PANAMA CITY, Panama – The Panamanian government has established a comprehensive new cargo inspection program designed to strengthen national security and combat international crime. The initiative, approved by the Cabinet Council on Tuesday, October 28, will be led by the National Customs Authority (ANA) in coordination with other government entities.
The program, formally decreed as the “Program for Interinstitutional Coordination and Intergovernmental Assistance for Cargo Verification in the Territory of the Republic of Panama,” centralizes inspection efforts for all containerized goods entering, transiting, or leaving the country. The move aims to address a range of security threats, including organized crime, terrorism, weapons proliferation, and smuggling.
Enhanced Security Through Non-Intrusive Technology
Soraya Valdivieso, Director of the ANA, detailed that the new regulations authorize the verification of all containerized cargo through non-intrusive inspection technology. This includes both full and empty containers, which will be selected for scanning through either targeted or random methods.
“Under this new norm, all cargo in containers that enters, transits, transships, or leaves the national territory may be verified through non-intrusive technology,” Valdivieso explained. “This will be done selectively or randomly, applying selectivity criteria in accordance with international risk management best practices.” [Translated from Spanish]
The primary objective is to guarantee secure trade within the international logistics chain, a critical concern for a global hub like Panama. The inspections will be conducted based on risk profiles and regulatory standards established by the ANA.
New Specialized Units and Risk Analysis
The program mandates the creation of several new specialized units within the government’s security apparatus. A key component is the establishment of a Technical Container Inspection Unit, which will be directly responsible for conducting the physical and technical inspections of containerized cargo.
Further strengthening the program’s analytical capabilities, a Risk Analysis Unit will also be created. This unit will develop corresponding risk matrices, profiles, and evaluations. These will cover areas such as threat and hazard assessment, classification of dangerous goods, security confinement protocols, and procedures for the return of cargo to its port of origin.
The coordinated effort will involve multiple agencies with jurisdiction over the entry, exit, or presence of goods in the country, or those with a vested interest in fighting transnational crime.
Implementation in Ports, Airports, and Borders
Under the coordination of the competent authorities, the program will establish and implement the technical requirements for the acquisition, operation, and maintenance of non-intrusive inspection equipment. This advanced technology is slated for installation at key points of entry and exit across the nation.
“The technical requirements and terms related to the acquisition, contracting, operation, maintenance, and supervision of the non-intrusive inspection equipment and technology will be established,” the official announcement confirmed. “This equipment must be installed in international ports and airports, at land borders, and in Free Trade Zones.” [Translated from Spanish]
The comprehensive rollout ensures that the entire supply chain passing through Panama is subject to the enhanced security measures, regardless of the point of entry or mode of transport.
Oversight and International Cooperation
The program includes strict reporting protocols to ensure accountability and high-level oversight. The results obtained from the cargo verification operations must be presented periodically to the National Security Council, providing top government officials with direct visibility into the program’s effectiveness and findings.
In a move to bolster its intelligence capabilities, the ANA will also seek to formalize information sharing with international partners. The authority will pursue a greater number of bilateral and multilateral mutual assistance agreements with the customs authorities of other countries.
“The ANA will seek to convene the largest number of bilateral and multilateral mutual assistance agreements with the customs authorities of other countries,” the decree outlines, “to have the most reliable information, in order to minimize risks to the security of the international logistics chain.” [Translated from Spanish]
This international cooperation is deemed essential for obtaining reliable, pre-arrival data, which will enhance the risk analysis and targeting capabilities of the new national authority units. The program represents a significant step by the Panamanian government to fortify its borders and secure its position within global trade routes against evolving criminal threats.