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Toyota Motor Philippines and Panasonic Manufacturing have been granted Level 2 accreditation under the Bureau of Customs’ Authorized Economic Operator program
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The two are the first companies to be granted Level 2 accreditation under the program
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Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines is also in the process of securing Level 2 accreditation
Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. (TMPC) and Panasonic Manufacturing Corp. (PMC) have been granted Level 2 accreditation under the Bureau of Customs’ (BOC) Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Program.
The upgraded accreditation was awarded to the two companies during BOC’s 122nd founding anniversary celebration on February 13. They are the first companies to be granted Level 2 accreditation under the program.
Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Inc., now with Level 1 accreditation—is also in the process of securing a Level 2 accreditation.
BOC Assessment and Operations Coordinating Group deputy commissioner Vener Baquiran in an interview with PortCalls at the sidelines of the anniversary event said the bureau hopes more companies will join the program this year and continues to convince members of BOC’s Super Green Lane (SGL) facility to transfer to the AEO Program.
BOC’s SGL is a special facility whose members include multinational companies and top corporations accorded the privilege of advance processing and clearance of shipments for being considered low-risk shippers.
The 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.
Once granted, accreditation under the AEO program will last until suspended, revoked, or cancelled through voluntary withdrawal from the program.
For AEO Level 2 members, benefits include those for Level 1 plus a dedicated processing lane, 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.
However, AEO members are still subject to post-clearance audits to ensure compliance.
Currently, the BOC’s AEO program covers importers and exporters. Other stakeholders will also be eligible to apply for AEO accreditation. The BOC will issue a separate order to implement this. – Roumina Pablo
