After more than three decades of service, one of the most respected figures in Argentine Customs is retiring. From her hometown of Paso de los Libres to coordinating CT2 of MERCOSUR, María Luisa Carbonell left an indelible mark on trade facilitation and international cooperation.
On March 31, 2026, officials and colleagues of the Customs Collection and Control Agency (ARCA), General Directorate of Customs (DGA)They gave a warm farewell to the Public Accountant Maria Luisa Carbonell On the occasion of her retirement, her departure marks the culmination of an exemplary career that, far from closing a chapter, represents a true passing of the torch in regional integration. María Luisa leaves behind a consolidated coordination effort characterized by decades of technical expertise, a federal vision, and a commitment to customs cooperation, as well as a clear roadmap for those who now take her place.
Libreña Identity and Academic Excellence
Born in the warmth of the city of Paso de los Libres, Corrientes Province (northeast), trained in the classrooms of Valentín Virasoro Normal School and a passionate follower of the carnival group ZUM ZUM, “Marilú” Carbonell always carried with her the essence of the border.
This innate biculturalism, typical of someone who grows up across from Uruguaiana (Brazil), allowed him to master Portuguese with a fluency that would later become his greatest diplomatic asset. His solid foundation as Certified Public Accountant (UNNE), he added his training as Specialist in Latin American Integration Policies (UNLP), an academic combination that prepared her for the most complex challenges.
CT2: An Integration "Powerhouse"
As Alternate Coordinator of Technical Committee No. 2 (CT2) "Customs Affairs and Trade Facilitation"María Luisa was the driving force behind what many consider the true "powerhouse" of customs integration in MERCOSUR. During her tenure, CT2 not only debated regulations but also built the bloc's legal infrastructure.
Under his leadership and technical supervision, pillars such as the following were consolidated:
- SYNTHIA: The Integrated International Customs Transit System.
- INDIRA: The Integrated Customs Records System, key to the exchange of information.
- The MERCOSUR Trade Facilitation Agreement (AFC+)
- More than 25 Common Customs Regimes: Regulations in force in the four Member States that transformed regional operations, including:
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- Baggage and Circulation of Cultural Goods Regulations.
- Regulations for Tourist Vehicles (private and rental).
- Parcel transport by passenger bus.
- Valuation Manual and Risk Control and Management Standards.
An Ambassador to the World
Her expertise was not limited to the Southern Cone. María Luisa represented Argentina with distinction in the World Customs Organization (WCO) and in the COMALEPwhere his negotiating skills and technical expertise earned him the respect of the Directors General of Customs throughout Latin America. He was also a key figure in coordinating the customs chapter of the MERCOSUR-European Union Agreement.
The Legacy of a Role Model
Those who received her exhaustive reports and worked side-by-side with her at the negotiation tables know that "Marilú" leaves an immense technical void but a clearly defined path forward. The official who knew every detail of the regulations is retiring, but the mentor who knew how to translate political will into operational realities remains.
From Customs News We celebrate the career of someone who knew how to unite his Corrientes roots with international diplomacy. A path that confirms that per aspera ad astra. Thank you for your invaluable work, Maria Luisa!
We also thank the Dr. Hector H. Juarez Allende for her invaluable technical collaboration and the contribution of key information for the preparation of this special recognition to a woman from the Argentine Customs Service.
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.