computer systems of the National Institute for Food and Drug Surveillance (Invite) have been presenting faults since the beginning of the month, as it happened last February 6.
(Read: Slowdown and logistics crisis, trade risks in 2022).
Because of this, foreign trade certificates and documents cannot be issued on time and, because of this, thousands of containers full of merchandise cannot be moved and remain dammed in ports.
The unions and businessmen in Colombia look with concern this situation that could mitigate the country’s high inflation, which in January of this year was 6.94%. Food, medicines, cosmetics and other supplies, mainly those that require nationalization processes, could become more expensive.
(Read: The country’s challenges after consolidating an economic growth of 10.6%).
WHAT DID THE UNIONS SAY?
the president of AnaldexJavier Díaz, pointed out that “We view this with great concern. What they tell us is that the page was hijacked by a hacker, so it is not working and that has caused many problems. People don’t have much information and don’t know what to do”.
According to the executive president of the Colombian Federation of International Trade Logistics Agents (Fitac), Miguel Espinosa, alternative solutions should be proposed for this situation, otherwise meat, fish, medical devices and biomedical equipments would be some of the products that most would generate cost overruns.
This, mainly, because these inputs must maintain their cold chain. “These items have a significant risk (…) businessmen have explored the option of being able to use them in other terminals in different latitudes so that they are not damaged here in the country,” added Espinosa.
(Read: The economic activity in the country was 11.8% in December 2021).
For his part, the president of FenalcoJaime Alberto Cabal, stated that “While the inconvenience is solved, the manual management of procedures such as the payment of health inspection services in ports, airports and border crossings is allowed, to speed up receipts and other documents.”
However, cargo checks at ports, which used to take between four and five hours, when done manually it takes between one and two days.
WHAT WAS INVIMA’S RESPONSE?
Last Wednesday, the entity issued a statement on the New measures administrative measures to guarantee continuity in the provision of services.
“In order to minimize the effects on export and import activities in the country. Human talent has been turned over, so that reviews at ports, airports and border crossings are done manually and documented, taking into account that the unwavering purpose of the Institute is to ensure and protect public health in Colombia.”, affirmed the Invima.
(Read: USA, China and Mexico, Colombia’s main trading partners).
According to the entity, the import permit can be done through the one stop shop foreign trade; as well as the issuance of certificates of free sale and authorization of materials, objects, packaging and equipment intended to come into contact with food and beverages, among other procedures.
BRIEFCASE
