The National Superintendency of Customs and Tax Administration (SUNAT) has established a new administrative structure through Superintendency Resolution No. 000149-2024/SUNAT, in response to the progress of the Chancay Megaport in Peru, an infrastructure that can revolutionize trade in South America.
According to the resolution published in the Official Gazette El Peruano, dated July 12, 2024, the project "Multipurpose Port Terminal for the Port of Chancay", whose operation is scheduled to begin in last two months of the year. This port is projected as a strategic point for trade in goods between South America and Asia, positioning Peru as a key logistics hub on the South Pacific coast. This development will significantly increase the operations of the national port system and will have a significant impact on customs management, also stimulating the country's logistics and economic growth.
The creation of the Chancay Customs Office responds to this need for reorganization. According to Article 5 of Law No. 29816, which strengthens SUNAT, this institution is responsible for implementing, supervising and facilitating foreign trade activities in the country. This includes the inspection of international traffic of people, goods and means of transport, in addition to the prevention of customs crimes and illicit trafficking.
To meet these objectives, the Regulations for the Organization of SUNAT Functions have been modified, establishing a specific body for control and facilitation at the “Multipurpose Port Terminal for the Port of Chancay.” This restructuring came into effect on October 21 of this year and seeks to improve efficiency in the control of goods and compliance with Peruvian customs regulations, strengthening SUNAT’s capabilities on the South American Pacific coast, along with the port of Callao, Jorge Chávez airport and the Ancón Industrial Park.
Likewise, on October 24 of this year, through the Supreme Decree No. 198-2024-EFis modified the Regulations of the General Customs Law, the Table of Sanctions applicable to customs violations, among other provisions, with the aim of simplifying the rules applicable to the customs transit regime, especially land transit, and strengthening controls based on risk management, the use of cutting-edge technology, simplifying customs clearance, reducing service times and strengthening control and traceability of cargo entering warehouses inside and outside the Megapuerto. These modifications will come into effect in a staggered and progressive manner.
Likewise, the Peruvian Government has indicated its intention to create a Special Economic Zone between the ports of Callao and Chancay, which is a geographical area with specific laws designed to foster a more deregulated economy compared to national legislation.
To describe the new port, Peruvian lawyer and columnist Customs News, Mauricio Ruiz used these words: “The Chancay Megaport will become the most important logistics hub "This project will allow foreign trade operators, as well as importers and exporters, to reduce significant operating costs that will be reflected in greater profitability, competitiveness and use of new technologies in customs clearance. This project is a great support for facilitating foreign trade."
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