US T OM S A ZE T TE CThe Official Newsletter of the Bureau of Customs G Volume 6 Number 1 • November-December 2020

BOC receives Highest Award for PGS Compliance Stage The Bureau of Customs (BOC) During the Compliance Revalida 4-year Strategic Roadmap which aims to passed the Compliance Stage of the organized by the Institute for Solidarity transform the Bureau into a world-class Performance Governance System (PGS) in Asia (ISA), Commissioner of Customs Customs Administration by 2022. and received the Gold Governance Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero presented Among the initiatives the Bureau Trailblazer award, the highest PGS award the BOC's performance and compliance presented, which are aligned to its during the Public Governance Forum reports, programs and innovations and 10-Point Priority Program 2020, are - BOC Compliance Revalida via Zoom its drive in ensuring the alignment of the (1) full automation of processes Meeting on November 10, 2020. resources and stakeholders to the including the implementation (See more in page 14) The 15th Strike Wing of Philippine CCC Port of Manila gets ISO certified Air Force awards Bureau of The BOC Customer Care Customs and Port of NAIA Center - Port of Manila (CCC-POM) was awarded The Bureau of ISO 9001 : 2015 Quality Customs under Management System (QMS) the leadership of Certification by TUV SUD Commissioner on December 4, Rey Leonardo B. 2020. Guerrero, and Port CCC-POM, headed by of NAIA were District Collector Michael awarded with Plaques of Recognition from the Angelo DC Vargas, Philippine Air Force during the celebration of (See more in page 14) the 15th Strike Wing's 47th anniversary on November 26, 2020. United Nations Environment Programme commends The Plaques of Recognition were presented Customs-CDO in the fight against environmental crimes by Brigadier General Araus Robert F. Musico, The United Nations Environment Programme Wing Commander in acknowledgment to the (UNEP) commended the Bureau of Customs invaluable support rendered by the BOC to (BOC) Port of Cagayan de Oro last November various CMO activities of the Wing, moreso for its continued commitment to address global the 24/7 government service thru its One transboundary environmental crime as evident Stop Shop in NAIA ensuring an efficient in the successful re-exportation of more than processing and immediate release of medical 7,500 metric tons of illegally imported South supplies, donations, and PPEs. Korean wastes on August 4, 2020. (See more in page 13) REVENUE 2 COLLECTION MAKABAGONG ADUANA

