Crackdown on origin and tariff circumvention

The Foreign Trade Chamber (“Camex”) has announced anti-circumvention measures to deal with imports of goods and components of suspicious origin. Helder Chaves, the Camex secretary general, says the problem is that some goods coming into Brazil as if from one country are actually coming from another. This makes it possible to avoid import tariffs or restrictions.

Chaves also pointed out a problem with imported bicycles from China. As they have a high import surtax, they are being broken down and imported as bicycle parts (with a much lower import tariff).
According to Chaves, antidumping processes are long and drawn out. “Anti-circumvention measures enable us to extend and apply commerce protection norms faster,” he explained.

At a press conference, Chaves also announced new anti-corruption measures as part of an agreement with the European Organization of Economic and Development Cooperation. “The idea is not so much to punish as to make exporters aware of their obligations,” said the diplomat. The new rules will require exporters who receive any government financing to report possible corruption.