Customs Fines in Argentina – Further Information

February 2001

We have received the following information from PandI Liquidadores S.R.L., Buenos Aires, Argentina:

A number of incidents have taken place in Argentina leading to customs proceedings due to the non-declaration of bunkers (HFO & MDO) and lube oils onboard ships on arrival.

When a vessel is cleared before the Customs Authorities upon arrival, the bunkers onboard have to be declared in the vessel’s Store List among other items that are regularly declared.

The lack of declaration of the bunkers onboard will constitute, prima facie, an infringement of Custom’s regulations. Although, it is not clear at this stage under which section of the Customs Code this infringement will be framed, the penalty could amount to up to twice the market value of the non-declared goods or anything from 1 to 5 times the value of the import duty. Therefore, the penalty could be substantial.

It is therefore suggested that Members issue a warning to their Masters when calling at any Argentinian Port to ensure that the existence of bunkers and lube oils onboard are properly and accurately declared on arrival in the corresponding forms. Masters must additionally ensure that the duplicate of the Store List, which is left onboard, is also duly completed as its original.