THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) has requested a $10-million grant from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to develop a customs database that will be used to correctly determine shipment valuation and help deter smuggling.
The database called the Philippine Customs Intelligence System (PCIS) is the counterpart of Japan’s Customs Intelligence System. The project has been endorsed by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Investment Coordinating Council. It is expected to help increase revenues by at least 3%.
The project is a broadband end-to-end database and warehouse system that will empower authorized BOC personnel to have access to all data to make an informed judgment and decision.
It will help identify suspicious transactions of broker and importers.
It will also assist the Post Audit Entry Group, as all information processed will be useful for the post audit.
The project will strengthen the payment system by eliminating cash and checks while issuance of clearance permit will be faster.
BOC will provide the counterpart support for the project which includes office space and office facility as well the organizational requirement requiring an amount of P500 million.
JICA is sending experts this month for a 10-month evaluation program of the design mission in preparation for project deliberation in April 2010.
BOC expects JICA to approve the proposal next year in time for the target start of the project by either the third or fourth quarter of 2010.
