Empty containers strictly prohibited from entering some ports — BOC

The Bureau of Customs on Tuesday said it will remain vigilant in prohibiting the entry of empty containers into the Port of Manila and the Manila International Container Port to avoid port congestion.

In a press release, BOC said it only allows holders of Special Permits to Load (SPTL) to bring empty containers into the ports, as stated in a memorandum dated June 25 this year.

Assessment Operations and Collection Group (AOCG) Deputy Commissioner Edward James A. Dybuco issued the memorandum to all offices concerned, including the International Container Terminal Services Incorporated (ICTSI), Asian Terminal (ATI), and the Association of International Shipping Lines.

Dybuco reminded them of Customs Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 13-2019, which includes interim guidelines on the return of empty containers to the Manila port.

This effort aims to address the port congestion or high yard utilization in ports’ premises due to unreturned empty containers and overstaying imports.

With the SPTL, empty containers may only stay in ports for 72 hours before re-exportation outside the country.

The Container Depot Alliance of the Philippines (CDAP) earlier warned that another incident of port congestion might occur in Manila if the BOC allows consignees to return empty containers directly to terminals. — Joviland Rita/BM, GMA News