1. Within the framework of customs-customs interaction, will Uruguay be able to avoid exhaustive controls for cargoes originating from certified reliable economic operators?
The Coordinator of the Qualified Economic Operator Program responds, Eng. Diego Casella: Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRA) are created in the area of customs-customs interaction, which aim to establish the compatibility of Economic Operator Programs between customs.
It is through these agreements that the bilateral benefits to be granted are agreed upon in order to contribute significantly to trade facilitation.
Within the framework of these mutual benefits, guidelines are being negotiated for the attenuation of controls for companies certified by the customs of both signatory countries. This reduction in controls, which is achieved as a result of the ARM, results in faster dispatch of goods and thus benefits all Certified Economic Operators.
2. In customs modernization, is the use of the Single Window being studied so that the same document for leaving Uruguay can be used for entering the customs of another country?
Answer the Manager of the Foreign Trade One-Stop Shop, Eng. Lorena Veiga: The implementation of the Single Window for Foreign Trade (VUCE) in Uruguay began in 2011 as part of the Customs Modernization process.
It began operating in 2013 and has since incorporated new procedures and functionalities for the foreign trade community. From its conception, the VUCE was designed so that it could exchange electronic information with other Single Windows, which we call cross-border interoperability.
There are already some pilot experiences of information exchange between countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, and in 2017, Uruguay hopes to be able to join one of these pilot projects to begin exchanging the first documents.
3. Does Uruguay have any agreement with Argentina to combat smuggling?
Answer the Institutional Relations and Technical Advisory, Laura Dighiero School: To date, there is no specific agreement at the level of Customs in Argentina or Uruguay to combat smuggling.
However, the Agreement on Cooperation, Exchange of Information, Data Consultation and Mutual Assistance between the Customs Administrations of Mercosur, approved by Decision No. 26/06 of the Common Market Council, establishes the legal framework for cooperation and exchange of information with the aim of preventing, investigating and suppressing customs offences.
Both Customs Offices have extensive experience in mutual administrative assistance, both spontaneously and upon request, which has enabled them to collaborate in investigations that have led to the verification of customs offences and their suppression.
There are harmonised standards for customs control and within this framework, projects are being developed to strengthen customs risk management with the aim of optimising controls and improving the capabilities of Customs.
4. Do you consider the possibility of unifying the value of entry of goods by Baggage Regime for all Mercosur Members?
Answer the Institutional Relations and Technical Advisory, Laura Dighiero School: The customs regime for baggage in MERCOSUR was approved by Decision No. 18/94 of the Common Market Council, and is in force by virtue of having been incorporated into the legal systems of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. Within this framework, common provisions have been established regarding the definition of the different categories of travellers, whether tourists or persons entering or moving to another State Party for permanent residence.
Aspects related to the customs declaration that travellers must complete, the customs valuation of their luggage, as well as the taxation that will be applied in the event of exceeding the exemption limit, which is 50% of the value of the goods, have been harmonised. It is also stipulated that objects for personal use by travellers, as well as books, brochures and newspapers, are exempt from taxes.
Although Decision No. 18/94 was amended by Decision No. 53/08, this rule has not yet entered into force as it has not been internalized by all the States Parties. This rule maintains the deductibles and the possibility for each country to maintain higher deductibles.
Regarding whether it is possible to unify the amount of the franchises, it must be taken into account that the Customs Baggage Regime is contemplated in the MERCOSUR Customs Code, which was approved by Decision No. 27/2010 of the Common Market Council. - Once it comes into force, the regulatory stage of the same will begin, which will open the possibility of advancing in the harmonization of the amounts of the franchises.
5. What is the impact of customs modernization on e-Commerce?
Answer the Risk Control and Management Manager, Cr. Fernando Wins: Within the framework of Customs Modernization, the DNA has incorporated new tools, such as Process Management and Project Management, which have allowed the implementation of Strategic Initiatives such as VUCE or the Digital Customs Document that involve the incorporation of technology, data transmission, digital signature and others.
In turn, the Risk Analysis methodology has been perfected through the development of an Integrated Customs Intelligence System (SIIA), which allows the selection of loads to be controlled through the combination of variables and econometric and statistical models.
The development of all these tools has put us in an excellent position to be able to develop the processes necessary to meet the growing demand in terms of e-commerce volume and also to apply the best control criteria through adequate selectivity.
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.
