The Bureau of Customs (BOC), under the leadership of Commissioner Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero, achieved 88.94% of its target activities set under the 10-Point Priority Program for C.Y. 2021, aimed to further strengthen the BOC by improving organizational efficiency, upgrading individual proficiencies, and strengthening institutional capabilities.
Program number one, Implementation of Customs Computerization Program. The BOC automated 80.75% or 130 over 161 of the customs processes. These Information Communication Technology (ICT) systems were fully implemented in 17 Collection Districts to provide streamlined and efficient customs services. It also includes the creation of the Customs Training Institute, the integration of the Ports of Manila, Cebu, Davao, and Manila International Container Port (MICP) to the Customs Operations Center (COC), and the issuance of the Customs Memorandum Order (CMO) on Cargo Targeting System.
Program number two, Intensification of Post-Clearance Audit and Post-Entry Modification Measures. Through the Post-Clearance Audit Group (PCAG), the BOC developed a Post-Clearance Audit Group Operations Manual; recommended 455 companies for audit; issued 342 Audit Notification Letters; collected a total of Php610 Million from Final Audit Reports.
Program number three, Onboarding of the Trade Regulatory Government Agencies (TRGA) into the National Single Window (NSW). The BOC, as the Chairman of the National Single Window (NSW) Technical Working Group (TWG), spearheaded the implementation of activities for the establishment, implementation, operation, and monitoring of the NSW and the ASEAN Single Window (ASW) in the country. As a result of its consistent monitoring and efforts, a total of 22 TRGAs successfully onboarded into the NSW as of December 31, 2021.
Program number four, Implementation of the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Program. The BOC issued the Customs Memorandum Order No. 26-2021, implementing the AEO Online Portal. Also, the Bureau completed the evaluation and committee deliberation for the Level 1 AEO Application.
Program number five, Promotion and Application of Advance Ruling Program. The BOC migrated the Advance Ruling System from manual to online through the Customer Care Portal and was fully implemented and utilized by the stakeholders on September 22, 2021.
Program number six, Pursuit of Integrity Development and Quality Management. To date, seven (7) offices, ports, and subports have been successfully awarded
with the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System Certification. Further, the Bureau has consecutively bagged the Gold Governance Trailblazer awards as it passed the first three (3) stages of the Performance Governance System (PGS) under the Integrity for Solidary in Asia (ISA).
Program number seven, Strengthening of Port Surveillance, Marine, Interdiction and Water Patrol Capability. Under this program, BOC completed the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Certification; conducted a regular Mandaragat Training and Small Boat Operations and Maintenance Course; completed Sea Trial Training.
Program number eight, Enhancement of Customs Facilities and Warehouse (CFW) Management. The Bureau issued CMO 17-20211, implementing the Automated Bonds Management System (ABMS) for General Warehousing Bonds in all Customs Ports for monitoring purposes and collection of due and demandable bonds.
Program number nine, Streamlining of Export Clearance Process. Revised Rules and Regulations on the Opening and Utilization of Prepayment Accounts were issued to provide an alternative mode of payment of duties, taxes, and other charges for all goods declarations lodged through the E2M system.
Program number 10, Simplification of Informal Entry Processing. Improvement of systems for Informal Entry Processes was implemented through CMO 9-2021. Further, BOC issued Customs Administrative Order No. 02-2021 which prescribes a uniform and systematic procedure on the clearance of goods under the Informal Entry Process through an ICT-enabled system.
With a commitment to improve its services, these programs were achieved through the combined efforts of the men and women of the Bureau of Customs.
The BOC is set to launch the 2022 10-Point Priority Program which will sustain the thrust, initiatives, and innovations that will support the Bureau in attaining not only its targets but also its mission of achieving international standards in customs administration.
