BOC plans expanded, more inclusive trade facilitation scheme

Bureau of Customs (BOC) | FILE PHOTO

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) is looking to expand further its trade facilitation program which currently only caters to local importers and exporters, with plans of allowing other major stakeholders in the industry to be included in the measure.

The Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (Philexport) on Friday of last week said this, citing that BOC management information system and technology group IT officer Alvin Ogena had told them this is the policy direction that the tariff body is adopting for their Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program.

“The function of this program is to strengthen the relationship between Customs and our stakeholders in the supply chain,” Ogena told the industry group during their recent general membership meeting.

The customs official said that they are only accepting importers and exporters for now under their AEO program, but will soon accommodate other segments of the logistics sector.

“Other parties that are eyed for inclusion in the AEO include nonvessel operating common carriers, freight forwarders, shipping lines and airlines, foreign suppliers, mutual recognition arrangement partner companies, land transport operators, warehouses, customs brokers and authorized agent banks,” said Philexport.

Ogena has urged more exporters and importers to seek accreditation under this “trusted trader partnership” program to help companies improve their processes and be more competitive in the international trade scene.

To date, the BOC has accredited three “Level 1” companies—Panasonic, Coca-Cola and Toyota—and is expected to accredit more firms in the first quarter of this year. INQ