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The Bureau of Customs said it “delivered breakthrough results” in revenue collection, streamlining of trade processes, and border security in the first quarter of 2024
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The agency generated P219.385 billion from January to March 2024, surpassing the P210.896 billion target for the period by 4.03%
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BOC started the pilot implementation of the e-Travel Customs System, Electronic Customs Baggage and Currency Declaration Form in nine international airports nationwide
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BOC established the Customs Industry Consultative Council to foster constructive dialogues between the bureau and the business sector
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) said it “delivered breakthrough results” in revenue collection, streamlining of trade processes, and border security in the first quarter of 2024.
In terms of revenue collection, BOC generated P219.385 billion from January to March 2024, surpassing the P210.896 billion target for the period by 4.03%, BOC said in a statement. Additional revenues were collected from the bureau’s Prior Disclosure Program and other post-clearance audit findings, totaling P1.088 billion and P89.071 million, respectively. An additional P3.890 million was also generated from public auctions during the first quarter, BOC said in a statement.
In terms of digitalization, BOC during the first quarter started the pilot implementation of the e-Travel Customs System, along with the utilization of the Electronic Customs Baggage and Currency Declaration Form in nine international airports nationwide, significantly expediting current customs procedures and “consequently elevated transacting travelers’ experience.”
READ: E-Travel Customs System integrates airport forms into one digital platform
Launched in November 2023, the E-Travel Customs System is a unified digital data collection platform that integrates the border control requirements of BOC, Bureau of Immigration, Bureau of Quarantine, and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. It is an integration of the Electronic Customs Baggage Declaration Form and Electronic Currencies Declaration Form into BI’s eTravel System. Its key feature is the Electronic Customs Baggage and Currency Declaration interface.
To bolster trade facilitation and foster partnerships, BOC established under Customs Memorandum Order No. 02-204 the Customs Industry Consultative Council, which acts as a consultative body between the BOC and the business-industrial sector to address all issues related to Customs and industry matters. BOC said this initiative fosters constructive dialogues between the bureau and the business sector, addressing customs and industry concerns effectively.
READ: BOC launches consultative body CICAC
Likewise, collaborative efforts with the National Telecommunications Commission were initiated strategically aimed to caution overseas Filipino workers and citizens against unscrupulous freight forwarders, and ensure the security and integrity of balikbayan boxes.
Additionally, BOC and the Land Bank of the Philippines signed a memorandum of agreement for the use of the bank’s electronic payment facility for digital payments of miscellaneous fees to the customs bureau.
Other trade facilitation initiatives included local and international engagements such as the three-day National Trade Facilitation Workshop supported by the International Trade Center through the ARISE Plus Philippines Project; Intellectual Property Rights Conference; bilateral meeting with Hong Kong Customs, and other activities focused on optimizing trade management.
On efforts against smuggling, BOC seized P18.11 billion worth of smuggled goods in the first quarter.
BOC also marked 4.81 billion liters of fuel and collected P61.1 billion in duties and taxes, “not to mention silently discouraged illicit trade and fraudulent practices against customs revenue thru an effective fuel marking program.”
Fuel marking—which started implementation in September 2019—aims to curb oil smuggling and plug revenue losses arising from the illegal importation or misdeclaration of petroleum products.
BOC during the first quarter also revoked accreditation of 11 importers and three customs brokers, and filed 16 criminal charges against unscrupulous stakeholders.
On employee welfare and development, which remains among the priority programs of Customs commissioner Bienvenido Rubio, 121 individuals were either promoted or appointed during the first quarter of 2024.
Twenty-four offices and ports acquired ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System certifications, “highlighting the Bureau’s continued dedication for excellence.”
Moreover, employee rewards for the 2018 revenue collection performance under Republic Act No. 9335 (Attrition Act) were distributed.
“While the weight of our responsibilities may be heavy, our unified efforts have not only met but surpassed expectations. I extend heartfelt appreciation to the entire BOC community for their commitment and hard work,” Rubio said.
