MACN sees over 90% drop in corruption in Argentina

The maritime industry in the past faced corruption related to hold and tank inspections in Argentina. To address these issues a collective action project was created by MACN to support reforms by National Service of Health and Agri-Food Quality (Senasa), other agencies and the shipping community.

A new regulatory framework was developed by Senasa and a new IT system developed for processing and registering hold/tank inspections

MACN program director Cecilia Müller-Torbrand highlighted said: “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.”

The new regulatory framework entered into force on 1 November 2017 for a one-year pilot period and there was a more than a 90% drop in incidents reported to the (MACN) Anonymous Incident Reporting System. Senasa is now taking steps to maintain the new system.