BOC online viewing of MICT shipments starts Oct 15

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Manila International Container Terminal. Photo courtesy of MICT.
  • Starting October 15, Manila International Container Terminal customers may view online the examination of their shipments via the Bureau of Customs Examination Online Viewing platform
  • The initiative is in line with BOC-Manila International Container Port’s efforts to promote safety among stakeholders during the pandemic
  • Physical viewing will no longer be allowed except for alerted containers, which will require the physical presence of customs brokers
  • The customer or customs broker may, however, waive their right to be physically present during the examination of an alerted container if they wish to view the proceedings online

Starting October 15, customers of Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) may view the examination of their dry and reefer shipments online.

In an advisory dated September 21, the MICT management said it will implement the Bureau of Customs (BOC) Examination Online Viewing at MICT. The new platform enables BOC personnel to schedule a container for examination and allows cargo owners to view the examination process online.

A collaboration among BOC, Bureau of Animal Industry, Bureau of Plant Industry, and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, the initiative is in line with BOC-Manila International Container Port’s (MICP) “efforts to protect and promote safety to its customers amidst this time of pandemic as they fulfill the requirements and processes to release their shipments.”

“Generally, the online viewing of examination will enable importers, customs brokers, and other stakeholders to view their shipments at the comforts of their homes and/or offices,” BOC-MICP district collector Romeo Allan Rosales told PortCalls.

He added that the initiative “not only creates an enhanced mode of examination, but also makes a safer environment in preventing the risks of spreading COVID-19.”

Requests for physical viewing of the examination process will no longer be allowed except for alerted containers, in which case BOC will require the customs broker’s physical presence. But the customer or customs broker may also waive their right to be physically present during the examination of an alerted container if they wish to view the proceedings online.

For dry cargoes, the platform will provide the BOC schedule and booking allotments for examination requests. It will also allow BOC personnel to monitor status of containers and nominate for examination the containers with payment.

For reefers, the platform will enable real-time tracking of trucks inside the yard. In addition, it will allow BOC to immediately lift holds for x-ray and reefers and enable online transmission of documents.

Moreover, customs brokers may view in real time the cargo examination, limiting foot traffic in the designated examination area.

To view online, the customer will need a stable internet connection on their device, and register their contact details with MICT’s Advance Customer Transaction System.

For dry cargoes, the customer will be notified via email their cargo has been nominated for examination. A link to the online viewing will be sent after the customer has paid for the cargo and BOC has scheduled the examination.

For reefers, the link to online viewing will be sent once the reefer has been mounted onto the truck for transport to the container freight station for examination.

Customers will be sent a one-time password prior to logging in to view the examination process. Multiple logins using one link will be allowed for a maximum of three times so viewing can be shared with colleagues or customers. – Roumina Pablo