News and Press
Mexican ports retains more than 250 containers containing chinese cargo
According to an article wrote URÍAS MOISÉS GAMARRO, reporter, an approx. 250 containers which final destination was Guatemala was retained by Manzanillo and Lazaro Cardenas Ports since July, 2010.
GUATEMALAN importers and shipping companies have started legal procedures to recover losses which are estimated in more than USD $5 million. Most of the Cargo that has been confiscated are shoes, games and clothes.
Luis Rolando Coronado, President of the Guatemalan Shipping Association (Asonav) , affirmed that at least 10 Asian container companies have been affected by these acts.
Quote: “It is a violation of the International Commerce, since Mexico cannot apply the Norms to third countries’, said by Mr. Coronado unquote.
Reason-
Mexico decided to retain this cargo since they suspected smuggling and the violation of the Intellectual Property treaty.
This is a cooperation treaty between Mexico and USA to avoid these Charges, but they have started applying it to all containers that uses these terminals as transshipments on the Pacific side. These actions have created big losses to El Salvador and Guatemalan commerce.
It has been explained that each owner of the containers has to show an original certification from the manufacturer or a special permission from the importers. The problem is that it is well known that the Chinese brand “FAKE” have not legal support and due the Mexican treaty these containers were detained.
The parties affected are considering the possibility of taking this case to the world commerce organization.
The Guatemalan Shipping Asociation ( Asonav) has suggested to local importers not to use the Mexican ports and consider using other options.
We will keep you post it on this matter.
