Federal Revenue Secretariat, Press Office, 01/02/2005

Customs at the Port of Santos reduced customs clearance time for export by 57% and import by 20%, in the comparison between 2004 and 2003. At the same time, it broke a collection record, jumping from the R $ 3,5 billion collected in 2003 to R $ 5,6 billion in 2004. Even though the average import tax rates fell 10% in relation to 2003, the incidence of PIS / COFINS on imports, the increase in imports and the fight against tax evasion resulted in reductions. in the historical record.

In 2004, Customs was noted for the intense work of screening taxpayers to enable them to practice foreign trade. Furthermore, new outbreaks of counterfeiting / piracy were detected by the Santos Customs, which in June / 2004 seized 9 suitcases and bags that improperly boasted renowned brands, and ended the year with the successful “white beard” operation, when dozens thousands of glasses and sneakers with the original brand copied were seized. Actions against imports with false content declaration and the fight against fraudulent filing resulted in seizure of 709 tons of electronic products, medical and hospital equipment, foodstuffs and computer goods, including approximately 800 thousand CDs and 1,7 recording devices of CD, valued at approximately R $ 7 million. Export control operations also resulted in seizures of approximately 63 tons of goods declared in more than R $ 5 million due to ideological falsehood. Also, in the last quarter of 2004, the external inspection of the Customs of Santos, which includes 24 municipalities in its jurisdiction, in a concentrated effort seized 03 Mercedes Benz vehicles that were circulating irregularly in the country.

In 2005 it is expected to advance even more in protecting society, this is the commitment of the entire team at the Customs of Santos.

More information can be obtained, today (01/02/05), at 15 pm, at the Office of Dr. José Guilherme Antunes de Vasconcelos, Customs Inspector of the Port of Santos (Headquarters, Praça da República, s / nº- 2nd floor).