Exporters may face delays at Argentina ports due to confusion over procedures

Confusion regarding various measures taken at ports in Argentina in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic may cause inconvenience to exporters, a private shipping company said.

Argentina is the one of the world's leading exporters of grains, oilseeds and related products.

All the vessels arriving directly from Brazil, Chile, China, Europe, Iran, Japan, South Korea, and US should provide sanitary authorities a copy of vessel's medical log book in advance, including body temperature of each crew member.

There are reports that in some ports, namely San Lorenzo and Bahia Blanca, sanitary authorities are not granting 'free pratique' as they are seeking clarification from government authorities on steps to be followed, the agency said.

Free pratique is a certificate from the port-health-authorities that says the ship is without infectious disease or plague on board and therefore permitted to enter port and allow people to board and disembark.

The issue of free pratique was temporarily suspended for some time at Necochea port on Monday, the agency said.

These issues have already been reported to authorities so that required systems or procedures are in place by today, the agency said in a statement.