Argentina and Chile advance measures to combat smuggling

In Argentina, the national government is set to sign an agreement with the Argentine Industrial Union (UIA) to combat smuggling and under-invoicing, which causes an estimated US$ 2.3 billion in fiscal losses. The initiative, led by the Secretariat of Industry and Commerce, aims to monitor illegal trade and under-invoicing on digital platforms such as Meta and Mercado Libre.

The plan involves collaborative working groups between the Ministry of Economy, Customs, and the Ministry of Security. These groups will utilize technological tools to detect trademark fraud and uncertified merchandise in both physical stores and virtual marketplaces, ensuring traceability for products sold on social media.

In Chile, the Chamber of Deputies has approved a bill aimed at addressing smuggling and its phytosanitary consequences. The legislation seeks to protect national agricultural production by increasing penalties and fines for the illegal entry of goods that could introduce animal diseases or plant pests. The project, which returns to the Senate, empowers the Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) to take legal action against those responsible for illicitly introducing biological threats.