Customs eases requirements for accreditation of new importers

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has eased the requirements of new importers and customs brokers as the government seeks to streamline the accreditation process.

Under Customs Memorandum Order (CMO) Number 5-2018, the BOC scrapped the submission of Internal Revenue Importer Clearance Certificate (ICC) and the Broker Clearance Certificate (BCC).

Dated April 24, the memorandum was signed by Commissioner Isidro Lapeña, and will take effect on May 17.

As replacement for the ICC and the BCC, the new importer will be required to secure an AMO application form and submit several other requirements:

- BOC official receipt of P1,000 processing fee payment
- Affidavit designating authorized signatories in import entries
- Two valid identification cards (IDs)
- NBI clearance
- Latest General Information Sheet
- Personal profile of applicant and officers
- Company profile
- Address of warehouse
- Proof of lawful occupancy
- List of importables
- Printed Client Profile Registration System (CPRS) notification
- Endorsement from the collector
- BIR Registration
- Latest income tax return
- Mayor's permit

Importers renewing their accreditation will need to submit the updated general information sheet, their company profile, address of warehouse, proof of lawful occupancy, updated LOI, printed CPRS notification, income tax return for the past three years, and Mayor's permit.

For licensed customs brokers applying for accreditation, they will be required to submit the following: AMO application form, BOC official receipt evidencing payment of P1,000 processing fee, valid PRC card, and list of clients with addresses and contact details.

They are also required to submit a list of representatives with personal details, photos and specimen signature; printed CPRS notification; BIR registration; latest income tax return; NBI clearance; and certificate of good standing issued by the PRC-accredited national organization for customs brokers.

For customs brokers applying for renewal, they are required to submit an updated professional profile; valid PRC card; updated list of clients with addresses and contact details; and an updated list of representatives with personal details, photos and specimen signature.

Also needed are printed CPRS notification; income tax return for the past three years; NBI clearance; and certificate of good standing issued by the PRC-accredited national organization for customs brokers. —Jon Viktor D. Cabuenas/ALG, GMA News