According to the Secretariat for Central American Economic Integration (SIECA), this fee violates conventions and trade agreements in the region. In addition, they believe that the inspections and the time it takes to submit all shipments to the procedures are excessive.

Raul Alfaro, representative of the Salvadoran Association of International Freight Carriers (ASTIC) said three Salvadoran borders have been blocked by freight carriers. "The affected areas are La Hachadura (Ahuachapán), El Poy (Chalatenango) and El Amatillo (La Union)."

"This is the second week that the entrepreneurs have expressed discontent with the Salvadoran government for charging the $18 fee for international trade operations at customs offices in El Salvador."

Source: laprensagrafica.com

More on this topic

El Salvador: Cargo In Transit Will Not Incur Scanner Fee

December 2014

With the amendment to the Customs Simplification Act charges for inspections using scanners on international freight have been eliminated, but are maintained for cargo of national origin or destination.

The Legislature has eliminated the fee of $18 for use of scanners on international freight, but not on national cargo, ie freight departing from or arriving at El Salvador.

Delays Continue at Customs Offices in El Salvador

May 2014

Problems persist in the process of reviewing merchandise at the border posts in Amatillo and La Hachadura causing delays to cargo trucks.

Double review processes, recurring failures with x-ray machine inspection and the absence of a contingency plan for unforeseen delays has generated delays of between 19 and 23 hours for the approval of entry and exit of goods, said the Salvadoran Association of International Freight Carriers (ASTIC).

Strike By Truckers At El Salvador Borders

January 2014

The regional union of freight carriers is protesting about the fee for inspections using scanners at Salvadoran customs offices and the delays it has generated.

The Central American Freight Council declared a protest strike at Salvadoran borders over the payment of $18 for the inspection of cargo travelling overland.

Regional Freight Strike Suspended

July 2013

After the Salvadoran Supreme Court suspended the Fonat law, carriers decided to resume their work.

"There is no longer a reason for the strike," said Raul Alfaro, president of the Association of International Cargo Transporters (ASTIC).

"The Chamber accepted a constitutional challenge submitted by the ASTIC against the collection of accident insurance, namely the Fund for Victims of Traffic Accidents (Fonat), from which the Legislature excluded foreign transporters, but not Salvadorans," noted an article in Elsalvador.com.