Subic
now requiring advance electronic manifest submission
IMPORTERS of goods passing through Subic Bay Freeport
are being urged to submit their electronic inward
cargo manifest in advance. The new ruling is in keeping
with a joint agreement signed last week by Customs
Commissioner Antonio Bernardo and Subic Bay Metropolitan
Authority (SBMA) chairman Felicito Payumo.
The Bureau of Customs (BoC)-SBMA agreement provides
for the alignment of policies and procedures on the
admission of foreign goods into the Subic Bay Freeport.
It is in line with international practices applied
in other free zones worldwide, and in pursuance with
the World Customs Organization International Convention
on the simplification and harmonization of Customs
procedures.
The agreement specifically calls for the adoption
of a system of advance electronic submission of inward
cargo manifests for the use of all sea and air carriers
and a Single Administrative Document (SAD) in lieu
of what the SBMA is currently using, as well as the
remote lodgment by declarants of the SAD as the standard
for filing and acceptance of the admission declaration
at any time of the day or night.
A database of admissible items will also be created
aimed at adopting the harmonized system codes as the
standard for classification of goods brought into
the freeport zone, except for cargoes discharged at
other ports but consigned to enterprises and residents
of the SBMA. These shall be covered by existing Customs
regulations.
Under the agreement, the SBMA will admit SBMA-bound
foreign goods provided the certificates of residency
issued to residents and certificates of registration
of locators and enterprises are verified. Applications
for importation will be rejected in case of expired
certificates.
For high-risk cargoes, the BoC and the SBMA will jointly
conduct physical examinations while the BoC will issue
a warrant of detention.
Bernardo said the declaration and permit for admission
of foreign goods to Subic Bay Freeport shall serve
as an import permit in all instances and shall be
referred to as Admission Declaration and Permit.
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ICTSI
unit buys Marine Terminal Cargo Management Software
INTERNATIONAL Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI),
through a subsidiary, recently acquired ownership
of a US-based company's computerized marine terminal
cargo management software products and services.
International Container Terminal Holdings, Inc. (ICTHI)
purchased ownership rights to PCR Terminal Systems.
ICTHI then established a Mauritius global business
company called Container Terminal Systems Solutions,
Inc. (CTSSI) to hold the software.
CTSSI now operates as a specialist software developer
for marine ports and container terminals. It currently
offers two integrated container terminal software
products that enhance terminal control and management
functions. These are the Graphical Tracking System
(GTS), designed for management of container terminal
operations, and the General Cargo System (GCS), which
is used for cargo control in a stevedoring/container
freight station environment. CTSSI also undertakes
software distribution and maintenance.
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DSF
eyes US expansion by 2004
DSF Consolidated Freight Services, Inc. (DSF) is looking
at expanding its consolidation services in the US
market next year as part of the thrust to create its
own mark in the freight forwarding industry.
"By 2004, we shall be prepared to face the challenges
of handling US consolidation shipments by signing
our own service contracts," said DSF seafreight
manager Pinky Trinidad, adding that the company is
eyeing to register with the US Federal Maritime Commission.
DSF - which celebrated its eighth year last week -
will also be servicing new routes in the Asian region,
including Bangkok and Jakarta. At present, the company
handles consolidation to and from Asian ports such
as Singapore, Hong Kong and Port Klang.
"DSF's NVOCC service is now in full swing, with
the Singapore market a fully developed and steady
base for clients," Trinidad said.
Also receiving steady import and export shipments
are the Hong Kong and Malaysia (Port Klang) markets.
During the anniversary celebrations, the company launched
Altron Logistics, Inc., and announced plans to open
branches in economic zones and industrial parks in
Cavite, Bataan and the Subic Free Port. "As an
initial step, we are looking into becoming a member
of the Philippine International Seafreight Forwarders
Association," the company noted.
In addition, it eyes the establishment of a Cebu branch.
The company already has its own trucking facilities
in the area backed by modern warehouse equipment.
DSF will also purchase additional trucks, warehouse
equipment and facilities, and instal a more advanced
computer network facility before yearend.
The company presently offers total logistics services,
including customs brokerage, trucking and hauling,
and door delivery services. It also handles the shipment
of materials for trade fairs in Hong Kong. - Maritess
R. Mesias
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October
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