The president of the Defensoría del Consumidor, Ricardo Salazar, informed that the joint inspections are aimed at protecting the rights and interests of artisanal fishermen and guaranteeing that they only pay for the fuel they consume in accordance with the exemption from payment of this contribution.

Salazar emphasized that making such charge at the time of purchase constitutes an undue charge, and therefore, an "abusive practice" and that in no case can silence be interpreted by the supplier as a sign of acceptance of the charge by the consumer in accordance with art. 18 of the Consumer Protection Law, this is an infraction punishable with 500 minimum wages.

According to the Application Regulation to enforce the exclusion of the payment of the contribution for the Fondo de Conservación Vial (FOVIAL) in the purchase of fuel for motor boats dedicated to extractive fishing, service stations must not charge fishermen this tax.

To make use of this benefit and promote their productive activity, fishermen must be registered in the Registro Nacional de Pesca y Acuicultura del Centro de Desarrollo de la Pesca y la Acuicultura (CENDEPESCA), which issues an identification document to be presented to the fuel distributor.

The president of the Defensoría del Consumidor, Ricardo Salazar, encouraged the sector to register its activity and become a member, and at the same time to denounce the undue collection of such contribution that in accordance with the above mentioned regulation are entitled to be exonerated.

Any notice for undue charges can be made effective by calling the telephone number 910, or writing to WhatsApp 7844-1482 of the Defensoría del Consumidor.