Port users laud return of brokers, accreditation to BOC

MANILA, Philippines — A major group of port users has lauded the Department of Finance (DOF) for reverting back to the Bureau of Customs the sole task of accrediting brokers and importers.

In a letter to DOF chief Carlos Dominguez III, the  Port Users Confederation of the Philippines said the move simplified the accreditation procedure at the BOC.

PUCP president retired Col. Rodolfo de Ocampo said limiting the accreditation process of importers and brokers to one agency can speed up collection of revenues, as well as benefit the business community engaged in their regular importations due to reduced layer of accreditation. 

Prior to the issuance of Department Order 011-2018, customs brokers and importers were first required to secure a brokers clearance certificate and importers clearance certificate,respectively, from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

Supposedly designed to weed out non-complying customs brokers and importers, the two-layered accreditation procedure involving the BIR and BOC, however, allegedly caused processing delays. Some customs brokers and importers complained of having to pay penalties and surcharges for the delay in the release of their shipment because of the delay as well in the approval of their accreditation with the BOC.

Under the order, however, the BOC is mandated to transmit to BIR on a quarterly basis the list of accredited customs brokers and importers for post-accreditation validation of tax compliance.

PUCP chairman Oscar Sevilla also hailed the order, saying that it is a clear manifestation of the Duterte government’s sensitivity to the needs and concerns of port users.

“We are encouraged and inspired to work and cooperate even more closely with the government with this development at DOF and the ports.” Sevilla said.