Customs’ annualized collection rate in May grows 17.36% to ₧77 billion

THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Friday said its tariff collections in May rose by an annualized rate of 17.36 percent to over P77 billion on the back of its “intensified” anti-smuggling efforts.

In a statement, the BOC said its revenue collections in May reached P77.793 billion, P11.505 billion higher than the P66.288 billion recorded earnings in the same month last year.

Likewise, the BOC surpassed its collection target for the fifth straight month. For the month of May, the bureau aimed to earn P72.35 billion.

With the May performance, BOC’S total revenue collections from January to May reached P359.175 billion, P38.661 billion over the P320.514 billion recorded revenues in the five-month period of 2022.

The BOC said it exceeded by P13.232 billion its P345.943 billion target for the five-month period.

The BOC attributed the increase in its revenue collections to the bureau’s anti-smuggling measures as well as to its improved digitalization efforts.

“First, the intensified anti-smuggling measures have curtailed illicit activities and resulted in the seizure of contrabands valued at over P19 billion,” it said.

“Notably, on February 17, 2023, the BOC discovered approximately P150 million worth of agricultural products in 24 warehouses in Metro Manila. [Meanwhile], on March 20, 2023, the BOC confiscated 58.93 kilograms of shabu valued at P400 million at the Pair Cargo Warehouse in Pasay City,” it added.

The BOC said its digitalization efforts now stands at 96.39 percent after it “streamlined customs procedures, enhanced trade operations, and improved processing times and accuracy in import and export transactions.”

“Incidentally, the World Bank Logistics Performance Index ranks the Philippines 43rd among 139 countries, highlighting advancements in trade facilitation,” the BOC added.

Furthermore, the BOC said its “proactive” collaboration with other national government agencies like the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Information and Communications Technology, led to simplification of customs procedures and facilitated secured trade.

“Fourth, active engagement with stakeholders has enhanced BOC’S services through open communication,” it said.

“Fifth, training programs and incentives have empowered BOC personnel, increasing productivity and contributing to the agency’s outstanding performance,” it added.