In line with strengthening border protection and enhancing trade facilitation, the Bureau of Customs (BOC), through its Legal Service and Management Information and Technology Group (MISTG) and together with the Department of Agriculture (DA) – Trade Remedies Unit (TRU), held a virtual signing of the BOC-DA Data Sharing Agreement (DSA) on 27 January 2022. The event was attended by Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero and DA Secretary William Dar.

The DSA is intended for data and information sharing between the BOC and the DA-TRU regarding importation and exportation of agri-fishery products under the ASEAN Harmonized Tariff Nomenclature (AHTN) Chapters 1-24. The DSA was also made to improve the regulation and implementation of the Trade Remedy Measures and Customs Purposes with respect to customs duties, safeguard duties, anti-dumping duties, general safeguard duties, countervailing duties, and other duties.

The said agreement was perfected by both parties to comply with all the rules and regulations governing the intended data sharing initiative which would be most beneficial to public service and to all parties involved.

Under the leadership of Commissioner Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero, the BOC will continue its inter-agency cooperation to boost the agency’s capabilities in implementing its mandate.