PERU

On August 31, the Executive, issued Supreme Decree No. 146-2020-PCM, extending the State of National Emergency and targeted lockdown until September 30, in view of the increase in COVID-19 cases.  In other news, the National Superintendency of Customs and Tax Administration (Sunat) approved the specific procedure for the “use and control of customs seals and other obligations guaranteeing cargo integrity cargo.”

State of National Emergency

Decree 146-2020 stipulates that the departments of Cusco, Moquegua, Puno and Tacna must maintain “obligatory social isolation”. Therefore, in these regions, only businesses selling basic goods and services, such as food and pharmacies, may operate as well as certain companies with special permits.

The document also states that curfew will continue from 22.00 to 4.00 am, except in quarantine jurisdictions, where it runs from 20.00 to 4.00. Minors under 14 and citizens over 65 years of age may not go out at all, as they belong to risk groups.

Procedure for the use and control of customs seals and other obligations

The purpose of these regulations is to establish the guidelines to be followed by foreign trade operators and local operators when using and checking customs seals, in order to “guarantee” the integrity of the cargo transported in closed containers, and in van or tank type vehicles with a structure and packaging that allows them to be sealed.

The resolution states that the procedure will take effect as of October 2, 2020, although the obligation to include the QR code in customs seals of the bolt and cable type will only come into effect on July 4, 2021.

Draft “Guidelines on compensation for damages caused to consumers as a result of anticompetitive behavior”.

The Technical Secretariat of the Commission for the Defense of Free Competition of Indecopi launched the draft guidelines on damages compensation for public consultation, with the purpose of helping consumers to claim compensation for damages derived from infringements to the rules of free competition. Interested parties may submit their comments until October 30 to the following e-mail: [email protected].