Customs bonded warehouse operators in the Philippines are seeking clear-cut procedures in the implementation of the Automated Export Declaration System (AEDS) imposed by the Bureau of Customs (BOC).
PortCalls sources in that community said rules in black and white are needed, instead of the mostly “verbal guidelines” handed down by BOC officials, resulting in conflicts and eventually problems in export shipments.
The group made known its sentiments in a recent forum attended by BOC officials and transport stakeholders, including freight forwarders, BOC-accredited value-added service providers (VASPs) and other port users.
“Up to now, AEDS processes are still unclear,” the operators said, claiming they are having problems particularly when it comes to post-entry modifications.
“The BOC promised to come out with the guidelines but as of now nothing has been released yet,” the group said.
Under previous export procedures, customs bonded warehouse operators were allowed post-entry modifications. This is now no longer the case under the AEDS. Export cargoes will not be released if there are modifications.
BOC said it is making the necessary adjustment in rules and will come out with more detailed procedures in the next few weeks.
AEDS in airports temporarily shelved
Meanwhile, the BOC also shelved indefinitely the mandatory implementation of the AEDS in airports, initially set to start on August 1.
“Due to the delay in the finalization and approval of a consolidated CMO (customs memorandum order), the mandatory implementation of AEDS in airports on August 1, 2012 is postponed until further notice,” Customs deputy commissioner for Management Information System and Technology group Ma Caridad Manarang said in an order issued on July 26, 2012.
The AEDS covers export declarations processed at the Export Division of the BOC and at the Philippine Exporters Confederation One-Stop Export Documentation Center for cargoes loaded at all BOC ports nationwide. Declarations must be electronically lodged through any of the BOC-accredited VASPs.
As a pre-requisite to using the AEDS, exporters as well as their authorized forwarders/brokers and/or exporter’s representatives must be registered under the Client Profile Registration System (CPRS). A separate CPRS and automated import documentation system is also being implemented for importers.
Stacking Paper Box In Warehouse by Sura Nualpradid
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