The Panama Maritime Chamber (CMP), a guild representing more than 250 companies in the maritime, port, logistics, and auxiliary sectors, expressed its concern regarding the implementation of a new municipal tax scheme, aimed at shipping service companies in the district of Colón.
According to the organization, “a large number of companies, from various key activities, disciplines, and industries for our sector, have faced the application of a new tax by the Municipality of Colón, under the category of ‘shipping services,’ which has generated charges ranging from B/. 500 to B/. 9000 monthly per company /or per vessel, including in some cases, retroactive charges for activities carried out in previous years.”
The institution added that “the latter have even reached exorbitant figures, which has led to the freezing of bank accounts, affecting the regular operation of formal companies that generate local employment. It is worth noting that this tax is imposed without standardized technical criteria, often being subject to the interpretation or discretion of a municipal inspector.”
“As a guild, the CMP has held conversations with both the Municipality of Colón and the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP), in an effort to build bridges of dialogue and seek solutions that respect the current legal framework. To date, a clear legal basis that fully supports the legality and proportionality of this new charge has not been received,” explained the Chamber.
“Double taxation, when a company already pays fees to the AMP for the same services, is an aspect that must be analyzed objectively, under criteria of legality and proportionality. We also observe with concern that this situation is generating a displacement effect: several companies are considering moving their operations to other ports in the country, which could affect the economic and social fabric of Colón if timely and coordinated measures are not taken,” it warned.
Likewise, the Panama Maritime Chamber called for: temporarily suspending retroactive charges and coercive administrative actions, while the legal foundation is clarified and pending processes are resolved; establishing a technical table between the Municipality of Colón, the AMP, and business guilds, to allow for a review of this situation with a national vision, fiscal responsibility, and respect for the Rule of Law; and aligning all institutional actions with Article 317 of the National Constitution, which establishes that State entities must act in accordance with a National Maritime Strategy, guaranteeing coherence, coordination, and legal security for all actors.
“The Panama Maritime Chamber reaffirms its commitment to the sustainable development of Colón and the entire country. We are committed to respectful dialogue, compliance with the law, and the promotion of an environment where investment, employment, and competitiveness can continue to grow responsibly,” the entity emphasized.
