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Importers applying for accreditation must submit geotagged photos of their office and warehouse/storage areas as part of documentary requirements
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CMO 08-2022 sets the new requirement to enhance BOC’s risk management and enforcement capabilities
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For renewal of accreditation, applicants must also submit proof of financial capacity to import goods
The Bureau of Customs will now require geotagged photos of office and warehouse/storage areas as part of documentary requirements for new applications and renewal of importer’s accreditation.
The additional requirement is aimed at enhancing BOC’s risk management and enforcement capabilities, according to Customs Memorandum Order No. 08-2022.
CMO 08-2022 amends CMO 31-2019, which in turn amends CMO 05-2018 and provides revised guidelines for accreditation of importers and customs brokers.
For new applications for accreditation as importer, the company profile should have geotagged photos of the office with proper and permanent signage and geotagged photos of the warehouse/storage area.
For renewal of accreditation as importer, the geotagged photos of the applicant’s office address and warehouse/storage facility are also required, if applicable.
Another added requirement for accreditation renewal is proof of financial capacity to import goods, such as a bank certificate or other forms of financial certification. Top 1,000 taxpayers and Super Green Lane companies are excluded from this requirement, which was previously required only for new applicants.
Geotagging is the process of appending geographic coordinates to media based on the location of a mobile device. The information that you’re likely to get in a geotag includes location coordinates, altitude, bearing, distance, and the exact name of the place.
BOC last year started using geotagging of photos and videos as a mandatory procedure during Customs operations. Under CMO 37-2021, BOC operatives must show proof of conduct of operations by mandatorily submitting geotagged photos and videos.
BOC had earlier acquired 200 body-worn cameras to be distributed to its collection districts nationwide as part of efforts to modernize and enhance its enforcement capabilities.
Last year, the bureau also started requiring geotagged photos of imported passenger motor vehicles/automobiles with the assigned examiner, along with a photocopy of the vehicle identification number as additional documentary requirement for submission to the Import Assessment Service. The ruling aims to prevent smuggling and ensure payment of correct duties and taxes.
