BOC suspends 7-day lodgment rule for goods declaration

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has suspended its policy of seven-day lodgment period for goods declaration for the duration of the enhanced community quarantine.

Lodgment and filing of goods declaration is now back to 15 days from the date of discharge of the last package, according to a memorandum dated March 23 and signed by Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero.

The memorandum covers shipments with date of discharge of the last packaging starting March 10, 2020. The period of lodgment may be extended for another 15 days on valid grounds upon request, which the stakeholder may do personally or online through BOC’s Customs Care Portal System (CCPS).

“All offices concerned are hereby directed to ensure effective implementation of this order and submit list of all importations with extended period to lodge and file goods declaration,” the memorandum stated.

BOC assistant commissioner and spokesperson Atty. Vincent Philip Maronilla, in an update to stakeholders online on March 19, said BOC had discussed the possible extension of the period for lodging the goods declaration to help stakeholders while the enhanced community quarantine is being implemented.

In June last year BOC through Customs Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 27-2019  shortened the period for lodging the goods declaration from 15 days from day of discharge of the last package from the vessel or aircraft to just seven days.

READ: Shorter period for goods lodgement declaration in force by June 15

Customs brokers have since been asking BOC to clarify the implementation of CMO 27-2019, pointing out that in Section 407 (Goods Declaration and Period of Filing) of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), the lodgment period prescribed is 15 days from the date of discharge.

But Guerrero in a memorandum dated February 13, 2020, also noted that under Section 407 of CMTA, the Customs commissioner may also adjust the period of lodgment of goods declaration. – Roumina Pablo

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