Customs modernization gets push from JICA aid

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) will receive technical assistance from the Japanese government to boost the country’s modernization projects.

In a statement, BOC said the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Japan’s bilateral aid agency, would help facilitate the implementation of its ongoing and future modernization projects.

This comes after the BOC met with customs expert Katsu Shigeaki who reaffirmed JICA’s commitment to support the BOC in carrying out its programs and initiatives.

The BOC expects the newly designated JICA customs expert to provide needed timely and strategic technical assistance and capacity-building support to further improve customs processes and good governance.

BOC said JICA can effectively guide the BOC in its pursuit of being a credible and modernized customs administration including the re-establishment of the much needed customs laboratory.

The BOC said the Philippine Customs Laboratory (PCL) is crucial in the proper and accurate chemical analysis of products.

Such an analysis helps determine the correct tariff classification and imposable duties on imports, which is ideal for enhancing the collection performance of the BOC.

The laboratory is also expected to serve as a deterrent against technical smuggling through the use of scientific and technical expertise, advanced technology, and intelligence-driven strategies.

The PCL is seen safeguarding national security, protecting revenue, and ensuring public safety.

It is also expected to enhance border security efforts and promote international collaboration, information sharing, and best practices.

The Philippines had difficulty in re-establishing the PCL amid the lack of facilities and obsolete laboratory equipment.

According to the World Customs Organization, customs laboratories around the world have evolved with changes in trade patterns and technical improvements.

Such facilities also play an important part in environmental protection, endangered species protection, control of dangerous goods such as pesticides, persistent organic pollutants, chemical weapons, as well as narcotics and drug precursors.