El Salvador’s General Directorate of Customs (DGA) announced that it is working to expand the country’s Trusted Operator program as part of its strategy to simplify trade processes and strengthen international commerce.
Customs advisor Luis Manuel Córdova explained that since 2019, agreements have been signed with Central American countries, as well as Ecuador and the Dominican Republic. Negotiations are also underway with 11 Latin American nations, including Colombia, Peru, Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Bolivia. “We are also in talks with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to sign an agreement,” he added.
The program grants certified companies expedited procedures not only in El Salvador but also in countries with which mutual recognition agreements exist. “A company certified as a Trusted Operator not only receives the treatment we offer in El Salvador but also the same treatment provided by the customs of the countries with which we have mutual recognition agreements,” Córdova explained.
Currently, 21 companies are certified under the program, with three more expected to join by the end of August. These include exporters, importers, logistics operators, and transport companies. According to Córdova, interest in the certification continues to grow as businesses seek improved practices in foreign trade operations.
The DGA also aims to secure priority treatment with customs and other regulatory agencies such as the Superintendency of Sanitary Regulation (SRS) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG). Additionally, customs authorities are working to implement electronic signatures for resolutions. “What we want is to migrate to digital documents with electronic signatures, which will be notified by email to the user and have legal validity in any process,” Córdova said.