La Customs Management (DNA) of Paraguay from August 2018 to August 2019 It was based on the implementation of technology and the strengthening of controls on the entry of goods, which has resulted in an increase in customs collection, according to the report released by the National Customs Directorate (DNA) of the country.
Seizure
The DNA detailed that the approximate value of the merchandise seized for entering Smuggling amounted to 15.400 billion guaraníesThis figure includes vehicles used to transport products, which are mostly fruits and vegetables, sugar, clothing, etc.
While around 144.840 million guaraníes is the value of counterfeit goods seized. The main products seized were clothing, cell phones and electronic products.
Collection
DNA managed to increase its collection in this period at 215.000 billion guaraníes. The rise in customs revenues occurred despite a -6.4% drop in the volume of imported goods, thanks to increased controls and the early receipt of information on imported goods before they arrive in the country. The increase in revenues occurred despite an adverse regional and global environment.
Paraguayan Customs also reported that the 1 billion guaraní barrier has been surpassed on two occasions in the collection of customs taxes, in the months of August and October 2018.
Through products that promote tourism, the DNA increased customs revenue by 27% on imports under the tourism regime, despite the delicate situation in neighboring countries, which significantly reduced trade in border cities.
In terms of tax collection, the State depends on 46% of taxes collected through the DNA, which amounts to around 2.000 billion dollars annually.
Couriers contributed 83% more to the Treasury, this was due to improved controls and the elimination of the settlement of taxes per kilo. The tax contribution of this sector is 83% despite a -27% drop in the volume of goods brought in by courier.
Technology
Through Satellite tracking of containers which is being implemented by the DNA, it is possible to avoid trucks deviating from the established route or being stopped with imported goods. If this is the case, the system will detect the fact in real time, which will allow for improved customs control thanks to the use of the electronic seal.
Access to data on imports before they arrive in the country allows for better risk management and streamlining of trade. The Comprehensive Cargo Verification System is in operation (Siveca) and the Customs Transit Computer System (Sintia) and on an experimental basis the Transmission of the River Cargo Manifest (Temaflu).
The customs office has installed the Single Customs Monitoring Center (CUMA) system with cameras that allow viewing and filming operations at customs in East City and Encarnacion. In the near future, Customs plans to extend the system to other customs posts. By means of this technology, citizens can see the movement in the main customs and control posts live on the institution's website.
Transparency
To increase transparency and efficiency, DNA launched the ““Systematization of Customs Processes for 2020” which aims to achieve greater transparency and efficiency.
The programme will cost 13 million dollars, of which around 11 million dollars will be provided by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (Koica) and two million dollars by DNA.
Another of the points that the Customs Directorate is working on is the modernization and professional integrity. This work has been promoted with the World Bank through strategic planning, project management, organizational model, human resources management, review of the Customs Code and other issues aimed at institutional modernization.
OEA
While with the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) the DNA is implementing the Strengthening the Authorized Economic Operator program (OAS) with the aim of increasing trade facilitation and promoting integrity.
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