The Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Tariff Commission (TC) have signed a landmark deal allowing electronic information exchange between the two agencies, a move seen to enhance BOC transparency and efficiency while lessening cost for shippers.
Customs commissioner Alberto Lina and TC chairman Edgardo Abon signed a memorandum of agreement on July 13 that will enable BOC to furnish TC with electronic copies of customs import and export entries (also known as Single Administrative Document or SAD), instead of the hard copies of the Import Entry and Internal Revenue Declaration (IEIRD or BC Form 236) forms.
The provision of such data to the TC is mandated under Section 609 of the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines (TCCP). Section 609 of the TCCP directs the BOC to regularly furnish the National Economic and Development Authority, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, and TC with copies of all customs import/export entries through the IEIRD.
Since 2004, BOC has been providing seven manual copies of the pre-numbered IEIRD, which is paid for by the importer at P265 per complete set. These copies are furnished to the following: BOC, National Statistics Office; TC; Bureau of Internal Revenue; declarant; terminal operator; gatekeeper PID (for outside Metro Manila ports); and deputy collector for Operations in Metro Manila ports.
Resolving discrepancies
According to Lina, BOC can now furnish the TC and other concerned agencies online copies of these import and export entries, as well as the export declarations for a more transparent process.
“This will promptly resolve any issue involving discrepancies in exchange of information. Also, this will allow importers to save on costs of processing their importation if the IEIRD will no longer be required.” Lina said in a statement.
“This agreement signed between Customs and the Tariff Commission will further strengthen transparency and accountability in the BOC,” he added.
Through BOC’s Management Information System Technical Group, BOC said it can now also submit online its weekly, monthly, and annual consolidated import and export reports to TC. – Roumina Pablo
