After extensive work in the operational, IT, systems and networks areas of the National Customs Service of Chile and the Customs Control and Collection Agency of Argentina (ARCA), this week the pilot plan for Vehicle Entry and Exit systems was launched (ENYSA) Simplified Argentina and the Simplified Vehicle Control System (SICVE) from Chile.
According to the official source, the initiative promises a substantial improvement in the processing of citizens of both countries who enter or leave with their private vehicles. The integrated control will operate in the border complexes Los Libertadores and Horcones, located in the International Paso Los Libertadores, also known as Christ the Redeemer or Christ the Redeemer Tunnel.
This border crossing, located in the Andes mountain range, connects the Valparaíso Region in Chile with the province of Mendoza in Argentina and is the main route for the transit of private and heavy vehicles between the two countries.
The pilot plan seeks to reduce waiting times and simplify procedures, contributing to strengthening regional integration and optimizing bilateral trade and tourism.
Benefits of the pilot system
The new system introduces several changes that directly impact the traveler experience, such as:
- Automation of the temporary admission process for private vehicles.
- Elimination of the paper form, replaced by an electronic receipt.
- Reduction in customs processing times.
In practice, users can now digitally obtain their proof of temporary entry or exit from the country, avoiding problems such as lost documents. To do so, they only need to enter a website, fill in their name, vehicle license plate and an email address, and download the proof.
During the first days of the pilot, data indicate that, in the areas where the new system operates, the hourly service capacity doubles compared to the traditional model. This translates into a significant reduction in the total processing time, which currently averages 15 minutes from entering the complex to obtaining the receipt.
Initial balance and projections
Cristian Merino, Head of Operations of the National Customs Service of Chile, highlighted the positive results of this "white march" and the joint effort of both countries. "Thanks to the fact that the immigration agencies and customs of the Cristo Redentor system share data online, the procedures are more agile and faster. In addition, users can scan a QR code or access the website from their personal devices to download their receipt. We are evaluating gaps and hope to extend this modality to all service points in the short term."
For the moment, The pilot phase will last 30 days, being partially applied in some booths of the Los Libertadores complex in Chile and in all the service booths on the Argentine side, in Horcones. At the end of this period, and after an evaluation, it will be decided whether to continue in pilot mode or implement it in a comprehensive manner.
Digitalization and collaborative work
This initiative reinforces the guidelines of cooperation between border institutions, In addition to being part of the ongoing efforts to digitize and simplify customs procedures, it is worth recalling the previous collaboration with the Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) of Chile to implement the Customs-SAG Digital Affidavit, which began as a pilot and currently operates at all land, air and sea borders.
This development aims to significantly improve the user experience, facilitating transit between the two countries and promoting modern and efficient border management.
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.
