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The Bureau of Customs has implemented 31 ICT projects and systems as of December 2021
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It further aims to fully automate its frontline transactions
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With the ICT projects, the agency seeks to attain more streamlined and efficient customs processes and procedures and enhance trade facilitation
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has developed and implemented 31 information communication technology projects and systems as of December 2021, and further aims to fully automate its frontline transactions.
The ICT projects aim to attain more streamlined and efficient customs processes and procedures and enhance trade facilitation, BOC said in a statement.
Among these programs is the Automated Bonds Management System (ABMS), which monitors the status of bonds from posting up to cancellation and expedites the settlement or collection of due and demandable bonds. ABMS is a bureau-wide system for processing bond transactions, monitoring and aging bond balances, and flagging those that have matured. It was first implemented at the Port of Manila on August 11, 2021.
READ: BOC order sets guidance on automated bonds management system adoption
Another program is the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Online Portal implemented on August 25, 2021. It caters to the online submission, processing and approval of AEO applications of importers and exporters.
READ: BOC to launch AEO portal, e-advance ruling system within July
BOC also deployed the Automated Inventory Management System (AIMS) for customs bonded warehouses (CBW) at the Port of Manila on September 14, 2021. AIMS is a tool to determine and monitor the stock inventory of bonded goods from the time of its entry into the CBW up to liquidation of the goods declaration covered by the warehousing single administrative document.
READ: Automated inventory management system goes live at BOC-POM
Moreover, BOC executed the Electronic Advance Ruling System (e-ARS), developed for the electronic submission of application and supporting documents for advance ruling on origin and valuation. The system was implemented on September 22, 2021.
Aside from the ABMS, AIMS for CBW, e-ARS, and the AEO Online Portal, other implemented systems and projects include the following:
- Customs Dashboard
- High-performance server
- Co-location/backup server
- Customer Care Portal System
- Document Tracking System
- Cargo Targeting System
- Alert Orders Monitoring System
- Parcel and Balikbayan Boxes Tracking System
- Informal Entry System for Low Dutiable Value
- Trade Engine
- Universal Risk Management System
- Electronic Tracking of Containerized Cargo
- Enhanced Value Reference Information System
- Internal Administration Management System
- Electronic-to-Mobile stabilization, support, and maintenance
- Computerization of the Super Green Lane Office
- General Transportation Surety Bond Online Inquiry
- Automated Routing and Monitoring System
- Inventory Management System for container yard/container freight station
- Client Profile Registration System status online inquiry
- Pre-payment Online Inquiry System
- Prepayment system for all types of declarations
- Offense database
- Backup network and internet
- Electronic certificate of origin
- National Customs Enforcement Network
BOC said these projects are included in its Information Systems Strategic Plan (ISSP) submitted to the Department of Information and Communication Technology. The ISSP is a three- to five-year computerization framework of an agency which describes how the organization intends to strategically use ICT in pursuit of its mission and functions.
Aside from its ICT projects, BOC is in the process of implementing the Philippines Customs Modernization Project (PCMP), officially launched last March 2021, with an eye toward achieving global standards and full modernization by 2024. PCMP is a project first introduced in 2017 by the World Bank. In October 2020, the Bank signed the US$88 million loan to implement the project.
BOC assistant commissioner Atty. Vincent Philip Maronilla in October 2021 said BOC was in the final stages of procuring Project Supervision and Quality Assurance Services for the PCMP and had expected to award the contract to the consulting firm that would assist in all aspects of executing and implementing the PCMP before end of 2021.
READ: BOC eyes yearend award of first contract under Customs Modernization Project
Procurement for the Customs Processing System, an important component of the PCMP, is eyed for the first quarter of 2022.
