In an interview with Customs News, Harry Schurig, President of the Argentine Section of ALDA, and Lorena Bartomioli, Vice President of the Academy, tell us what the Latin American Academy of Customs Law is and what its objectives are in the region. But before delving into its role and scope, it's worth considering the concept of "academy" and its meaning.
Since Ancient Greece, academies have been spaces dedicated to study, research, and the transmission of knowledge, with the aim of illuminating and guiding society's thinking. According to the Royal Spanish Academy, an academy is a "scientific, literary, or artistic society established with public authority," conceived as a space where thought, teaching, and debate converge.
In that spirit ALDA was born, an institution recently launched to promote the study, dissemination, and harmonization of Customs Law in Latin America. Its mission is not easy: the academy is organizing itself to establish itself as a regional benchmark.
To learn more, we present a conversation with the Argentine chapter's authorities, who tell us about ALDA's first steps, which emerged in an extraordinary international context.
Could you tell us what your main mission is and how you seek to strengthen and disseminate Customs Law in Latin America?
—As its name suggests, ALDA aims to expand customs law and foreign trade operations through the exchange of knowledge, experiences, techniques, and the comparative study of national legislation, with the goal of generating updates and, where possible, harmonizing them. One of our fundamental principles is the promotion of the free expression of critical thinking and the free and pluralistic formation of ideas, always based on respect for democratic principles, the rule of law, and fundamental rights.
After learning about its postulates, the question arises about how ALDA has taken shape since its official announcement on August 9, 2024, in Uruguay. How has its legal and organizational structure been consolidated leading up to the activity announced for October 30 in Buenos Aires? Does it have a formal headquarters, website, or contact channels for those who wish to contact the academy?
—The institution is undergoing a process of formation, both from a legal perspective, as a subject of law, and from an operational perspective. Its statutes provide for the creation of regions and national representations. To date, Dr. Harry Schurig for Argentina and Dr. Raquel Segalla Reis for Brazil have been appointed as National President. The number of delegates is expected to increase soon in other countries in the region. Their role is to coordinate activities and work teams in these territories and generate academic initiatives, such as the First Conference that brings us together.
Once this institutional organization process is complete, the academy will be able to fully open itself to the community through its website—currently in the design stage—and the incorporation of new members.
In addition, internal committees have been formed to address various customs topics (facilitation, valuation, etc.), as well as operational and management aspects (dissemination, publications, meetings, etc.). During the event on October 30th at the University of Belgrano, pre-registration will be available for those wishing to participate, thus strengthening the bond of communication with future members of the academy.
By the way: What are the objectives of the October 30th event and what key topics will be addressed?
—The October 30th event is the first ALDA has held in the region, and its goal is to create a space for mutual enrichment and debate on the application of national and international customs regulations in the various countries represented by speakers.
Issues such as the facilitation of international trade, the various regulations on illicit activities, controversial aspects of valuation, and the dialogues that arise when analyzing the jurisprudence of various courts and countries will be addressed.
Throughout history, academies have been driving forces of social, technical, and economic renewal. It's worth remembering that young talents—like Pascal and Galloni—paved the way with innovative and transformative ideas. Along these lines, what role do the new generations play at ALDA?
—This is fundamental to ALDA's vision and mission. We aim to become a center for the exchange of ideas among professionals familiar with customs activities, academics, foreign trade operators, lawyers, private professionals, members of the judiciary, and administrative and oversight bodies.
We also seek to serve as a training and incentive school for new generations who wish to enter this field of study, especially considering that this area is often omitted from the curricula of various undergraduate programs, even those related to customs activities.
Ultimately, ALDA is designed as a forum for debate, but also for training, promotion, development, and dissemination of Customs Law aimed at younger generations. Hence the importance of working together with public and private universities, as well as other institutions and associations dedicated to research and promotion of this science.
With the Argentine public in mind, what place will our country have in ALDA's future projection in the region?
—We hope that ALDA will become a regional benchmark in Customs Law. We also seek to strengthen cohesion among stakeholders in our country, acting as a link with foreign peers and fostering productive feedback for mutual collaboration. From this perspective, the conference scheduled for Thursday, October 30, paves the way for upcoming activities, particularly the First Latin American Congress on Customs Law, which will be held in 2026. We therefore hope for the participation and support of readers at the next conference: "Organization and institutional strengthening for the development of customs law in Latin America".
The above reflections show that there is still much to learn about ALDA, an institution founded in the region with firm conviction and that invites you to accompany its development and its valuable contribution to strengthening Customs Law in Latin America. Below we share the schedule for the event planned for Thursday, October 30, 2025.
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.
