS No. 29586 of 2008  
Yacimientos Petrolíferos Fiscales Bolivianos (YPFB)  100 DS No. 28701 of  2006 
YPFB Andina (YPFB -A) 50.41  DS No. 28701 of 2006 
YPFB Aviación (ABBSA)  100 DS No. 111 of 2009 
YPFB Chaco (YPFB -C) 99.3 DS No. 29888 of  2009 
YPFB Petroandina (YPFB -P) 60 DS No. 29217 of  2008 
YPFB Refinación (YPFB -R) 99.99  DS No. 29128 of  2006 
YPFB Transierra (TRANSIERRA)  77.93  DS No. 28701 of  2006 
YPFB Transporte (YPFB -T) 98.56  DS No. 29586 of  2008 
Energy    
Yacimientos de Litio Bolivianos (YLB)  100 Law No. 928 of 2017  
Manufacturing    
Cartones de Bolivia (CARTONBOL) a 100 DS No. 29256 of  2007 
Corporación de las Fuerzas Armadas para el Desarrollo Nacional 
(COFADENA)  100 DS No. 10576 of  1972 
Empresa Pública Nacional Estratégica Cementos de Bolivia 
(ECEBOL)a 100 DS No. 29667 of  2008 
Empresa Pública Productiva Envases de Vidrio de Bolivia 
(ENVIBOL)a 100 DS No. 2329 of 2015  
Empresa Pública YACANA (YACANA)  100 DS No. 1979 of 2014  
Papeles de Bolivia (PAPELBOL)a 100 DS No. 29255 of  2007 
Mining    
Corporación Minera de Bolivia (COMIBOL)  100 Law No. 535 of 2014 
DS No. 31196 of 1952  
Empresa Metalúrgica Vinto (VINTO -NAL) 100 DS No. 29026 of  2007 
Empresa Minera Colquiri (COLQUIRI)  100 DS No.  1264 of 2012  
Empresa Minera Corocoro (COROCORO)  100 DS No.  1269 of 2012  
Empresa Minera Huanuni (HUANUNI)  100 DS No.  28901 of 2006  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of  Bolivia  
 
- 170 - 
 
  Sector  State 
participation 
(%) Creation  
Empresa Minera Karachipampa (KARACHIPAMPA)  100 DS No.  1451 of 2013  
Empresa Siderúrgica del Mutún (ES -MUTUN)  100 DS No.  29696 of 2008  
Logistics services and storage    
Depósitos Aduaneros Bolivianos (DAB)  100 DS No.  29694 of 2008  
Tecnology    
Empresa Pública Quipus (QUIPUS)a 100 DS No.  1759 of 2013  
Telecommunications    
Agencia Boliviana Espacial (ABE)  100 DS No.  599 of 2010  
Bolivia TV (BTV)  100 DS No.  78 of 2009  
DATACOM  99.99  DS No.  29544 of 2008  
Empresa Nacional de Telecomunicaciones (ENTEL)  97 DS No.  29544 of 2008  
ENTEL Dinámica Digital (ENTEL  DD) 99.99  Commercial Code  
Transport    
Administración de Servicios Portuarios Bolivia (ASP -B) 100 DS No.  2406 of 2015  
Boliviana de Aviación (BoA)  100 DS No.  29318 of 2007  
Empresa Estatal de Transporte por Cable Mi Teleférico 
(MI TELEFERICO)  100 DS No.  1980 of 2014  
Empresa Naviera Boliviana (ENABOL)  100 Decree Law No. 16174 
of 1979  
Servicios de Aeropuertos Bolivianos (SABSA)  100 DS No.  1494 of 2014  
Transportes Aéreos Bolivianos (TAB)  100 DS No.  15091 of 1977  
Tourism    
Empresa Estatal Boliviana de Turismo (BOLTUR)  100 DS No.  2005 of 2014  
n.a. Not available.  
a Production enterprises.  
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
  