BOC hits collection target for the 7th consecutive month FUEL MARKING Consistent with its mandate to In January to December 2020, PROGRAM UPDATE collect lawful revenues for the the BOC collected P539.660 billion, country, the Bureau of Customs reflecting 106.6% of the target Volume of Marked Petroleum Products​ (BOC) exceeded its December target collection of P506.150 billion based September 2019 – December 31, 2020​ collection by 9.1% or P3.95 billion from the initial report. based on the preliminary report from The BOC’s positive revenue collection 17.55 ​ the BOC Financial Service. A total of performance is attributed to the Billion Liters​ P47.316 billion was collected against improved valuation and intensified the target of P43.368 billion. collection efforts of all the ports, Taxes Collected by BOC Furthermore, ten out of the gradual improvement of importation September 2019 – December 31, 2020​ seventeen collection districts exceeded volume and the government’s effort their target for 2020, namely the in ensuring unhampered movement of 147.78 ​ Ports of Cebu, Tacloban, Surigao, goods domestically and internationally Billion Pesos Cagayan De Oro, , Davao, considering the pandemic situation. ​ Subic, Clark, Aparri, and Limay. 3 TRADE MATATAG NA EKONOMIYA FACILITATION B0C to prevent possible port congestion in view of truck ban Starting December 14, 2020, a total truck ban will be enforced on six-wheelers and up from EDSA Magallanes in Pasay to North Avenue in Quezon City with window hours set on other major thoroughfares to address the increasing traffic volume in Metro Manila. The implementation of the Truck ban has been re-instated after nine (9) months since the onset of the pandemic. While the reimposition may ease traffic flow in the meantime, this resulted to allegation from a group of truckers contesting that it would lead to different problems such as increased congestion. As it has been long noted that the implementation of truck ban significantly constricts the flow of trade, the desired level in alignment with the the actual customs clearance time for the public does not only foresee traffic global standard rate which does not importation is two (2) days, ten (10) congestion but a repetition of the exceed 70%. Meanwhile, for December hours, and three (3) minutes from chaotic port situation that marred the 1-13, the average yard utilization of submission of Goods declaration to years 2014 and 2018. Manila International Container Port issuance of clearance and three However, the Bureau of Customs is (MICP) is at a manageable level of 75%. (3) days, thirteen (13) hours, and optimistic amid the threat of port Further, after the conduct of the twenty-nine (29) minutes on exportation. congestion in the resumption of the Time-Release Study at the MICP to The immediate release of shipments truck ban as the agency has been measure the actual average release greatly contributes in reducing keeping the yard utilization rate within time of goods, the study shows that congestion in the ports. Philippine Sinter Corporation commends BOC Port of CDO in the facilitation of Project Fast Cares The Philippine Sinter Corporation in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental, a subsidiary of JFE Steel Corporation in Japan, commends the Bureau of Customs (BOC) - Port of Cagayan de Oro for facilitating the release of its shipment covering 27,500 metric tons of Russian Anthracite Coal in just 25 minutes under Project FAST-CaReS, otherwise known as “First ASEAN Standard Time Cargo Releasing System”, on November 11, 2020. The facilitation of the shipment consigned to Philippine Sinter surpassed the record of the pilot bulk cargo of Pilipinas Kao Incorporated which was released in 26 minutes under FAST-CaRes on October 28, 2020. “This is a very good procedure, very good for us multinational companies because it is very hard before and time consuming in getting clearances but now we can do it in 25 minutes,” Philippine Sinter Makati Office Vice President Rey Santos said. companies of the Bureau to benefit from clearance from the electronic lodgement Atty. Roswald Joseph Pague, Head the project. of the goods declaration to the actual of Office of the Strategy Management The Project Fast-CaRes is the first release of the cargo to the importer’s (OSM) of the Port of Cagayan de Oro, in the country that adopts the ASEAN premises. also expects for more trusted standard time of 30-minutes cargo TRADE 4 FACILITATION MAKABAGONG ADUANA Bureau of Customs Links New Website Feature to TradeNet Portal The Bureau of Customs (BOC) – Management Information System and Technology Group (MISTG) upon the guidance of the Department of Finance (DOF), introduced a new feature “TradeNet” in the BOC Website which links directly to the TradeNet portal. TradeNet portal or Tradenet.gov.ph is the Philippines’ gateway for trade facilitation which provides for automated licensing, permit, clearance, and certification system with regulatory agencies integrated into one internet-based platform. It covers the functions of the Philippine National Single Window (PNSW) and makes trade facilitation processes of government agencies inter-operable. The portal is designed as a single-entry point where users can submit information and documents to government agencies in order to importable goods; and other trade comply with import / export such as the list of trade regulatory related information. Aside from the requirements. A total of 75 Trade and oversight government agencies; public, the primary users of this Regulatory Agencies (TRGAs) are so legislation, department orders, and system are importers, exporters, far connected to the TradeNet system. memorandum issuances; trade customs brokers, banks, shippers, Available to registered users, the and tariff table with up-to-date tariff forwarders, as well as government TradeNet portal is equipped with the schedules and information; duty and sector. database of trade-related information tax calculator; list of regulated Port of Cagayan de Oro inaugurates Customer Care Center on its 70th founding anniversary The Bureau of Customs (BOC) - Port or the Ease of Doing Business and of Cagayan de Oro marked its 70th Efficient Government Service Delivery Founding Anniversary with the Act. It is designed to streamline the inauguration of its Customer Care processes of the Bureau and to promote Center (CCC) on November 18, 2020 in zero contact policy in support of BOC’s Macabalan, Cagayan de Oro. directive to lessen face-to-face Fr. Jonas Awayan led the blessing transaction with stakeholders. of the CCC together with Port of In his message, District Collector Cagayan's top officials led by District Simon expressed his gratitude towards Collector John Simon and guest of the hardworking men and women of the honor Cong. Frederick Siao, port for their unwavering commitment representative of the lone District of in achieving a world class customs Iligan City. administration through efficient delivery The CCC is a modern customs service of services to the Bureau's center that will provide centralized stakeholders. Simon also recognized document receiving and releasing the valuable contribution of the port service, information kiosks, gate pass personnel in the significant issuance, payment booth and other achievements of the BOC in terms of customs services. trade facilitation, revenue generation, The facility will serve as a one-stop anti-smuggling campaign and fight shop for stakeholders with concerns against environmental crimes. on various customs services and will The CCC of the Port of Cagayan de be manned by trained customs service Oro is the 14th established Customer officers of the Bureau. Care Center in the country in support to The CCC is one of the programs of Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero’s the Bureau in compliance to RA 11032 10-Point Priority Program. 5 BORDER MATATAG NA EKONOMIYA PROTECTION

