In the framework of the Customs Panel, moderated by Antonio Lindemberg, Regional Superintendent of the Federal Revenue in the 1st Fiscal Region, on Wednesday (19.02.2025) various perspectives on the opportunities for customs integration in the Capricorn Bioceanic Route were addressed. This corridor, which unites Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Paraguay, represents both challenges and opportunities that require in-depth analysis.
During his speech at the 6th Forum of Subnational Governments of the Bioceanic Corridor, held at the Arquiteto Rubens Gil de Camillo Convention Center in Campo Grande, MS, Brazil, and broadcast live, highlighted the need to reduce gaps in the development of human and technological capital between the countries that make up this route.
«This reality is part of "The premise of collaboration, cooperation and trust," said Antonio Lindemberg. "Differences in the customs structure, the training of officials and infrastructure are key aspects to ensure efficient clearance and adequate inspection," he added. Each country has its own import and export systems, which makes it essential to strengthen cooperation and make processes compatible.
Training and digitalization
Training of customs personnel is essential in this context. Lindemberg stressed that cooperation and trust between the customs authorities of the four countries depend on the continuous training of officials, who must be prepared to operate in an integrated environment.
He also stressed that the integration of customs information systems is “one of the most critical challenges.” To ensure an uninterrupted flow of goods, it is essential that the systems of the four countries are interconnected. “The lack of integration could compromise one of the main benefits of the route: the reduction of logistics time and, therefore, operating costs,” he warned.
Three opportunities for the Bioceanic Route
Despite the challenges, Lindemberg identified three major opportunities within the Bioceanic Route:
- Integrated Control Areas: The possibility of establishing joint customs control areas would allow for the sharing of structures, information and technologies. Successful examples, such as the integrated control in Mato Grosso do Sul and the cooperation between Brazil and Bolivia in Corumbá, demonstrate that this model can significantly improve operational efficiency.
- Authorized Economic Operator (OAS): The participation of companies certified as OAS facilitates more agile and secure customs processes. Compliance with international standards of conformity generates trust between the States involved and optimizes the operation of the route.
- Facilitation of Customs Transit: Ensuring efficient customs transit is crucial for the fluidity of trade. A system that fosters mutual trust between countries will allow the movement of goods without interruptions. In this regard, the implementation of the TIR Convention presents itself as an effective solution.
Tangible benefits of the Bioceanic Route
Lindemberg also highlighted the following concrete benefits of integration in the corridor:
- Cost reduction and increased competitiveness: Decreasing dispatch times and logistics costs could reduce the flow of goods by up to 17 days, improving regional competitiveness.
- Regional economic growthThe route is expected to boost growth in local economies, with GDP projections of up to 4,2% in regions such as Mato Grosso do Sul.
- Positive social impactIn addition to economic growth, the Bioceanic Route will generate new employment opportunities, increased income for adjacent communities, and improvements in infrastructure, health, and education.
Participation of experts in customs integration
The panel included the participation of representatives from Chile, including Claudio Maldonado, councilor of the Calama commune, El Loa province, Antofagasta region. During his speech, he shared his experience as head administrator of the Border Crossings Unit of the province, in addition to presenting the development of infrastructure in Calama and its surroundings, consolidating it as an operational and logistical center within the Bioceanic Corridor in northern Chile.
For its part, Lucas Lagier, Argentine specialist in customs digitalization and trade facilitation of the International Road Transport Union (IRU), presented one of the main opportunities for integration: the implementation of the TIR Convention.
“Facilitated customs transit is the icing on the cake,” concluded the panel moderator. “We need to make significant progress in this area, because it involves not only trust between countries, but also between the State and the private sector. This development is key to strengthening the integration and efficiency of regional trade.”
- The full panel is available on the Mato Grosso do Sul Government's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoaAsAFe_j8
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