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The Bureau of Customs will launch within July an online portal for the Authorized Economic Operator program and the electronic advance ruling system
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For the first half of 2021, BOC has also rolled out the Online Release System for Export Declaration, Enhanced Value Reference Information System, Automated Bonds Management System for transit cargoes, informal entry system for express shipments, and online inquiry systems
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) is set to launch its online portal for the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program and its electronic advance ruling system this month.
BOC Management Information System and Technology Group (MISTG) deputy commissioner Allan Geronimo told PortCalls in a text message the projects are part of the bureau’s efforts to implement new information and communications technology systems that will further modernize core Customs processes.
Stakeholders can use the AEO portal to apply online for the AEO Program, and the electronic advance ruling system to apply for advanced ruling on origin and on valuation.
Part of BOC’s 10-point priority programs this year is the full implementation of its AEO Program.
READ: Modernization, improved clearance processes, NSW onboarding lead BOC 2021 priorities
BOC’s AEO Program, which was launched in December 2019, complies with the country’s commitment to the World Customs Organization’s SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade.
READ: BOC launches AEO program for 2020 implementation
It represents a customs-to-business partnership that seeks to enhance international supply chain security and facilitate movement of legitimate goods. Implementation of the AEO program in the Philippines became possible in 2016 with the passage of Republic Act No. 10863, otherwise known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
Last March, BOC said it received applications from two importers for pre-screening to the program even as the agency continues to encourage more stakeholders, particularly importers and exporters, to become an AEO.
Another BOC priority program this year is the advance ruling program, as its implementation will provide consistency to the assessment of a good’s value, add certainty and predictability to international trade and help commercial importers or foreign exporters arrive at informed business decisions.
Stakeholders are also urged to apply for advance ruling on issues of valuation or rules of origin for a better transaction experience.
Aside from the two projects, BOC has also implemented several other ICT projects in the first half of 2021.
Implemented early this year was the Online Release System for Export Declaration, an application that aims to ensure automatic sending of release instructions to terminal operators as soon as payment is processed in BOC’s Electronic-to-Mobile System.
BOC also upgraded its Enhanced Value Reference Information System (e-VRIS), adding features such as automatic statistical calculation for minimum and maximum values, validation of values per item, and auto-substitution functionality that could be used to automatically compute for the new invoice value once the accepted value from the system is adapted upon assessment.
READ: BOC rolls out new database for reference values
The e-VRIS, which was implemented last year to replace the National Value Verification System, is an electronic platform that sets the value threshold or standard for every imported commodity based on the historical value of previous importations and on prevailing market values and statistical studies. The system aims to properly monitor valuation and tariff classification of imported goods and establish a reliable and comprehensive database of imports to support implementation of the World Trade Organization Valuation System.
BOC this year also implemented the Automated Bonds Management System (ABMS) for transit declarations and the informal entry system for express shipments.
READ: BOC sets new rules on transit goods declaration bonds
The ABMS is a BOC-wide system that handles processing of bond transactions. Under Customs Memorandum Order No. 30-2020, all electronically lodged transit goods declarations are required to have an approved bond policy in the ABMS.
READ: Informal entries for low-value dutiable express shipments now under e2m
The informal entry system for express shipments, meanwhile, covers dutiable and/or taxable express shipments or goods of commercial nature with free on board (FOB) or Free Carrier (FCA) value of more than P10,000 but less than P50,000.
READ: BOC creates online inquiry system for transit cargo bonds
In addition, the MISTG implemented online inquiry systems, one of which is the general transportation surety bond (GTSB) online inquiry. The GTSB provides stakeholders a means to check online guaranty amount and available balance. The system can also generate information on the transit shipment, such as the customs warehouse facility, single administrative document status, Online Release System status, release date and destination.
MISTG also created an online inquiry for pre-payment to allow stakeholders to monitor balances and utilization of their pre-payment accounts in the electronic-to-mobile system. – Roumina Pablo
