Caracas mandates commercial facade registration for businesses

The Superintendencia Municipal de Administración y Recaudación (SUMAR) has reminded business owners in the Libertador municipality of Caracas that registering a commercial identification sign or facade notice is a mandatory legal requirement. This regulation, established under the Commercial Propaganda and Advertising Tax Ordinance No. 5001-26 published in November 2023, aims to ensure the official identification of commercial premises and maintain urban aesthetics.

To comply, merchants must use the official SIGAT online portal to register their signage. The process requires submitting a digital sketch of the design, including exact measurements, the commercial name, and the Tax Information Registry (RIF) number. While the advisory and approval process is free, businesses must pay the taxes established by law via bank transfer or mobile payment; cash is not accepted.

Failure to comply with these regulations or the permitted dimensions may result in fines or temporary closures as part of the municipal fiscalization efforts.