MR. DIRECTOR:
Last week, Customs announced the acquisition of two scanner trucks for Valparaíso and Arica — which would bring the total to 12 units in the country — and the purchase of 10 additional ones over a six-year period.
In this regard, Audit Report No. 599/2026 of the Comptroller General's Office detected inspection deficiencies at Customs. To this is added a significant gap in control capacity; for example, in Valparaíso two containers are scanned per hour, while in other ports in the region, such as Posorga (Ecuador), 150 containers are scanned per hour, with 100% inspection (versus 5% in Chilean ports).
Having more equipment strengthens port security, but the planning for its incorporation and availability is insufficient in terms of technology, quantity, and sense of urgency.
We have presented to the authorities — of this government and the previous one — information on technologies and comparative experience, and proposed a concession model in which a specialized company supplies, operates, and maintains AI-equipped scanners to inspect 100% of containers, being remunerated through a fee paid by users, as happens at the port of Santos. Under this model, Customs retains its inspection powers, which cannot be delegated.
Strengthening port security is indispensable, but it must be done quickly and effectively, avoiding the use of state resources to sustain already obsolete models.
Daniel Fern…
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Valparaiso, January 6, 2023.
General view of the port and bay of Valparaiso at sunset.
Raul Zamora/Aton Chile RAUL ZAMORA/ATON CHILE CommentsMR. DIRECTOR:Last week, Customs announced the acquisition of two scanner trucks for Valparaíso and Arica — which would bring the total to 12 units in the country — and the purchase of 10 additional ones over a six-year period. In this regard, Audit Report No. 599/2026 of the Comptroller General detected deficiencies in Customs enforcement. To this is added a significant gap in control capacity; for example, in Valparaíso two containers are scanned per hour, while in other ports in the region, such as Posorga (Ecuador), 150 containers are scanned per hour, with 100% inspection (versus 5% in Chilean ports). Having more equipment strengthens port security, but the planning for its incorporation and availability is insufficient in terms of technology, quantity, and sense of urgency. We have presented to the authorities — of this government and the previous one — information on technologies and comparative experience, and proposed a concession model in which a specialized company supplies, operates, and maintains AI-equipped scanners to inspect 100% of containers, being remunerated through a fee paid by users, as happens at the port of Santos. Under this model, Customs retains its enforcement powers, which are non-delegable. Strengthening port security is indispensable, but it must be done quickly and effectively, avoiding devoting state resources to sustaining already obsolete models. Daniel Fernández KoprichPresidentChilean Maritime and Port Chamber A. G. More about:PortsCustomsScannersControl capacity