  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
- 171 - Table A3. 7 Protection of intellectual property rights  
 Scope  Term  Exceptions  
Patents  
 New inventions involving an inventive 
step and capable of industrial 
application  20 years from the filing date of the 
application  The following are not patentable:  
(a) inventions contrary to public order;  
(b) inventions that can harm health, human, animal or plant life, and the environment;  
(c) plants, animals and essentially biological processes for the production of plants and 
animals, other than non -biological or microbiological processes; and  
(d) therapeutic or surgical methods for the treatment of humans or animals, as well as 
diagnostic me thods applied to human beings or animals.  
Utility models  
 New utility models  10 years from the filing date of the 
application  The following are not patentable:  
(a) three -dimensional works;  
(b) architectural works;  
(c) objects of a purely aesthetic nature;  
(d) procedures and materials excluded from patent protection.  
Layout -designs of integrated circuits  
 Original layout -designs  10 years from the last day of the year 
in which the first commercial 
exploitation occurred abroad or from 
the filing of the application for 
registration  Where composed of one or more elements in common use in the integrated circuit industry, 
a layout -design is considered original if the combination of those elements meets the 
criterion of originality.  
Industrial designs  
 New industrial designs  10 years from the filing date of the 
application  The following are not eligible for registration:  
(a) industrial designs contrary to morality or public order;  
(b) industrial designs the appearance of which is dictated solely by technical or functional 
considerations.  
Trademarks  
 Signs capable of graphic 
representation, which distinguish 
goods and services on the market  10 years from the date of registration, 
renewable for successive 
10-year periods  There are 16 reasons why a trademark cannot be registered, e.g. a sign that contains or 
consists of an appellation of origin or a geographical indication cannot be registered as a 
trademark (for further information, see Article 135 of Decision  No. 486).  
Appellations of origin (AO)  
 The name of a country, region or 
specific locality, or a name that 
relates to a specific geographical area, 
used to designate a product 
originating therein, the quality, 
reputation or other characteristics of 
which are exclusively or essentially 
attributable to the geographical 
environment in which it is produced  For as long as the conditions that led 
to the appellation exist  The following types of names are not eligible for registration as an AO:  
(a) common or  generic indications;  
(c) those contrary to morality or public order;  
(d) those that are misleading as to the geographical provenance, nature, mode of 
manufacture, quality, reputation or other characteristics of the products in question.   
  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
- 172 -  Scope  Term  Exceptions  
Undisclosed information  
 Relates to the nature, characteristics 
or purpose of goods, to production 
methods, or to the methods of 
distributing or marketing goods or 
supplying services  For as long as the confidentiality 
requirements remain in place  Industrial secrets are not deemed to cover any information that is obvious to a person 
skilled in the art or that has to be disclosed by legal provision or court order.  
Plant varieties  
 New, uniform, distinct and stable 
plant varieties  From the date of issue of the 
certificate, 20 to 25 years for vines 
and trees, and 15 to 20 years for 
other species   
Copyright and related rights  
 Literary, artistic and scientific works 
that may be reproduced or disclosed  Life of the author plus 50 years  
 
Performers are granted protection for 
at least 50 years from the first 
performance or from when the 
fixation was made  
 
The term of protection for phonogram 
producers is at least 50 years from 
the first fixation  
 
Broadcasting organizations are 
granted prot ection for at least 
50 years from the first broadcast   
Source:  WTO Secretariat based on Decisions No. 345, No. 351 and No. 486.  
  
