The Argentine Federation of Cargo Transport Business Entities (FADEEAC) expressed its strong rejection of the measure adopted by the Municipality of the city of Formosa, which implemented an entry fee to the urban area for cargo carriers not based in that jurisdiction.
According to the statement from the business Federation that brings together 42 Transport Chambers from across the country, through a series of Municipal Ordinances, the collection of a “Contribution for services affecting motor vehicles and other rolling stock” was established, applicable to passenger and cargo carriers, both national and international.
The provision, which requires the payment of fees for each vehicle unit that enters or temporarily circulates in the city, constitutes in fact an internal customs, prohibited by the National Constitution.
“The measure seriously violates the principle of free movement of people, goods and services in Argentine territory by imposing a local tax without justification and for mere revenue-raising purposes, while contravening the National Traffic Law No. 24,449,” stated FADEEAC.
New tax to enter Formosa. “We, as of today, are implementing the ‘perception for the contribution to auto-transport’. Every vehicle not registered in Formosa has to pay up to $35,000 to enter.”
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International Consequences
Then, they explain that the decision of the Formosa Municipality also has international consequences since it disregards the commitments made by Argentina under the Agreement on International Land Transport (ATIT), signed by the Mercosur countries. This agreement, of supranational hierarchy, expressly prohibits the imposition of local rates or taxes that affect the free movement of vehicles, goods, or persons linked to international transport operations.
The measure adopted by the Formosa Municipality is not only unconstitutional and in violation of current national and international regulations, but also sets a dangerous precedent that undermines regional integration and the harmonization of public transport policies, warned the Federation.
“Cargo transport is an essential service for the national economy. It cannot be subject to arbitrary taxes nor become an instrument for local self-financing,” said Cristian Sanz, President of FADEEAC.
For all these reasons, FADEEAC requested the immediate intervention of the competent provincial and national authorities, in order to render this municipal provision ineffective, as it violates fundamental rights and hinders the country’s economic and logistical activity.
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internal customs FormosaATITCristian Sanzfadeeacmercosur
