In an effort to strengthen transparency and citizen trust, the Ministry of Finance of El Salvador, through the General Directorate of Customs (DGA), has officially launched the Code of Ethics and Integrity (CODEI). "The initiative seeks to ensure that all public servants and DGA assistants act under strict principles of conduct, with the aim of eradicating any corrupt behavior and strengthening public management," says the official statement.
The CODEI was made public on September 19, 2024, marking the beginning of an extensive capacity building and institutional strengthening program for the DGA's 800 employees, in 20 sessions.
During the presentation of the Code, the authorities stressed that “corruption in the customs sector has a negative impact on trade and on public confidence”, which is why the new regulatory framework becomes “an essential tool to guarantee a transparent public administration”.
The CODEI, consisting of 24 pages, 9 chapters and an annex, is framed within El Salvador's international commitments such as the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) and the Arusha Declaration of the World Customs Organization (WCO), while aligning with the country's Government Ethics Law.
Customs states that “the success of this effort will not only be measured in terms of internal compliance, but also in the continuous improvement of public perception and trust in government institutions.” By implementing this Code, the DGA “is leading by example and setting a standard for other institutions in El Salvador and in the region.”
The statement concludes by highlighting that this effort “demonstrates the DGA’s commitment to ethics and responsibility, underlining El Salvador’s proactive role in implementing good practices that meet the highest international standards.”
Aduana News is the first Argentine customs newspaper to launch its digital version. With 20 years of experience, its publications and initiatives aim to provide the most relevant knowledge on customs issues in order to contribute to safe trade in the region.