  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
- 173 - Table A4. 1 Agricultural products subject to the drawback  procedure, 2014 -2016  
(a) Tariff headings eligible for a tariff refund of 4% of the f.o.b. export value  
HS section and chapter  Number of headings  
2014  2015  2016  2014 -2016a 
Total  376 359 362 221 
Agricultural total  86 95 89 53 
01 - Live animals; animal products  2 2 1 0 
02 - Vegetable products  40 43 45 27 
 06 - Live trees and other plants; bulbs, roots and the like; cut flowers and ornamental foliage  4 2 2 2 
 07 - Edible vegetables and certain roots and tubers  6 3 4 2 
 08 - Edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus fruit or melons  7 8 7 5 
 09 - Coffee, tea, maté and spices  10 11 11 8 
 10 - Cereals  2 4 3 1 
 11 - Products of the milling industry; malt; starches; inulin; wheat gluten  4 4 5 3 
 12 - Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits; miscellaneous grains, seeds and fruit; industrial or medicinal plants; straw and fodder  5 8 11 4 
 13 - Lac; gums, resins and other vegetable saps and extracts  0 1 0 0 
 14 - Vegetable plaiting materials; vegetable products not elsewhere specified or included  2 2 2 2 
04 - Prepared foodstuffs; beverages, spirits and vinegar; tobacco and manufactured tobacco substitutes  42 48 39 25 
 16 - Preparations of meat, of fish or of crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates  0 2 0 0 
 17 - Sugars and sugar confectionery  4 4 3 1 
 18 - Cocoa and cocoa preparations  6 7 6 5 
 19 - Preparations of cereals, flour, starch or milk; pastrycooks' products  9 10 8 8 
 20 - Preparations of vegetables, fruit, nuts or other parts of plants  6 7 6 3 
 21 - Miscellaneous edible preparations  7 9 10 3 
 22 - Beverages, spirits and vinegar  10 9 6 5 
06 - Products of the chemical or allied industries  2 2 4 1 
 29 - Organic chemicals  1 0 0 0 
 33 - Essential oils and resinoids; perfumery, cosmetic or toilet preparations  1 2 2 1 
 38 - Miscellaneous chemical products  0 0 2 0 
(b) Tariff headings eligible for a tariff refund of 2% of the f.o.b. export value  
HS section and chapter  Number of headings  
2014  2015  2016  2014 -2016a 
Total  32 29 16 8 
Agricultural total  13 13 8 6 
02 - Vegetable products  8 10 5 5 
 07 - Edible vegetables and certain roots and tubers  2 3 2 2 
 08 - Edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus fruit or melons  1 3 1 1 
 09 - Coffee, tea, maté and spices  1 0 0 0 
 11 - Products of the milling industry; malt; starches; inulin; wheat gluten  1 1 0 0 
 12 - Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits; miscellaneous grains, seeds and fruit; industrial or medicinal plants; straw and fodder  3 3 2 2 
04 - Prepared foodstuffs; beverages, spirits and vinegar; tobacco and manufactured tobacco substitutes  2 1 3 1 
 18 - Cocoa and cocoa preparations  0 0 2 0  
  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
- 174 - HS section and chapter  Number of headings  
2014  2015  2016  2014 -2016a 
 19 - Preparations of cereals, flour, starch or milk; pastrycooks' products  1 1 1 1 
 20 - Preparations of vegetables, fruit, nuts or other parts of plants  1 0 0 0 
06 - Products of the chemical or allied industries  3 2 0 0 
 33 - Essential oils and resinoids; perfumery, cosmetic or toilet preparations  1 0 0 0 
 38 - Miscellaneous chemical products  2 2 0 0 
(c) Tariff headings eligible for a tariff refund according to specific coefficients  
HS section and chapter  2014  2015  2016  2014 -2016a No. of headings  
Average  
No. of headings  
Average  
No. of headings  
Average  
No. of headings  
% change  
Total  34 0.46 38 0.54 37 0.47 29 8.2 
Agricultural total  21 0.09 22 0.10 24 0.10 17 8.0 
 02 - Vegetable products  15 0.04 15 0.04 17 0.04 11 2.4 
 07 - Edible vegetables and certain roots and tubers  5 0.04 5 0.04 5 0.04 3 0.0 
 08 - Edible fruit and nuts; peel of citrus fruit or melons  3 0.02 3 0.02 5 0.02 3 0 
 09 - Coffee, tea, maté and spices  2 0.04 1 0.04 1 0.04 1 0.0 
 10 - Cereals  1 0.04 1 0.04 1 0.04 1 0 
 11 - Products of the milling industry; malt; starches; inulin; wheat gluten  1 0.04 1 0.04 1 0.04 1 0.0 
 12 - Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits; miscellaneous grains, seeds and fruit; industrial or medicinal plants; 
straw and fodder  3 0.05 4 0.07 4 0.07 2 0 
03 - Animal or vegetable fats and oils  1 0.12 1 0.12 1 0.13 1 8.3 
 15 - Animal or vegetable fats and oils and their cleavage products; prepared edible fats; animal or vegetable 
waxes  1 0.12 1 0.12 1 0.13 1 8.3 
04 - Prepared foodstuffs; beverages, spirits and vinegar; tobacco and manufactured tobacco substitutes  5 0.22 6 0.23 6 0.25 5 15.2 
 16 - Preparations of meat, of fish or of crustaceans, molluscs or other aquatic invertebrates  1 0.12 1 0.12 1 0.13 1 8.3 
 19 - Preparations of cereals, flour, starch or milk; pastrycooks' products  2 0.43 2 0.45 2 0.50 2 16.3 
 20 - Preparations of vegetables, fruit, nuts or other parts of plants  1 0.12 2 0.17 2 0.19 1 16.7 
 22 - Beverages, spirits and vinegar  1 0.02 1 0.02 1 0.02 1 0.0  
  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of Bolivia  
 
