Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) locators that import goods need no longer apply for accreditation with the Bureau of Customs (BOC), although they still need to do so with the Bureau of Internal Revenue, according to the Department of Finance (DOF).
Under DOF Department Order (DO) No. 107-2014 — dated November 28, signed by Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and which took effect immediately — all locators at PEZA economic zones nationwide are exempt from complying with requirements of DOF DO 12-2014, as amended by DO 18-2014, and shall be eligible for accreditation as importers with the BOC-Account Management Office (AMO).
DO 12-2014, issued last February, stipulates a two-tiered accreditation policy for importers, including PEZA locators, and customs brokers, who have to first secure an Importer’s Clearance Certificate (ICC) or a Broker’s Clearance Certificate (BCC) from the BIR before securing accreditation with the BOC AMO.
It must be noted that the ICC is still required of all PEZA locators.
DOF said the exemption of PEZA locators from the BOC accreditation is part of its thrust to promote “trade facilitation in a secured manner” and ensure “the attainment of an effective and efficient customs management.”
Under DO 107-2014, BOC may request for a certified list of registered locators from PEZA, and may also require submission of documents and information about PEZA locators prior to granting accreditation.
Whenever possible, BOC will obtain the documents and information it needs about PEZA locators from those already in the possession of PEZA, the order added.
Moreover, PEZA locators that will import goods should still comply with the documentary requirements under the relevant rules and procedures that BOC will issue.
Failure to do so will subject locators to sanctions and penalties under the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines.
Customs Commissioner John Phillip Sevilla will issue rules and regulations in keeping with DO 107-2014 within 15 days from its issuance. – Roumina Pablo
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