BOC NAIA, PDEA, and NAIA-IADITG intercepts 35,345 tablets of dangerous drugs worth Php 1.8M The Bureau of Customs–NAIA, intercepted smuggled cigarettes through with its partner agencies, intercepted together with the Philippine Drug the efforts of the Customs Intelligence on November 6, 2020 more than P120 Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and NAIA and Investigation Service (CIIS) and Xray million-worth of smuggled cigarettes. Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Inspection Unit (XIP). The operation stemmed from a call Group (NAIA-IADITG) intercepted a total On September 30, said goods received from a concerned citizen about of 35,345 tablets of diazepam (Valium) were imported by OCEAN WORLD a certain vessel allegedly carrying and nitrazepam (Mogadon) with an ENTERPRISES and were declared as smuggled cigarettes. This prompted estimated street value of Php 1.8 various items which included cartons, Customs Zamboanga to conduct an million. furnitures and bags, among others. operation vis-a-vis M/L Nur 1 which was The seized tablets were discovered Upon verification, it was found out that then departing from Indonesia en route by BOC-NAIA frontliners during the subject containers actually comprised to Indanan, Sulu. inspection and examination of parcels 500 cases and 1,198 boxes of Guided by the Intelligence Group, the in Paircargo warehouse. smuggled cigarettes from China with an information was then relayed to the Records show that the cargo was estimated amount of Php 60 million. Customs personnel in Taganak Island, shipped by a certain “Muztaza and Currently, a total of eleven (11) Tawi Tawi for validation and coordination. brother” from Pakistan and was shipments are being investigated on This resulted in the seizure of more misdeclared as “Health Care Products”. suspicion for illegal importation of or less 3,000 boxes of undocumented Diazepam (Valium) and Nitrazepam cigarettes. The importer, on the cigarettes estimated to be worth P120 (Mogadon) are included in the 1971 other hand will face charges for violation million. The seized goods were then United Nations Single Convention of section 1400 in relation to section turned over to the BOC for verification on Psychotropic Substances under 1113 of Republic Act (RA) No. 10863 of volume and amount of smuggled Schedule IV. Both have addictive otherwise known as the Customs cigarettes. This shall undergo proper properties and characteristics, and Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) disposition procedure pursuant to considered as highly regulated drugs. as well as violation of Bureau of Customs laws. Also, a Warrant of Upon further investigation, the seized Internal Revenue (BIR) guidelines and Seizure and Detention (WSD) will be tablets were unlawfully imported into regulations, and pertinent National issued against the subject goods the country without the required License Tobacco Authority (NTA) Memorandum. for lack of permit from the National to Operate and Certificate of Product Other shipments of the importer are Tobacco Administration (NTA) and for Registration from the Food and Drugs now subject for further investigation to violation of the Amended Rules and Authority (FDA), and Import Permit from ascertain if they are also in violation of Regulations Governing the Exportation PDEA pursuant to the Comprehensive Customs laws, rules and regulations. and Importation of Tobacco and Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Tobacco Products pursuant to Executive BOC-Zamboanga with partner Order No. 245, as well as violations of BOC MICP intercepts Php 60M agencies intercept Php 120M R.A 8424 known as National Internal worth of smuggled cigarettes worth of smuggled cigarettes in Revenue Code of the Philippines and The Bureau, through the Manila Tawi-Tawi Section 1401 of R.A 10863 or the International Container Port (MICP) The BOC-Port of Zamboanga, together Customs Modernization and Tarrif Act. BORDER 6 PROTECTION MAKABAGONG ADUANA BOC Port of Zamboanga destroys Php 183M worth of smuggled cigarettes The Bureau of Customs (BOC)-Port of Zamboanga destroyed some PHP183 million worth of smuggled cigarettes on December 7, 2020 in a warehouse in Brgy. Baliwasan, . More than 5,200 master cases of cigarettes, seized in separate anti-smuggling operations since September 2020 were crushed by a payloader equipment in an outdoor yard, drenched with water by firemen and disposed in a sanitary landfill in Brgy. Salaan. seizes Php 13.19M worth of smuggled The immediate destruction and disposal of such contrabands is a firm cigarettes directive from Commissioner Rey The Bureau of Customs (BOC) Port of motorized banca bearing the name Leonardo B. Guerrero to promote Davao thru Sub-port in Parang together Al-Shameem and was at the time plying transparency and remove doubts of with the Customs Intelligence and the Rio Grande river in Cotabato City. corruption, theft or pilferage in the Investigation Service (CIIS) and The goods were identified to have agency. District Collector Segundo Enforcement and Security Service brands such as Fort, Bravo, Canon, Sigmundfreud Z. Barte Jr. reports that (ESS), and in coordination with New Berlin, Astro, Famous and Aries this is the third condemnation of the Port the Philippine Marines, Philippine with an estimated value of Php for the year following the May 2020 and National Police (PNP) and Philippine 13,188.411.09. September 2020 condemnation activities Coast Guard (PCG) seized 432 boxes A Warrant of Seizure and Detention which resulted to the destruction and of smuggled cigarettes last December (WSD) has already been issued against disposal of seized illicit and fake 7, 2020 in Cotabato City. the illicit articles in violation of R.A. cigarettes, raw materials and counterfeit The shipment was intercepted 10863 also known as the Customs internal