Customs Commissioner Alberto Lina has ordered Bureau of Customs (BOC) staff to work on the release of importations by government institutions to within one working day of filing of complete entry requirements.
In a memorandum dated April 27, Lina said all importations of government institutions covered by import entries bearing the additional procedure code DPG (government importations) or DPS (government importations-shipside) must be processed, cleared, and released within one working day following the filing of entry with complete documents.
Lina explained it is in the interest of the country that importations by government institutions be processed, cleared and released from customs in the shortest possible time, so these can be immediately used, and the government can “discharge its functions effectively and efficiently.”
The returning commissioner added that government importations are considered low risk. Moreover, customs duties and taxes on such imports are paid on a “deferred payment scheme” under Customs Administrative Order No. 10-2008, dated November 12, 2008, and Joint Circular No. 2-91 dated November 19, 1991. This allows for the immediate release of imports without having to wait for available funds.
Former customs commissioner John Phillip Sevilla earlier explained that government agencies can pay for their imports through credit to the BOC, unlike private entities or individuals who need to pay first in order to have their shipments released.
Lina also noted that the immediate release of importations by government institutions from the ports “will help ease the problem of port congestion.”
Meanwhile, BOC is also trying to decongest its offices of “valueless” records and documents.
Lina issued Customs Memorandum Order No. 11-2015, dated May 8, that provides guidelines for the proper disposal of valueless papers. The memo aims to secure records and documents which are still within the retention period while decongesting BOC’s record storage rooms of unnecessary clutter.
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