PANAMA

On August 13, representatives from the transport and logistics sector of the Panama Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture (CCIAP) met with Eric Julio Rodriguez, head of the program of the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program, a meeting set up by the National Customs Authority (NCA). The business sector was keen to request that the implementation of the regulations creating the Single Window of Procedures for the Colon Free Zone be “expedited” as it had already been approved last April by the Colon Free Zone’s Board of Directors. The NCA committed to analyzing the request, and could take a decision in the short term. 

The Single Window aims to act as a one-stop shop to facilitate international trade through more efficient and secure logistics chains. The idea is to improve the integrated management of logistics chains for all modes of transport by fostering greater cooperation between customs administrations at international level. The AEO program is for natural or legal persons undertaking commercial activities or professional services related to foreign trade, such as export-imports, customs warehouses, transportation companies, seaports, cargo agents and customs brokers.

The Single Window is a physical, electronic and/or digital system allowing the procedures required to be managed according to current regulations governing the entry, exit or transfer within the Colon Free Zone, as well as any other government procedures required in it. Approved in April of this year, it is expected to come into effect and be available in the short term.