revenue stamps worth P254 while entering the country aboard a Modernization and Tarif Act (CMTA). million and P1.5 billion, respectively. BOC - Port of Cagayan de Oro, PNP Lanao del Sur apprehends illicit cigarettes worth Php 3.5M The Bureau of Customs Port of Cagayan de Oro Enforcement and Security Services (ESS), in a joint operation with Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Office, seized a truck loaded with 68 master cases of San Marino cigarettes in Brgy. Pawak, Saguiaran, Lanao del Sur on November 25, 2020. The PNP Lanao del Sur, while conducting a routine quarantine control checkpoint, arrested the suspects on-board a wing van for failure to present their quarantine pass and medical certificates. Thorough inspection revealed the carriage of cigarettes. with PNP beforehand after receiving 3.5 million pesos. In coordination with SP/Capt. Abdila intelligence report that smuggled Meanwhile, ESS operatives of the Maulana Jr., District Commander of ESS cigarettes will be transported from Port of Cagayan de Oro while CPD, it was found out that cigarettes on Zamboanga to some parts of Lanao del proceeding to Iligan City was fired upon board the van were illegally imported Sur. by a drunk officer prompting the Lanao for failure to present the import permit The PNP already turned-over to the del Sur PPO to respond to the incident and other necessary documents. Bureau of Customs the wing van and and the officer is now under SP/Capt. Abdila Maulana Jr. said they the 68 master cases containing 3,400 investigation. already initiated close coordination reams of cigarettes estimated to worth 7 BORDER MATATAG NA EKONOMIYA PROTECTION Port of Batangas destroys Php 79.51M worth of Port of Subic destroys smuggled cigarettes illegal and counterfeit cigarettes and various vegetables The Port of Subic started the condemnation of seized illegal and counterfeit cigarettes and various vegetables at a rendering facility located at Porac, Pampanga on October 30, 2020. The condemnation was spearheaded by the Port’s Deputy Collector for Assessment and Chief, Auction and Cargo Disposal Division The Port of Batangas destroyed the MICP which started early this year. The (ACDD), Ms. Maita S. Acevedo, Php79.51 Million worth of smuggled smuggled cigarettes consist of Two together with the Port’s Enforcement cigarettes on December 5-6 and Moon, Marvel and Mighty among and Security Service (ESS) and December 8, 2020 in a destruction others. Some of the items were found Customs Intelligence and facility located at Greenleaf 888 Waste to contain fake tax seals. The latest Investigation Service (CIIS), as Disposal at Purok 1, Brgy. Mitla, Porac, batch of condemned cigarettes were well as Atty. Reynaldo N. Yacat, Pampanga. estimated to have a value amounting to ACDMD-POS-AOCG together with the The shipments arrived in the Port Php 70 Million. representatives from PMFTC, JTI, of Batangas from China on October The condemnation was an offshoot of PDEA and Bureau of Plant Industry. 12 declared as Laptop Bags and was violation of Section 1400 of Loaded in a 6x40’ container vans then alerted on October 13 based on Republic Act (RA) 10863 also known bearing a total of 5,810 master derogatory information received by as the Customs Modernization and cases of illegal and counterfeit the port. A Warrant of Seizure and Tariff Act (CMTA) to include pertinent cigarettes with various brands like Detention was subsequently issued laws such as National Tobacco Fortune, Jackpot, Mighty, Two Moon, upon recommendation of Acting District Administration (NTA), other memoranda, D&B, Seven Stars, Union and Marvels Collector Atty. Ma. Rhea M. Gregorio in guidelines, laws, rules and regulations cigarettes and 3x40’ container vans violation of the Customs Modernization of the Bureau of Internal Revenues. bearing various kinds of vegetables and Tariff Act. Port of Cebu destroys Php 374M were also seized and condemned The condemnation ceremony was through crushing, shredding and witnessed by the representatives from worth of seized smuggled dumping. The seized and condemned PMFTC Inc., JTI Law Firm, Intelligence cigarettes goods were estimated to cost for Group (IG), Philippine Coast Guard The Port of Cebu condemned on about Php 215 Million. (PCG), Assessment & Operation November 2020 eight (8) containers Coordinating Group - Assessment of seized smuggled cigarettes with an Coordination and Monitoring Division estimated street value of Php 374 (AOCG-ACMD), Enforcement & Security Million. Service (ESS), Customs Intelligence & Deputy Collector for Operations Atty. Investigation Service (CIIS) and Office Marc Anthony C. Patriarca and Auction of the District Collector (ODC)-Port of and Cargo Disposal Unit Chief Engr. Batangas. Ronald Morillo supervised the condemnation process. The Port’s BOC MICP condemns seized Enforcement and Security Service, cigarettes Port Operations Division, and Customs The Manila International Container Intelligence and Investigation Service, Port (MICP) on 28 October 2020 together with the Philippine Coast condemned 2 x 40’ containers of Guard and the Philippine National Police seized cigarettes. The condemnation provided the security during the was conducted at Porac, Pampanga and condemnation and transport of the made through the combined efforts of eight containers from the port to the the Auction and Cargo Disposal Division destruction facility of Pinoy Basurero (ACDD), Piers Inspection Division (PID), Corporation / Arn Central Waste Customs Intelligence and Investigation Management Inc. in Barangay Binaliw, Service (CIIS) and Enforcement and Talamban, Cebu City. Security Services (ESS). Representatives from Japan Tobacco The seized goods were part of a Inc. and Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco string of seizures and apprehensions of Corp. witnessed the condemnation.

