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The Bureau of Customs and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry signed an MOU aimed at enhancing revenue collection, combating smuggling, and protecting local industries and the public
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These will be actualized through BOC and PCCI’s joint efforts in monitoring commodities and ensuring a fair and level playing field for all industries and stakeholders
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) and Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at enhancing revenue collection, combating smuggling and protecting local industries and the consuming public.
These will be actualized through BOC’s and PCCI’s joint efforts in monitoring commodities and ensuring a fair and level playing field for all industries and stakeholders, PCCI said in a statement.
Through the MOU, PCCI said it renews its commitment as advocate and key partner of the government in advancing policies that promote sound trade practices and ease of trade facilitation.
The MOU was signed by Customs commissioner Bienvenido Rubio and PCCI president Enunina Mangio on August 30 during the 6th Customs and Industry Consultative Advisory Council (CICAC) meeting.
PCCI is a member of CICAC, a BOC consultative body with industry groups to enlist their support and active participation in advancing the reform agenda of the customs bureau.
Currently, the Central CICAC—chaired by Rubio—consists of 45 member organizations and companies, while the District CICACs—established in each BOC collection district and chaired by their respective district collectors—have 122 members.
READ: BOC to create multi-industry advisory groups
During the 6th CICAC meeting, various private sector representatives presented proposals aligned with the BOC’s objectives for improving trade facilitation.
BOC also introduced Customs Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 08-2024, which provides procedures for implementing the Convention on Temporary Admission (Istanbul Convention), also known as ATA Carnet System, in the country.
READ: BOC releases rules on implementing ATA Carnet System
The ATA Carnet System is an international scheme that allows the temporary admission and tax-free and duty-free importation of commercial samples, professional equipment, and articles for presentation or use in trade fairs, shows, and exhibitions. The system was formally launched in the Philippines on July 15.
The ATA Carnet system will be managed by PCCI as the National Issuing and Guaranteeing Association for ATA Carnet.
NIGA is the association affiliated to a Guaranteeing Chain and accredited by BOC to issue Temporary Admission Papers (TAP) and to guarantee the amount of security and other charges to be imposed. TAP is an international customs document accepted as a customs declaration which makes it possible to identify goods and which incorporates an internationally valid guarantee to cover import duties and taxes.
PCCI last May began accepting accreditation applications from businesses who intend to utilize the passport for goods.
