The work performed by the customs agent is key in the foreign trade circuit. It is stated that this professional constitutes the link between private activity and public activity, where appropriate, represented by Customs.We are the center of foreign trade", accurate Enrique Loizzo, head of the Customs Clearance Center of the Argentine Republic (CDA). “This presence makes it a strategic ally for trade operations,” he added. Marcelo Ravida, secretary of the entity which happily celebrated its 110th anniversary of foundation.
Starting from this point of support in foreign trade, the authorities referred to the role of the dispatcher as customs service assistant, defined in the Customs Code, which requires passing exams and having AFIP authorization. “Thus, the broker as an assistant to the customs service collaborates with the State in the work matrix of import and export of foreign trade, providing guidance with knowledge in technical customs matters, but also banking, logistics, tax, accounting, operational and regulatory matters,” said Loizzo.
At the same time, the dispatcher carries out, on behalf of the private sector (customers) and before the customs service, procedures and formalities related to import, export and other customs operations, collecting taxes with his profession. “He is the declarant in the import clearance,” he stressed.
An important fact: almost 100 percent of foreign trade operations go through the hands of the customs broker. “This is where the importance of the international trade professional lies,” Loizzo said.
This area of action shows that knowledge is an important asset for the customs broker and an added value for the client. The CDA works with the professionalization with partners and the private sector (associated chambers).
To make customs operations more efficient, the institution has fundamental of regulations, classification advice and “first-level” communication. Loizzo highlighted the importance of the advice. “The CDA came to provide zoom with 800 people” he said and maintained that “this reflects the sense of belonging of the partner, who has a place to channel their query and receive a valid, fast and efficient response.”
In this regard, he referred to the management efforts to achieve institutional strength, representation and assistance to the partner through the communication toolsAmong the main transformative elements, the CDA made use of networks such as the institution's WhatsApp (3000 subscribers out of 4000 members) and the development of an application (APP).
At the same time, the authorities indicated that the customs agent receives advisory in classic matters (criminal, infraction, customs valuation, classification and regulations). Also in new matters such as labor, civil, commercial and social security. In addition, maritime, human resources and banking regulations.
In short, it is a thoughtful, planned support aimed at helping the dispatcher improve in a complex environment. In the words of Marcelo Ravida: "We came to the CDA with a strategic plan and we continue to anticipate the changes that could occur."
In this regulatory context, there are regulatory frameworks that limit imports. How does this affect the activity of the dispatcher? Has the CDA considered taking any legal action in defense of the profession? he asked. Customs News to Enrique Loizzo.
The regulations establish different guidelines for controls. When we had to take action, we did so: we filed appeals for protection or reconsideration before the AFIP on different issues; for example, when the possibility of increasing the tax deductible was raised. mail 10.000 dollars. Likewise, when new resolutions are issued, we analyze the type of issues and present them to the corresponding public bodies. With the private ones we have another issue: the port issue. We are always making the necessary presentations in defense of the profession. Article two of the statute clearly mentions exercising the defense and representation of the shipping agents and partners. Our management does not deviate from this.
Although there are economic measures that have a secondary impact on our activity, what we do is work together with the chambers when there are traceable issues. Thus, we have formed the foreign trade community where the different chambers sit at a table to act together on such issues.
In short, on the one hand, we exercise representation and commitment to our partners, but when there are traceable issues in foreign trade, we act in unity. This is what we did with the BCRA, the Cabinet Office, the Ministry of Transport and the Secretariat of Commerce. An example of this is the mass vaccination of foreign trade operators throughout the country.
And what about the rules considered challengeable by the CDA advisors?
This is linked to the above. The CDA acts. This was done in the cases of the Common Solidarity Fund and MailOur administration has filed two appeals before the courts in the 110 years of the institution.
Looking ahead, what is the biggest challenge for CDA in supporting and promoting the value of the dispatcher?
The CDA's greatest challenge is to work every day on continuous improvement. To continue with what was proposed at the beginning of the administration, that is, a transparent, federal, participatory institution.
Additionally, we want to create a CDA that trains 3800 members, of which more than a third belong to the area outside the metropolitan belt. We have gone from 10 branches and correspondents to 21. There are professionals throughout the country who want to be represented. We arrived in 2016; the idea is to continue evolving, generating institutional strength, expanding the CDA and populating Argentina with logos.
We are all dispatchers.
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.
