More importers, brokers face suspension for smuggling – BOC

More importers and brokers are being investigated by the Bureau of Customs  (BOC) for possible misdeclaration of imports, which is considered as technical smuggling.

 

The bureau is currently investigating several importers and brokers for possible violations of the Customs Memorandum Order (CMO) 28-2007 and Customs Administrative Order (CAO) 8-2007, which both mandate importers and brokers to declare their imported articles in detailed terms, Charo Logarta Lagamon, BOC Public Information and Assistance Division chief administrative officer told GMA News Online on Thursday.

 

Though she refused to give out further details, Lagamon said the importers and brokers under investigation are facing possible suspension of their import accreditation–  if proven guilty.

 

This development is apart from the 70 importers and 46 brokers  that the BOC recently placed under indefinite suspension for violation of import rules.

 

“Pasensiyahan na lang...meron po kayong violation ng CMO 28-2007. At ang resulta po niyan, kapag paulit-ulit niyong ginagawa (ang violation) matatanggalan po kayo ng accreditation,” said BOC deputy commissioner Atty. Agaton Uvero in an interview aired on GMA News' “24 Oras” Wednesday evening.

 

The Customs Memorandum Order (CMO) 28-2007, which was issued to reaffirm the implementation of Customs Administrative Order (CAO) 8-2007, mandates importers and brokers to declare their imported articles in detailed terms.

 

Misdeclaration of imported articles is considered a technical smuggling, according to BOC.

 

Once the accreditation is canceled brokers and consignees may no longer carry out import transactions under the BOC.

Anomalous general descriptions?

 

Uvero pointed out that general descriptions of imported goods tend to be anomalous because such declarations could be a ploy to evade paying the right amount of tax and tariff duties.

 

“Hindo po pwedeng leather goods lang (ang naka-declare)... baka leather shoes 'yan at branded pa. Hindi rin pwedeng telecom equipment lang, baka kasi antenna o cellphone yan,” Uvero said.

 

“Kapag tayo ay nag-declare ng import entry, dapat specific description,” BOC Account Management Office head Atty. Jemina Sy-Flores said.

 

According to the BOC, it was the first time for them to suspend the accreditation of such huge number of importers and brokers.

 

Uvero, however, said the suspended importers and brokers can still appeal their case.

 

Lagamon told GMA News Online the suspended importers and brokers need to submit the necessary requirements before the BOC Revenue Collection Monitoring Group to appeal their case.

 

Shipments that have already left the ports of origin prior to the implementation of the suspension will still be admitted in the country, Lagamon noted.

 

She said BOC operations as well as market supply will not be greatly affected by the suspension.

 

“If there will be some effect in the supply, siguro minor lang, because we have other accredited importers naman... and the shipments of these suspended importers and brokers na nakaalis na sa port of origin tatanggapin pa naman natin,” she said.

 

BOC records showed there were 12,000 accredited importers and 5,000 accredited brokers. – VS, GMA News