MANILA, Philippines?The government has moved to January 4 next year the effectivity of the new rules and procedures on imported shipments involving bulk and break-bulk cargoes.

To facilitate the release of bulk and break-bulk cargoes from the Bureau of Customs, Administrative Order (AO) 243-A and its implementing rules require a report of accredited surveying companies on such import shipments.

Under the new setup, accredited surveyors are to make a report on the quantity, quality, grade, price/value, and classification of bulk and break-bulk cargoes.

The interagency Committee for Accreditation of Cargo Surveying Companies earlier announced that the new rules covering such cargo shipments would take effect on December 10.

Various importers and other stakeholders, however, appealed to the committee to move the date of effectivity of the new rules to January next year.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo issued AO 243-A to ensure the payment of correct duties and taxes on bulk and bulk-break cargo shipments while simplifying import procedures.