Complaints Against Scanning Fee Based on Cargo Value

The collection of an ad valorem rate for the cargo inspection service in Panamanian customs offices violate the Customs Facilitation Agreement of the World Trade Organization.

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

"The uncertainty generated by this measure has been rising since the National Customs Authority (ANA by its initials in Spanish) convened a tender in March. Today, the Logistics Business Council (COEL by its initials in Spanish) has called a press conference to talk about it", reported Prensa.com.

The nine business organizations which make up the COEL have requested that while there is no consensus on the proposed fee, the tender for the maintenance of the scanners be suspended, however, the ANA has not given a response to the employers concerns.

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More on this topic

Guatemala: Scanners Cause Delays in Customs Offices

March 2014

Businessmen are complaining about delays occurring in the process of non-intrusive inspection of goods.

The productive sector is decrying the fact that the processes for non intrusive inspections of merchandise in Customs Offices in Guatemala are making costs more expensive and extending the time it takes to make exports and imports.

Panama: Scanner Tender Modified

July 2013

The pricing scheme has been changed from being based on the value of the goods inspected, as originally proposed, to a fixed fee for customs services.

This is the eighth amendment to be made to the tender for the operation and maintenance of the scanners to be installed at Panamanian customs offices. Submission of proposals has been set for August 5.

More Resistance to Tender for Customs Scanning Services

July 2013

The Logistics Business Council and its 16 associated companies are calling for dialogue in search of a solution which does not mean the establishment of a new tax.

"We are taking this to the highest authorities of the State, and stressing the urgency of suspending the hiring process in order to foster the necessary consultations with the participation of all of the sectors involved," said the Logistics Business Council (Coel by its initials in Spanish).

The Cost of Scanners at Customs

June 2013

The implementation of scanner-based inspection of cargo at customs increases the cost of moving goods in the region.

Both Panama and Nicaragua have contemplated implementing scanning systems or X-rays to inspect cargo arriving at the port terminals, the first of these two countries in its inter-oceanic canal, and the second in the one it is dreaming of building.

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