Since Monday, February 14, the electronic transmission of the Central American Single Declaration for Originating Goods (DUCA-F) is available for exports to Panama, as announced by the Secretariat for Central American Economic Integration (SIECA) together with the National Customs Authority of Panama. This advance, the result of eight months of work, allows Panama to align itself with a procedure that has been implemented in the region since 2019.
Access and requirements
- The service is accessible on the digital platform www.aduanas-controlsaldo.sieca.int, facilitating more agile customs management.
- To transmit DUCA-F to Panama, users must have a token balance available, each with a cost of USD $3.00, which can be purchased on the same platform. This system guarantees the financial sustainability and continuous development of the platform.
Official launch
The official launch was led by Soraya Valdivieso, Director General of the National Customs Authority of Panama, in an event with the participation of HE Eduardo Arango Pérez, Vice Minister of Commerce of Panama; Francisco A. Lima Mena, Secretary General of SIECA; and HE Isabella Matusz, Ambassador of the European Union in Panama, as well as representatives of the private sector.
During your speech, Francisco A Lima Mena He highlighted Panama's leadership in customs modernization and its interoperability with key entities, such as sanitary and phytosanitary authorities. He also underlined the support of the European Union, through the PDCC, to promote the adoption of innovative technologies in the region and reaffirmed the commitment to the financial sustainability of digital platforms, in line with the guidelines of the Council of Ministers of Economic Integration (COMIECO).
Benefits for exporters
Three key benefits for exporters were highlighted:
- Greater security and reliability: reduction of errors and fraud in customs processes.
- Technological innovation: improvements in cybersecurity and business efficiency.
- Greater response capacity to contingencies: strengthening of protocols to ensure the operability of the systems.
SIECA recalls that the Central American Digital Trade Platform (PDCC) is a step towards regional integration, improving the digital connection between Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama, and optimizing customs processes. Officially launched in November 2023The PDCC integrates information and processes related to customs, immigration, and animal and plant health management, as well as single windows for foreign trade in member countries.
Finally, SIECA informs users that, in order to resolve Any questions or queries Regarding the new measure launched, they will be able to access the following service channels:
- Panama Help Desk: For specific questions about the process in Panama, you can contact us via email [email protected].
- SIECA Help Desk: Available in www.soporteca.sieca.int.
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.
