Auction of overstaying containers yields P138M in Q1 —BOC

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) said Wednesday it has collected more than a hundred million pesos from the auction of overstaying containers at various ports in the country during the first quarter of 2021.

In a statement, the BOC said it has collected a total of P138,535,866.00 from public auction of 354 overstaying containers of assorted items such as rice and galvanized steel among others, and condemnation of 232 containers with a total of 586 disposed containers.

The auction and disposal of overstaying containers were conducted by the BOC’s Assessment and Operations Coordinating Group (AOCG), together with its Auction and Cargo Disposal Division (ACDD) and the ACDD units of all collection districts nationwide.

The overstaying containers are either abandoned or seized under Sections 1139 and 1141 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), which provides for the conditions and modes of disposition, respectively.

Pursuant to Customs Administrative Order 17-2019, cargoes which weren’t withdrawn within the regulatory period of 30 calendar days from payment of duties, taxes, and other charges shall be deemed abandoned, unless covered by duly issued alert order.

Further, upon the finality of the Decree of Abandonment, the BOC shall then determine the proper disposition among auction, condemnation or donation.

The Customs said the disposition activities are aimed at efficiently facilitating trade by eliminating port and yard congestion, thereby ensuring smooth flow of business within the agency.

The BOC, likewise, assured the public that it will remain steadfast in its efforts of ensuring unhampered delivery of its services, "especially in these trying times that the movement of goods, essentials and non-essentials, is deemed both substantial and critical." -MDM, GMA News