Biz sector, BoC settle cargo releasing issue

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu business community, through the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) settled the overdue concern on cargo releasing at the port of Cebu with the Bureau of Customs together with the Chamber of Customs Brokers, Inc. - Cebu Chapter (CCBI).

CCCI signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with BoC, and CCBI for shipment documents to be processed beyond office hours, from seven in the evening to seven in morning, provided that consignees will provide formal written requests.

“This is a very good development for Cebu. Our importers and brokers will be happy as we  have more time to release the goods at the port. This MOA also signifies that BoC and CCCI are open to constantly improving our current setup for ease of doing business here," said Carmel Salvador, president of the Philippine International Seafreight Forwarders Association (PISFA-Cebu Chapter).

However, Salvador said that before businesses could enjoy this development, "we need to improve the computer system at BoC. Right now it is very slow and most often doesn't work so we can't also release our cargoes."

The MOA indicated that BoC will be releasing cargoes 24 hours a day, seven days a week except during holidays. However, for releasing intended within the 7PM – 7 AM period, a written request shall be filed by the broker or representative with the Office of Deputy Collector for Operations, copy furnished the Customs Police and CIIS during 8AM – 5PM working hours.

Businesses in Cebu had been clamoring to improve the processing and releasing of imported shipments in order to facilitate trade and lessen the incidence of port congestion;

BoC, through the XIP, shall also conduct x-ray scanning from 7AM - 7PM.   However, trucks that are already within the X-Ray Area by 7PM shall be accommodated even beyond the 7PM closing schedule.

Releasing of Containers, Document Processing and X-Ray Scanning during Saturday, Sunday and Holidays shall follow the procedure for the 7PM to 7AM work shift as provided below.

CCCI President Melanie C. Ng led the signing of the MOA Thursday, at the CCCI Board Room with BOC OIC Collector Atty. Rico Rey Francis "Koko" Holganza and CCBI - Cebu Chapter President Jose Jefferson Bajao.

The MOA signing was witnessed by OPASCOR representative Atty. Ann Page and PISFA.

The MOA signing according to Ng also provides certain security measures in order to assure that the provision of the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines (TCCP), as amended and other related laws, rules and regulations will not be compromised and are strictly enforced.

In March this year, BOC Commissioner Bert Lina announced that his bureau will be opened 24 hours daily to speed up the release of shipments.

“We are very pleased to formalize our partnership with the BoC and CCBI - Cebu Chapter to improve the processing and releasing of imported shipments in the port of Cebu in order to facilitate trade and lessen incidence of port congestion." Ng said. — (FREEMAN)