BORDER 10 PROTECTION MAKABAGONG ADUANA BOC NAIA intercepts Php 2.4M worth of rare Agarwood, the world’s most expensive tree Bureau of Customs – Port of NAIA, in coordination with the Environment Protection Compliance Division (EPCD) of the Bureau of Customs, intercepted 3 packages weighing 28 kilos of Agarwood with an estimated street value of Php2,400,000 in a Fedex warehouse, Pasay City. Agarwood is classified under the “Appendix 2” of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES). According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Agarwood is a resin valued for its distinctive fragrance. It is formed when the host tree becomes infected with a mold called Phialophoraparasitica. The mold infection makes the tree produce a dark aromatic resin called aloes or aga in its of Environment and Natural Resources 117 (Regulated Shipments), Section heartwood. The fragrant resin is used to (DENR). 1400 (Misdeclaration) and Section make incense, perfume and medicinal 1113 (Property Subject to Seizure and products particularly in the BOC Davao seizes Php 1.72M Forfeiture), all of Republic Act No. and Asia. worth of Agarwood, world’s most 10863 (CMTA) in relation to Section 27 According to reports, the treasure is expensive tree (i) [Illegal Transport] of Republic Act No. one of the rarest and expensive trees in The Bureau of Customs - Port 9147 (Wild Life Act), and shall be turned the world. A kilo of agarwood fetches as of Davao, through its office at the over to the Department of Environment much as P750,000. Davao International Airport and its and Natural Resources (DENR). Documents showed that the Environmental Protection and packages were misdeclared as “face Compliance Division, in coordination BOC NAIA intercepts 75 poker masks and clothes”, “shoes and hand with BOC - Ninoy Aquino International chips sets and other gambling bags”, and “leather jackets, face masks, Airport, the PNP Aviation Security paraphernalia man pants”. All three packages were Group and the DENR Region XI, had The Bureau of Customs – NAIA, in shipped by a resident from Davao to the intercepted a shipment of agarwood, coordination with the Philippine Postal United Arab Emirates (UAE). the most expensive tree, worth Corporation (Philpost), intercepted 38 Upon x-ray inspection, the packages 1.72 Million Pesos thereby prohibiting parcels with 75 poker chip-sets and yielded different images compared potential illegal export thereof. This type other gambling paraphernalia imported to what were declared by the sender. of wood is included in the National List of in the Central Mail Exchange Center Consequently, these were subjected to Threatened Philippine Plants per DENR (CMEC). The items were without the 100% physical examination. Administrative Order No. 2007-01. required permit from the Philippine A total of 28 kilos of agarwood Records show that the package was Amusement and Gaming Corporation were found during the examination. initially misdeclared as “wood frames (PAGCOR). Additionally, the packages were for souvenirs”. However, after x-ray Thru the vigilance of BOC-NAIA attempted to be exported without the scanning and physical examination, the frontliners, Customs Intelligence & necessary permits from the Department package was instead found to contain Investigation Service (CIIS-NAIA), of Environment and Natural Resources 671 pieces of Agarwood chips sought Enforcement and Security Service (DENR). to be illegally exported from the country (ESS-NAIA), X-ray Inspection Project The subject packages shall be without the necessary permits from the (XIP-NAIA), shipments were subjected to seizure and forfeiture DENR. apprehended in violation of Section 119 proceedings for violation of Section The apprehension took place after this (b) of the R.A. 10863 or the Customs 117 (Regulated Shipments), Section Port had intensified its watch over these Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA). 1400 (Misdeclaration) and Section types of shipments in a more strengthen The intercepted poker sets, dealer 1113 (Property Subject to Seizure and coordination with the Bureau of chips, and other gambling paraphernalia Forfeiture), all of Republic Act No. Customs NAIA. shall be turned over to the Auction and 10863 (CMTA) in relation to Section 27 The seized package shall be now Cargo Disposal Division for safe keeping (i) [Illegal Transport] of Republic Act No. subjected to seizure and forfeiture pending seizure and forfeiture 9147 (Wild Life Act). Thereafter, these proceedings for violation of Section proceedings. will be turned over to the Department 11 BORDER MATATAG NA EKONOMIYA PROTECTION BOC-MICP apprehends shipment containing undeclared frozen mackerel The Bureau of Customs through the Manila International Container Port (MICP), in coordination with officials from the Enforcement and Security Services (ESS), Customs Intelligence and Investigation Services (CIIS), Piers and Inspection Division (PID) and Formal Entry Division (FED) apprehended a shipment consigned to Hightower Inc. on December 02, 2020. The drivers of the two 40-foot laden containers which were declared to contain Frozen Squid were reported to have illegaly removed the Electronic Tracking of Containerized Cargo (ETRACC) GPS Seal without the presence of proper authorities, which was a grave violation under the the shipment actually contained Frozen Rosales for the conduct of full inventory Customs Memorandum Order (CMO) Mackerel Scad. of the goods at a cold storage facility No. 04-2020. Furthermore, on initial A Mission Order was issued by MICP located at Parañaque City. findings of BOC personnel revealed that District Collector Romeo Allan R. Subport of Mactan seizes 14 kgs of illegal live fish shipment from Taiwan The Bureau of Customs in the Subport which arrived from Taiwan via Hong Kong of Mactan seized fourteen kilograms of were packed in plastic bags which were Live Fish from Taiwan last week. The then boxed. shipment which arrived at Mactan-Cebu Verification of documents upon arrival International Airport on November 25 showed these fish have no prior lacked the required Import Clearance clearances from BFAR. Port of Cebu from the Bureau of Fisheries and Acting District Collector Atty. Charlito Aquatic Resources (BFAR). Martin R. Mendoza has accordingly In a joint inspection conducted by issued a Warrant of Seizure and Customs Acting Warehouseman Detention against the shipment for Niña Cheza A. Dela Peña with BFAR violation of Section 1113 (F) and (L) Quarantine Officer Ronald O. Cabiles (5) in relation to Section 117 of the on 26 November, the ornamental fish Customs Modernization and Tariff Act locally known as Angelfish and Guppies (CMTA).

