With the aim of better publicizing the operation of the Single Declaration, it was agreed to postpone the entry into force of the document until May 7, 2019.
The entry into force of the Central American Single Declaration (DUCA) had initially been set for April 1, 2019.
From the statement of the Single Window for Exports of Guatemala:
One of the benefits of the legal reform approved by the Legislative Assembly of El Salvador is the maximum tolerance margin of 5% on parameters of quantity, volume, weight or value of the goods, applying the most favorable to the declarant.
With advice from the government of South Korea, the Customs Directorate is preparing a plan to implement an electronic dispatch system to expedite procedures.
From a statement issued by the Directorate General of Customs:
The Salvadoran business sector is opposed to the decision of President Sánchez Cerén to veto reforms to the customs simplification law, which established concrete measures to streamline foreign trade procedures.
From a statement issued by the Inter-Trade Commission for Trade Facilitation (CIFACIL):
The Trade Facilitation Commission (CIFACIL), which groups together seven production unions from El Salvador, deplores the decision of the President of the Republic, Salvador Sánchez Cerén, to veto the reforms to the Customs Simplification Law, which were aimed at advancing the adoption of concrete measures to facilitate trade and which will help overcome the stagnation of foreign trade by our country.
It has been announced that the service for processing foreign trade procedures between the customs posts Pedro de Alvarado and La Hachadura is to operate 24 hours a day.
From a statement issued by the Ministry of Economy of Guatemala:
The business sector has applauded the approval of a reform to the Customs Simplification Law, which is expected to achieve the much needed speed in foreign trade procedures.
From a statement issued by the Inter-Trade Commission for Trade Facilitation (CIFACIL):
April 17, 2017.The Inter-Trade Commission for Trade Facilitation (CIFACIL), wishes to express its satisfaction with the approval of the reforms to the Customs Simplification Law.The Legislative Assembly approved this initiative with 43 votes from the parties GANA, ARENA, PCN and PDC, which represents a great step forward to improving and facilitating foreign trade which has been severely affected in recent years.
Employers have pointed to limitations on the certificate extended by the Customs Office and doubt its efficiency as there is no certainty that it will be valid at the regional level.
The purpose of Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status is to contribute in the implementation of safety guidelines in order to have a secure supply chain, but in El Salvador the certificate granted by the Directorate General of Customs has, in the opinion of local entrepreneurs, some limitations which hinders its optimal use. One of them is that the benefits only apply on the borders of El Salvador, without making any change to the market with the countries of Central America.
The first Central American Congress on AEOs will be held in Guatemala City on July 20, 2016, and will provide the option of virtual participation.
From a statement issued by Agexport:
The Authorized Economic Operator format (AEO) is an option for individuals or legal entities that meet international safety standards and rules, requirements and obligations under the current Customs Act and the Customs Service regulations.
Companies that are certified as AEOs are able to reduce paperwork and are given priority at customs offices.
Like Costa Rica and Guatemala, Panama is now using the AEO program. Companies interested in obtaining certification should contact the National Customs Authority.
Simplification of the import process in Acajutla and a reduction in delivery times of goods for export are part of the changes announced by the Ministry of Finance.
From a statement issued by the Ministry of Finance:
The Ministry of Finance, through the Directorate General of Customs, announces the implementation of measures that will improve the flow of goods, transit and people and in turn, reduce the time it takes to carry out procedures for Salvadoran exports, all in order to decongest borders and make controls more agile:
The current customs legislation has been unified into a single document and changes will be implemented in processes to establish deposits made to order merchandise and refunding taxes, among other things.
Approval of the decree that integrates into a single document all national regulations and the Central American Uniform Customs Code (Cauca) is one of the steps that was needed for full integration of Panama into the Central American Customs Union. It is expected that accession to the bloc will occur within six months.
Businessmen are complaining about erroneous charges being levied by Customs on exempted companies, courier shipments or cargo that does not even reach the borders.
The incorrect application of the new rules on the charge of $18 which applies in Salvadoran customs offices for the use of X-rays starting from 1 January 2016, is causing problems and provoked a reaction by seven private sector unions that form the Intergremial Commission for Trade Facilitation (Cifacil).
In September, the IMAE grew by 4.1% compared to the same month in 2014, driven by agriculture, which grew by 13%, and transport and communications, which increased by 10%.
The report of the Central Bank of Nicaragua:
In September, the monthly index of economic activity (IMAE) grew by 4.1 percent compared to September last year. Meanwhile, the average annual variation stood at 3.8 percent and cumulative growth in the January-September period was 3.5 percent.
In El Salvador a proposal has been made to create "pre-check" posts where goods are verified and permissions granted, so that when they arrive at customs most of the process has already been done.
The idea of the General Customs Directorate (DGA) comes after a host of criticisms from the export sector, which for years has complained about the slow pace in completing formalities at customs posts.
Despite innumerable meetings of leaders and officials who frequently express their willingness to act on the issue, customs transit continues to be the main factor affecting logistics costs for regional trade.
At the first congress of freight transport in El Salvador once again the problem that continues to prevent the region achieving greater commercial development, was brought to the light. While the private sector has denounced the issue to the authorities in the region many times, "... obstacles remain, causing long queues of vehicles outside customs offices."
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