Ecuador's National Customs Service (SENAE) rectified and clarified in a press release, that the country was allowing imports of Peruvian garlic but not of Peruvian onions. Ecuador had asked Peru's National Agricultural Health Service (SENASA) to coordinate corrective measures as some pests had been detected in their products.
However, since the country had not received a response, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (MAGAP) proceeded to suspend the issuance of phytosanitary import permits for these commodities; an indispensable requirement so that they can enter the country.
In its statement the SENAE said, "we consider this is an issue of food sovereignty, which is guaranteed by Article 13 of the Constitution of the Republic of Ecuador. As a result, we won't permit the entry of these products through any port of entry, including the Huaquillas-Aguas Verdes bridge."
The institution implements 24/7 interagency control strategies in coordination with the National Police and the Military. In addition, they work to strengthen Investigation and Intelligence processes to hinder the smuggling of products.
They also said they were meeting and approaching unions, associations, and producers throughout the country, with the aim of working together to identify ways to combat smuggling.
"We don't want to restrict anybody's work. We seek to promote fair trade to protect domestic producers and entrepreneurs who comply with all of the customs' requirements," they stated.
Source: SENAE Official website