Joint Administrative Order (JAO) 20-01 remains in effect but is being reviewed with an eye toward easing some deadlines related to customs clearance, according to Bureau of Customs (BOC) assistant commissioner and spokesperson Atty. Vincent Philip Maronilla.
Responding to a query during the BOC Live Updates on June 24, Maronilla said JAO 20-01 is “under review kung maari nating medyo luwagan yung timelines pero sa ngayon po ang aming usapan (whether we can relax timelines but for now the discussion with)… DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) at sa (and) PPA (Philippine Ports Authority) is that tuloy pa rin po ang implementation ng ating (we’re continuing to implement) JAO 20-01.”
The JAO, signed on April 2 by DTI, BOC, Department of Agriculture and PPA, sought to expedite release of refrigerated containers and dry cargoes from congested ports during the period of enhanced community quarantine. The JAO remains in effect until the state of public health emergency is lifted.
Some of the timelines under JAO 20-01 are as follows:
- Importers/consignees should lodge and accomplish online filing of goods declaration two days from date of discharge.
- BOC should issue final assessment of goods no later than 24 hours from the date of online filing of the goods declaration.
- Importers/consignees should pay, preferably online, duties, taxes, and other charges within 24 hours from date of issuance of the final assessment by BOC.
- Importers/consignees have 24 hours to claim goods from date of payment, or the goods will be declared abandoned.
