Author: Marcelo Toledo

Source: Folha de S. Paulo - São Paulo / SP - RIBEIRÃO - 23/05/2010

Exchange makes it profitable to seek contraband products in the neighboring country, as they are tax free

Silva Junior / Folha Image

Hundreds of people shop on Coronel Toledo Street, in the border region, in Ciudad del Este, Paraguay

SENT TO CIUDAD DEL ESTE

The Federal Revenue seized US $ 32,7 million (R $ 60,8 million) from smuggled products in the Foz do Iguaçu customs in the first four months of the year.
The total seized represents 55,71% growth compared to the US $ 21 million in the same period in 2009, according to data from the Federal Revenue Service of Foz do Iguaçu.

For the tax auditor of the Federal Revenue in Foz Ivair Luís Hoffmann, 38, the increase is due to greater inspection by the agency and also to the expansion of the smugglers' action.
“The IRS organized itself to have a constant performance, not only at the points of entry into customs, but also in the repression in the secondary zone, which includes highways and rivers. In addition, smuggling has also grown, ”he said.

Over the past year, seizures totaled $ 86 million. Of the total seized between January and April 2010, vehicles were 34%, followed by electronics, with 22%, and cigarettes (9%).
Computer seizures (8%) and clothing (5%) also appear with considerable volume.

According to the tax auditor, factors such as the exchange rate make smuggled products attractive, since they are exempt from taxes.
“Smuggling has also grown, but what we see is that the seizures have grown more. The goods enter the country without taxes, as well as the products exported by Brazil are also cheaper, because they are free of fees. ”

Regarding the criticism of sacoleiros that the import quota of US $ 300 is too low, the tax auditor said that it complies with the Mercosur standard and, therefore, involves international agreements.
“The previous quota was US $ 150 but, due to negotiation, it standardized at US $ 300. It is an exemption quota for the traveler and the tourist. But they can bring as much as they want, as long as they pay the import quota on the difference, ”he said.
The consumer pays a fee of 50% of the amount that exceeds US $ 300. Example: if you spend US $ 500, you will pay 50% of the excess US $ 200.

(MARCELO TOLEDO)