-
The Bureau of Customs is deploying a new and improved electronic customs seal under its Electronic Tracking of Containerized Cargo System for ports in Luzon and Mindanao
-
The new Automated Track-Trace-Transfer System ECS will be rolled out “featuring improved accuracy and reliability for the system”
-
The deployment is pursuant to BOC’s objective to update and improve the current condition of its E-TRACC System
-
The roll out covers various Luzon and Mindanao ports, with schedule starting from June 1 to July 12
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) is deploying a new and improved electronic customs seal (ECS) under its Electronic Tracking of Containerized Cargo (E-TRACC) System for ports in Luzon and Mindanao.
Pursuant to BOC’s objective to update and improve the current condition of its E-TRACC System, the new Automated Track-Trace-Transfer System (AT3S) ECS will be deployed “featuring improved accuracy and reliability for the system”, according to Assessment and Operations Coordinating Group (AOCG) Memo No. 79-2026.
The transition schedule of the roll-out of the devices are as follows:
- June 1 – Port of Manila and Manila International Container Port (MICP) to Cavite Economic Zone (CEZ) 1, and vice-versa
- June 7 – Port of Manila, MICP to CEZ 2 and vice versa
- June 14 – Port of Subic (Philippine Economic Zone Authority [PEZA] import and export)
- June 21 – Port of Batangas (PEZA import and export), Port of Makar (General Santos)
- July 1 – Port of Cagayan De Oro, Port of Batangas (customs bonded warehouses)
- July 5 – Port of Davao, Port of Manila, MICP, Laguna Gateway Inland Container Terminal to all destinations
- July 12 – Port of Subic and Port of Batangas to all destinations
The memo noted that the E-TRACC System service provider should ensure continuous system availability and connectivity during the scheduled transition.
E-TRACC is a web-based system launched in 2020 that tracks the inland movement of containerized cargoes during transit and transfer to other customs territories and facilities. It allows BOC to track, monitor, and audit the location and condition of cargoes, as well as obtain real-time alarms on diversion and tampering of cargoes.
The ECS, meanwhile, is a GPS (global positioning system)-enabled sealing device or lock that physically secures a cargo and provides real-time information on its location.
Under CMO No. 04-2020, which established the E-TRACC System, an ECS is required during the transfer of cargo to a container yard/container freight station or other customs facilities and warehouses; transit of cargo bound for Free Zones, inland customs office, depots, or terminals; transit to customs bonded warehouses; export of cargo from Free Zones, inland customs office, depots or terminals, and CBWs to port of loading; and transfer of shipments subject to further verification and/or monitoring.
All container vans covered by CMO 04-2020 should be affixed with an ECS before being cleared to depart from the starting point or point of discharge for the voyage to the end point or point of destination.
READ: BOC expands E-TRACC coverage to barges, domestic vessels
Except when warranted under CMO 04-2020, customs cargo clearance must be fully completed before any shipment can be sealed with an ECS.
Last May, BOC issued Customs Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 04-2026, which exempts Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Program Level 1 members that are at the same time registered with investment promotion agencies from implementation of the E-TRACC System. It is intended as “an attractive incentive” for companies accredited under the AEO Program.
