Customs tightens third party accreditation rules

The Bureau of Customs has moved to tighten the rules governing the accreditation of third parties authorized to transact with the agency.

In an emailed statement on Sunday, the BOC said third parties —those authorized to transact with the bureau on behalf of another person or entity —will be given more requirements.

Under Commission Administrative Order 06-2019, the BOC said third parties will have to maintain and make available records of transaction performed on behalf of the importer, consignee, or exporter.

"Third Parties who may be authorized to transact with the Bureau on behalf of another person or entity in compliance with the CMTA shall be treated equally as legitimate importers or consignees," the BOC said.

Those interested will have to apply for registration with the Account Management Office (AMO), where they will have to present several documents for accreditation.

Among the requirements are Proof of Membership in Good Standing, Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Certificate of Registration, and Mayor's Permit.

They will also have to pay a P1,000 annual registration fee, and other requirements that will be specified in an upcoming Customs Memorandum Order (CMO).

"Once application is approved, a Certificate of Registration will be issued by the Bureau which will be valid for one (1) year from date of approval," said the BOC. —Jon Viktor Cabuenas/LBG, GMA News