Five months after the regulations for the creation of the Single Window of Procedures for the Colon Free Zone were approved in Panama, businessmen are asking for their implementation to be accelerated.
In Panama, the regulations for the creation of the Single Window of Paperwork and its procedures to expedite trade in the free trade zone were approved.
"The Board of Directors of the Colon Free Zone (ZLC) approved the resolution that regulates the creation of the Single Window of Paperwork (VUT) and its procedures to expedite trade in the free trade zone, reported the manager of the free trade zone, Manuel Grimaldo," explained the ZLC.
A court ruling has overturned the SAT resolutions authorizing Empresa Portuaria Quetzal y Terminal de Contenedores Quetzal to operate as temporary customs warehouses.
Although the Superintendency of Tax Administration (SAT) has announced that it will be appealing the ruling given by the Second Administrative Appeals Chamber, the reality is that since June 28, the activities of the customs warehouses in Empresa Portuaria Quetzal (EPQ) have been suspended as well as those at the Terminal de Contenedores Quetzal (TCQ)."...The resolution orders that the SAT no longer has the customs service under its administration, which contravenes the Central American Customs Code CAUCA, therefore the Superintendency will file an appeal against the decision made by the Court."
Authorities have threatened to close the customs office at the port terminal if there is no improvement in the facilities and operation of the port within six months.
Problems over control of container inventories, lack of controls for entry of merchandise and the inadequate condition of infrastructure at the terminal are affecting customs operations, according to the head of the Customs Intendance.Among the requests made to the company Empresa Portuaria Nacional Santo Tomás de Castilla (Empornac) are the implementation of a closed circuit television system and greater controls at exit and entry modules.
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A simpler scheme for importing materials is one of the new features included in the new regulations announced to facilitate procedures for free zone companies.
The leaders of the Superior Council of Private Enterprise (COSEP) announced that the new technical circular for free zone companies will be in effect from February 1, and includes, among other things, adjustments to the time and costs incurred by companies when transporting goods.
Assigning container inspections to a "green channel" for importers with a good record and creating a one-stop shop to streamline procedures is part of what has been proposed to reduce congestion at the port.
Constant complaints over problems and delays faced by entrepreneurs in the Honduran port terminal have led the government to prepare a series of measures to reduce container inspection times and streamline processes to export or import goods through the port.See: "Customs Problems Arise in Puerto Cortes Again".
Honduran businessmen have denounced the economic losses caused by delays in reviewing containers and are demanding more agility in customs procedures at the port.
The commercial sector is one of the most affected by the slowness of the customs procedures which must be carried out at Puerto Cortes.Jorge Faraj, president of the Chamber of Commerce and Industries of Cortés, told Laprensa.hn that"...If the problem is not resolved and if they do not get the merchandise out in time in the coming days of November, businesses will miss out on Christmas sales and that will be a big blow to the economy'."
The union of exporters has reported losses of $145 million, and more than 12,000 shipping containers held up because of the blockades which have now been going on for more than a week.
Reports indicate that two shipping companies have suspended operations at the ports and announced they will not disembark because of "inability to ensure the safety of their staff."This is just one example of the serious damage caused to in the country by the blockades and demonstrations held by truckers for almost a week at customs offices and ports in Guatemala.
A road to connect the Colon Free Zone with Enrique Jimenez airport, and the union of the areas of France Field and Cocosolito in one single customs post are planned for 2017.
In the case of the creation of a single customs post between France and Cocosolito Field, the aim of the authorities at the Colon Free Zone is"...
Operations in Santo Tomas de Castilla are back to normal, after truck drivers and customs agents agreed with the Government to improve conditions at the terminal.
In protest against the slow pace with which procedures are processed at customs offices, a group of customs managers and truck drivers have blocked off the entrance to the terminal facilities.
Soy502.com reports that on Friday afternoon "... a group of about 350 people blocked access to facilities of the Port of Santo Tomas de Castilla." The blockades started on Wednesday, March 9, causing delays and discomfort for exporters and importers.
A strike has been announced in the next few days unless the government meets demands related to the problems faced in customs offices and compliance with traffic rules.
Spokespeople for the Transport Association in Nicaragua (ATN) said the strike is in protest against the bureaucratic obstacles faced in customs offices, arrests by the police in different points along the routes and the increase in the fines.
The company Alvimer Internacional announced on January 18 the start of operation of the new technology for container inspections.
The border points which will have inspection scanners are Puerto Corinto, El Guasaule, El Espino, Peñas Blancas, San Pancho and Central de Cargas del Aeropuerto Internacional Augusto C. Sandino de Managua.
Carolina Kitzinger, spokeswoman for Alvimer International told elnuevodiario.com.ni that "...