The Philippine Bureau of Customs is limiting to three the number of authorized representatives or processors transacting with the customs agency on behalf of customs brokers.
Under Customs Memorandum Order (CMO) 01-2018, which amends paragraph No. 7, C, II, d of CMO 11-2014, customs brokers are now required to submit to Account Management Office the names of its three authorized representatives assigned to each port, a move to “safeguard the interest of the government and to ensure the accountability of customs brokers.”
But additional authorized representatives/processors may be allowed if the volume of transactions of the customs broker warrants, and is subject to the approval of the Customs commissioner, according to the new order.
The previous ruling (CMO 11-2014) did not set a limit on the number of brokers’ authorized representatives transacting with the BOC.
Chamber of Customs Brokers, Inc. president Atty. Ferdinand Nague told PortCalls the three authorized representatives are enough for some customs brokers, adding that even one will do as long as customs processes are fast and transparent.
He recognized the need though for more than three processors for other brokers handling high volumes of shipments since shipments go through various customs sections prior to release. – Roumina Pablo
