Latest data from the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network’s (MACN) Anonymous Incident Reporting System reveals that corruption incidents in Argentina have decreased by more than 90%.
According to MACN, this drop follows:
- the development of a new regulatory framework with the National Service of Health and Agri-Food Quality (Senasa),
- the development of a new IT system for processing and registering hold/tank inspections, and
- high-level government support.
These developments are part of the collective action project MACN created to support reforms initiated by Senasa, other local stakeholders, and the broader shipping community in Argentina back in 2014.
In 2014, when we started this project, shipping companies operating in Argentina faced challenges in connection with the inspection of holds and tanks inspection practices. Data from MACN’s Anonymous Incident Reporting System highlighted a systemic issue with demands for payment for unclean grain holds, including cases of extortion,
…MACN Program Director Cecilia Müller-Torbrand noted.
Using this data as a starting point, MACN and local partner Governance Latam conducted a fact-finding mission to fully understand the nature of the problem before building a strong coalition of local and global stakeholders.
The 2017 redrafting and clarification of regulations for approval of a vessel’s holds or tanks for the loading of agricultural products greatly improved operating practices for the vessel inspection process. This also allowed us to develop comprehensive training for public and private stakeholders to further reinforce the required change in behavior,
…Governance Latam Partner Fernando Basch said.
The new regulatory framework entered into force on 1 November 2017 for a one-year pilot period. Given the success and impact achieved to date, Senasa is now taking steps to maintain the new system.
