PRBCB expresses optimism over resolution’s release this week

THE Professional Regulation Board for Customs Brokers (PRBCB) is optimistic it can release the resolution on the scope and limitation of the customs brokers’ profession this week. This after the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) found satisfactory the arguments presented by the PRBCB for the issuance of the motion. "PRC said our opinion attached to the motion is correct and satisfactory," PRBCB chairman Constantino Calica told PortCalls. He said there are just some provisions in the resolution that need fine tuning before the PRC issues its approval. Calica, however, declined to elaborate on the specific provisions. Originally, PRBCB scheduled the release of the resolution on July 28, but this was pushed back after the PRC decided to have a second look at the motion last week. The resolution seeks to, among others, address questions on employment of customs brokers by companies as well as whether freight forwarders may be allowed to lodge import and export shipments at the Bureau of Customs (BOC) under Customs Administrative Order No. 3-2006. CAO 3-2006 operationalizes RA 9280 at the BOC. PRBCB said the resolution was adopted based on Article II, Section 7 of Republic Act 9280 or the Customs Brokers Act of 2004 which provides the body the power to issue such guidelines for the smooth implementation of the law. Earlier, international trade and customs consultant and PortCalls columnist Atty. Agaton Teodoro Uvero said the resolution by the PRBCB will, among others, settle whether employees of corporations (forwarders or customs brokerages houses included) are allowed to sign, file and process import entries in behalf of their client importers. He added that failure to comply with the PRBCB guidelines may result in the revocation or cancellation of the customs broker license. Revocation will automatically result in the cancellation of accreditation of the customs broker with the BOC.