- 175 - (d) Tariff headings not eligible for tariff refunds  
HS section and chapter  Number of headings  2014  
2015  
2016  
2014 -2016b 
CAIPJ required  
Total  101 98 87 71 20 
Agricultural total  52 44 40 34 20 
01 - Live animals; animal products  12 11 12 9 3 
 02 - Meat and edible meat offal  5 5 4 4 3 
 04 - Dairy produce; birds' eggs; natural honey; edible products of animal origin, not elsewhere specified or included  6 5 5 4 0 
 05 - Products of animal origin, not elsewhere specified or included  1 1 3 1 0 
02 – Vegetable products  14 10 8 7 8 
 10 - Cereals  9 6 6 5 4 
 12 - Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits; miscellaneous grains, seeds and fruit; industrial or medicinal plants; straw and fodder  5 4 2 2 4 
03 - Animal or vegetable fats and oils  5 5 5 5 4 
 15- Animal or vegetable fats and oils and their cleavage products; prepared edible fats; animal or vegetable waxes  5 5 5 5 4 
04 - Prepared foodstuffs; beverages, spirits and vinegar; tobacco and manufactured tobacco substitutes  10 8 7 6 5 
 17 - Sugars and sugar confectionery  3 2 1 1 3 
 18 - Cocoa and cocoa preparations  1 1 1 1 0 
 22 - Beverages, spirits and vinegar  1 1 1 1 0 
 23 - Residues and waste from the food industries; prepared animal fodder  5 4 4 3 2 
08 - Raw hides and skins, leather, furskins and articles thereof; saddlery and harness  5 6 4 3 0 
 41 - Raw hides and skins (other than furskins) and leather  5 5 3 3 0 
 43 - Furskins and artificial fur; manufactures thereof  0 1 1 0 0 
11 - Textiles and textile articles  6 4 4 4 0 
 51 - Wool, fine or coarse animal hair; horsehair yarn and woven fabric  5 4 4 4 0 
 52 - Cotton  1 0 0 0 0 
a Number of headings that benefitted from drawback throughout the period.  
b Number of headings that were not eligible throughout the period.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat, on the basis of Joint Ministerial Resolutions No. 014.2014, No. 011.2015 and No.  004.2016.  
 WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of  Bolivia  
 
