CACSC accepts applications for accreditation of cargo surveyors

MANILA, Philippines - After four successive marathon meetings in two weeks, the Committee for Accreditation of Cargo Surveying Companies (CACSC), headed by its chairman Secretary Narciso Y. Santiago Jr., announced that it is now accepting applications for the accreditation of cargo surveying companies.

Pending accreditation applications with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) shall be turned over to the CACSC.

The CACSC was created pursuant to Administrative Order No. 243, dated Oct. 13, 2009 signed by President Arroyo. It is mandated to oversee grant, approve, defer, or deny the application for accreditation of cargo surveying companies and surveyors.

The committee is headed by Santiago and is composed of representatives from the Department of Finance, BOC, and duly recognized industry associations. The DOF is represented by Undersecretary Estela Sales and lawyer Liza Sebastian; and the BOC is represented by Deputy Commissioner Rey Nicolas and his chief of staff, lawyer Caesar Corpus. Sally Monteiro of the Philippine Institute of Petroleum (PIP) and Edison Coseteng of the Ceramic Tile Manufacturers Association (CTMA) serve as industry representatives in the committee. Dr. Angel Lazaro serves as a consultant of the chairman.

Under Administrative Order No. 243, an advance clearance system for bulk and break bulk cargoes is required in accordance with the Revised Kyoto Convention. Cargo surveying companies play a major role in the assessment of bulk and break bulk cargoes.

The assessment of the correct duties and taxes due to the government depends upon the proper inspection, classification, and valuation of these cargoes.