Customs NAIA intercepts another 3 parcels with undeclared foreign currencies concealed in magazines The packages were misdeclared as “documents”, which arrived on November 2, 2020. All were sent by the same sender, a certain “Jacqualine Paas” from the United States of America, and are consigned to individuals from Poblacion, Muntinlupa City. Upon 100% physical examination, the packages were found to contain US dollar bills concealed in magazines. The seized foreign currencies shall be subjected to seizure and forfeiture proceedings in violation of Sections 1400 (Misdeclaration) and 1113 of R.A. No. 10863 (CMTA) in relation to the R.A. The Bureau of Customs—Port of Dollar(USD) Bills concealed inside 7653 (New Central Bank Act) and BSP NAIA has intercepted another three (3) magazines with a total amount of Foreign Exchange Transaction Manual. packages containing United States $38,700 in Fedex warehouse. BORDER 12 PROTECTION MAKABAGONG ADUANA

Customs NAIA intercepts undeclared $13,500 in two packages The Bureau of Customs-Port of same sender from Jefferson city, USA, The seized foreign currencies shall NAIA intercepted two (2) packages of and consigned to the same person from be subjected to seizure and forfeiture undeclared foreign currencies with a Poblacion, Muntinlupa City. proceedings in violation of Sections total amount of $13,500 in Fedex Upon 100% physical examination, the 1400 (Misdeclaration) and 1113 of R.A. warehouse last October 30, 2020. first package was found to contain 75 No. 10863 (CMTA) in relation to the R.A. The packages were both misdeclared pieces of $100 Bills. While the other 7653 (New Central Bank Act) and BSP as “correspondence/no value”, which package contained 150 pieces of $20 Foreign Exchange Transaction Manual. arrived on October 23 and 29, 2020, Bills, 20 pieces of $50 Bills, and 20 respectively. Both were sent by the pieces of $100 Bills.

Customs Clark condemns expired medicines, cosmetic products and various abandoned goods The Bureau of Customs – Port of Clark disposed expired medicines, cosmetic products without FDA health approval and various abandoned goods through condemnation last November 24, 2020 at Trece Martires City, Cavite. Among the 4,146 kgs. of goods that were condemned include assorted expired medicines, food supplements, cosmetic products, expired foodstuff, etc. which were imported without the necessary permit/approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as required under Section 117 of R.A. 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act. The condemnation activity was made initiatives to protect the public against in accordance with Section 1145 of BOC NAIA condemns 4.28 Tons unsafe and hazardous consumer the CMTA and facilitated by Port of of unregistered and hazardous products. Clark Auction and Cargo Disposal goods The goods were destroyed using Unit headed by Ms. Venus Juico in The Bureau of Customs-NAIA, last the Thermal Decomposer (Pyrolysis) the presence of representatives from December 7, 2020, condemned 4.28 Facility of the Integrated Waste FDA, Commission on Audit, Enforce- tons of unregistered and hazardous Management Inc. (IWMI) to ensure ment and Security Service (ESS) and goods in Trece Martires, Cavite. that these items will not be sold or Customs Intelligence and Investigation The condemnation of unregistered made available in the market. Service (CIIS). cosmetics and food products is part of Bureau of Customs border protection 13 BORDER MATATAG NA EKONOMIYA PROTECTION BOC Surigao turns-over hygiene kits to persons deprived of liberty The Bureau of Customs District Port of Surigao led by District Collector Noli P. Santua Jr. handed over 320 packs of hygiene kits for Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) through Bureau of Jail, Management and Penology - Surigao del Norte District Jail XIII (BJMP-SDNJ XIII) represented by JO1 Nathaniel Ver Morite and JO1 Jeth Christine Caba on December 10, 2020. The activity is in line with the Bureau’s Social Responsibility Program, especially during this time of COVID-19 crisis. JO1 Jeth Christine Caba of the BJMP-SDNDJ XIII expressed her gratitude upon the acceptance of the hygiene kits. Each pack consists of toothpaste, towel, bath and laundry soaps which are indeed what they need most since supplies are dwindling due to quarantine lockdown. United Nations Environment Programme commends Customs-CDO in the fight against environmental crimes From page 1 In a letter to District Collector John Simon on October 30, Dechen Tsering the UNEP Regional Director and Representative for Asia and the Pacific recognized the importance of international collaboration to disrupt environmental crime, advance the protection of the environment and BOC-NAIA, DENR-NCR and Office of the City support cooperation between Customs and other agencies. Prosecutor of Pasay City successfully caused the The UNEP serves as a secretariat conviction of a wildlife smuggler to the Green Customs Initiative (GCI) On 20 November 2020, Judge Allan Thousand Pesos (Php120,000.00). which is an informal partnership of B. Ariola, Branch 48, Metropolitan It can be recalled that the convicted international organizations to prevent Trial Court of Pasay City, found wildlife smuggler was apprehended the illegal trade in environmentally guilty as charged the apprehended by BOC-NAIA frontliners, ESS-NAIA, sensitive commodities and substances, importer of 757 pieces of tarantulas CIIS-NAIA and XIP-NAIA operatives, and to facilitate legal trade. in BOC-NAIA for violation of Section in collaboration with DENR-NCR Tsering added that the full cooperation 27 of Republic Act No. 9147 operatives last April 1, 2019 while between the Korean government and the otherwise known as the Wildlife claiming the illegally imported 757 Philippine government resulted in the Resources Conservation and tarantulas concealed inside boxes success of the operation. Protection Act of 2001, and Section of cookies and oatmeal from Poland, Aside from the UNEP, the World 1401 in relation to Section 117 of at the Central Mail Exchange Center, Customs Organization (WCO) through Republic Act No. 10863 otherwise without the required import permit its Deputy Secretary General Ricardo known as the Customs from the Department of Environment Treviña Chapa also congratulated the Modernization and Tariff Act. He was and Natural Resources (DENR). The Bureau of Customs for successfully sentenced to serve a straight penalty seized tarantulas were immediately completing the return of the South of six (6) months imprisonment and turned over to the Wildlife Traffic Korean waste despite the pandemic. ordered to pay fine in the aggregate Monitoring Unit of the Department of amount of One Hundred Twenty Natural Resources. 14 IN THE NEWS MAKABAGONG ADUANA

