Ramallo faces controversy over new heavy vehicle transit taxes

The Argentine Federation of Freight Transport Companies (FADEEAC) has filed a complaint with the National Secretariat of Transport against a new taxation scheme in Ramallo, Buenos Aires. The federation characterizes the system as a ‘disguised municipal toll’ implemented on a 5.1-kilometer stretch of the former Provincial Route 87, which connects National Route 9 to the industrial park and the Port of San Nicolás.

FADEEAC claims the costs are excessive, alleging that dynamic weighing could cost up to $37,000 per entry, alongside other fees. The federation argues this creates a double taxation issue and could fragment domestic trade by increasing export costs. They have requested a judicial injunction to suspend the measure.

In response, the Municipality of Ramallo, led by Mauro Poletti, denied the existence of a ‘hidden toll.’ Officials stated that the Heavy Transit Tax has existed since 2002 and that the current changes merely expand the taxpayer base. The municipality clarified that the fee is $25,000 per entry and replaces previous payments made directly at industrial plants. The technological system, involving dynamic weighing and TAG devices, was awarded to Plus Byte SRL.