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The Association of International Shipping Lines engaged in a consultative dialogue with the Bureau of Customs Assessment and Operations Coordinating Group
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The disposition of overstaying containers, submission of inward foreign manifest, and dwell-time of foreign containers in the Philippines were some of the concerns tackled
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Also discussed were the collection procedure in the payment of vessel supervision fees, and importation of spare parts for immediate repair of vessels
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AOCG deputy commissioner Agaton Teodoro Uvero said the new BOC management is committed to directly consulting with stakeholders to identify and streamline operational bottlenecks
The Association of International Shipping Lines, Inc. (AISL) engaged in a consultative dialogue with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) Assessment and Operations Coordinating Group (AOCG) to discuss pressing industry concerns and explore solutions to enhance the bureau’s operational efficiency in the critical areas of control and trade facilitation.
In a statement, AISL acknowledged that AOCG deputy commissioner Agaton Teodoro Uvero, who led the discussions, has “already begun steering a proactive review of customs processes, engaging directly with stakeholders, and laying the groundwork for meaningful reforms.”
Uvero held the same position in BOC in 2013 until 2016 under the administration of the late President Benigno Aquino III. He was re-appointed to the bureau end of June.
AISL said among concerns tackled during the recent discussion are the disposition of overstaying containers; submission of the inward foreign manifest; dwell-time of foreign containers in the Philippines; collection procedure in the payment of vessel supervision fees; importation of spare parts for immediate repair of vessels; and other shipping-related issues.
Uvero, for his part, said port operations procedures are being revisited to align with Customs commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno’s digitalization initiative.
READ: BOC starts study measuring shipment release time
The BOC official encouraged shipping lines to consolidate and submit their concerns through AISL.
He said the new BOC management is committed to an open-door policy, welcoming direct consultation with stakeholders on a regular basis so that operational bottlenecks can be identified and streamlined.
AISL noted the meeting concluded on a constructive note, with both BOC and AISL reaffirming their shared commitment to foster closer collaboration in attaining a common objective and, to undertake a collective endeavor in addressing systemic challenges that impede efforts to attain full Customs modernization. — Roumina Pablo
