In Chile, the Public-Private Customs Committee (CAPP) held its second meeting of the year; the results of inspections for the first half of the year were discussed in the areas where efforts have been concentrated in this period, marked by the conditions imposed by the pandemic and the reactivation of trade.
According to the statement, the meeting was chaired by the National Director of Customs, José Ignacio Palma, and had the participation of 15 representatives of public and private organizations. In addition, the Deputy Director of Inspection, Alonso Vega, was present at the event, accompanied by the heads and professionals of the Sub-directorate.
At the meeting the following were reviewed: first half results, highlighting the seizure of smuggled cigarettes, counterfeits and products that pose a threat to people's safety, such as weapons, ammunition and fireworks.
On this aspect, the National Director of Customs He said: “It is very important that our strategic partners know where we have put our efforts during this first semester and why we are focusing our work in a certain way. We have been able to share with them our concern about crimes that have a great impact on citizens, such as the use of weapons.” He stressed that “it is important to have specific and inter-institutional plans to combat these crimes, as well as the regulatory changes that have come into effect in recent months, which give us better tools to discourage smuggling.”
Relevant findings
For his part, the Deputy Director of Inspection, Alonso Vega, indicated that “it was a very intense first semester in which the work of the Risk Analysis units, both regional and of the National Directorate, was extremely relevant.” And he detailed the important findings after the intelligence work:
- 7 full containers in different procedures with contraband cigarettes (San Antonio).
- 30 AM-15 rifles (Iquique).
- 1 container full of fireworks (San Antonio).
Alonso Vega pointed out that “in the work of oversight, the application of data intelligence is essential today to achieve greater effectiveness and assertiveness.”
Regulatory adjustments
Regarding regulatory adjustments, a review was made of the most important components of Law 21.336, which modified the Customs Ordinance regarding sanctions for the crime of smuggling, increasing penalties; the update of the regulations that protect intellectual property rights and take into account new elements such as e-commerce and the increase in imports of non-traditional goods was also analyzed.
Changes in the procedures for gauging or inspection at destination were also explained.
Progress was also reported on the incentives for voluntary compliance with customs regulations and details of the implementation of the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program, which highlights the signing of the Mutual Recognition Agreement between the Customs of Chile and China held a few weeks ago.
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.
