With great expectations, Quito will host the First Ecuadorian Conference on Customs Law on November 19 and 20, an academic event of relevance in the region. To learn more about the expectations of this meeting, the president of the Customs Law Institute, Fernanda Inga, spoke with Customs News and shared details about the importance of this high-level event.
- This week, the First Customs Law Conference will be held in Ecuador. What is the role of the Universidad Andina Simón Bolívar in this event?
– The Universidad Andina Simón Bolívar-Ecuador (UASB-E) plays a fundamental role as the venue for the First Ecuadorian Conference on Customs Law, which is co-organized with the Ecuadorian Institute of Customs Law (IEDA). This postgraduate school is part of the Andean Integration System and is an academic institution with an international vocation, created as a center where experiences, values and initiatives of the countries of the Andean Region come together and as a mechanism for contact with other university and cultural spheres of the world.
In this sense, it is a strategic academic ally that has high-level professors on its teaching staff who will take part in the Conference. Likewise, students from its different programs related to customs matters will be active participants in this event.
-You mentioned the Andean Integration System. Which countries make up the Andean Community, and why is it relevant to reflect on customs law in the context of this integration process?
-The Andean Community is made up of Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. Additionally, Chile and all the countries that make up MERCOSUR are associated countries. Taking into account that the Andean Community has a free trade zone in force, implemented through the Liberation Program that forms the so-called Expanded Market of the CAN, the importance of customs law in this integration process lies in several key aspects, namely:
- Elimination of trade barriers: facilitates intraregional trade by eliminating tariffs and market access restrictions for goods originating in the Subregion.
- Harmonization of economic and social policies: establishes common customs procedures to simplify trade and reduce costs, as well as harmonizes the regulation of indirect (non-tariff) barriers to trade.
- Promoting competitiveness: it speeds up trade, provides legal security and attracts investments by reducing transaction times and costs.
- Security and control: facilitates customs transit and seeks to avoid customs violations.
- Economic and social cohesion: contributes to the equitable, balanced and harmonious development of member countries, benefiting businesses and consumers in the region.
For this reason, customs law is essential to ensure effective, fluid and secure integration between the countries of the Andean Community.
- Based on this, how is the agenda for the Conference organised? What topics will be addressed and who will be the main speakers?
-The agenda of the Conference is aimed at reflecting on "Customs Law in the Andean Community», with the main objective of updating and deepening the knowledge of participants on issues of valuation, customs classification and relevant jurisprudence. This will contribute to a more solid understanding and correct application of customs regulations in the current context of international trade.
From this general objective, specific objectives are derived, including:
- To analyze contemporary challenges in the valuation and classification of goods, considering the most recent decisions and recommendations of the World Customs Organization.
- To examine the influence of technological advances and international cooperation on customs processes, assessing their impact on both trade facilitation and the fight against smuggling and tax evasion.
To this end, the Conference will be structured around four thematic axes: “Customs regulation within the framework of international trade agreements”, “Customs valuation and tariff classification of goods”, “Customs infringements and sanctions” and “Jurisprudence in customs matters”.
For its development, we will count on the participation of renowned experts from Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, Argentina and Mexico. Without a doubt, their vast experience and perspectives will enrich the debate, providing diverse and profound views on each of these topics.
-You mentioned that the Conference is aimed at the entire region. What facilities are offered for those interested who do not reside in Quito in terms of registration, fees, certification and other aspects?
For those who wish to participate from outside Quito, the Universidad Andina Simón Bolívar will offer virtual access so that no one misses this event. They will be able to connect in two ways: through a Zoom link or through the live broadcast from the Facebook page of the UASB-E Law Department.
To participate, you only need to register at the link we share below..
We look forward to seeing you and making this event an enriching experience for everyone!
- Date: November 19 and 20, 2024
- Place: Quito, Ecuador
- Link for registration: https://www.uasb.edu.ec/uasb_agenda/primeras-jornadas-ecuatorianas-de-derecho-aduanero
- Download the agenda in PDF here.
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