What To Watch Out For In the 1st Quarter

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PEZA and BOC e-Systems Data Integration

Serious efforts to integrate PEZA e-Systems data with the BOC e2m system were underway as early as 2012.

 

The alignment of data standards and business rules is now undergoing system testing by the BOC and PEZA-accredited value-added service providers. The draft Joint Memorandum Order between PEZA and BOC, which constitutes the regulatory and policy framework of the integration, is also being reviewed.

 

The e-Systems data integration will mean 1) the PEZA electronic import permit (eIP) lodgment automatically and seamlessly being integrated into e2m customs import entry declaration (transshipment) and 2) PEZA Automated Export Documentation System (AEDS) lodgment being automatically and seamlessly integrated into e2m AEDS electronic export declaration single administrative document.

 

Web-Based System for Empty Container Returns

The web-based system for return of empty containers is targeted by the Association of International Shipping Lines (AISL) for introduction to stakeholders by the first quarter of this year.

 

The system is an integrated electronic platform that interconnects all stakeholders directly involved in empty container returns – shipping lines, truckers and depots. The system is designed to help resolve widespread confusion characterizing the current situation of empty container returns.

 

Truckers have complained of private depots refusing to accept the return of empties due to lack of available yard space even if shipping line documents identify the depots as the designated return area. Customs brokers also cite this as an unacceptable basis for their importer clients to be charged a detention fee due to failure to return their empty containers within the allowed time period.

 

The web-based system will benefit truckers and return depots by providing real-time online notification of a projected empty container return immediately when shipping line delivery order is updated into the database. Scheduling of truck trips to the designated return depot is expected to become predictable thereby reducing the risk of truck idle time.

 

Last September, AISL president Patrick Ronas and general manager Atty Max Cruz disclosed that the concept of web-based system was originally suggested by truckers, specifically Alberto Suansing of the Confederation of Truckers Association of the Philippines. Subsequent consultation with other industry stakeholders drew support from the Alliance of Concerned Truck Owners and Organizations and Container Depot Alliance of the Philippines.

 

International Air Transport Association (IATA) eAWB

The Senate committee on foreign relations will commence within the first quarter consultation meetings on the proposed new regime governing carrier liability for passengers, baggage and cargo, taking into consideration the Montreal Convention (MC) 99.

 

MC99 is intended to replace the patchwork of regimes currently in force that governs carrier liability for passengers, baggage and cargo. IATA and member airlines are committed to worldwide acceptance of MC99 as a single, global treaty regime. A number of large states remain outside the regime, including the Philippines. The IATA goal is for MC99 to be the single, universal regime for air carrier liability.

 

The Senate consultation will also tackle the electronic air waybill, which removes the requirement for a paper air waybill, significantly simplifying the air freight supply chain process. With the e-AWB, there is no longer a need to print, handle or archive the paper AWB.

 

In my next column, I will list down other positive developments in the logistics industry to watch out for.

 

Leo V. Morada is a domain expert on IT applications in Philippine port operations with 25 years’ senior IT management experience implementing technology solutions in port operations, electronic transactions with customs & port authority, and air/sea port community system applications. He is CEO of Cargo Data Exchange Center, Inc, is a customs-accredited value-added service provider. He can be contacted at lmorada3f1@yahoo.com.