BOC receives Highest Award for PGS Compliance Stage From page 1 Provincial Governor of Quirino. certificates, awards and accolades, of No Contact Policy and Last November 2019, the Bureau of what we really hope to gain is a change establishment of Customer Care Customs was also awarded with the in mindset, attitude, and discipline, and Centers, (2) development of Universal Gold Governance Trailblazer award by the commitment that would come out Risk Management System which the ISA as it passed the 1st Stage or from this experience, this PGS journey, improves the risk management the Initiation Stage. that would sustain the agency’s true capabilities of the Bureau, (3) For the 3rd Stage - Proficiency Stage, transformation long after completing Implementation of the Internal the Bureau will focus on the monitoring this 4-step pathway.” Guerrero Administration Management System, and management of the strategies emphasized. and all other projects and programs. executed, and will aim to achieve a The BOC was commended by the proficient status after an ISA audit CCC Port of Manila gets ISO Revalida panelists for the overall review of the BOC's performance as Certified Revalida performance. Among the measured by its scorecard. The Office From page 1 members of the panel were: Atty. for Strategy Management is in charge of has undergone and passed its first Alexander L. Lacson, Trustee, ISA; the strategy execution and will be fully stage audit last October 22 and was Undersecretary Emmanuel T. Bautista, functional in this stage. recommended for ISO Certification after Trustee, ISA; Department of Trade and The Bureau aims to carry this its final audit on November 6, 2020. Industry (DTI) Assistant Secretary Mary momentum through until it passes The ISO 9001:2015 QMS Certification Jean T. Pacheco, Associate, ISA; the 4th and final stage which is the is the international standard that Department of FInance-Revenue Institutionalization Stage to truly ensure specifies requirements for a quality Operations Group (DOF-ROG) Assistant that reforms are truly achieved. management system. Organizations Secretary Dakila Elteen M. Napao; Mr. “I know that the transformation of the use the standard to demonstrate the Ryan G. Evangelista, Regional BOC would be difficult to achieve in a ability to consistently provide products Coordinator for Southeast Asia Center year or even more, but I firmly believe and services that meet customer and for International Private Enterprise, and that it will never be achieved unless regulatory requirements. Hon. Dakila "Daks" Carlo E. Cua, we took the first step. More than the

