Post Office, BOC sign MOA to ease parcel payment

It is now more convenient to pay Bureau of Customs (BOC) duties and taxes for inbound parcels with the signing of a memorandum of agreement between the agency and the Philippine Postal Corp. (Post Office).

In a statement released yesterday, the Post Office announced that it signed an agreement that would provide consumers a more efficient, secure and hassle free online payment system for parcels arriving in the country.

Customers would now be able to pay Customs fees through the Post Office’s website www.phlpost.gov.ph.

At present, the payment options include GCash and money transfer.

Under the MOA, both the Post Office and the BOC would have access to the systems for input of charges of duties and taxes and verification of payment.

A separate implementing rules and regulations (IRR) would be crafted in relation to collection of duties, taxes and other charges.

The MOA would make the process of clearing and delivery of parcels and other mail matters faster and more simple, benefiting thousands of consumers and Philippine residents who rely on the postal service to send and receive packages from abroad.

The online payment system for customs duties and taxes aims to eliminate fraud in compliance with Republic Act 11032, also known as the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018.

Postmaster General Norman Fulgencio and BOC Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero signed the agreement during the 125th founding anniversary of the Department of Finance.

“For the first time, in the 75 years of being a republic, the Post Office Digital Innovation will enhance the competitiveness of the Post Office in the local and international market,” Fulgencio said.

On May 19, the Post Office introduced the new payment method through its website and mobile application.

Former president Rodrigo Duterte attended the event.