- 176 - 
 
  Table A4. 2 Mining royalties  
Mineral  Official price (US$)  Rate (%)  
Gold in its natural state, pre -concentrated, waste and scrap, concentrated, precipitated, amalgams, granules, 
bullion or molten bars, and refined ingots  
 Per troy ounce   
 >700  7 
 400-700 0.01 (official price (OP)  
 <400  4 
Gold from refractory sulphide minerals the production of which requires advanced technology  
 Per troy ounce   
 >700  5 
 400-700 0.00667 (OP) + 0.33333  
 <400  3 
Gold in its natural state or in flakes from marginal fields given over to small -scale mining  
 Per troy ounce   
 >700  2.5 
 400-700 0.005 (OP) – 1  
 <400  1 
Silver in pre -concentrates, concentrates, complexes, precipitates, bullion or molten bars, and refined ingots  
 Per troy ounce   
 >8 6 
 4-8 0.75 (OP)  
 <4 3 
Zinc, concentrate or metallic  
 Per fine pound   
 >0.94  5 
 0.475 -0.94 8.60215 (OP) – 3.08602  
 <0.475  1 
Lead, concentrate or metallic  
 Per fine pound   
 >0,6 5 
 0.3-0.6 13.33333 (OP) – 3  
 <0.3  1 
Tin, concentrate or metallic  
 Per fine pound   
 >5 5 
 2.5-5 1.6 (OP) – 3  
 <2.5 1  
Antimony, concentrate, trioxide or metallic  
 Per fine metric tonne   
 >3,800   
 1,500 -3,800   
 <1,500   
Wolfram, concentrate or metallic  
 Per fine metric tonne   
 >24,000  5 
 8,000 -24,000  0.00025 (OP) – 1  
 <8,000  1 
Copper, concentrate or metallic  
 Per fine pound   
 >2.0 5 
 0.7-2.0 3.0769 (OP) – 1.1538  
 <0.7 1 
Bismuth, concentrate or metallic  
 Per fine pound   
 >10 5 
 3.5-10 0.61538 (OP) – 1.15385  
 <3.5 1 
 WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of  Bolivia  
 
- 177 - 
 
  Mineral  Rate (%)  
Iron ore   
Concentrates and lumps  4 
Pellets  3 
Sponge iron and pig iron  2 
Tantalum, barytes and limestone in any form  3.5 
Precious or semi -precious stones   
Precious stones and metals  5 
Semi-precious stones  4 
Indium and rhenium in any form  5  
Evaporite resources   
Lithium carbonate  3 
Potassium chloride  3 
Other by -products and derivatives  3 
Sodium chloride  2.5 
Boron minerals   
Unprocessed ulexite  5 
Calcined ulexite  3 
Source:  Article 227 of Law No. 535 on Mining and Metallurgy.  WT/TPR/S/363 • Plurinational State of  Bolivia  
 
- 178 - 
 
  Table A4. 3 Main provisions of bilateral air transport agreements  
 
Signature  
Fifth freedom 
Seventh freedom 
Cabotagea 
Cooperation clauseb 
Airline designation clause Withholding 
clause  Pricing clause  Capacity 
clause  
Exchange of statistics  Substantial 
ownership and 
effective control  
Principal place of 
business  
Community of 
interest  
Dual approval  
Dual disapproval  
Country of origin  
Zone pricing  
Free pricing  
Predetermination  
Bermuda I  
Free determination  
Germany  1968 Yes No No No Multiple  √   √     √   Yes 
Argentina  2004 Yes No No No Multiple  √   √     √   Yes 
Brazil  1951 Yes No No No Multiple  √   √      √  No 
Chile  1993 No No No No Multiple  √    √    √   Yes 
Colombia  2004 No No No Yes Multiple  n.a. n.a. n.a.   √     √ No 
Costa Rica  1995 No No No No Multiple  n.a. n.a. n.a.  √    √   Yes 
Cuba 1994 No No No No Multiple  n.a. n.a. n.a. √     √   Yes 
Ecuador  1991 Yes No No No Multiple  √   √     √   Yes 
Spain  1974 Yes No No No Single  √   √     √   Yes 
United States  1988 Yes No No No Multiple  √   n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. √   No 
Mexico  1993 Yes No No No Multiple  n.a. n.a. n.a. √     √   Yes 
Netherlands 
with respect 
to Aruba  2001 Yes No No No Multiple  √    √    √   Yes 
Panama  1977 No No No No Multiple  √   √     √   Yes 
Paraguay  1958 No No No No Multiple  √   √     √   No 
Peru 1960 No No No No Multiple  √   n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. No 
Switzerland  1997 Yes No No No Single  √     √   √   Yes 
Uruguay  1975 Yes No No No Multiple  √   √     √   Yes 
n.a. Not available.  
a Where cabotage rights are subject to approval by the aeronautical authorities, they appear as not 
granted.  
b For example, code -share agreements.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat and information provided by the authorities.  
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