Mandatory Data Elements In Load Port Surveys

PortCalls has already reported that the Bureau of Customs is looking to extend the requirement of load port survey (LPS) to containerized cargo by mid-year.  LPS is currently required for bulk and break bulk shipments based on CMO 08-2010 dated 12 May 2010.

LPS is defined as a report submitted by an accredited cargo surveying company (ACSC) for bulk/break0bulk cargo to be imported into the Philippines.  It is submitted directly to BOC by the ACSC in a secure electronic format with security features in the form of a hologram, microprint, encrypted grid or equivalent.

Information details contained in the LPS and Summary Report include – but not necessarily limited to – the following:

–          Description of goods

–          Shipper (as declared)

–          Receiver (as declared)

–          Other intervening parties (name and capacity as declared)

–          Date of inspection

–          Quantity of the consignment

–          Quality of the consignment

–          Grade of the cargo (where applicable)

–          Price or value of the cargo (as declared)

–          Classification of the cargo (as declared by importer or exporter)

–          Port of lading

–          Name of the vessel

–          Hatch or hold number

–          Date and time or estimated date and time of departure of the vessel from port of loading

–          Bills of lading details number

–          Surveyor’s seal details (where applicable)

–          Ports of call of vessel (as declared by vessel0

–          Additional details such as additional testing results as may be required by BOC necessary in determining the value, tariff classifications and/or assessment of shipment

In most cases, these information details are available from the bill of lading, commercial invoice and packing list but the ACSC are certified to implement other validation and measurements tools to verify, validate and confirm the integrity of such trade information.

The LPS Report and SR must be received by BOC at least before arrival of cargo in the Philippines.

Leo V. Morada is a domain expert on IT applications in Philippine port operations with 25 years’ senior IT management experience implementing technology solutions in port operations, electronic transactions with customs & port authority, and air/sea port community system applications.  He is CEO of Cargo Data Exchange Center, Inc, a customs-accredited Value Added Service Provider.  He can be contacted at lmorada3f1@yahoo.com.