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: MGen. Bienvenido R. Datuin Jr. (Ret.) For more volume of Customs ASSOCIATE EDITORS: Dexter A. Buted Jr. Gazette, scan this! CONTRIBUTING EDITORS: Karren April A. Noronio CUSTOMS GAZET TE Irish Shane Escritor CUSTOMS GAZETTE, the official Paolo L. Espineli newsletter of the Bureau of Customs is published by Public Information MANAGING DIRECTOR: Jessil F. Garlando and Assistance Division (PIAD) with PROJECT ASSISTANT: Joanne D. Agudo editorial office at Rm. 103 OCOM DESIGN: Jelyn Antoinette Berja Bldg., 16th St. South Harbor, Port CIRCULATION STAFF: Angelito H. Espiritu Area, Manila 1009 PHOTOJOURNALIST: Jerome L. Monta Dexter O. Gatoc Ermie P. Macasieb 15 MATATAG NA EKONOMIYA IN THE NEWS BOC hosts webinar on NSW and Trade Facilitation Customs also conducted a webinar on NSW attended by various stakeholders. The event provided an overview on NSW and ASEAN Single Window (ASW) Systems as well as the functionalities of the new NSW System called TRADENET.gov.ph. The webinar also discussed the step-by-step process in applying for Product Evaluation Report (PER) and Electronic Certificate of Origin (e-CO) using the NSW System. The NSW is an online portal where the automated licensing, permit, clearance and certification systems of TRGAs for the export and import of goods across the region are integrated. Meanwhile, the ASW is the regional initiative designed to expedite cargo clearance and promote regional economic integration through electronic exchange of border documents among the On 27 November 2020, the BOC Obillos-Mapa, Director of the BOC Legal ASEAN’s 10 member states. On hosted a Webinar on Trade Facilitation Office and Chief of AEO Office; Mr. December 30, 2019 the country joined Agreement (TFA), Authorized Economic Antonio Meliton T. Pascual, Chief the live operations of ASW enabling BOC Operator (AEO) Program, and Advance Customs Operations Officer of theto issue electronic Certificate of Origin Ruling System on Valuation and Rules Manila International Container Port; (eCO) using the NSW or TRADENET.gov. of Origin. Mr. Evez Dexter A. Carcedo, Customs ph platform. The activity was attended by 230 Operations Officer IV of BOC-Imports & The conduct of webinars is the stakeholders from various companies Assessment Service, Assessment and Bureau's way to educate and encourage and industry partners with simulcast Operations Coordinating Group; and Ms. stakeholders to take advantage of these through the BOC official social media Gina C. German, Customs Operations TFA facilities for the enhanced platform. The resource speakers Officer III of the Port of Manila. cooperation of the BOC and its include Atty. Maria Yasmin On November 05, 2020, the Bureau of stakeholders. BOC receives narcotics identification devices from the US Drug Enforcement Agency On December 3, 2020, the US Drug for Bureau of International Narcotics German auditing and certification Enforcement Agency and the Bureau and Law Enforcement Affairs, Ms. Kelia service provider conducted the audit of International Narcotics and Law Cummins and other US DEA officials. to determine Dumaguete’s conformity Enforcement Affairs officially turned BOC Commissioner Rey Leonardo to the ISO standards to consistently over to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) B. Guerrero, together with the BOC provide services that meet customer three units of handheld narcotics Deputy Commissioners, received the and regulatory requirements. The identification devices. illegal drug detection devices that German certifying body found the Present during the handover of will be used to further enhance the requirements for ISO standard to have RIGAKU Raman Spectrometer were US capacity of illegal drugs detection of the been satisfied and recommended the Drug Enforcement Agency Attache, Mr. bureau and strengthen border security Subport for issuance of ISO 9001:2015 Christopher Adduci, Philippine Director and protection against illegal narcotics. Certification. “This milestone was made possible Subport of Dumaguete passes through the dedication of everyone in final audit for ISO 9001:2015 the Subport with the assistance of the Certification District Port and the members of BOC The Bureau of Customs Subport of Interim Internal Quality Management Dumaguete on Tuesday successfully System Office (IIQMSO). We will not be passed the Final External Audit, the last resting on our laurels and will stage needed to be granted the ISO continue to undertake more initiatives 9001:2015 Certification. The Subport to consistently improve the way we of Dumaguete now holds the distinction deliver our services to our of being the first subport of the BOC and stakeholders”, said Port Collector Fe third Customs office to be granted this Lluelyn G. Toring who led the Subport’s ISO certification. application for ISO 9001:2015 TüvSüd Management Service, a Certification. CUSTOMS101 BUREAU OF CUSTOMS GUIDELINES ON AMO ACCREDITATION

The BOC issued Customs Memorandum Orders on the guidelines for registration of importers and customs brokers with the BOC to ensure that accredited stakeholders are not used as dummies, thus maximizing accountability of real importers and brokers. Both memorandum orders are accessible online.

HOW TO SUBMIT ONLINE APPLICATIONS

01 02 03 04 OPEN BROWSER SIGN IN USING YOUR CLICK OPEN A NEW HELP TOPIC (client.customs.gov.ph) ACCOUNT TICKET (select topic/transaction)

05 06 07 ISSUE SUMMARY UPLOAD FILES CLICK CREATE TICKET (input complete name of (Write New/renewal of the company) accreditation in the text box)

SCAN THE QR CODE TO VIEW: Accreditation Process Flow Online Registration Flow Documentary Requirements CMO 31-2019 CMO 11-2014

For further inquiries, you may contact us at: 0905-299-7977 (Globe) 0929-503-5138 (Smart) 8705-6000 0956-175-4689 (Globe) 0921-608-1633 (Smart) [email protected]