Brazilian customs officers strike halts movement of goods: Inchcape

MARITIME services provider, Inchcape Shipping Services, is warning that the ongoing industrial action by Brazilian customs officers at the nation's main ports, including Santos, is expected to severely impact cargo clearance and vessel movements.

The company said in a statement that the impact of the strikes is worsening during another set of four-day strikes.

"With customs officers doubling efforts from two days per week of strike action up to four days, major ports during the period will have no import or export clearance; no transit clearance, no process operations, with only medicines, food and livestock unaffected.

"Cargo is currently being cleared in a backlog, affecting import and export processes and delaying operations. With the additional strike days putting more pressure on port operations, some ports may have to refuse cargo if the action continues. Congestion at some ports is already impacting anchorage areas, forcing ships to deviate to other less congested ports," it said.

"With cargo clearances and processes already more expensive the strike is further affecting commerce, and customs' leaders are expecting this latest action to reinforce their negotiating position to the government on salaries and working conditions," said the Inchcape report.