Customs drafts order for electronic filing of export clearance documentary requirements
EXPORTERS may soon be allowed to file documentary requirements electronically with the Bureau of Customs (BoC) in the process of creating an automated system for export clearance.
According to the draft Customs order, the bureau will “utilize information and communications technology (ICT) and other modern techniques in the processing of export transactions, issuance of proof of origin towards trade facilitation, and establish a comprehensive reporting and monitoring system for all export transactions.”
The BoC said that all export shipments shall be declared electronically in an automated system. Goods in the shipment are to be properly valued and classified, together with supporting information.
A prerequisite is an export license or permit for regulated products from the relevant government agencies before the declaration is lodged.
Only those entities registered with the BoC Client Profile Registration System (CPRS) will be allowed to electronically lodge their export declaration, according to the draft order.
The draft is part of the Department of Finance’s Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) — signed into law in May — which aims to expedite Customs services in aid of trade facilitation, cutting red tape, and reducing opportunities for corruption.
Jesus L. Arranza, chairman of the Federation of Philippines Industries, said that the modernized system may still have some loopholes for illicit activities, especially in the area of export valuations.
“Anything is prone to corruption. Just see to it that the exports are really priced correctly, and that products are properly labelled,” he said in a phone interview yesterday.
“So see to it that all declarations are double checked, and all products are properly cleared, properly identified, and properly classified,” he said.
The upside, Mr. Arranza said, is speedier transactions.
The BoC is soliciting position papers from public and private stakeholders on the draft order.
The public consultation on the draft is scheduled for Jan. 12, at the BoC office in Manila. —