THE recently implemented Super Green Lane Plus (SGL+) program of the Philippine Bureau of Customs (BOC) received approval from the country’s biggest importers, including Avon Products, Epson Philippines, Globe Telecom, McDonald’s, Jollibee, Kraft Foods, Tanduay Distillers, Texas Instruments, and Unilever Philippines.
SGL+ grants qualified importers exemption from the Customs selectivity system (in cases where physical examination of their imported goods become imperative, the same may be conducted at the importer’s premises); exemption from document and physical examination of regular importation and pre-notification of import clearance; five-year Customs accreditation, three-year exemption from the post-entry audit; and the privilege to import articles not included in the list of regular importations.
The importers form part of the 33-company SGL+ Association, Inc whose main objective is to expand the base of corporate importers that comply with trading and customs best practices.
SGL+ Association is a for-members-only self-regulating organization with the power to determine whether or not an applicant qualifies for membership. Globe Telecom’s Jeff de Leon is chairman of the Board, Texas Instrument’s Bobot Reyes is president while Tyrone Uy of Jollibee and Wilson Young of Tanduay are vice president and treasurer, respectively.
“Only companies that have not misused the customs facilities nor intentionally misdeclared their importations in terms of quantity, quality, type and value will be viable candidates for membership,” de Leon said.
