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The Bureau of Customs seized P84.36 billion worth of smuggled goods and revoked the accreditation of 48 importers and customs brokers for the first nine months of the year
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From January to November 2024, BOC also disposed of 305 overstaying containers and generated P166.301 million revenue from the public auction of 146 containers of assorted goods
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BOC marked 18.23 billion liters of fuel, collecting P220.77 billion in taxes under its fuel marking program
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Three new systems were implemented this year: the Overstaying Cargo Tracking System, Enhanced e-Travel System, and ATA Carnet Monitoring System
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized P84.36 billion worth of smuggled goods and revoked the accreditation of 48 importers and customs brokers as of November 30.
Among the top seized commodities are counterfeit goods, various commodities, cigarettes, e-cigarettes/vape products, vehicles and accessories, and illegal drugs, BOC’s parent agency, Department of Finance (DOF), said in a statement.
Recently, BOC forfeited 21 containers of seized frozen mackerel worth P178.5 million, which was donated to 150,000 families in marginalized communities with the aim of ensuring food security for Filipinos.
From January to November 2024, BOC also disposed of 305 overstaying containers. Of the total, 146 containers of assorted goods were subjected to public auction, generating P166.301 million in revenue.
As part of monitoring efforts and post-evaluation of importers and customs brokers, BOC revoked the accreditation of 48 importers and customs brokers.
Moreover, from January to November 2024, BOC filed a total of 81 criminal complaints against importers and customers in violation of the provisions stipulated in the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act. Of the total, BOC secured seven criminal convictions.
For the same period in review, BOC marked 18.23 billion liters of fuel, collecting P220.77 billion in taxes under its fuel marking program. Fuel marking—which started implementation in September 2019 and is in compliance with Republic Act 10963 (Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Law)—aims to curb oil smuggling and plug revenue losses arising from the illegal importation or misdeclaration of petroleum products.
To safeguard against abuse of warehousing privileges and prevent potential revenue leakage, BOC intensified its inspection of customs bonded warehouses (CBW) and customs common bonded warehouses and ordered the closure of 14 CBWs, the DOF said.
Furthermore, a total of 75 scanning machines of various types are now operational in all international airports nationwide, enhancing BOC’s detection capabilities and ensuring more efficient and accurate inspections. In addition, 34 scanners were distributed across various seaports.
As part of its digitalization program, DOF said BOC this year implemented three new systems: the Overstaying Cargo Tracking System, Enhanced e-Travel System, and ATA Carnet Monitoring System.
The Overstaying Cargo Tracking System provides updated data on the disposition activities of all ports while the Enhanced e-Travel System is a unified digital data collection platform that integrates border control requirements of various agencies.
Last July, BOC officially launched the Convention on Temporary Admission (Istanbul Convention), also known as the ATA Carnet System, which is an international scheme that allows the temporary admission and tax-free and duty-free importation of commercial samples, professional equipment, and articles for database that provides comprehensive information of all issued ATA Carnets documents.
READ: BOC releases rules on implementing ATA Carnet System
ATA Carnet officially launched in PH
The ATA Carnet Monitoring System tracks the processing of ATA Carnet vouchers. It provides a centralized presentation or use in trade fairs, shows, and exhibitions.
Meanwhile, DOF said BOC made progress in strengthening collaboration with industry stakeholders by establishing the Customs Industry Consultative and Advisory Council (CICAC) last February. CICAC is a consultative body with industry groups to enlist their support and active participation in advancing the reform agenda of the bureau.
READ: BOC launches consultative body CICAC
As of November 30, 2024, the Central CICAC—chaired by the Customs commissioner—has grown to 59 member organizations, while the CICACs in the collection districts have expanded to 122 members.
Further, 16 BOC collection districts, three subports, and five stand-alone BOC offices were awarded ISO 9001:2015 Certification as of the end of November 2024, reflecting the bureau’s continued adherence to the stringent quality management standards set by the ISO, DOF noted.
