THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) is requiring all transit cargoes to come with an electronic global positioning system-equipped barrier seal (EGBS) for real-time cargo tracking and tracing.
Customs Administrative Order 4-2010 published on July 3, 2010 and which will take effect in two weeks also provides for the collection of a transit processing fee of P1,100 for each transshipment container, P400 for breakbulk cargo and a $5 container security fee.
The system will be implemented through accredited GPS providers. A separate order will cover requirements for those wanting to be providers.
BOC has been eyeing the use of GPS on transit cargoes since late last year. But the proposal then included equipping trucks with GPS.
Aside from the processing fee which will be paid through the Customs Transit Monitoring and Tracking Unit (CTMTU) that will be set up at the country’s major ports, the CAO also provides that the CTMTU will be responsible for uploading transit cargo information onto the transit system; placement of EGBS as Customs seal on the cargo; informing the port of destination of the cargo of its estimated date and time of arrival; tracking and monitoring of cargo while in transit through GPS; reporting to the Philippine National Police any unauthorized diversion from the designated transit route; and determining any breach in the integrity of the seal.
The CTMTU is also tasked to submit a daily computerized report of the number, permit number and declarant of shipments released and shipments received to the Customs Coordinating and Audit Office under the Office of the Customs Commissioner.
