e2m AEDS Issues Gradually Being Resolved

The Bureau of Customs MIS & Technology Group (MISTG) headed by Deputy Commissioner Maria Caridad P. Manarang has been taking concrete steps since the start of this year to address pending issues and concerns relating to the electronic-to-mobile (e2m) Automated Export Declaration System (AEDS) implementation.

 

This assessment is based on the upsurge of information dissemination campaign undertaken lately by the three customs-accredited value-added service providers (VASPs), results of ongoing AEDS pilot “dry run” in the Port of Manila and Manila International Container Port, and the continuous “live” lodgments of electronic export declaration — Single Administrative Document (ED-SAD) in some customs ports in Mindanao.

 

Renewal Of Exporter CPRS

MISTG already provided system access to all VASPs for the purpose of renewing all exporter Client Profile Registration System (CPRS) certificates of registrations expiring starting April 2012. CPRS renewal is a mandatory requirement in order for exporters to obtain bank reference number (BRN) from authorized agent banks (AAB).

 

Alternative Modes of DSF Payment

As of last year, there is only one mode of payment of Documentary Stamp Fee (DSF). This is through auto-debit of DSF from exporter bank account using PASS5 (Payment Abstract Secure System 5). BOC already implemented two alternative modes of payment — through the in-house AAB within a customs port (usually Land Bank of the Philippines) and cash payment through the BOC Cashier (after banking hours).

 

DSF Payment Exemption

BOI exporters are exempt from DSF. A new e2m System procedure code is being formulated in order to implement a Zero DSF payment mode.

 

Is e2m AEDS Software Working?

The answer is yes. BOC-accredited VASP Cargo Data Exchange Center, Inc (CDEC) already reported to MISTG that it is handling an increasing number of successful “live” electronic ED SAD lodgments since the last quarter of 2011.

 

Are There Exporters Already Using e2m AEDS Electronic ED?

Yes. A dozen exporters have been participating in pilot AEDS electronic ED SAD lodgments using CDEC VASP in the Port of Manila, MICP, Bislig, Surigao and Davao. DSF payment is through PASS5 auto-debit.

 

Bank Charges Bigger Than DSF Payment

Bank service charges range from Php 250 to Php 400 for DSF payment of Php 115. This has been pointed out from the start as an urgent concern by stakeholders. Exporters who are likewise importers are encouraged to talk to their bank relationship officers and work out a favorable arrangement on a case-to-case basis. At the same time, they may explore the other alternative modes of DSF payment allowed by BOC — through in-house AAB and cash payment to BOC Cashier.

 

Leo Morada is a domain expert on IT applications in Philippine port operations with 25 years” senior IT management experience implementing technology solutions in port operations, electronic transactions with customs & port authority, and port community system applications. He is CEO of Cargo Data Exchange Center, Inc, a customs-accredited Value-Added Service Provider. He may be contacted at lmorada3f1@yahoo.com.