Work slowdown by Brazilian auditors leads to cargo backlogs at border crossings

The protest led by federal agricultural auditors, which began on January 22nd and gained momentum this week, has started to impact private sector operations. In Foz do Iguaçu, a border city between Brazil and Paraguay, nearly 2,000 trucks are awaiting clearance to enter or leave the country at advanced checkpoints. There are at least 240 backlogged processes awaiting clearance by federal officers before the cargoes can continue their journey.

These trucks mostly carry corn, soybeans, wheat, rice, wheat flour, vegetable oil, fruits, wine, crystallized fruits, dairy products, beef, pork, poultry, fish, and animal feed for export or import. Customs activities were interrupted on Tuesday (02/20). Only a few perishable products underwent inspection.

The management of International Agricultural Surveillance (Vigiagro) and representatives from the National Union of Federal Agricultural Auditors (Anffa Sindical) will attempt to negotiate a resolution. In 2022, border posts between Foz do Iguaçu and Ciudad del Este, Paraguay, faced a similar situation due to a strike by federal revenue auditors.

The slowdown work regime, also called a “standard operation,” causes delays in the operations of poultry, pork, and beef slaughterhouses across the country. The emission of export certificates in plants that have been granted a Federal Inspection Service (SIF) seal has been taking longer than usual, according to firms in the business.

Major players in the meat industry have already warned Agriculture Minister Carlos Fávaro about the potential severity of the situation. A shipment of hatching eggs for export at Guarulhos (São Paulo) Airport was recently halted due to documentary issues that are typically resolved on the sport.

While the productive sector understands and supports the auditors’ demands, it does not want it to bring them economic losses.

Tensions have escalated this week. Auditors intensified their protest after deeming a proposal from the Ministry of Management and Innovation in Public Services (MGI) “absurd.” There are expectations that the effects will also be felt by the end of this week at the Port of Santos and in the slaughter schedules of meat plants.

Source: Globo Rural

Click here to read the original news article: https://globorural.globo.com/especiais/caminhos-da-safra/noticia/2024/02/mobilizacao-de-fiscais-agropecuarios-trava-cargas-e-preocupa-setores-do-agro.ghtml

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