Aligned with the national government’s trade facilitation policies, the General Customs Directorate (DGA) has advanced efforts to simplify and digitalize customs procedures. These efforts reflect the core principles of the Revised Arusha Declaration of the WCO, which promotes good governance and ethics in Customs.

Key components of this framework include:

• Regulatory Simplification: Streamlined norms with minimal burden
  
  
• Transparency: High predictability and legal certainty
  
  
• Automation: Efficient systematization of Customs operations
  
  
• Reform & Modernization: Elimination of undue advantages
  
  

In this context, the Customs Administration recently launched the Customs Integrity Perception Survey (CIPS), encouraging stakeholders to share their perspectives anonymously.

During my participation at the WCO meetings in Brussels in June 2024, I learned of this tool, part of the WCO’s A-CIP Programme (Anti-Corruption & Integrity Promotion). In September 2024, Argentina’s Customs was invited to be the first to implement this new platform—an opportunity to lead on ethics and good governance in Customs.

CIPS is based on the ten key factors of the Arusha Declaration and collects insights from both customs officials and the private sector via anonymous WCO-hosted surveys.

The survey was open to the private sector from November 19–29, reaching over 76,000 invitees including associations, importers/exporters, brokers, and freight agents. On its second day, the survey had already reached the threshold for representativeness.

The internal (customs staff) dimension has yet to be launched.

In addition, following WCO recommendations, Argentina’s Customs signed a cooperation agreement with the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN) in September 2024. Known for combating corruption in port operations, MACN previously partnered with SENASA on grain inspections.

The agreement aims to identify corruption risks, gather best practices, and promote training and knowledge sharing to enhance transparency in customs operations.

Also in September 2024, Customs renewed ties with the Argentine Association of Ethics & Compliance, with which AFIP had previously signed a framework agreement. The Association expressed support for CIPS dissemination and other joint efforts.

The launch of the CIPS survey marks progress in the right direction. Completion of the internal phase, along with further actions such as the MACN agreement, could provide effective solutions to strengthen transparency and governance in customs.

By a customs law specialist and former Director General of Customs

Link to La Nación