ICC Recommendations on Illicit Trade in Free Trade Zones (FTZs)

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Free Trade Zones (FTZs) can play an important role in fostering trade flows and attracting local and foreign investment. However, the lack of oversight in a large number of FTZs have allowed for organized criminals to facilitate illicit trade flows in narcotics and counterfeited, pirated or stolen goods. Due to high profits yielded, low risks of detection and relatively low penalties, without appropriate Customs supervision these zones are easy targets for organized crime and illicit trade.

The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), as the world business organization speaking on behalf of companies from all sectors in every part of the world, acknowledges that Free Trade Zones (FTZs)1 can play an important role in fostering trade flows and attracting local and foreign investment. FTZs have the potential to boost the national economy, increase the productivity of supply chains and generate employment. In an attempt to simplify and reduce the cost of trade, national governments offer a range of benefits in these jurisdictions such as limited regulatory oversight and inspection of goods in transit, and reduced customs and tax regulations.

However, ICC is concerned about the lack of uniformity in national legislations, administration and monitoring of FTZs by national regulatory bodies – including Customs agencies. In recent years, along with the global proliferation of FTZs2, the lack of oversight in a large number of FTZs has allowed for organized criminals to facilitate illicit trade flows in narcotics and counterfeited, pirated or stolen goods.

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