BOC revises rules on importer, broker accreditation

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DeadlinesThe Bureau of Customs (BOC) has issued Customs Memorandum Order No. 11-2014, which revised guidelines for the accreditation of Philippine importers and customs brokers at the agency.

The memo, dated May 22 and signed by Customs Commissioner John Phillip Sevilla, is designed to revise and simplify accreditation of an importer or customs broker. It also implements Department of Finance Order No 33-2013, which extended the deadline for importers and customs brokers with valid and existing accreditation to June 30, 2014 — or the original expiration of their BOC accreditation, whichever comes earlier.

The original deadline for those with immediately expiring accreditation was May 31, 2014.

CMO 11-2014 covers all importers and brokers interacting with the BOC except those with once-a-year importations; importers of parcels or goods through informal entry; importation by the Philippine government and its agencies and instrumentalities; importation of personal effects, vehicles, motorcycles, and household goods by a balikbayan (returning overseas-based Filipino) and his/her family; and importation by foreign embassies, consulates, legations, agencies of other foreign governments and international organizations with diplomatic status.

As with CMO 04-2014 which it repealed, CMO 11-2014 requires that importers and brokers first secure from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)-Accounts Receivable Monitoring Division (ARMD) an importer clearance certificate (ICC) or broker clearance certificate (BCC).

The BIR ICC or BCC will then be submitted to the BOC-Accounts Management Office (AMO, formerly the Interim Customs Accreditation Registration Unit).

Since the BOC has no jurisdiction over the first stage of accreditation (requirement to personally secure ICC or BCC at the BIR), the problem of importers and customs brokers based outside Metro Manila still being required to personally apply with the BIR for their ICC or BCC remains. There has been talk that the BIR will issue a revised memo that would perhaps allow ICC or BCC application with the regional office.

Application for accreditation at the BOC by importers and customs brokers located outside Metro Manila, on the other hand, may be coursed through the “Office of the District collector Concerned, which will then indorse the application to BOC-AMO.”

CMO 11-2014 said all applications for accreditation will be acted upon not later than 15 working days upon receipt of the applications, together with the documentary requirements. All notices will be sent by electronic mail.

The CMO said failure to comply with the requirements on or before the scheduled deadlines will result in cancellation of existing accreditation, without prejudice to the re-filing of the same compliance with the requirements.

CMO 11-2014 requires importers and customs brokers to register under the BOC’s Client Profile Registration System (CPRS), and to submit a “list of importables” or expected imports, including, if possible, a clear description in technical and tariff terms, estimated volume and values for the incoming 12 months.

Another requirement is that each year, importers and customs brokers should submit within 15 days to be counted from the date of approval of BOC accreditation, the following documents:

For importers:

  • Updated general information sheet and company profile;
  • Mayor’s permit and proof of lawful occupancy of office;
  • Updated list of expected imports.

For brokers:

  • Updated professional profile;
  • Valid Professional Regulation Commission ID
  • Updated list of clients with complete address and contact details;
  • List of authorized representatives with personal details, photos and specimen signature;

Importers and brokers should also provide an original or certified true copy of their renewed BIR-ICC or BIR-BCC (to be submitted every three years).

The accreditation may be suspended or cancelled if the BOC finds any inaccuracy in any documents submitted in the application process; the importer or broker does not comply with any requirement after approval of accreditation: and if the BOC discovers any violation of law or regulation by the accredited importer or customs broker.

An accreditation is valid for the same duration as that of the ICC or BCC.

The BOC will regularly provide the ARMD with the list of importers and customs brokers with ICCs and BCCs and those with suspended or cancelled accreditation. The ARMD will likewise give the BOC-AMO a list of importers and brokers with full or provisional ICCs and BCCs.

The AMO will also provide internal guidelines for the risk profiling of importers and brokers (high/medium/low risk) that will form as basis for membership of the Super Green Lane program or its equivalent. –– Roumina M. Pablo

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This topic along with many others related to customs, transport, trade and logistics will be tackled at the Mindanao Shipping Conference 2014 scheduled on June 18, 2014 at the Limketkai Luxe Hotel in Cagayan de Oro City. Email info@portcalls for inquiries.

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6 COMMENTS

  2. Dear Sir/Madam,

    Our Company sent delegates to the recent Mindanao Shipping Conference in Cagayan de Oro.

    As Supply Chain Head, can you provide me with information on:

    (i) where we can buy books, directories and other periodicals for subscription of Port Calls;

    (ii) To ensure that we send representatives in any training/seminar offered by your organization, is there a membership application procedure? If not, can you include my name in your roster for invites?

    (iii) Can you give me a background on the BOC’s expansion of bulk and break-bulk program – all containerized goods shall be subject to Customs Clearnance? Or just a copy of any applicable customs administrative order?

    Thank you very much

    Warm regards,

    Ela Boiser

  3. Dear Mam Liza,
    Our CPRS will expire Jan 2015. Our Broker told us that BOC cancelled all the CPRS and that we have to reapply. It’s been two weeks and until now our shipments are pending because of this new requirement. I just would like to know if this is true.
    Need your advise regarding this.
    Many thanks,
    Nerissa Gomez

    • Your broker was telling you the truth. Under a Department of Finance ruling that took effect last February, all importers and customs brokers are required to secure accreditation first from the BIR and then the BOC before they can import.

      Unless you have an importer clearance certificate given by the BIR, you cannot apply for accreditation with the BOC. And since you don’t have accreditation with the BOC, your company was deleted from the CPRS.

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