New system allows importers to clear customs in half hour

An internet-based shipment clearing system will soon be installed in nine Philippine ports and a subport, allowing importers to claim their goods in just half an hour. The import assessment system (IAS) – the third phase of the electronic to mobile system to be implemented by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) – will be put up in Subic, Clark, Cebu, Davao, and Cagayan de Oro before the end of the year. The IAS has already been enabled in in Manila, the Manila International Container Port, Batangas International Port, Mariveles, and the subport of Limay in Bataan. The system “intends to streamline the bureau’s core processes and improve transactions between the bureau and its stakeholders including the government agencies," Customs Chief Napoleon L. Morales said in a statement. The new system’s implementation was brought about by Customs Memorandum Order No. 27 – 2009, which mandates the electronic-to-mobile Customs system in all ports nationwide. The system involves the lodement thru the Value Added Service Providers; Client Profile Registration System (CPRS); Electronic Manifest System; clearance of Formal Entry System; use of Payment Abstract Secure System v. 5.0; application of non-cash payments, consisting of Tax Exemption Certificates, Import Entry Declaration, Tax Debit Memos, Import Entry Declaration/Advanced Payment and Deferred Payment of Government Accounts through the e2m Payment System; On-Line Release System; and License and Clearance System involving government agencies that are ready to upload their licenses, clearances, and other authorizations to the e2m Customs. Among those allowed to transact under the new environment include importers or brokers who have active Client Customs Number, bank account information, and bank reference numbers of their Authorized Agent Banks for electronic payment of customs duties and taxes, appropriate licenses/clearance/permits from concerned issuing agencies for their importation, applicable non-cash payment instruments and supporting documents. Transactions of forwarders excluded from the CPRS database “will not be processed," the customs chief said. The IAS was intended for streamlining imports and exports processing and improving trade facilitation between the Customs, other agencies. and other private firms. - GMANews.TV