Demande directe (CEACR) - adoptée 2008, publiée 98ème session CIT (2009)

The Committee notes that, in response to its comments in 2007, the Government indicates that it is taking steps to bring its legislation into closer conformity with the provisions of the Convention. The Committee also notes the reference made by the Government to a new procedure for pre-embarkation inspection (PEI) of goods imported into the country which is being introduced; and that a decree adopted by the Council of Ministers provides that the label and description of all imported goods must be in Portuguese and that, according to Act No. 5/03 of 22 July 2003 on consumer protection, the goods inspectorate in the exporting country should attest inspection of price and quantity together with technical, commercial and sanitary features, prior to embarkation. The Committee also notes the information provided by the UNTA Trade Union Confederation that the principal institutions pursuant to the Convention are the Ministry of Transport, and the Merchant Marine and Maritime Court. As regards the question of container traffic, the Government indicates that container freight must be handled with maximum security, and trailers must be equipped with security systems that allow containers to be transported in a secure manner. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the effect given to the provisions of this Convention and on the manner in which the Convention is applied in relation to modern methods of cargo handling, with particular reference to containers, and to indicate any difficulties encountered in this regard.