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Asian Terminals Inc.’s inland clearance depot in Calamba, Laguna, has been cleared of overstaying foreign containers
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All 197 overstaying containers at the ICD were auctioned off, condemned, and disposed of by the Bureau of Customs-Port of Manila
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Overstaying boxes were moved to inland depots to prevent congestion at the main ports at the height of the pandemic
The Bureau of Customs-Port of Manila said it has cleared Asian Terminals Inc.’s (ATI) inland clearance depot (ICD) in Calamba, Laguna, of all overstaying foreign containers.
A total of 197 overstaying containers at the ICD, which is an extension of Manila South Harbor under BOC-POM’s jurisdiction, were auctioned off, condemned, and disposed of, BOC said in a statement. ATI operates Manila South Harbor and the Laguna depot.
At the height of the pandemic, overstaying containers were moved to inland depots to prevent congestion at the main ports, BOC said in a statement.
“Zeroing out (sic)the said overstaying boxes is essential in sustaining the safe and optimal operations of trade gateways and logistics enablers in the Philippines,” the bureau said.
Overstaying containers are those that have been seized by BOC for violations of the law, or abandoned by consignees.
Cargoes overstaying for more than 30 days from the date of discharge and not withdrawn on time are tagged as abandoned. Once BOC deems that abandonment is final, it determines the proper disposition of the cargoes.
Under Section 1141 of Republic Act 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, goods for disposition may be donated, declared for official use by BOC, or sold in a public auction.
Goods suitable for shelter or consisting of foodstuff, clothing materials, or medicines may be donated to the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
BOC noted that the disposition of overstaying boxes is “aimed at efficiently facilitating trade by eliminating port and yard congestion, ensuring the smooth flow of business within the agency.”
In the first quarter of 2022, a total of 304 overstaying containers were sold in public auctions that earned BOC a total of P80.765 million in proceeds.
