-
The Bureau of Customs updated the electronic-to-mobile system to accommodate dedicated processing for companies accredited under Level 2 of the Authorized Economic Operator Program
-
AEO Level 2 members enjoy dedicated processing and selectivity lane for their shipments with no documentary, physical, or non-intrusive inspection
-
So far only Toyota Motors Philippines and Panasonic Manufacturing have Level 2 accreditation
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has updated the electronic-to-mobile system (e2m) to accommodate dedicated processing for companies accredited under Level 2 of the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Program.
Assessment and Operations Coordinating Group Memo No. 78-2024 by AEO Interim Office supervising deputy commissioners Vener Baquiran and Teddy Sandy Raval noted that AEO Level 2 members enjoy dedicated processing and selectivity lane for their shipments with no documentary, physical, or non-intrusive inspection pursuant to Customs Administrative Order (CAO) No. 05-2017.
CAO 05-2017 provides the rules and regulations for the establishment of an AEO program in the Philippines.
Under the order, only in instances when there is derogatory information can the customs commissioner direct the examination of an AEO importation, to be done in the premises of the operator in case of physical examination. When non-intrusive examination is required, the AEO member will be given priority.
In this regard, model declaration codes have been created in the e2m system for AEO Level 2 members.
So far, only Toyota Motors Philippines Corp. (TMPC) and Panasonic Manufacturing Corp. (PMC) have been granted Level 2 accreditation.
READ: Toyota, Panasonic receive Level 2 accreditation under AEO program
Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Inc., which has Level 1 accreditation, is in the process of securing Level 2 accreditation. Sony Philippines, Inc. also has Level 1 accreditation.
BOC in December 2019 launched its AEO Program in compliance with the country’s commitment to the World Customs Organization’s SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade.
The AEO Program represents a customs-to-business partnership that seeks to enhance international supply chain security and facilitate movement of legitimate goods. Implementation of the AEO program in the Philippines became possible in 2016 with the passage of Republic Act No. 10863, otherwise known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
Aside from a dedicated processing lane, other benefits for AEO Level 2 members include those for Level 1 plus advance clearance process, periodic lodgment, one-time exemption certificate, and expedited customs clearance for exports.
Level 1 benefits include exemption from renewal of accreditation; self-assessment; filing of supplementary goods declaration; and access to a dedicated help desk.
AEO members are not exempt from post-clearance audits to ensure compliance. – Roumina Pablo
