Customs issues guidelines on manual release of import shipments as E2M system remains unavailable

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has released guidelines on the manual release of import shipments, in efforts to fast-track port operations while its electronic-to-mobile (E2M) system remains unavailable.

In a memorandum issued on Wednesday, April 8, 2020, the BOC provided specific guidelines to ensure the continued port operations.

For goods declarations already lodged in the Value-Added Service Provider (VASP) prior to the E2M System technical problem, an Order of Payment Form will be uploaded by the assigned Examiner or Appraiser in the ticket created through the Customer Care Portal System (CCPS) once goods declaration has been reviewed and evaluated.

The CCPS is a web-based system that allows stakeholders to lodge their inquiries, requests, and concerns. It also features a ticketing system where they can track the status and progress of their request or concern.

Stakeholders are mandated to indicate whether the payment of duties and taxes will be made through the Landbank of the Philippines (LBP) or the Collection Division of the Collection District.

They will then need to download the Order of Payment and proceed to the LBP or Collection for payment of duties and taxes. Once confirmed, the Collection District will coordinate with the Port Operator through the CCPS for the Manual Release of the subject shipment.

According to the BOC, the Philippine Clearing House Corporation (PHCC) will also submit a list of all paid entries confirmed by the respective Authorized Agent Banks (AAB).

Such lists will then be distributed to the concerned Collection District that will, in turn, authorize the manual release upon coordination with the port operator.

Meanwhile, for goods declarations not yet lodged in the VASP prior to the E2M System technical problem, the stakeholder will first lodge the goods declaration in the VASP and file the same through CCPS. After this, the same procedure for goods declaration already lodged shall be followed.

"All stakeholders are advised to utilize the BOC Customer Care Portal System and other online services of the Bureau available at the BOC website (customs.gov.ph) for other service inquiries," said the BOC. — Jon Viktor D. Cabuenas/RSJ, GMA News